U.S. patent application number 14/018262 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for systems, devices and methods for continuous heart rate monitoring and interpretation.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOBO ANALYTICS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Bobo Analytics, Inc.. Invention is credited to William Ahmed, John Capodilupo, Aurelian Nicolae.
Application Number | 20140073486 14/018262 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49237597 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140073486 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ahmed; William ; et
al. |
March 13, 2014 |
SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CONTINUOUS HEART RATE MONITORING
AND INTERPRETATION
Abstract
Embodiments provide physiological measurement systems, devices
and methods for continuous health and fitness monitoring. A
lightweight wearable system is provided to collect various
physiological data continuously from a wearer without the need for
a chest strap. The system also enables monitoring of one or more
physiological parameters in addition to heart rate including, but
not limited to, body temperature, heart rate variability, motion,
sleep, stress, fitness level, recovery level, effect of a workout
routine on health, caloric expenditure. Embodiments also include
computer-executable instructions that, when executed, enable
automatic interpretation of one or more physiological parameters to
assess the cardiovascular intensity experienced by a user (embodied
in an intensity score or indicator) and the user's recovery after
physical exertion (embodied in a recovery score). These indicators
or scores may be displayed to assist a user in managing the user's
health and exercise regimen.
Inventors: |
Ahmed; William; (Boston,
MA) ; Capodilupo; John; (Boston, MA) ;
Nicolae; Aurelian; (Brookline, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bobo Analytics, Inc. |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BOBO ANALYTICS, INC.
Boston
MA
|
Family ID: |
49237597 |
Appl. No.: |
14/018262 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61696525 |
Sep 4, 2012 |
|
|
|
61736310 |
Dec 12, 2012 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/9 ; 482/8;
600/479; 600/500; 600/508 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/02438 20130101;
A61B 5/0022 20130101; A61B 5/02416 20130101; A61B 2560/0443
20130101; A61B 5/0205 20130101; A61B 5/742 20130101; A61B 5/4815
20130101; G16H 20/30 20180101; A61B 5/0255 20130101; A61B 5/6813
20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A61B 5/6831 20130101; G16H 40/63
20180101; A63B 2220/803 20130101; A61B 5/11 20130101; A61B 5/6829
20130101; A61B 5/7278 20130101; A61B 5/02405 20130101; A61B 5/02427
20130101; A61B 5/681 20130101; A61B 5/7285 20130101; A61B 2560/0214
20130101; A61B 5/0533 20130101; A61B 5/4866 20130101; A61B
2560/0475 20130101; A61B 5/4809 20130101; A61B 2562/227 20130101;
A61B 5/4812 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B 2024/0065
20130101; A61B 5/7221 20130101; A61B 5/6844 20130101; A61B
2562/0238 20130101; A61B 5/0082 20130101; G16H 20/40 20180101; A61B
5/0004 20130101; A61B 5/1112 20130101; A61B 5/7475 20130101; A63B
2225/50 20130101; A61B 5/1118 20130101; A61B 2562/0257 20130101;
A63B 24/0003 20130101; A61B 5/7282 20130101; A61B 5/441 20130101;
A61B 5/7267 20130101; A63B 2230/06 20130101; G06F 1/163 20130101;
A61B 5/4806 20130101; A61B 5/6824 20130101; A61B 2562/0219
20130101; A63B 24/0075 20130101; A61B 5/684 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/9 ; 482/8;
600/479; 600/500; 600/508 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00; A61B 5/024 20060101
A61B005/024 |
Claims
1. A wearable physiological measurement system, comprising: a
wearable strap configured to be couplable to an appendage of a
user, the wearable strap comprising: one or more light emitters for
emitting light toward the user's skin, one or more light detectors
for receiving light reflected from the user's skin, an electronic
circuit board implementing a processing module configured for
analyzing data corresponding to the reflected light to
automatically and continually determine a heart rate of the user,
and a first set of one or more batteries for supplying electrical
power to the one or more light emitters, the one or more light
detectors and the electronic circuit board; and a modular housing
removably couplable to the strap, the modular housing comprising: a
second set of one or more batteries chargeable by an external power
source, the second set of batteries configured to recharge the
first set of batteries in the strap; wherein the combination of the
first and second sets of batteries enables continuous monitoring of
the heart rate of the user by the wearable strap.
2. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 1,
wherein the modular housing further comprises: a visual display
device configured to render a user interface for displaying an
indication of the heart rate of the user.
3. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 1,
wherein the modular housing further comprises: a global positioning
system (GPS) sensor.
4. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 1,
wherein the modular housing further comprises: a second electronic
circuit board.
5. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 1,
wherein the strap comprises one or more slots for removably
coupling the first set of batteries to the strap.
6. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 1,
wherein the strap comprises a storage device for storing the data
corresponding to the reflected light.
7. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 1,
wherein the strap comprises a wireless transmitter for transmitting
the data corresponding to the reflected light to an external
computational device.
8. A wearable physiological measurement system, comprising: a
wearable strap configured to be couplable to an appendage of a
user, the wearable strap comprising: one or more light emitters for
emitting light toward the user's skin, one or more light detectors
for receiving light reflected from the user's skin, and an
electronic circuit board comprising a plurality of electronic
components configured for analyzing data corresponding to the
reflected light to automatically and continually determine a heart
rate of the user, the electronic circuit board comprising a
processing module configured to: based on one or more signals
associated with the heart rate of the user, detect an identity of a
portion of the user's body to which the strap is coupled, and based
on the identity of the appendage, adjust data analysis of the
reflected light to determine the heart rate of the user.
9. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 8,
wherein the identity of the appendage is a wrist, an arm or an
ankle of the user.
10. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 8,
wherein the processing module is further configured to: determine
that the strap is taken off from the user's body; and if the strap
is determined to be taken off from the user's body, deactivate the
one or more light emitters and the light detectors and cease
monitoring of the heart rate of the user.
11. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 8,
wherein the identity of the user's body is determined based on an
absorbance or reflectance level of the light emitted by the one or
more light emitters to determine the position of the wearable
system.
12. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 8,
wherein the identity of the user's body is determined based on data
collected from a motion sensor to determine the position of the
wearable system.
13. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 8,
wherein the identity of the user's body is determined based on data
collected on the altitude of the wearable system to determine the
position of the wearable system.
14. A wearable physiological measurement system, comprising: a
wearable strap configured to be couplable to an appendage of a
user, the wearable strap comprising: one or more light emitters for
emitting light toward the user's skin, one or more light detectors
for receiving light reflected from the user's skin, and an
electronic circuit board comprising a processing module configured
for analyzing data corresponding to the reflected light to
automatically and continually determine a sequence of instantaneous
heart rate of the user; wherein the processing module is configured
to determine the heart rate of the user by: executing one or more
computer-executable instructions associated with a peak detection
algorithm to process the data corresponding to the reflected light
to detect a plurality of peaks associated with a plurality of beats
of the user's heart, determining an RR interval based on the
plurality of peaks detected by the peak detection algorithm,
determining a confidence level associated with the RR interval, and
based on the confidence level associated with the RR interval,
selecting either the peak detection algorithm or a frequency
analysis algorithm to process data corresponding to the reflected
light to determine the sequence of instantaneous heart rates of the
user.
15. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 14,
wherein: based on a determination that the confidence level
associated with the RR interval is above a predetermined threshold,
the processing module uses the plurality of peaks to determine an
instantaneous heart rate of the user; and based on a determination
that the confidence level associated with the RR interval is equal
to or below the predetermined threshold, the processing module
executes one or more computer-executable instructions associated
with the frequency analysis algorithm to determine an instantaneous
heart rate of the user.
16. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 14,
wherein the processing module selects the peak detection algorithm
or the frequency analysis algorithm regardless of a motion status
of the user.
17. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 14,
wherein the wearable strap further comprises a motion sensor for
detecting a motion of the user, and wherein the frequency analysis
algorithm processes the data corresponding to the reflected light
based on the motion of the user.
18. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 17,
wherein the motion sensor is an accelerometer.
19. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 14,
wherein the processing module is further configured to determine a
heart rate variability of the user based on the sequence of the
instantaneous heart rates.
20. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 14,
further comprising: a visual display device configured to render a
user interface for displaying the sequence of the instantaneous
heart rates of the user.
21. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 14,
further comprising: a storage device configured to store the
sequence of the instantaneous heart rates and the RR intervals
determined by the processing module.
22. A wearable physiological measurement system, comprising: a
wearable strap configured to be couplable to an appendage of a
user, the wearable strap comprising: one or more light emitters for
emitting light toward the user's skin, one or more light detectors
for receiving light reflected from the user's skin, and an
electronic circuit board comprising a plurality of electronic
components configured for analyzing data corresponding to the
reflected light to automatically determine a heart rate of the
user; wherein the plurality of electronic components of the
electronic circuit board are assembled as a multi-chip module
within the strap such that a first set of the components is
provided as a first electronic circuit board and a second set of
the components is provided as a second electronic circuit board,
and wherein one or more electrical connections are provided between
the first and second electronic circuit boards.
23. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 22,
wherein the first and second electronic circuit boards are
vertically stacked within the strap such that the first electronic
circuit board forms a first vertical layer of the multi-chip module
proximal to the user's skin and the second electronic circuit board
forms a second vertical layer of the multi-chip module distal to
the user's skin.
24. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 22,
wherein the first and second electronic circuit boards are
horizontally displaced from each other within and along the
strap.
25. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 22,
wherein the strap includes one or more slots for removably adhering
one or more batteries to the strap.
26. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 22,
wherein the electronic circuit board comprises: a signal processing
module configured to process one or more signals associated with
the reflected light and/or associated with a motion of the user;
and a microcontroller configured to perform data analysis to
automatically determine the heart rate of the user based on the one
or more signals processed by the signal processing module.
27. A wearable physiological measurement system, comprising: a
plurality of light emitters for emitting light toward the user's
skin; a plurality of light detectors for receiving light reflected
from the user's skin; a motion sensor for detecting a motion of the
user; and a processing module configured to: determine a motion
status of the user based on data received from the motion sensor,
and based on the motion status of the user, automatically and
selectively activate one or more of the light emitters to determine
a heart rate of the user.
28. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 27,
wherein the processing module is further configured to: upon
determining that the motion status indicates that the user is in
motion, selectively activate a first set of one or more light
emitters and at least one of the light detectors to perform optical
measurement of a pulse rate at the user's skin; and upon
determining that the motion status indicates that the user is at
rest or at sleep, selectively activate a second set of one or more
light emitters and at least one of the light detectors to perform
optical measurement of the pulse rate at the user's skin; wherein
the second set of one or more light emitters emits light at a
longer wavelength than the first set of light emitters.
29. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 27,
further comprising: a piezo-sensor for detecting a pulse rate at
the user's skin.
30. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 29,
wherein the processing module is further configured to: upon
determining that the motion status indicates that the user is in
motion, selectively activate at least one of the light emitters and
at least one of the light detectors to perform optical measurement
of the pulse rate at the user's skin; and upon determining that the
motion status indicates that the user is at rest or at sleep,
selectively activate the piezo-sensor to detect the pulse rate at
the user's skin.
31. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 27,
wherein the one or more of the light emitters are selectively
activated based on historical data corresponding to the user.
32. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 31,
wherein the historical data corresponds to a habit of the user.
33. A wearable physiological measurement system, comprising: a
plurality of light emitters for emitting light toward the user's
skin; a plurality of sensors, comprising: a plurality of light
detectors for receiving light reflected from the user's skin, and a
motion sensor for detecting a motion of the user; and a processing
module configured to determine a heart rate of the user based on
light received by one or more of the light detectors, wherein the
processing module is further configured to: process one or more
signals generated by at least one of the sensors, and based on the
one or more processed signals, automatically adjust an operational
characteristic of one or more of the light emitters and/or one or
more of the light detectors to minimize consumption of power by the
wearable physiological measurement system.
34. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 33,
wherein the processing module is configured to: process the one or
more signals to determine a motion status of the user; and adjust a
duty cycle of the one or more light emitters and a corresponding
sampling rate of the one or more light detectors based on the
motion status of the user.
35. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 34,
wherein the processing module is configured to: upon determining
that the motion status indicates that the user is at a first level
of motion, activate the one or more light emitters at a first duty
cycle and sample the reflected light using the one or more light
detectors at a first sampling rate; and upon determining that the
motion status indicates that the user is at a second lower level of
motion, activate the one or more light emitters at a second duty
cycle and sample the reflected light using the one or more light
detectors at a second sampling rate; wherein the second sampling
rate is lower than the first sampling rate and the second duty
cycle is lower than the first duty cycle.
36. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 35,
wherein the first level of motion is exercise, and wherein the
second level of motion is sleep or rest.
37. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 35,
wherein the first level of motion is light motion, and wherein the
second level of motion is sleep or rest.
38. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 33,
wherein the processing module is configured to: process the one or
more signals to determine a motion status of the user; and based on
the one or more processed signals, automatically adjust power
consumption by the one or more light emitters by adjusting a duty
cycle of the one or more light emitters and/or adjusting a current
supplied to the one or more light emitters.
39. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 33,
wherein the processing module is configured to: process the one or
more signals to determine a characteristic of the reflected light
detected at the one or more light detectors; and based on the one
or more processed signals, automatically adjust a current supplied
to the one or more light emitters.
40. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 39,
wherein the characteristic of the reflected light indicates an
ambient light condition and/or an optical characteristic of the
user's skin.
41. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 33,
further comprising a wireless transmitter, and wherein the
processing module is further configured to: determine an amount of
data to be transmitted to an external computational device; and
based on the amount of data to be transmitted, automatically adjust
a data transmission rate from the wearable physiological
measurement system to the external computational device.
42. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 41,
wherein the amount of data to be transmitted is based on an amount
of data collected by the system since a time when data was last
transmitted from the wearable physiological measurement system.
43. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 41,
wherein physiological data associated with the user is transmitted
from the wearable physiological measurement system to the external
computational device when the amount of data to be transmitted
exceeds a predetermined threshold.
44. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 33,
further comprising a wireless receiver and a wireless transmitter,
and wherein the processing module is further configured to: use
wireless receiver to detect an external computational device in
proximity to the wearable physiological measurement system; and
automatically initiate transmission of physiological data
associated with the user from the wearable physiological
measurement system to the external computational device using the
wireless transmitter.
45. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 33,
wherein the operational characteristic is adjusted based on
historical data corresponding to the user.
46. The wearable physiological measurement system of claim 45,
wherein the historical data corresponds to a habit of the user.
47. A computer-executable method for determining an indicator of
cardiovascular intensity experienced by a user, the method
comprising: programmatically receiving, using a computer system,
data corresponding to heart rate of a user during an exercise
routine; transforming the heart rate data to a time series of heart
rate reserve data using a processing module of the computer system;
weighting the heart rate reserve data according to a weighting
scheme using the processing module of the computer system;
programmatically generating, using the processing module of the
computer system, an indicator of cardiovascular intensity based on
the weighted heart rate reserve data; and displaying, on a user
interface rendered on a display device of the computer system, the
indicator of cardiovascular intensity.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the weighting scheme uses a
trained machine learning system implementing a machine learning
algorithm embodied on one or more computer-readable media, the
machine learning system trained to correlate heart rate data to
cardiovascular intensities.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein the trained machine learning
algorithm is retrained to adjust perceived difficulties of exercise
routines as the user's fitness improves.
50. The method of claim 47, wherein the weighting scheme accounts
for cardiovascular efficiencies at different intensity levels.
51. The method of claim 47, further comprising: displaying
qualitative information associated with the intensity score.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein the qualitative information
comprises one or more of: an indication of whether the user
exceeded the user's anaerobic threshold during the exercise
routine; an indication of whether the user is likely to experience
muscle soreness; an indication of a level of recovery required
after the exercise routine; and an indication of one or more future
alterations to the exercise routine that is required based on one
or more health-related goals of the user.
53. The method of claim 47, wherein the indicator corresponds to a
perceived difficulty of the exercise routine by the user, the
method further comprising: displaying, on the user interface, the
perceived difficulty of the exercise routine.
54. The method of claim 47, further comprising: based on the
indicator of the intensity of the exercise, automatically altering
an exercise plan according to one or more health goals of the user;
and displaying, on the user interface, the altered exercise
plan.
55. The method of claim 47, further comprising: programmatically
receiving data corresponding to heart rate of a second user during
an exercise routine; transforming the heart rate data to a time
series of heart rate reserve data; weighting the heart rate reserve
data according to a weighting scheme; programmatically generating a
second indicator of cardiovascular intensity based on the weighted
heart rate reserve data; and displaying, on the user interface
rendered on a display device, the indicator corresponding to the
first user and the second indicator corresponding to the second
user.
56. The method of claim 55, wherein the heart rate data of the
first and second users are obtained from different user-selected
time periods.
57. A computer-executable method for determining an indicator of
physical recovery of a user, the method comprising:
programmatically receiving a heart rate variability of a user using
a computer system; programmatically receiving a resting heart rate
of the user using the computer system; programmatically receiving a
sleep quality indicator of the user using the computer system;
programmatically generating, using a processing module of the
computer system, a recovery indicator of physical recovery of the
user based on the heart rate variability, the resting heart rate
and the sleep quality indicator; and displaying, on a user
interface rendered on a visual display device of the computer
system, the recovery indicator.
58. The method of claim 57, wherein the sleep quality indicator is
determined using one or more of: a duration of sleep, a level of
movement of the user during sleep and a number of times the user
woke up during sleep.
59. The method of claim 57, wherein the indicator corresponds to a
perceived strain of an exercise routine performed by the user, the
method further comprising: displaying, on the user interface, the
perceived strain of the exercise routine.
60. The method of claim 57, wherein the indicator corresponds to a
perceived psychological strain experienced by the user, the method
further comprising: displaying, on the user interface, the
perceived psychological strain.
61. The method of claim 57, further comprising: displaying, on the
user interface, qualitative information on the user's health
corresponding to the indicator.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein the qualitative information
comprises one or more of: an indication of whether the user has
physically recovered from an exercise routine; an indication of
whether the user has psychologically recovered from an exercise
routine; an indication of whether the user requires rest; an
indication of whether the user is prepared for future activity; and
an indication of one or more future alterations to an exercise
routine that is required based on one or more health-related goals
of the user.
63. The method of claim 61, further comprising: based on the
indicator, automatically altering an exercise plan according to one
or more health goals of the user; and displaying, on the user
interface, the altered exercise plan.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to and is a
non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/696,525, filed Sep. 4, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/736,310, filed Dec. 12, 2012. The entire
contents of each of the aforementioned applications are
incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There is an increasing demand for health and fitness
monitors and methods for providing health and fitness monitoring.
Monitoring heart rate, for example, is important for various
reasons. Monitoring heart rate is critical for athletes in
understanding their fitness levels and workouts over time.
Conventional techniques for monitoring heart rate have numerous
drawbacks. Certain conventional heart rate monitors, for example,
require the use of a chest strap or other bulky equipment that
causes discomfort and prevents continuous wearing and use.
[0003] This presents a challenge to adoption and use of such
monitors because the monitors are too obtrusive and/or are directed
to assessing general well-being rather than continuous,
around-the-clock monitoring of fitness. Certain conventional heart
rate monitors do not enable continuous sensing of heart rate,
thereby preventing continuous fitness monitoring and reliable
analysis of physiological data. Additionally, a challenge to
adoption of fitness monitors by athletes is the lack of a vibrant
and interactive online community for displaying and sharing
physiological data among users.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Embodiments provide physiological measurement systems,
devices and methods for continuous health and fitness monitoring. A
lightweight wearable system is provided to collect various
physiological data continuously from a wearer without the need for
electrocardiography (ECG) equipment or a chest strap. The system
also enables monitoring of one or more physiological parameters in
addition to heart rate including, but not limited to, body
temperature, heart rate variability, motion, sleep, stress, fitness
level, recovery level, effect of a workout routine on health and
fitness, caloric expenditure, global positioning system (GPS)
location, altitude, and the like. Embodiments also include
computer-executable instructions that, when executed, enable
automatic analysis, transformation and interpretation of one or
more physiological parameters to assess the cardiovascular
intensity experienced by a user (embodied in an intensity score or
indicator) and the user's recovery after physical exertion
(embodied in a recovery score). These indicators or scores may be
stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and displayed
on a visual display device to assist a user in managing the user's
health and exercise regimen.
[0005] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a wearable
physiological measurement system is provided. The wearable
physiological measurement system includes a wearable strap
configured to be couplable to an appendage of a user. The strap
includes one or more light emitters for emitting light toward the
user's skin, one or more light detectors for receiving light
reflected from the user's skin, an electronic circuit board
implementing a processing module configured for analyzing data
corresponding to the reflected light to automatically and
continually determine a heart rate of the user, and a first set of
one or more batteries for supplying electrical power to the one or
more light emitters, the one or more light detectors and the
electronic circuit board. The wearable physiological measurement
system also includes a modular housing removably couplable to the
strap. The modular housing includes a second set of one or more
batteries chargeable by an external power source, the second set of
batteries configured to recharge the first set of batteries in the
strap. The combination of the first and second sets of batteries
enables continuous monitoring of the heart rate of the user by the
wearable strap.
[0006] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a wearable
physiological measurement system is provided. The wearable
physiological measurement system includes a wearable strap
configured to be couplable to an appendage of a user. The strap
includes one or more light emitters for emitting light toward the
user's skin, one or more light detectors for receiving light
reflected from the user's skin, and an electronic circuit board
comprising a plurality of electronic components configured for
analyzing data corresponding to the reflected light to
automatically and continually determine a heart rate of the user.
The circuit board includes a processing module configured to, based
on one or more signals associated with the heart rate of the user,
detect an identity of a portion of the user's body to which the
strap is coupled, and to, based on the identity of the appendage,
adjust data analysis of the reflected light to determine the heart
rate of the user.
[0007] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a wearable
physiological measurement system is provided. The wearable
physiological measurement system includes a wearable strap
configured to be couplable to an appendage of a user. The strap
includes one or more light emitters for emitting light toward the
user's skin, one or more light detectors for receiving light
reflected from the user's skin, and an electronic circuit board
comprising a processing module configured for analyzing data
corresponding to the reflected light to automatically and
continually determine a sequence of instantaneous heart rate of the
user. The processing module is configured to determine the heart
rate of the user by: executing one or more computer-executable
instructions associated with a peak detection algorithm to process
the data corresponding to the reflected light to detect a plurality
of peaks associated with a plurality of beats of the user's heart,
determining an R-wave-to-R-wave interval (RR interval) based on the
plurality of peaks detected by the peak detection algorithm,
determining a confidence level associated with the RR interval, and
based on the confidence level associated with the RR interval,
selecting either the peak detection algorithm or a frequency
analysis algorithm to process data corresponding to the reflected
light to determine the sequence of instantaneous heart rates of the
user.
[0008] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a
computer-executable method is provided for automatically and
continually determining a sequence of instantaneous heart rate of
the user. The method includes executing one or more
computer-executable instructions associated with a peak detection
algorithm to process the data corresponding to the reflected light
to detect a plurality of peaks associated with a plurality of beats
of the user's heart, determining an RR interval based on the
plurality of peaks detected by the peak detection algorithm,
determining a confidence level associated with the RR interval, and
based on the confidence level associated with the RR interval,
selecting either the peak detection algorithm or a frequency
analysis algorithm to process data corresponding to the reflected
light to determine the sequence of instantaneous heart rates of the
user.
[0009] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, one or more
non-transitory computer-readable media are provided having encoded
thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method
for automatically and continually determining a sequence of
instantaneous heart rate of the user. The method includes executing
one or more computer-executable instructions associated with a peak
detection algorithm to process the data corresponding to the
reflected light to detect a plurality of peaks associated with a
plurality of beats of the user's heart, determining an RR interval
based on the plurality of peaks detected by the peak detection
algorithm, determining a confidence level associated with the RR
interval, and based on the confidence level associated with the RR
interval, selecting either the peak detection algorithm or a
frequency analysis algorithm to process data corresponding to the
reflected light to determine the sequence of instantaneous heart
rates of the user.
[0010] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a wearable
physiological measurement system is provided. The wearable
physiological measurement system includes a wearable strap
configured to be couplable to an appendage of a user. The strap
includes one or more light emitters for emitting light toward the
user's skin, one or more light detectors for receiving light
reflected from the user's skin, and an electronic circuit board
comprising a plurality of electronic components configured for
analyzing data corresponding to the reflected light to
automatically determine a heart rate of the user. The plurality of
electronic components of the electronic circuit board are assembled
as a multi-chip module within the strap such that a first set of
the components is provided as a first electronic circuit board and
a second set of the components is provided as a second electronic
circuit board, and wherein one or more electrical connections are
provided between the first and second electronic circuit
boards.
[0011] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a wearable
physiological measurement system is provided. The wearable
physiological measurement system includes a plurality of light
emitters for emitting light toward the user's skin, a plurality of
light detectors for receiving light reflected from the user's skin,
a motion sensor for detecting a motion of the user, and a
processing module configured to determine a motion status of the
user based on data received from the motion sensor, and based on
the motion status of the user, automatically and selectively
activate one or more of the light emitters to determine a heart
rate of the user.
[0012] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a
computer-executable method is provided for use in detecting a heart
rate of a user. The method includes determining a motion status of
the user based on data received from a motion sensor, and based on
the motion status of the user, automatically and selectively
activating one or more light emitters to determine a heart rate of
the user.
[0013] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, one or more
non-transitory computer-readable media are provided having encoded
thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method.
The method includes determining a motion status of the user based
on data received from a motion sensor, and based on the motion
status of the user, automatically and selectively activating one or
more light emitters to determine a heart rate of the user.
[0014] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a wearable
physiological measurement system is provided. The wearable
physiological measurement system includes a plurality of light
emitters for emitting light toward the user's skin, a plurality of
light detectors for receiving light reflected from the user's skin,
a motion sensor for detecting a motion of the user, and a
processing module configured to determine a heart rate of the user
based on light received by one or more of the light detectors,
wherein the processing module is further configured to: process one
or more signals generated by at least one of the sensors, and based
on the one or more processed signals, automatically adjust an
operational characteristic of one or more of the light emitters
and/or one or more of the light detectors to minimize consumption
of power by the wearable physiological measurement system.
[0015] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a
computer-executable method is provided for use in detecting a heart
rate of a user. The method includes processing one or more signals
generated by at least one sensor, and based on the one or more
processed signals, automatically adjusting an operational
characteristic of one or more light emitters and/or one or more
light detectors to minimize consumption of power by a wearable
physiological measurement system collecting heart rate data.
[0016] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, one or more
non-transitory computer-readable media are provided having encoded
thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method.
The method includes processing one or more signals generated by at
least one sensor, and based on the one or more processed signals,
automatically adjusting an operational characteristic of one or
more light emitters and/or one or more light detectors to minimize
consumption of power by a wearable physiological measurement system
collecting heart rate data.
[0017] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a
computer-executable method is provided for determining an indicator
of cardiovascular intensity experienced by a user. The method
includes programmatically receiving, using a computer system, data
corresponding to heart rate of a user during an exercise routine,
transforming the heart rate data to a time series of heart rate
reserve data using a processing module of the computer system,
weighting the heart rate reserve data according to a weighting
scheme using the processing module of the computer system,
programmatically generating, using the processing module of the
computer system, an indicator of cardiovascular intensity based on
the weighted heart rate reserve data, and displaying, on a user
interface rendered on a display device of the computer system, the
indicator of cardiovascular intensity.
[0018] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, one or more
non-transitory computer-readable media are provided having encoded
thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method.
The method includes programmatically receiving, using a computer
system, data corresponding to heart rate of a user during an
exercise routine, transforming the heart rate data to a time series
of heart rate reserve data using a processing module of the
computer system, weighting the heart rate reserve data according to
a weighting scheme using the processing module of the computer
system, programmatically generating, using the processing module of
the computer system, an indicator of cardiovascular intensity based
on the weighted heart rate reserve data, and displaying, on a user
interface rendered on a display device of the computer system, the
indicator of cardiovascular intensity.
[0019] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a computer
system is provided for determining an indicator of cardiovascular
intensity experienced by a user. The computer system includes a
processing module configured or programmed for programmatically
receiving data corresponding to heart rate of a user during an
exercise routine, transforming the heart rate data to a time series
of heart rate reserve data, weighting the heart rate reserve data
according to a weighting scheme, and programmatically generating an
indicator of cardiovascular intensity based on the weighted heart
rate reserve data. The computer system also includes a display
device for rendering a user interface on which the indicator is
displayed.
[0020] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a
computer-executable method is provided for determining an indicator
of physical recovery of a user. The method includes
programmatically receiving a heart rate variability of a user using
a computer system, programmatically receiving a resting heart rate
of the user using the computer system, programmatically receiving a
sleep quality indicator of the user using the computer system,
programmatically generating, using a processing module of the
computer system, a recovery indicator of physical recovery of the
user based on the heart rate variability, the resting heart rate
and the sleep quality indicator, and displaying, on a user
interface rendered on a visual display device of the computer
system, the recovery indicator.
[0021] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, one or more
non-transitory computer-readable media are provided having encoded
thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method.
The method includes programmatically receiving a heart rate
variability of a user using a computer system, programmatically
receiving a resting heart rate of the user using the computer
system, programmatically receiving a sleep quality indicator of the
user using the computer system, programmatically generating, using
a processing module of the computer system, a recovery indicator of
physical recovery of the user based on the heart rate variability,
the resting heart rate and the sleep quality indicator, and
displaying, on a user interface rendered on a visual display device
of the computer system, the recovery indicator.
[0022] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a computer
system is provided for determining an indicator of physical
recovery of a user. The computer system includes a processing
module configured or programmed for programmatically receiving a
heart rate variability of a user, programmatically receiving a
resting heart rate of the user, programmatically receiving a sleep
quality indicator of the user, and programmatically generating a
recovery indicator of physical recovery of the user based on the
heart rate variability, the resting heart rate and the sleep
quality indicator. The computer system also includes a display
device for rendering a user interface on which the indicator is
displayed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features and
advantages of exemplary embodiments will be more fully understood
from the following description when read together with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a wearable physiological measurement system
configured as a bracelet including a strap and a modular head
portion.
[0025] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various exemplary embodiments of a
wearable physiological measurement system according to aspects
disclosed herein.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates placement of an exemplary wearable
physiological measurement system configured as a bracelet on a
user's wrist.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram illustrating exemplary
components of a wearable physiological measurement system
configured to provide continuous collection and monitoring of
physiological data.
[0028] FIG. 7A illustrates a sectional side view of an exemplary
physiological measurement system including a strap that is not
coupled to a modular head portion.
[0029] FIG. 7B illustrates a sectional side view of the system of
FIG. 7A in which a modular head portion is removably coupled to the
strap.
[0030] FIG. 8A depicts a sectional side view of an exemplary
wearable physiological measurement system including a
vertically-configured multi-chip module.
[0031] FIG. 8B depicts a sectional top view of an exemplary
wearable physiological measurement system including a
horizontally-configured multi-chip module.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary signal
processing algorithm for generating a sequence of heart rates for
every detected heart beat, the algorithm embodied in
computer-executable instructions stored on one or more
non-transitory computer-readable media.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
determining an intensity score, the method embodied in
computer-executable instructions stored on one or more
non-transitory computer-readable media.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method by
which a user may use intensity and recovery scores, the method
embodied in computer-executable instructions stored on one or more
non-transitory computer-readable media.
[0035] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary display of an intensity
score index indicated in a circular graphic component with an
exemplary current score of 19.0 indicated.
[0036] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary display of a recovery score
index indicated in a circular graphic component with a first
threshold of 66% and a second threshold of 33% indicated.
[0037] FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate a recovery score graphic component
with exemplary recovery scores and qualitative information
corresponding to the recovery scores.
[0038] FIGS. 15-18 illustrate exemplary user interfaces rendered on
visual display device for displaying physiological data associated
with a user.
[0039] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary user interface rendered on
a visual display device for displaying physiological data
associated with a plurality of users.
[0040] FIG. 20 illustrates a user interface that may be used to
independently select time periods of data for multiple users so
that data from the selected periods may be displayed together.
[0041] FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary user interface viewable by
an administrative user, including a selectable and editable listing
of users (e.g., a trainer's clients) whose health information is
available for display.
[0042] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device
that may be used to perform any of the methods provided by
exemplary embodiments.
[0043] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of an exemplary distributed
computer system in which various aspects and functions in accord
with the present invention may be practiced.
[0044] FIG. 24 is a diagram of an exemplary network environment
suitable for a distributed implementation of exemplary
embodiments.
[0045] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to
scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] Exemplary embodiments provide physiological measurement
systems, devices and methods for continuous health and fitness
monitoring, and provide improvements to overcome the drawbacks of
conventional heart rate monitors. One aspect of the present
disclosure is directed to providing a lightweight wearable system
with a strap that collects various physiological data or signals
from a wearer. The strap may be used to position the system on an
appendage or extremity of a user, for example, wrist, ankle, and
the like. Exemplary systems are wearable and enable real-time and
continuous monitoring of heart rate without the need for a chest
strap or other bulky equipment which could otherwise cause
discomfort and prevent continuous wearing and use. The system may
determine the user's heart rate without the use of
electrocardiography and without the need for a chest strap.
Exemplary systems can thereby be used in not only assessing general
well-being but also in continuous monitoring of fitness. Exemplary
systems also enable monitoring of one or more physiological
parameters in addition to heart rate including, but not limited to,
body temperature, heart rate variability, motion, sleep, stress,
fitness level, recovery level, effect of a workout routine on
health and fitness, caloric expenditure, and the like.
[0047] A health or fitness monitor that includes bulky components
may hinder continuous wear. Existing fitness monitors often include
the functionality of a watch, thereby making the health or fitness
monitor quite bulky and inconvenient for continuous wear.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is directed to
providing a wearable health or fitness system that does not include
bulky components, thereby making the bracelet slimmer, unobtrusive
and appropriate for continuous wear. The ability to continuously
wear the bracelet further allows continuous collection of
physiological data, as well as continuous and more reliable health
or fitness monitoring. For example, embodiments of the bracelet
disclosed herein allow users to monitor data at all times, not just
during a fitness session. In some embodiments, the wearable system
may or may not include a display screen for displaying heart rate
and other information. In other embodiments, the wearable system
may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide
feedback to a user and display heart rate selectively. In some
embodiments, the wearable system may include a removable or
releasable modular head that may provide additional features and
may display additional information. Such a modular head can be
releasably installed on the wearable system when additional
information display is desired, and removed to improve the comfort
and appearance of the wearable system. In other embodiments, the
head may be integrally formed in the wearable system.
[0048] Exemplary embodiments also include computer-executable
instructions that, when executed, enable automatic interpretation
of one or more physiological parameters to assess the
cardiovascular intensity experienced by a user (embodied in an
intensity score or indicator) and the user's recovery after
physical exertion or daily stress given sleep and other forms of
rest (embodied in a recovery score). These indicators or scores may
be stored and displayed in a meaningful format to assist a user in
managing his health and exercise regimen. Exemplary
computer-executable instructions may be provided in a cloud
implementation.
[0049] Exemplary embodiments also provide a vibrant and interactive
online community, in the form of a website, for displaying and
sharing physiological data among users. A user of the website may
include an individual whose health or fitness is being monitored,
such as an individual wearing a wearable system disclosed herein,
an athlete, a sports team member, a personal trainer or a coach. In
some embodiments, a user may pick his/her own trainer from a list
to comment on their performance. Exemplary systems have the ability
to stream all physiological information wirelessly, directly or
through a mobile communication device application, to an online
website using data transfer to a cell phone/computer. The website
allows users to monitor their own fitness results, share
information with their teammates and coaches, compete with other
users, and win status. Both the wearable system and the website
allows a user to provide feedback regarding his/her day, exercise
and/or sleep, which enables recovery and performance ratings.
[0050] In an exemplary technique of data transmission, data
collected by a wearable system may be transmitted directly to a
cloud-based data storage, from which data may be downloaded for
display and analysis on a website. In another exemplary technique
of data transmission, data collected by a wearable system may be
transmitted via a mobile communication device application to a
cloud-based data storage, from which data may be downloaded for
display and analysis on a website.
[0051] In some embodiments, the website may be a social networking
site. In some embodiments, the website may be displayed using a
mobile website or a mobile application. In some embodiments, the
website may be configured to communicate data to other websites or
applications. In some embodiments, the website may be configured to
provide an interactive user interface. The website may be
configured to display results based on analysis on physiological
data received from one or more devices. The website may be
configured to provide competitive ways to compare one user to
another, and ultimately a more interactive experience for the user.
For example, in some embodiments, instead of merely comparing a
user's physiological data and performance relative to that user's
past performances, the user may be allowed to compete with other
users and the user's performance may be compared to that of other
users.
I. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
[0052] Certain terms are defined below to facilitate understanding
of exemplary embodiments.
[0053] The term "user" as used herein, refers to any type of
animal, human or non-human, whose physiological information may be
monitored using an exemplary wearable physiological monitoring
system.
[0054] The term "body," as used herein, refers to the body of a
user.
[0055] The term "continuous," as used herein in connection with
heart rate data collection, refers to collection of heart rate data
at a sufficient frequency to enable detection of every heart beat
and also refers to collection of heart rate data continuously
throughout the day and night.
[0056] The term "pointing device," as used herein, refers to any
suitable input interface, specifically, a human interface device,
that allows a user to input spatial data to a computing system or
device. In an exemplary embodiment, the pointing device may allow a
user to provide input to the computer using physical gestures, for
example, pointing, clicking, dragging, dropping. Exemplary pointing
devices may include, but are not limited to, a mouse, a touchpad, a
touchscreen, and the like.
[0057] The term "multi-chip module," as used herein, refers to an
electronic package in which multiple integrated circuits (IC) are
packaged with a unifying substrate, facilitating their use as a
single component, i.e., as a higher processing capacity IC packaged
in a much smaller volume.
[0058] The term "computer-readable medium," as used herein, refers
to a non-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage device
or non-transitory computer system memory that may be accessed by a
controller, a microcontroller, a computational system or a module
of a computational system to encode thereon computer-executable
instructions or software programs. The "computer-readable medium"
may be accessed by a computational system or a module of a
computational system to retrieve and/or execute the
computer-executable instructions or software programs encoded on
the medium. The non-transitory computer-readable media may include,
but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory,
non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more magnetic
storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more USB flash
drives), computer system memory or random access memory, such as,
dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory
(SRAM), extended data output random-access memory (EDO RAM), and
the like.
[0059] The term "distal," as used herein, refers to a portion, end
or component of a physiological measurement system that is farthest
from a user's body when worn by the user.
[0060] The term "proximal," as used herein, refers to a portion,
end or component of a physiological measurement system that is
closest to a user's body when worn by the user.
[0061] The term "equal," as used herein, refers, in a broad lay
sense, to exact equality or approximate equality within some
tolerance.
II. EXEMPLARY WEARABLE PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
[0062] Exemplary embodiments provide wearable physiological
measurements systems that are configured to provide continuous
measurement of heart rate. Exemplary systems are configured to be
continuously wearable on an appendage, for example, wrist or ankle,
and do not rely on electrocardiography or chest straps in detection
of heart rate. The exemplary system includes one or more light
emitters for emitting light at one or more desired frequencies
toward the user's skin, and one or more light detectors for
received light reflected from the user's skin. The light detectors
may include a photo-resistor, a photo-transistor, a photo-diode,
and the like. As light from the light emitters (for example, green
light) pierces through the skin of the user, the blood's natural
absorbance or transmittance for the light provides fluctuations in
the photo-resistor readouts. These waves have the same frequency as
the user's pulse since increased absorbance or transmittance occurs
only when the blood flow has increased after a heartbeat. The
system includes a processing module implemented in software,
hardware or a combination thereof for processing the optical data
received at the light detectors and continuously determining the
heart rate based on the optical data. The optical data may be
combined with data from one or more motion sensors, e.g.,
accelerometers and/or gyroscopes, to minimize or eliminate noise in
the heart rate signal caused by motion or other artifacts.
[0063] FIG. 1 illustrates front and back perspective views of one
embodiment of a wearable system configured as a bracelet 100
including one or more straps 102. FIGS. 2 and 3 show various
exemplary embodiments of a bracelet according to aspects disclosed
herein. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary user interface of a
bracelet. The bracelet is sleek and lightweight, thereby making it
appropriate for continuous wear. The bracelet may or may not
include a display screen, e.g., a screen 106 such as a light
emitting diode (LED) display for displaying any desired data (e.g.,
instantaneous heart rate), as shown and described below with
reference to the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 2-4.
[0064] As shown in the non-limiting embodiment in FIG. 1, the strap
102 of the bracelet may have a wider side and a narrower side. In
one embodiment, a user may simply insert the narrower side into the
thicker side and squeeze the two together until the strap is tight
around the wrist, as shown in FIG. 5. To remove the strap, a user
may push the strap further inwards, which unlocks the strap and
allows it to be released from the wrist. In other embodiments,
various other fastening means may be provided. In some embodiments,
the strap of the bracelet may be a slim elastic band formed of any
suitable elastic material, for example, rubber. Certain embodiments
of the wearable system may be configured to have one size that fits
all. Other embodiments may provide the ability to adjust for
different wrist sizes.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, the wearable system may include
components configured to provide various functions such as data
collection and streaming functions of the bracelet. In some
embodiments, the wearable system may include a button underneath
the wearable system. In some embodiments, the button may be
configured such that, when the wearable system is properly
tightened to one's wrist as shown in FIG. 3A, the button may press
down and activate the bracelet to begin storing information. In
other embodiments, the button may be disposed and configured such
that it may be pressed manually at the discretion of a user to
begin storing information or otherwise to mark the start or end of
an activity period. In some embodiments, the button may be held to
initiate a time-stamp and held again to end a time-stamp, which may
be transmitted, directly or through a mobile communication device
application, to a website as a time-stamp. Time-stamp information
may be used, for example, as a privacy setting to indicate periods
of activity during which physiological data may not be shared with
other users. In some embodiments, the wearable system may be
waterproof so that users never need to remove it, thereby allowing
for continuous wear.
[0066] The wearable system includes a heart rate monitor. In one
example, the heart rate may be detected from the radial artery, in
the exemplary positioning shown in FIG. 5. See, Certified Nursing
Association, "Regular monitoring of your patient's radial pulse can
help you detect changes in their condition and assist in providing
potentially life-saving care." See,
http://cnatraininghelp.com/cna-skills/counting-and-recording-a-radia-
l-pulse, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference. Thus, the wearable system may include a pulse sensor. In
one embodiment, the wearable system may be configured such that,
when a user wears it around their wrist and tightens it, the sensor
portion of the wearable system is secured over the user's radial
artery or other blood vessel. Secure connection and placement of
the pulse sensor over the radial artery or other blood vessel allow
measurement of heart rate and pulse.
[0067] In some embodiments, the pulse or heart rate may be taken
using an optical sensor coupled with one or more light emitting
diodes (LEDs), all directly in contact with the user's wrist. The
LEDs are provided in a suitable position from which light can be
emitted into the user's skin. In one example, the LEDs mounted on a
side or top surface of a circuit board in the system to prevent
heat buildup on the LEDs and to prevent burns on the skin. Cleverly
designed elastic wrist straps can ensure that the sensors are
always in contact with the skin and that there is a minimal amount
of outside light seeping into the sensors.
[0068] In some embodiments, the wearable system may be configured
to record other physiological parameters including, but not limited
to, skin temperature (using a thermometer), galvanic skin response
(using a galvanic skin response sensor), motion (using one or more
multi-axes accelerometers and/or gyroscope), and the like, and
environmental or contextual parameters, e.g., ambient temperature,
humidity, time of day, and the like.
[0069] In some embodiments, the wearable system may further be
configured such that a button underneath the system may be pressed
against the user's wrist, thus triggering the system to begin one
or more of collecting data, calculating metrics and communicating
the information to a network. In some embodiments, the same sensor
used for measuring heart rate may be used to indicate whether the
user is wearing the wearable system or not. In some embodiments,
power to the one or more LEDs may be cut off as soon as this
situation is detected, and reset once the user has put the wearable
system back on their wrist.
[0070] The wearable system may include one, two or more sources of
battery life. In some embodiments, it may have a battery that can
slip in and out of the head of the wearable system and can be
recharged using an included accessory. Additionally, the wearable
system may have a built-in battery that is less powerful. When the
more powerful battery is being charged, the user does not need to
remove the wearable system and can still record data (during sleep,
for example).
[0071] In some embodiments, the an application associated with data
from an exemplary wearable system (e.g., a mobile communication
device application) may include a user input component for enabling
the user to indicate his/her feelings. When the data is uploaded
from the wearable system directly or indirectly to a website, the
website may record a user's "Vibes" alongside their duration of
exercise and sleep.
[0072] In exemplary embodiments, the wearable system is enabled to
automatically detect when the user is asleep, awake but at rest and
exercising based on physiological data collected by the system.
[0073] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, a rotatable
wheel 108 may be provided at the center of the wearable system to
control whether the system is displaying the heart rate. For
example, when the wheel is turned to the right however, the system
continuously shows heart rate, and turns off the heart rate display
when the wheel is turned to the right again. In one example,
turning the wheel to the right and holding it there creates a
time-stamp to indicate the duration of exercise. Turning the wheel
to the left and holding it there forces data transmission to a cell
phone, external computer or the Internet. In other embodiments, the
wheel 108 may be absent in the wearable system. In some
embodiments, the functionality of a rotatable wheel described
herein may be provided in an application of a mobile communication
device that is associated with physiological data collected from a
wearable system.
[0074] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram illustrating exemplary
components of a wearable physiological measurement system 600
configured to provide continuous collection and monitoring of
physiological data. The wearable system 600 includes one or more
sensors 602. As discussed above, the sensors 602 may include a
heart rate monitor. In some embodiments, the wearable system 600
may further include one or more of sensors for detecting calorie
burn, distance and activity. Calorie burn may be based on a user's
heart rate, and a calorie burn measurement may be improved if a
user chooses to provide his or her weight and/or other physical
parameters. In some embodiments, manual entering of data is not
required in order to derive calorie burn; however, data entry may
be used to improve the accuracy of the results. In some
embodiments, if a user has forgotten to enter a new weight, he/she
can enter it for past weeks and the calorie burn may be updated
accordingly.
[0075] The sensors 602 may include one or more sensors for activity
measurement. In some embodiments, the system may include one or
more multi-axes accelerometers and/or gyroscope to provide a
measurement of activity. In some embodiments, the accelerometer may
further be used to filter a signal from the optical sensor for
measuring heart rate and to provide a more accurate measurement of
the heart rate. In some embodiments, the wearable system may
include a multi-axis accelerometer to measure motion and calculate
distance, whether it be in real terms as steps or miles or as a
converted number. Activity sensors may be used, for example, to
classify or categorize activity, such as walking, running,
performing another sport, standing, sitting or lying down. In some
embodiments, one or more of collected physiological data may be
aggregated to generate an aggregate activity level. For example,
heart rate, calorie burn, and distance may be used to derive an
aggregate activity level. The aggregate level may be compared with
or evaluated relative to previous recordings of the user's
aggregate activity level, as well as the aggregate activity levels
of other users.
[0076] The sensors 602 may include a thermometer for monitoring the
user's body or skin temperature. In one embodiment, the sensors may
be used to recognize sleep based on a temperature drop, lack of
activity according to data collected by the accelerometer, and
reduced heart rate as measured by the heart rate monitor. The body
temperature, in conjunction with hear rate monitoring and motion,
may be used to interpret whether a user is sleeping or just
resting, as body temperature drops significantly when an individual
is about to fall asleep), and how well an individual is sleeping as
motion indicates a lower quality of sleep. The body temperature may
also be used to determine whether the user is exercising and to
categorize and/or analyze activities.
[0077] The system 600 includes one or more batteries 604. According
to one embodiment, the one or more batteries may be configured to
allow continuous wear and usage of the wearable system. In one
embodiment, the wearable system may include two or more batteries.
The system may include a removable battery that may be recharged
using a charger. In one example, the removable battery may be
configured to slip in and out of a head portion of the system. In
one example, the removable battery may be able to power the system
for around a week. Additionally, the system may include a built-in
battery. The built-in battery may be recharged by the removable
battery. The built-in battery may be configured to power the
bracelet for around a day on its own. When the more removable
battery is being charged, the user does not need to remove the
system and may continue collecting data using the built-in battery.
In other embodiments, the two batteries may both be removable and
rechargeable.
[0078] In some embodiments, the system 600 may include a battery
that is a wireless rechargeable battery. For example, the battery
may be recharged by placing the system or the battery on a
rechargeable mat. In other example, the battery may be a long range
wireless rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the battery
may be a rechargeable via motion. In yet other embodiments, the
battery may be rechargeable using a solar energy source.
[0079] The wearable system 600 includes one or more non-transitory
computer-readable media 606 for storing raw data detected by the
sensors of the system and processed data calculated by a processing
module of the system.
[0080] The system 600 includes a processor 608, a memory 610, a bus
612, a network interface 614 and an interface 616. The network
interface 614 is configured to wirelessly communicate data to an
external network. Some embodiments of the wearable system may be
configured to stream information wirelessly to a social network. In
some embodiments, data streamed from a user's wearable system to an
external network may be accessed by the user via a website. The
network interface may be configured such that data collected by the
system may be streamed wirelessly. In some embodiments, data may be
transmitted automatically, without the need to manually press any
buttons. In some embodiments, the system may include a cellular
chip built into the system. In one example, the network interface
may be configured to stream data using Bluetooth technology. In
another example, the network interface may be configured to stream
data using a cellular data service, such as via a 3G or 4G cellular
network.
[0081] In some embodiments, a physiological measurement system may
be configured in a modular design to enable continuous operation of
the system in monitoring physiological information of a user
wearing the system. The module design may include a strap and a
separate modular head portion or housing that is removably
couplable to the strap. FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of an
exemplary physiological measurement system 100 including a strap
102 that is not coupled to a modular head portion or housing 104.
FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the system 100 in which the
modular head portion 104 is removably coupled to the strap 102.
[0082] In the non-limiting illustrative module design, the strap
102 of a physiological measurement system may be provided with a
set of components that enables continuous monitoring of at least a
heart rate of the user so that it is independent and fully
self-sufficient in continuously monitoring the heart rate without
requiring the modular head portion 104. In one embodiment, the
strap includes a plurality of light emitters for emitting light
toward the user's skin, a plurality of light detectors for
receiving light reflected from the user's skin, an electronic
circuit board comprising a plurality of electronic components
configured for analyzing data corresponding to the reflected light
to automatically and continually determine a heart rate of the
user, and a first set of one or more batteries for supplying
electrical power to the light emitters, the light detectors and the
electronic circuit board. In some embodiments, the strap may also
detect one or more other physiological characteristics of the user
including, but not limited to, temperature, galvanic skin response,
and the like. The strap may include one or more slots for
permanently or removably coupling batteries 702 to the strap
102.
[0083] The strap 102 may include an attachment mechanism 706, e.g.,
a press-fit mechanism, for coupling the modular head portion 104 to
the strap 102. The modular head portion 104 may be coupled to the
strap 102 at any desired time by the user to impart additional
functionality to the system 100. In one embodiment, the modular
head portion 104 includes a second set of one or more batteries 704
chargeable by an external power source so that the second set of
batteries can be used to charge or recharge the first set of
batteries 702 in the strap 102. The combination of the first and
second sets of batteries enables the user to continuously monitor
his/her physiological information without having to remove the
strap for recharging. In some embodiments, the module head portion
may include one or more additional components including, but not
limited to, an interface 616 including visual display device
configured to render a user interface for displaying physiological
information of the user, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor,
an electronic circuit board (e.g., to process GPS signals), and the
like.
[0084] Certain exemplary systems may be configured to be coupled to
any desired part of a user's body so that the system may be moved
from one portion of the body (e.g., wrist) to another portion of
the body (e.g., ankle) without affecting its function and
operation. An exemplary system may include an electronic circuit
board comprising a plurality of electronic components configured
for analyzing data corresponding to the reflected light to
automatically and continually determine a heart rate of the user.
The electronic circuit board implements a processing module
configured to detect an identity of a portion of the user's body,
for example, an appendage like wrist, ankle, to which the strap is
coupled based on one or more signals associated with the heart rate
of the user, and, based on the identity of the appendage, adjust
data analysis of the reflected light to determine the heart rate of
the user.
[0085] In one embodiment, the identity of the portion of the user's
body to which the wearable system is attached may be determined
based on one or more parameters including, but not limited to,
absorbance level of light as returned from the user's skin,
reflectance level of light as returned from the user's skin, motion
sensor data (e.g., accelerometer and/or gyroscope), altitude of the
wearable system, and the like.
[0086] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to
determine that the wearable system is taken off from the user's
body. In one example, the processing module may determine that the
wearable system has been taken off if data from the galvanic skin
response sensor indicates data atypical of a user's skin. If the
wearable system is determined to be taken off from the user's body,
the processing module is configured to deactivate the light
emitters and the light detectors and cease monitoring of the heart
rate of the user to conserve power.
[0087] In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic components of
the physiological measurement system may be provided in the form of
a multi-chip module in which a plurality of electrically-coupled
electronic circuit boards are provided separately within the
system. In one non-limiting example, the processor and
random-access memory (RAM) may be provided on a first circuit
board, wireless communication components may be provided on a
second circuit board, and sensors may be provided on a third
circuit board. The separate electronic circuit boards may be
provided in a modular head of the system and/or along a strap of
the system. The term "multi-chip module," as used herein, refers to
an electronic package in which multiple integrated circuits (IC)
are packaged with a unifying substrate, facilitating their use as a
single component, i.e., as a higher processing capacity IC packaged
in a much smaller volume. Each IC can comprise a circuit fabricated
in a thinned semiconductor wafer. Any suitable set of one or more
electronic components may be provided in the circuit boards of a
multi-chip module. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for
fabricating and assembling multi-chip modules as taught herein.
[0088] Exemplary numbers of chips integrated in a multi-chip module
may include, but are not limited to, two, three, four, five, six,
seven, eight, and the like. In one embodiment of a physiological
measurement system, a single multi-chip module is provided on a
circuit board that performs operations to generate physiological
information associated with a user of the system. In other
embodiments, a plurality of multi-chip modules are provided on a
circuit board of the physiological measurement system. The
plurality of multi-chip modules may be stacked vertically on top of
one another on the circuit board to further minimize the packaging
size and the footprint of the circuit board.
[0089] In one multi-chip embodiment, two or more
electrically-coupled circuit boards of a multi-chip module may be
provided in a physiological measurement system in a vertically
stacked manner to minimize the packaging size and the footprint of
the circuit board. Vertically stacking the components on a circuit
board minimizes the packaging size (e.g., the length and width) and
the footprint occupied by the chips on the circuit board. In
certain non-limiting embodiments, a circuit board including one or
more physiological sensors may be placed closest to, proximal to or
in contact with the user's skin, while one or more circuit boards
including one or more processors, storage devices, communication
components and non-physiological sensors may be provided in
vertical layers that are distal to the user's skin.
[0090] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a schematic side view and top view,
respectively, of an exemplary physiological measurement system 100
including a head portion 104, a strap 102 and a multi-chip module.
The head portion and/or the strap may include a circuit board 802
including a multi-chip module assembled in a vertically stacked
configuration. Two or more layers of active electronic integrated
circuit (IC) components are integrated vertically into a single
circuit in the circuit board. The IC layers are oriented in spaced
planes that extend substantially parallel to one another in a
vertically stacked configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the
circuit board 802 includes a substrate 804 for supporting the
multi-chip module. A first integrated circuit chip 806 is coupled
to the substrate 804 using any suitable coupling mechanism, for
example, epoxy application and curing. A first spacer layer 808 is
coupled to the surface of the first integrated circuit chip 806
opposite to the substrate 804 using, for example, epoxy application
and curing. A second integrated circuit chip 810 is coupled to the
surface of the first spacer layer 808 opposite to the first
integrated circuit chip 806 using, for example, epoxy application
and curing. The first and second integrated circuit chips 806 and
810 are electrically coupled using wiring 812.
[0091] In some embodiments, a metal frame may be provided for
mechanical and/or electrical connection among the integrated
circuit chips. An exemplary metal frame may take the form of a
leadframe. The first and second integrated circuit chips may be
coupled to the metal frame using wiring. A packaging may be
provided to encapsulate the multi-chip module assembly and to
maintain the multiple integrated circuit chips in substantially
parallel arrangement with respect to one another.
[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the vertical three-dimensional
stacking of the first integrated circuit chip 806 and the second
integrated circuit chip 810 provides high-density functionality on
the circuit board while minimizing overall packaging size and
footprint (as compared to a circuit board that does not employ a
vertically stacked multi-chip module). One of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that an exemplary multi-chip module is not
limited to two stacked integrated circuit chips. Exemplary numbers
of chips vertically integrated in a multi-chip module may include,
but are not limited to, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,
and the like.
[0093] In one embodiment, a single multi-chip module is provided.
In other embodiments, a plurality of multi-chip modules as
illustrated in FIG. 8A is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a
plurality of multi-chip modules (for example, two multi-chip
modules) may be stacked vertically on top of one another on a
circuit board of a physiological measurement system to further
minimize the packaging size and footprint of the circuit board.
[0094] In addition to the need for reducing the footprint, there is
also a need for decreasing the overall package height in multi-chip
modules. Exemplary embodiments may employ wafer thinning to
sub-hundreds micron to reduce the package height in multi-chip
modules. Any suitable technique can be used to assemble a
multi-chip module on a substrate. Exemplary assembly techniques
include, but are not limited to, laminated MCM (MCM-L) in which the
substrate is a multi-layer laminated printed circuit board,
deposited MCM (MCM-D) in which the multi-chip modules are deposited
on the base substrate using thin film technology, and ceramic
substrate MCM (MCM-C) in which several conductive layers are
deposited on a ceramic substrate and embedded in glass layers that
layers are co-fired at high temperatures (HTCC) or low temperatures
(LTCC).
[0095] In another multi-chip embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8B, two
or more electrically-coupled circuit boards of a multi-chip module
may be provided in a physiological measurement system in a
horizontally spaced manner to minimize the height of the circuit
board. Providing the components on a circuit board in a
horizontally spaced manner minimizes the packaging height occupied
by the chips on the circuit board. In certain non-limiting
embodiments, a circuit board including one or more physiological
sensors may be placed close to or in contact with the user's skin
so that physiological signals are detected reliably, while one or
more circuit boards including one or more processors, storage
devices, communication components and non-physiological sensors may
be provided may be distributed throughout the wearable system to
provide improved flexibility, wearability, comfort and durability
of the system.
[0096] FIG. 8B depicts a schematic top view of an exemplary
physiological measurement system 100 including a head portion 104
and a strap 102. The head portion 104 and/or the strap 102 may
include a circuit board including a plurality of integrated circuit
boards or chips 820, 822, 824 forming a multi-chip module assembled
in a horizontally spaced configuration. The integrated circuit
chips are electrically coupled to one another using wiring 826. The
circuit chips may be distributed through the head portion and/or
the strap of the system. In the non-limiting illustrative
embodiment, for example, one chip is provided in the head portion
and two chips are provided in the strap.
[0097] Exemplary systems include a processing module configured to
filter the raw photoplethysmography data received from the light
detectors to minimize contributions due to motion, and subsequently
process the filtered data to detect peaks in the data that
correspond with heart beats of a user. The overall algorithm for
detecting heart beats takes as input the analog signals from
optical sensors (mV) and accelerometer, and outputs an implied
beats per minute (heart rate) of the signal accurate within a few
beats per minute as that determined by an electrocardiography
machine even during motion.
[0098] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary signal
processing algorithm for generating a sequence of heart rates for
every detected heart beat, that is embodied in computer-executable
instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable
media. In step 902, light emitters of a wearable physiological
measurement system emit light toward a user's skin. In step 904,
light reflected from the user's skin is detected at the light
detectors in the system. In step 906, signals or data associated
with the reflected light are pre-processed using any suitable
technique to facilitate detection of heart beats. In step 908, a
processing module of the system executes one or more
computer-executable instructions associated with a peak detection
algorithm to process data corresponding to the reflected light to
detect a plurality of peaks associated with a plurality of beats of
the user's heart. In step 910, the processing module determines an
R-wave-to-R-wave interval (RR interval) based on the plurality of
peaks detected by the peak detection algorithm. In step 912, the
processing module determines a confidence level associated with the
RR interval estimate.
[0099] Based on the confidence level associated with the RR
interval estimate, the processing module selects either the peak
detection algorithm or a frequency analysis algorithm to process
data corresponding to the reflected light to determine the sequence
of instantaneous heart rates of the user. The frequency analysis
algorithm may process the data corresponding to the reflected light
based on the motion of the user detected using, for example, an
accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. The processing module may select
the peak detection algorithm or the frequency analysis algorithm
regardless of a motion status of the user. It is advantageous to
use the confidence in the estimate in deciding whether to switch to
frequency-based methods as certain frequency-based approaches are
unable to obtain accurate RR intervals for heart rate variability
analysis. Therefore, the present invention maintains the ability to
obtain the RR intervals for as long as possible, even in the case
of motion, thereby maximizing the information that can be
extracted.
[0100] For example, in step 914, it is determined whether the
confidence level associated with the RR interval estimate is above
(or equal to or above) a threshold. In certain embodiments, the
threshold may be predefined, for example, about 50%-90% in some
embodiments and about 80% in one non-limiting embodiment. In other
embodiments, the threshold may be adaptive, i.e., the threshold may
be dynamically and automatically determined based on previous
confidence levels. For example, if one or more previous confidence
levels were high (i.e., above a certain level), the system may
determine that a present confidence level that is relatively low
compared to the previous levels is indicative of a less reliable
signal. In this case, the threshold may be dynamically adjusted to
be higher so that a frequency-based analysis method may be selected
to process the less reliable signal.
[0101] If the confidence level is above (or equal to or above) the
threshold, in step 916, the processing module may use the plurality
of peaks to determine an instantaneous heart rate of the user. On
the other hand, in step 920, based on a determination that the
confidence level associated with the RR interval is below (or equal
to or below) the threshold, the processing module may execute one
or more computer-executable instructions associated with the
frequency analysis algorithm to determine an instantaneous heart
rate of the user.
[0102] In some embodiments, in steps 918 or 922, the processing
module determines a heart rate variability of the user based on the
sequence of the instantaneous heart rates.
[0103] The wearable system may include or be coupled to (in a wired
manner or wirelessly) a display device configured to render a user
interface for displaying the sequence of the instantaneous heart
rates of the user, the RR intervals and/or the heart rate
variability determined by the processing module. The system may
include or be coupled to a storage device configured to store the
sequence of the instantaneous heart rates, the RR intervals and/or
the heart rate variability determined by the processing module.
[0104] An exemplary peak detection algorithm uses a probabilistic
peak detection algorithm. A discrete probabilistic step is set. The
likelihood function is a mixture of a Gaussian random variable and
a uniform. The heart of the likelihood function encodes the
assumption that with probability (p) the peak detection algorithm
has produced a reasonable initial estimate, but with probability
(1-p) it has not. In a subsequent step, Bayes' rule is applied to
determine the posterior density on the parameter space, of which
the maximum is taken, i.e., the argument (parameter) that maximizes
the posterior distribution. This value is the estimate for the
heart rate. In a subsequent step, the previous two steps are
reapplied for the rest of the sample. There is some variance in the
signal due to process noise, which is dependent on the length of
the interval. This process noise becomes the variance in the
Gaussians used for the likelihood function. Then, the estimate is
obtained as the maximum a posteriori on the new posterior
distribution. A confidence value is recorded for the estimate for
which, for some precision measurement, the posterior value is
summed at points in the parameter space centered at the estimate
plus or minus the precision.
[0105] The beats per minute (BPM) parameter space, .theta., may
range between about 20 and about 240, corresponding to the
empirical bounds on human heart rates. In an exemplary method, a
probability distribution is calculated over this parameter space,
at each step declaring the mode of the distribution to be the heart
rate estimate. A discrete uniform prior may be set:
.pi..sub.1.about.DiscUnif(.THETA.)
[0106] The un-normalized, univariate likelihood is defined by a
mixture of a Gaussian function and a uniform:
l.sub.1.about.IG+(1+I)U, G.about.N(.gamma..sub.k,.sigma..sup.2),
I.about.Ber(p)
[0107] where
U.about.DiscUnif(.THETA.)
[0108] and where .sigma. and p are predetermined constants.
[0109] Bayes' rule is applied to determine the posterior density on
.theta., for example, by component-wise multiplying the prior
density vector (.pi..sub.1(.theta.)).sub..theta..epsilon..THETA.
with the likelihood vector
(l.sub.1(.theta.)).sub..theta..epsilon..THETA. to obtain the
posterior distribution .eta..sub.1:
[0110] Then, the following is set:
.beta..sub.1=argmax.sub..theta..epsilon..THETA..eta..sub.1(.theta.)
[0111] For k>=2, the variance in signal S(t) due to process
noise is determined. Then, the following variable is set to imbue
temporally long RR intervals with more process/interpeak noise and
set the post-normalization convolution:
.pi..sub.k=.eta..sub.k-1*f.sub.(0,.lamda..sub.k.sub.2.sub.)|.sub..THETA.
[0112] where f is a density function of the following:
Z(0,.lamda..sub.k.sup.2)
[0113] Then, the following expressions are calculated:
l.sub.k.about.pG.sub.k+(1-p)U,
G.sub.k.about.(.gamma..sub.k,.sigma..sup.2)
[0114] The expression is then normalized and recorded:
.beta..sub.k=argmax.sub..theta..epsilon..THETA..eta..sub.k(.theta.)
[0115] Finally, the confidence level of the above expression for a
particular precision threshold is determined:
C k = ? .eta. k . ? indicates text missing or illegible when filed
##EQU00001##
[0116] An exemplary frequency analysis algorithm used in the
present invention isolates the highest frequency components of the
optical heart rate data, checks for harmonics common in both the
accelerometer data and the optical data, and performs filtering of
the optical data. The algorithm takes as input raw analog signals
from the accelerometer (3-axis) and pulse sensors, and outputs
heart rate values or beats per minute (BPM) for a given period of
time related to the window of the spectrogram.
[0117] The isolation of the highest frequency components is
performed in a plurality of stages, gradually winnowing the
window-sizes of consideration, thereby narrowing the range of
errors. In one implementation, a spectrogram of 2 15 samples with
overlap 2 13 samples of the optical data is generated. The
spectrogram is restricted to frequencies in which heart rate can
lie. These restriction boundaries may be updated when smaller
window sizes are considered. The frequency estimate is extracted
from the spectrogram by identifying the most prominent frequency
component of the spectrogram for the optical data. The frequency
may be extracted using the following exemplary steps. The most
prominent frequency of the spectrogram is identified in the signal.
It is determined if the frequency estimate is a harmonic of the
true frequency. The frequency estimate is replaced with the true
frequency if the estimate is a harmonic of the true frequency. It
is determined if the current frequency estimate is a harmonic of
the motion sensor data. The frequency estimate is replaced with a
previous temporal estimate if it is a harmonic of the motion sensor
data. The upper and lower bounds on the frequency obtained are
saved. A constant value may be added or subtracted in some cases.
In subsequent steps, the constant added or subtracted may be
reduced to provide narrower searches. A number of the previous
steps are repeated one or more times, e.g., three times, except
taking 2 {15-i} samples for the window size and 2 {13-i} for the
overlap in the spectrogram where i is the current number of
iteration. The final output is the average of the final symmetric
endpoints of the frequency estimation.
[0118] The table below demonstrates the performance of the
algorithm disclosed herein. To arrive at the results below,
experiments were conducted in which a subject wore an exemplary
wearable physiological measurement system and a 3-lead
electrocardiography (ECG) system, which were both wired to the same
microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) in order to provide time-synced
data. Approximately 50 data sets were analyzed which included the
subject standing still, walking, and running on a treadmill.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Performance of signal processing algorithm
disclosed herein Clean data error Noisy data error (mean, std.
dev.) in BPM (mean, std. dev.) in BPM 4-level spectrogram 0.2, 2.3
0.8. 5.1 (80 second blocks)
[0119] The algorithm's performance comes from a combination of a
probabilistic and frequency based approach. The three difficulties
in creating algorithms for heart rate calculations from the PPG
data are 1) false detections of beats, 2) missed detections of real
beats, and 3) errors in the precise timing of the beat detection.
The algorithm disclosed herein provides improvements in these three
sources of error and, in in some cases, the error is bound to
within 2 BPM of ECG values at all times even during the most
motion-intense activities.
[0120] The exemplary wearable system computes heart rate
variability (HRV) to obtain an understanding of the recovery status
of the body. These values are captured right before a user awakes
or when the user is not moving, in both cases photoplethysmography
(PPG) variability yielding equivalence to the ECG HRV. HRV is
traditionally measured using an ECG machine and by obtaining a time
series of R-R intervals. Because an exemplary wearable system
utilizes photoplethysmography (PPG), it does not obtain the
electric signature from the heart beats; instead, the peaks in the
obtained signal correspond to arterial blood volume. At rest, these
peaks are directly correlated with cardiac cycles which enables the
calculation of HRV via analyzing peak-to-peak intervals (the PPG
analog of RR intervals). It has been demonstrated in the medical
literature that these peak-to-peak intervals, the "PPG
variability," is identical to ECG HRV while at rest. See, Charlot
K, et. al. "Interchangeability between heart rate and
photoplehysmography variabilities during sympathetic stimulations."
Physiological Measurement. 2009 December; 30(12): 1357-69. doi:
10.1088/0967-3334/30/12/005. URL:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19864707; and Lu, S, et. al.
"Can photoplethysmography variability serve as an alternative
approach to obtain heart rate variability information?" Journal of
Clinical Monitoring and Computing. 2008 February; 22(1):23-9. URL:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17987395, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0121] Exemplary physiological measurement systems are configured
to minimize power consumption so that the systems may be worn
continuously without requiring power recharging at frequent
intervals. The majority of current draw in an exemplary system is
allocated to power the light emitters, e.g., LEDs, the wireless
transceiver, the microcontroller and peripherals. In one
embodiment, the circuit board of the system may include a boost
converter that runs a current of about 10 mA through each of the
light emitters with an efficiency of about 80% and may draw power
directly from the batteries at substantially constant power. With
exemplary batteries at about 3.7 V, the current draw from the
battery may be about 40 mW. In some embodiments, the wireless
transceiver may draw about 10-20 mA of current when it is actively
transferring data. In some embodiments, the microcontroller and
peripherals may draw about 5 mA of current.
[0122] An exemplary system may include a processing module that is
configured to automatically adjust one or more operational
characteristics of the light emitters and/or the light detectors to
minimize power consumption while ensuring that all heart beats of
the user are reliably and continuously detected. The operational
characteristics may include, but are not limited to, a frequency of
light emitted by the light emitters, the number of light emitters
activated, a duty cycle of the light emitters, a brightness of the
light emitters, a sampling rate of the light detectors, and the
like.
[0123] The processing module may adjust the operational
characteristics based on one or more signals or indicators obtained
or derived from one or more sensors in the system including, but
not limited to, a motion status of the user, a sleep status of the
user, historical information on the user's physiological and/or
habits, an environmental or contextual condition (e.g., ambient
light conditions), a physical characteristic of the user (e.g., the
optical characteristics of the user's skin), and the like.
[0124] In one embodiment, the processing module may receive data on
the motion of the user using, for example, an accelerometer. The
processing module may process the motion data to determine a motion
status of the user which indicates the level of motion of the user,
for example, exercise, light motion (e.g., walking), no motion or
rest, sleep, and the like. The processing module may adjust the
duty cycle of one or more light emitters and the corresponding
sampling rate of the one or more light detectors based on the
motion status. For example, upon determining that the motion status
indicates that the user is at a first higher level of motion, the
processing module may activate the light emitters at a first higher
duty cycle and sample the reflected light using light detectors
sampling at a first higher sampling rate. Upon determining that the
motion status indicates that the user is at a second lower level of
motion, the processing module may activate the light emitters at a
second lower duty cycle and sample the reflected light using light
detectors sampling at a second lower sampling rate. That is, the
duty cycle of the light emitters and the corresponding sampling
rate of the light detectors may be adjusted in a graduated or
continuous manner based on the motion status or level of motion of
the user. This adjustment ensures that heart rate data is detected
at a sufficiently high frequency during motion to reliably detect
all of the heart beats of the user.
[0125] In non-limiting examples, the light emitters may be
activated at a duty cycle ranging from about 1% to about 100%. In
another example, the light emitters may be activated at a duty
cycle ranging from about 20% to about 50% to minimize power
consumption. Certain exemplary sampling rates of the light
detectors may range from about 50 Hz to about 1000 Hz, but are not
limited to these exemplary rates. Certain non-limiting sampling
rates are, for example, about 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 500 Hz, and the
like.
[0126] In one non-limiting example, the light detectors may sample
continuously when the user is performing an exercise routine so
that the error standard deviation is kept within 5 beats per minute
(BPM). When the user is at rest, the light detectors may be
activated for about a 1% duty cycle--10 milliseconds each second
(i.e., 1% of the time) so that the error standard deviation is kept
within 5 BPM (including an error standard deviation in the heart
rate measurement of 2 BPM and an error standard deviation in the
heart rate changes between measurement of 3 BPM). When the user is
in light motion (e.g., walking), the light detectors may be
activated for about a 10% duty cycle--100 milliseconds each second
(i.e., 10% of the time) so that the error standard deviation is
kept within 6 BPM (including an error standard deviation in the
heart rate measurement of 2 BPM and an error standard deviation in
the heart rate changes between measurement of 4 BPM).
[0127] The processing module may adjust the brightness of one or
more light emitters by adjusting the current supplied to the light
emitters. For example, a first level of brightness may be set by
current ranging between about 1 mA to about 10 mA, but is not
limited to this exemplary range. A second higher level of
brightness may be set by current ranging from about 11 mA to about
30 mA, but is not limited to this exemplary range. A third higher
level of brightness may be set by current ranging from about 80 mA
to about 120 mA, but is not limited to this exemplary range. In one
non-limiting example, first, second and third levels of brightness
may be set by current of about 5 mA, about 20 mA and about 100 mA,
respectively.
[0128] In some embodiments, the processing module may detect an
environmental or contextual condition (e.g., level of ambient
light) and adjust the brightness of the light emitters accordingly
to ensure that the light detectors reliably detect light reflected
from the user's skin while minimizing power consumption. For
example, if it is determined that the ambient light is at a first
higher level, the brightness of the light emitters may be set at a
first higher level. If it is determined that the ambient light is
at a second lower level, the brightness of the light emitters may
be set at a second lower level. The brightness may be adjusted in a
graduated or continuous manner based on the detected environment
conditions.
[0129] In some embodiments, the processing module may detect a
physiological condition of the user (e.g., an optical
characteristic of the user's skin) and adjust the brightness of the
light emitters accordingly to ensure that the light detectors
reliably detect light reflected from the user's skin while
minimizing power consumption. For example, if it is determined that
the user's skin is highly reflective, the brightness of the light
emitters may be set at a first lower level. If it is determined
that the user's skin is not very reflective, the brightness of the
light emitters may be set at a second higher level.
[0130] Shorter-wavelength LEDs require more power than that
required by longer-wavelength LEDs. Therefore, an exemplary
wearable system may provide and use light emitted at two or more
different frequencies based on the level of motion detected in
order to save battery life. For example, upon determining that the
motion status indicates that the user is at a first higher level of
motion (e.g., exercising), one or more light emitters may be
activated to emit light at a first wavelength. Upon determining
that the motion status indicates that the user is at a second lower
level of motion (e.g., at rest), one or more light emitters may be
activated to emit light at a second wavelength that is longer than
the first wavelength. Upon determining that the motion status
indicates that the user is at a third lower level of motion (e.g.,
sleeping), one or more light emitters may be activated to emit
light at a third wavelength that is longer than the first and
second wavelengths. Other levels of motion may be predetermined and
corresponding wavelengths of emitted light may be selected. The
wavelengt may be adjusted in a graduated or continuous manner. The
threshold levels of motion that trigger adjustment of the light
wavelength may be based on one or more factors including, but are
not limited to, skin properties, ambient light conditions, and the
like. Any suitable combination of light wavelengths may be
selected, for example, green (for a higher level of motion)/red
(for a lower level of motion); red (for a higher level of
motion)/infrared (for a lower level of motion); blue (for a higher
level of motion)/green (for a lower level of motion); and the
like.
[0131] Shorter-wavelength LEDs require more power than is required
by other types of heart rate sensors, such as, a piezo-sensor or an
infrared sensor. Therefore, an exemplary wearable system may
provide and use a unique combination of sensors--one or more light
detectors for periods where motion is expected and one or more
piezo and/or infrared sensors for low motion periods (e.g.,
sleep)--to save battery life. Certain other embodiments of a
wearable system may exclude piezo-sensors and/or infrared
sensors.
[0132] For example, upon determining that the motion status
indicates that the user is at a first higher level of motion (e.g.,
exercising), one or more light emitters may be activated to emit
light at a first wavelength. Upon determining that the motion
status indicates that the user is at a second lower level of motion
(e.g., at rest), non-light based sensors may be activated. The
threshold levels of motion that trigger adjustment of the type of
sensor may be based on one or more factors including, but are not
limited to, skin properties, ambient light conditions, and the
like.
[0133] The system may determine the type of sensor to use at a
given time based on the level of motion (e.g., via an
accelerometer) and whether the user is asleep (e.g., based on
movement input, skin temperature and heart rate). Based on a
combination of these factors the system selectively chooses which
type of sensor to use in monitoring the heart rate of the user.
Common symptoms of being asleep are periods of no movement or small
bursts of movement (such as shifting in bed), lower skin
temperature (although it is not a dramatic drop from normal), and
heart rate that is below the typical resting heart rate when the
user is awake. These variables depend on the physiology of a person
and thus a machine learning algorithm is trained with user-specific
input to determine when he/she is awake/asleep and determine from
that the exact parameters that cause the algorithm to deem someone
asleep.
[0134] In an exemplary configuration, the light detectors may be
positioned on the underside of the wearable system and all of the
heart rate sensors may be positioned adjacent to each other. For
example, the low power sensor(s) may be adjacent to the high power
sensor(s) as the sensors may be chosen and placed where the
strongest signal occurs. In one example configuration, a 3-axis
accelerometer may be used that is located on the top part of the
wearable system.
[0135] In some embodiments, the processing module may be configured
to automatically adjust a rate at which data is transmitted by the
wireless transmitter to minimize power consumption while ensuring
that raw and processed data generated by the system is reliably
transmitted to external computing devices. In one embodiment, the
processing module determines an amount of data to be transmitted
(e.g., based on the amount of data generated since the time of the
last data transmission), and may select the next data transmission
time based on the amount of data to be transmitted. For example, if
it is determined that the amount of data exceeds (or is equal to or
greater than) a threshold level, the processing module may transmit
the data or may schedule a time for transmitting the data. On the
other hand, if it is determined that the amount of data does not
exceed (or is equal to or lower than) the threshold level, the
processing module may postpone data transmission to minimize power
consumption by the transmitter. In one non-limiting example, the
threshold may be set to the amount of data that may be sent in two
seconds under current conditions. Exemplary data transmission rates
may range from about 50 kbytes per second to about 1 Mbyte per
second, but are not limiting to this exemplary range.
[0136] In some embodiments, an operational characteristic of the
microprocessor may be automatically adjusted to minimize power
consumption. This adjustment may be based on a level of motion of
the user's body.
III. EXEMPLARY PHYSIOLOGICAL ANALYTICS SYSTEM
[0137] Exemplary embodiments provide an analytics system for
enabling qualitative and quantitative monitoring and interpretation
regarding a user's body, health and physical training. The
analytics system is implemented in computer-executable instructions
encoded on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The
analytics system relies on and uses continuous or discontinuous
data on one or more physiological parameters including, but not
limited to, heart rate. The data used by the analytics system may
be obtained or derived from an exemplary physiological measurement
system disclosed herein, or may be obtained or derived from a
derived source or system, for example, a database of physiological
data. In some embodiments, the analytics system computes, stores
and displays one or more indicators or scores relating to the
user's body, health and physical training including, but not
limited to, an intensity score and a recovery score. The scores may
be updated in real-time and continuously or at specific time
periods, for example, the recovery score may be determined every
morning upon waking up, the intensity score may be determined in
real-time or after a workout routine or for an entire day.
[0138] In certain exemplary embodiments, a fitness score may be
automatically determined based on the physiological data of two or
more users of exemplary wearable systems.
[0139] An intensity score or indicator provides an accurate
indication of the cardiovascular intensities experienced by the
user during a portion of a day, during the entire day or during any
desired period of time (e.g., during a week or month). The
intensity score is customized and adapted for the unique
physiological properties of the user and takes into account, for
example, the user's age, gender, anaerobic threshold, resting heart
rate, maximum heart rate, and the like. If determined for an
exercise routine, the intensity score provides an indication of the
cardiovascular intensities experienced by the user continuously
throughout the routine. If determined for a period of including and
beyond an exercise routine, the intensity score provides an
indication of the cardiovascular intensities experienced by the
user during the routine and also the activities the user performed
after the routine (e.g., resting on the couch, active day of
shopping) that may affect their recovery or exercise readiness.
[0140] In exemplary embodiments, the intensity score is calculated
based on the user's heart rate reserve (HRR) as detected
continuously throughout the desired time period, for example,
throughout the entire day. In one embodiment, the intensity score
is an integral sum of the weighted HRR detected continuously
throughout the desired time period. FIG. 10 is a flowchart
illustrating an exemplary method of determining an intensity
score.
[0141] In step 1002, continuous heart rate readings are transformed
or converted to HRR values. A time series of heart rate data used
in step 1002 may be denoted as:
H.epsilon.T
[0142] A time series of HRR measurements, v(t), may be defined in
the following expression in which MHR is the maximum heart rate and
RHR is the resting heart rate of the user:
v ( t ) = H ( t ) - RHR MHR - RHR ##EQU00002##
[0143] In step 1004, the HRR values are weighted according to a
suitable weighting scheme.
[0144] Cardiovascular intensity, indicated by an intensity score,
is defined in the following expression in which w is a weighting
function of the HRR measurements:
I(t.sub.0,t.sub.1)=.intg..sub.t.sub.0.sup.t.sup.1w(v(t))dt
[0145] In step 1006, the weighted time series of HRR values is
summed and normalized.
I.sub.T=.intg..sub.Tw(v(t))dt.ltoreq.w(1)|T|
[0146] Thus, the weighted sum is normalized to the unit interval,
i.e., [0, 1]:
N T = I T w ( 1 ) 24 hr ##EQU00003##
[0147] In step 1008, the summed and normalized values are scaled to
generate user-friendly intensity score values. That is, the unit
interval is transformed to have any desired distribution in a scale
(e.g., a scale including 21 points from 0 to 21), for example,
arctangent, sigmoid, sinusoidal, and the like. In certain
distributions, the intensity values increase at a linear rate along
the scale, and in others, at the highest ranges the intensity
values increase at more than a linear rate to indicate that it is
more difficult to climb in the scale toward the extreme end of the
scale. In some embodiments, the raw intensity scores are scaled by
fitting a curve to a selected group of "canonical" exercise
routines that are predefined to have particular intensity
scores.
[0148] In one embodiment, monotonic transformations of the unit
interval are achieved to transform the raw HRR values to
user-friendly intensity scores. An exemplary scaling scheme,
expressed as f: [0, 1].fwdarw.[0, 1], is performed using the
following function:
f ( x , N , p ) = 0.5 ( arctan ( N ( x - p ) ) .pi. / 2 + 1 )
##EQU00004##
[0149] To generate an intensity score, the resulting value may be
multiplied by a number based on the desired scale of the intensity
score. For example, if the intensity score is graduated from zero
to 21, then the value may be multiplied by 21.
[0150] In step 1010, the intensity score values are stored on a
non-transitory storage medium for retrieval, display and usage. In
step 1012, the intensity score values are, in some embodiments,
displayed on a user interface rendered on a visual display device.
The intensity score values may be displayed as numbers and/or with
the aid of graphical tools, e.g., a graphical display of the scale
of intensity scores with current score, and the like. In some
embodiments, the intensity score may be indicated by audio. In step
1012, the intensity score values are, in some embodiments,
displayed along with one or more quantitative or qualitative pieces
of information on the user including, but not limited to, whether
the user has exceeded his/her anaerobic threshold, the heart rate
zones experienced by the user during an exercise routine, how
difficult an exercise routine was in the context of the user's
training, the user's perceived exertion during an exercise routine,
whether the exercise regimen of the user should be automatically
adjusted (e.g., made easier if the intensity scores are
consistently high), whether the user is likely to experience
soreness the next day and the level of expected soreness,
characteristics of the exercise routine (e.g., how difficult it was
for the user, whether the exercise was in bursts or activity,
whether the exercise was tapering, etc.), and the like. In one
embodiment, the analytics system may automatically generate, store
and display an exercise regimen customized based on the intensity
scores of the user.
[0151] Step 1004 may use any of a number of exemplary static or
dynamic weighting schemes that enable the intensity score to be
customized and adapted for the unique physiological properties of
the user. In one exemplary static weighting scheme, the weights
applied to the HRR values are based on static models of a
physiological process. The human body employs different sources of
energy with varying efficiencies and advantages at different HRR
levels. For example, at the anaerobic threshold (AT), the body
shifts to anaerobic respiration in which the cells produce two
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules per glucose molecule, as
opposed to 36 at lower HRR levels. At even higher HRR levels, there
is a further subsequent threshold (CPT) at which creatine
triphosphate (CTP) is employed for respiration with even less
efficiency.
[0152] In order to account for the differing levels of
cardiovascular exertion and efficiency at the different HRR levels,
in one embodiment, the possible values of HRR are divided into a
plurality of categories, sections or levels (e.g., three) dependent
on the efficiency of cellular respiration at the respective
categories. The HRR parameter range may be divided in any suitable
manner, such as, piecewise, including piecewise-linear,
piecewise-exponential, and the like. An exemplary piecewise-linear
division of the HRR parameter range enables weighting each category
with strictly increasing values. This scheme captures an accurate
indication of the cardiovascular intensity experienced by the user
because it is more difficult to spend time at higher HRR values,
which suggests that the weighting function should increase at the
increasing weight categories.
[0153] In one non-limiting example, the HRR parameter range may be
considered a range from zero (0) to one (1) and divided into
categories with strictly increasing weights. In one example, the
HRR parameter range may be divided into a first category of a zero
HRR value and may assign this category a weight of zero; a second
category of HRR values falling between zero (0) and the user's
anaerobic threshold (AT) and may assign this category a weight of
one (1); a third category of HRR values falling between the user's
anaerobic threshold (AT) and a threshold (CPT) at which the user's
body employs creatine triphosphate for respiration and may assign
this category a weight of 18; and a fourth category of HRR values
falling between the creatine triphosphate threshold (CPT) and one
(1) and may assign this category a weight of 42, although other
numbers of HRR categories and different weight values are possible.
That is, in this example, the weights are defined as:
w ( v ) = { 0 : v = 0 1 : v .di-elect cons. ( 0 , AT ? 18 : v
.di-elect cons. ( AT , CPT ? 42 : v .di-elect cons. ( CPT , 1 ? ?
indicates text missing or illegible when filed ##EQU00005##
[0154] In another exemplary embodiment of the weighting scheme, the
HRR time series is weighted iteratively based on the intensity
scores determined thus far (e.g., the intensity score accrued thus
far) and the path taken by the HRR values to get to the present
intensity score. The path may be detected automatically based on
the historical HRR values and may indicate, for example, whether
the user is performing high intensity interval training (during
which the intensity scores are rapidly rising and falling), whether
the user is taking long breaks between bursts of exercise (during
which the intensity scores are rising after longer periods), and
the like. The path may be used to dynamically determine and adjust
the weights applied to the HRR values. For example, in the case of
high intensity interval training, the weights applied may be higher
than in the case of a more traditional exercise routine.
[0155] In another exemplary embodiment of the weighting scheme, a
predictive approach is used by modeling the weights or coefficients
to be the coefficient estimates of a logistic regression model. In
this scheme, a training data set is obtained by continuously
detecting the heart rate time series and other personal parameters
of a group of individuals. The training data set is used to train a
machine learning system to predict the cardiovascular intensities
experienced by the individuals based on the heart rate and other
personal data. The trained system models a regression in which the
coefficient estimates correspond to the weights or coefficients of
the weighting scheme. In the training phase, user input on
perceived exertion and the intensity scores are compared. The
learning algorithm also alters the weighs based on the improving or
declining health of a user as well as their qualitative feedback.
This yields a unique algorithm that incorporates physiology,
qualitative feedback, and quantitative data. In determining a
weighting scheme for a specific user, the trained machine learning
system is run by executing computer-executable instructions encoded
on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, and
generates the coefficient estimates which are then used to weight
the user's HRR time series.
[0156] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that two or
more aspects of any of the disclosed weighting schemes may be
applied separately or in combination in an exemplary method for
determining an intensity score.
[0157] A recovery score or indicator provides an accurate
indication of the level of recovery of a user's body and health
after a period of physical exertion. The human autonomic nervous
system controls the involuntary aspects of the body's physiology
and is typically subdivided into two branches: parasympathetic
(deactivating) and sympathetic (activating). Heart rate variability
(HRV), i.e., the fluctuation in inter-heartbeat interval time, is a
commonly studied result of the interplay between these two
competing branches. Parasympathetic activation reflects inputs from
internal organs, causing a decrease in heart rate. Sympathetic
activation increases in response to stress, exercise and disease,
causing an increase in heart rate. For example, when high intensity
exercise takes place, the sympathetic response to the exercise
persists long after the completion of the exercise. When high
intensity exercise is followed by insufficient recovery, this
imbalance lasts typically until the next morning, resulting in a
low morning HRV. This result should be taken as a warning sign as
it indicates that the parasympathetic system was suppressed
throughout the night. While suppressed, normal repair and
maintenance processes that ordinarily would occur during sleep were
suppressed as well. Suppression of the normal repair and
maintenance processes results in an unprepared state for the next
day, making subsequent exercise attempts more challenging.
[0158] The recovery score is customized and adapted for the unique
physiological properties of the user and takes into account, for
example, the user's heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart
rate, sleep quality and recent physiological strain (indicated, in
one example, by the intensity score of the user). In one exemplary
embodiment, the recovery score is a weighted combination of the
user's heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate, sleep
quality indicated by a sleep score, and recent strain (indicated,
in one example, by the intensity score of the user). In an
exemplar, the sleep score combined with performance readiness
measures (such as, morning heart rate and morning heart rate
variability) provides a complete overview of recovery to the user.
By considering sleep and HRV alone or in combination, the user can
understand how exercise-ready he/she is each day and to understand
how he/she arrived at the exercise-readiness score each day, for
example, whether a low exercise-readiness score is a predictor of
poor recovery habits or an inappropriate training schedule. This
insight aids the user in adjusting his/her daily activities,
exercise regimen and sleeping schedule therefore obtain the most
out of his/her training.
[0159] In some cases, the recovery score may take into account
perceived psychological strain experienced by the user. In some
cases, perceived psychological strain may be detected from user
input via, for example, a questionnaire on a mobile device or web
application. In other cases, psychological strain may be determined
automatically by detecting changes in sympathetic activation based
on one or more parameters including, but not limited to, heart rate
variability, heart rate, galvanic skin response, and the like.
[0160] With regard to the user's HRV used in determining the
recovery score, suitable techniques for analyzing HRV include, but
are not limited to, time-domain methods, frequency-domain methods,
geometric methods and non-linear methods. In one embodiment, the
HRV metric of the root-mean-square of successive differences of RR
intervals (RMSSD) is used. The analytics system may consider the
magnitude of the differences between 7-day moving averages and
3-day moving averages of these readings for a given day. Other
embodiments may use Poincare Plot analysis or other suitable
metrics of HRV.
[0161] With regard to the user's resting heart rate, moving
averages of the resting heart rate are analyzed to determine
significant deviations. Consideration of the moving averages is
important since day-to-day physiological variation is quite large
even in healthy individuals. Therefore, the analytics system may
perform a smoothing operation to distinguish changes from normal
fluctuations.
[0162] Although an inactive condition, sleep is a highly active
recovery state during which a major portion of the physiological
recovery process takes place. Nonetheless, a small, yet
significant, amount of recovery can occur throughout the day by
rehydration, macronutrient replacement, lactic acid removal,
glycogen re-synthesis, growth hormone production and a limited
amount of musculoskeletal repair. In assessing the user's sleep
quality, the analytics system generates a sleep score using
continuous data collected by an exemplary physiological measurement
system regarding the user's heart rate, skin conductivity, ambient
temperature and accelerometer/gyroscope data throughout the user's
sleep. Collection and use of these four streams of data enable an
understanding of sleep previously only accessible through invasive
and disruptive over-night laboratory testing. For example, an
increase in skin conductivity when ambient temperature is not
increasing, the wearer's heart rate is low, and the
accelerometer/gyroscope shows little motion, may indicate that the
wearer has fallen asleep. The sleep score indicates and is a
measure of sleep efficiency (how good the user's sleep was) and
sleep duration (if the user had sufficient sleep). Each of these
measures is determined by a combination of physiological
parameters, personal habits and daily stress/strain (intensity)
inputs. The actual data measuring the time spent in various stages
of sleep may be combined with the wearer's recent daily history and
a longer-term data set describing the wearer's personal habits to
assess the level of sleep sufficiency achieved by the user. The
sleep score is designed to model sleep quality in the context of
sleep duration and history. It thus takes advantage of the
continuous monitoring nature of the exemplary physiological
measurement systems disclosed herein by considering each sleep
period in the context of biologically-determined sleep needs,
pattern-determined sleep needs and historically-determined sleep
debt.
[0163] The recovery and sleep score values are stored on a
non-transitory storage medium for retrieval, display and usage. The
recovery and/or sleep score values are, in some embodiments,
displayed on a user interface rendered on a visual display device.
The recovery and/or sleep score values may be displayed as numbers
and/or with the aid of graphical tools, e.g., a graphical display
of the scale of recovery scores with current score, and the like.
In some embodiments, the recovery and/or sleep score may be
indicated by audio. The recovery score values are, in some
embodiments, displayed along with one or more quantitative or
qualitative pieces of information on the user including, but not
limited to, whether the user has recovered sufficiently, what level
of activity the user is prepared to perform, whether the user is
prepared to perform an exercise routine a particular desired
intensity, whether the user should rest and the duration of
recommended rest, whether the exercise regimen of the user should
be automatically adjusted (e.g., made easier if the recovery score
is low), and the like. In one embodiment, the analytics system may
automatically generate, store and display an exercise regimen
customized based on the recovery scores of the user alone or in
combination with the intensity scores.
[0164] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method by
which a user may use intensity and recovery scores. In step 1102,
the wearable physiological measurement system begins determining
heart rate variability (HRV) measurements based on continuous heart
rate data collected by an exemplary physiological measurement
system. In some cases, it may take the collection of several days
of heart rate data to obtain an accurate baseline for the HRV. In
step 1104, the analytics system may generate and display intensity
score for an entire day or an exercise routine. In some cases, the
analytics system may display quantitative and/or qualitative
information corresponding to the intensity score. FIG. 12
illustrates an exemplary display of an intensity score index
indicated in a circular graphic component with an exemplary current
score of 19.0 indicated. The graphic component may indicate a
degree of difficulty of the exercise corresponding to the current
score selected from, for example, maximum all out, near maximal,
very hard, hard, moderate, light, active, light active, no
activity, asleep, and the like. The display may indicate, for
example, that the intensity score corresponds to a good and
tapering exercise routine, that the user did not overcome his
anaerobic threshold and that the user will have little to no
soreness the next day.
[0165] In step 1106, in an exemplary embodiment, the analytics
system may automatically generate or adjust an exercise routine or
regimen based on the user's actual intensity scores or desired
intensity scores. For example, based on inputs of the user's actual
intensity scores, a desired intensity score (that is higher than
the actual intensity scores) and a first exercise routine currently
performed by the user (e.g., walking), the analytics system may
recommend a second different exercise routine that is typically
associated with higher intensity scores than the first exercise
routine (e.g., running). The exercise routine may be displayed on a
display device.
[0166] In step 1108, at any give time during the day (e.g., every
morning), the analytics system may generate and display a recovery
score. In some cases, the analytics system may display quantitative
and/or qualitative information corresponding to the intensity
score. For example, in step 1110, in an exemplary embodiment, the
analytics system may determine if the recovery is greater than (or
equal to or greater than) a first predetermined threshold (e.g.,
about 60% to about 80% in some examples) that indicates that the
user is recovered and is ready for exercise. If this is the case,
in step 1112, the analytics system may indicate that the user is
ready to perform an exercise routine at a desired intensity or that
the user is ready to perform an exercise routine more challenging
than the past day's routine. Otherwise, in step 1114, the analytics
system may determine if the recovery is lower than (or equal to or
lower than) a second predetermined threshold (e.g., about 10% to
about 40% in some examples) that indicates that the user has not
recovered. If this is the case, in step 1116, the analytics system
may indicate that the user should not exercise and should rest for
an extended period. The analytics system may, in some cases, the
duration of recommended rest. Otherwise, in step 1118, the
analytics system may indicate that the user may exercise according
to his/her exercise regimen while being careful not to overexert
him/herself. The thresholds may, in some cases, be adjusted based
on a desired intensity at which the user desires to exercise. For
example, the thresholds may be increased for higher planned
intensity scores.
[0167] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary display of a recovery score
index indicated in a circular graphic component with a first
threshold of 66% and a second threshold of 33% indicated. FIGS.
14A-14C illustrate the recovery score graphic component with
exemplary recovery scores and qualitative information corresponding
to the recovery scores.
[0168] Optionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the analytics system
may automatically generate or adjust an exercise routine or regimen
based on the user's actual recovery scores (e.g., to recommend
lighter exercise for days during which the user has not recovered
sufficiently). This process may also use a combination of the
intensity and recovery scores.
[0169] The analytics system may, in some embodiments, determine and
display the intensity and/or recovery scores of a plurality of
users in a comparative manner. This enables users to match exercise
routines with others based on comparisons among their intensity
scores.
IV. EXEMPLARY DISPLAYS AND USER INTERFACES
[0170] An aspect of the present invention is directed to providing
an online website for health and fitness monitoring. Exemplary
embodiments also provide a vibrant and interactive online community
for displaying and sharing physiological data among users. The
website allows users to monitor their own fitness results, share
information with their teammates and coaches, compete with other
users, and win status. The website may be configured to provide an
interactive user interface. The website may be configured to
display results based on analysis on physiological data associated
with one or more users. The website may be configured to provide
competitive ways to compare one user to another, and ultimately a
more interactive experience for the user. For example, in some
embodiments, instead of merely comparing a user's physiological
data and performance relative to that user's past performances, the
user may be allowed to compete with other users and the user's
performance may be compared to that of other users.
[0171] A user of the website may include an individual whose health
or fitness is being monitored, such as an individual wearing a
bracelet disclosed herein, an athlete, a sports team member, a
personal trainer or a coach. In some embodiments, a user may pick
their own trainer from a list to comment on their performance.
[0172] In certain embodiments, the physiological data may be
obtained, directly or indirectly, from a wearable physiological
measurement system as disclosed herein. In other embodiments, the
physiological data may be obtained from any other suitable system
(e.g., an ECG system) or storage device (e.g., a physiological
database). Exemplary wearable physiological measurement systems
have the ability to stream physiological information wirelessly,
directly or through a mobile device application and/or through a
cloud-based storage system, to an online website. Both the wearable
system and the website allow a user to provide feedback regarding
his day, which enables recovery and performance ratings.
[0173] In some embodiments, the website may be a mobile website or
a mobile application. In some embodiments, the website may be
configured to communicate data to other websites, devices or
applications.
[0174] The exemplary website may require a brief and free sign-up
process during which a user may create an account with his/her
name, account name, email, home address, height, weight, age, and a
unique code provided in his/her wearable physiological measurement
system. The unique code may be provided, for example, on the
wearable system itself or in the packaged kit. Once subscribed,
continuous physiological data received from the user's system may
be retrieved in a real-time continuous basis and presented
automatically on a webpage associated with the user. Alternatively,
updated data may be displayed upon a user prompt or
periodically.
[0175] Additionally, the user can add information to his profile,
such as, a picture, favorite activities, sports team(s), and the
user may search for teammates/friends on the website for sharing
information.
[0176] FIGS. 15-18 illustrate an exemplary user interface 1500 for
displaying physiological data specific to a user as rendered on
visual display device. The user interface 1500 may take the form of
a webpage in some embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that the information in FIGS. 15-18 represent
non-limiting illustrative examples. One of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that the particular types of information
disclosed with respect to FIGS. 15-18 are exemplary and
non-limiting. The user interface 1500 may include a summary panel
1502 including an identification 1504 of the user (e.g., a real or
account name) with, optionally, a picture or photo corresponding to
the user. The summary panel 1502 may also display the current
intensity score 1506 and the current recovery score 1508 of the
user. In some embodiments, the summary panel 1502 may display the
number of calories burned by the user 1510 that day and the number
of hours of sleep 1512 obtained by the user the previous night.
[0177] The user interface 1500 may also include panels for
presenting information on the user's workouts--a workout panel 1514
accessible using tab 1516, day--a day panel 1518 accessible using
tab 1520, and sleep--a sleep panel 1522 accessible using tab 1524.
The same or different feedback panels may be associated with the
workout, day and sleep panels. The panels may enable the user to
select and customize one or more informative panels that appear in
his/her user interface display.
[0178] The workout panel 1514 may present quantitative information
on the user's health and exercise routines, for example, a graph
1530 of the user's continuous heart rate during the exercise,
statistics 1532 on the maximum heart rate, average heart rate,
duration of exercise, number of steps taken and calories expended,
zones 1534 in which the maximum heart rate fell during the
exercise, and a graph 1536 of the intensity scores over a period of
time (e.g., seven days).
[0179] A feedback panel 1538 associated with the workout panel 1514
may present information on the intensity score and the exercise
routines performed by the user during a selected period of time
including, but not limited to, quantitative information,
qualitative information, feedback, recommendations on future
exercise routines, and the like. The feedback panel 1538 may
present the intensity score along with a qualitative summary 1540
of the score indicating, for example, whether the user pushed past
his anaerobic threshold for a considerable period of the exercise,
whether the exercise is likely to cause muscle pain and soreness,
and the like. Based on analysis of the quantitative health
parameters monitored during the exercise routine, the feedback
panel 1538 may present one or more tips 1542 on adjusting the
exercise routine, for example, that the exercise routine started
too rapidly and that the user should warm up for longer. In some
cases, upon selection of the tips sub-panel 1542, a corresponding
indicator 1544 may be provided in the heart rate graph 1530.
[0180] Based on analysis of the quantitative health parameters
monitored during the exercise routine, the feedback panel 1538 may
also present qualitative information 1545 on the user's exercise
routine, for example, comparison of the present day's exercise
routine to the user's historical exercise data. Such information
may indicate, for example, that the user's maximum heart rate for
the day's exercise was the highest ever recorded, that the steps
taken by the user that day was the fewest ever recorded, that the
user burned a lot of calories and that more calories may be burned
by lowering the intensity of the exercise, and the like. The
feedback panel 1538 may also present cautionary indicators 1546 to
warn the user of future anticipated health events, for example, the
likelihood of soreness (e.g., if the intensity score is higher than
a predefined threshold), and the like.
[0181] An exemplary analytics system may analyze the information
presented in the workout panel 1514 and automatically determine
whether the user performed a specific exercise routine or activity.
As one example, given a small number of steps taken and a high
calorie burn and heart rate, the system may determine that it is
possible the user rode a bicycle that day. In some cases, the
feedback panel 1538 may prompt the user to confirm whether he/she
indeed performed that activity in a user input field 1548. This
user input may be displayed and/or used to improve an understanding
of the user's health and exercise routines.
[0182] The day panel 1518 may include information on health
parameters of the user during the current day including, but not
limited to, the number of calories burned and the number of
calories taken in 1550 (which may be based on user input on the
foods eaten), a graph 1554 of the day's continuous heart rate,
statistics 1556 on the resting heart rate and steps taken by the
user that day, a graph 1558 of the calories burned that and other
days, and the like.
[0183] In some cases, an analytics system may analyze the
physiological data (e.g., heart rate data) and estimate the
durations of sleep, activity and workout during the day. A feedback
panel 1562 associated with the day panel 1518 may present these
durations 1564. In some cases, the feedback panel 1562 may display
a net number of calories consumed by the user that day 1566. Based
on analysis of the quantitative health parameters monitored during
the exercise routine, the feedback panel 1562 may also present
qualitative information 1568 on the user's exercise routine. Such
information may indicate, for example, that the user was stressed
at a certain point in the day (e.g., if there was a high level of
sweat with little activity), that the user's maximum heart rate for
the day's exercise was the highest ever recorded, that the steps
taken by the user that day was the fewest ever recorded, that the
user burned a lot of calories and that more calories may be burned
by lowering the intensity of the exercise, and the like. The
feedback panel 1562 may also present cautionary indicators 1570 to
warn the user of future anticipated health events, for example,
tachycardia, susceptibility to illness or overtraining (e.g., if
the resting heart rate is elevated for a few days), and the
like.
[0184] An exemplary analytics system may analyze the information
presented in the day panel 1518 and automatically determine whether
the user performed a specific exercise routine or activity. As one
example, given an elevated heart rate with little activity, the
system may determine that it is possible the user drank coffee at
that point. In some cases, the feedback panel 1562 may prompt the
user to confirm whether he/she indeed performed that activity in a
user input field 1572. This user input may be displayed and/or used
to improve an understanding of the user's health and exercise
routines.
[0185] The sleep panel 1522 may include information on health
parameters of the user during sleep including, but not limited to,
an overlaid graph 1573 of heart rate and movement during sleep,
statistics 1574 on the maximum heart rate, minimum heart rate,
number of times the user awoke during sleep, average movement
during sleep, a sleep cycle indicator 1576 showing durations spent
awake, in light sleep, in deep sleep and in REM sleep, and a sleep
duration graph 1578 showing the number of hours slept over a period
of time.
[0186] A feedback panel 1580 associated with the sleep panel 1522
may present information on the user's sleep including, but not
limited to, quantitative information, qualitative information,
feedback, recommendations on future exercise routines, and the
like. The feedback panel 1580 may present a sleep score and/or a
number of hours of sleep along with a qualitative summary of the
score 1582 indicating, for example, whether the user slept enough,
whether the sleep was efficient or inefficient, whether the user
moved around and how much during sleep, and the like. Based on
analysis of the quantitative health parameters monitored during
sleep, the feedback panel 1580 may present one or more tips 1584 on
adjusting sleep, for example, that the woke up a number of times
during sleep and that user can try to sleep on his side rather than
on his back.
[0187] Based on analysis of the quantitative health parameters
monitored during the exercise routine, the feedback panel 1580 may
also present qualitative information 1586 on the user's sleep. Such
information may indicate, for example, that the user's maximum
heart rate for the day's exercise was the highest ever recorded
during sleep. The feedback panel 1580 may also present cautionary
indicators 1588 to warn the user of future anticipated health
events, for example, a sign of overtraining and a recommendation to
get more sleep (e.g., if the user awoke many times during sleep
and/or if the user moved around during sleep.
[0188] The user interface 1500 may provide a user input field 1590
for enabling the user to indicate his/her feelings on, for example,
the activities performed, perceived exertion, energy level,
performance. The user interface 1500 may also provide a user input
field 1592 for enabling the user to indicate other facts about his
exercise routine, e.g., comments on what the user was doing at a
specific point in the exercise routine with a link 1594 to a
corresponding point in the heart rate graph 1530. In some
embodiments, the user may specify a route and/or location on a map
at which the exercise routine was performed.
[0189] Exemplary embodiments also enable a user to compare his/her
quantitative and/or qualitative physiological data with those of
one or more additional users. A user may be presented with user
selection components representing other users whose data is
available for display, as shown in exemplary user interface 2100 in
FIG. 21. When a pointer is hovered over a user selection component
(e.g., an icon representing a user), a snapshot of the user's
information is presented in a popup component, and clicking on the
user selection component opens up the full user interface
displaying the user's information. In some cases, the user
selection components include certain user-specific data surrounding
an image representing the user, for example, a graphic element
indicating the user's intensity score. The user selection
components may be provided in a grid as shown or in a linear
listing for easier sorting. The users appearing in the user
selection components may be sorted and/or ranked based on any
desired criteria, e.g., intensity scores, who is experiencing
soreness, and the like. A user may leave comments on other users'
pages. Similarly, a user may select privacy settings to indicate
which aspects of his/her own data may be viewed by other users.
[0190] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary user interface 1900
rendered on a visual display device for displaying physiological
data on a plurality of users. In some cases, a user may freely
compare the data of any users whose data is available and
accessible, i.e., set to an appropriate privacy level. In some
cases, comparative data may correspond to a plurality of users who
may be grouped together based on any suitable criteria, e.g.,
members of a gym, military team, and the like. In some cases, the
user may be able to discover other users or comparable data by
searching or performing queries on any desired parameters, for
example, workouts, activities, age groups, locations, intensities,
recoveries and the like. For example, a user may perform a query
for "Workouts above a 17 Intensity in Boston for runners my age."
The exemplary user interface may also identify or suggest users
with whom to exchange data based on similar parameters. Data on any
number of users may be presented and compared including, but not
limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and the like.
[0191] In a default option, data from the same time period(s) may
be presented for all of the users. In some embodiments, time
periods for each user may be selected independently and data from
the selected time periods may be displayed in a comparative manner
on the same user interface, e.g., in one or more overlaid graphs.
FIG. 20 illustrates a user interface 2000 that may be used to
independently select time periods of data for each of five users so
that the data from the selected periods may be displayed together.
The user interface 2000 includes a representation of each user
2002a-2002e, optionally an indication of each user's intensity
score, a calendar component 2004 for selecting the time periods,
and a component 2006a-2006e indicating the time periods selected
for each user. In some cases, data from different time periods
(but, for example, for the same time duration) for the same user
may be presented on the same user interface for comparative
purpose, for example, to determine training progress.
[0192] In FIG. 19, the user interface 1900 may include a summary
panel 1902 including an identification 1904a-1904b of the users
(e.g., a real or account name) with, optionally, a picture or photo
corresponding to the user. In some cases, the summary panel 1902
may also display certain information associated with the users, for
example, their intensity scores.
[0193] A workout panel 1908 may present quantitative information on
the users' health and exercise routines, for example, an overlaid
graph 1910 of the users' continuous heart rate during the exercise,
statistics 1912 on the users' maximum heart rate, average heart
rate, duration of exercise, number of steps taken and calories
expended, zones 1914 in which the users' maximum heart rate fell
during the exercise, and an overlaid graph 1916 of the users'
intensity scores over a period of time (e.g., seven days).
[0194] A feedback panel 1918 associated with the workout panel 1908
may present comparative qualitative information on the users'
exercise routines including, but not limited to, whether the users
were working out at the same time, which user had a more difficult
workout, the comparative efficiencies of the users, and the like.
Similarly, a day panel and a sleep panel may present comparative
information for the selected users.
[0195] The analytics system may analyze comparative data among a
plurality of users and provide rankings of individuals, teams and
groups of individuals (e.g., employees of a company, members of a
gym) based on, for example, average intensity scores. For each
user, the analytics system may calculate and display percentile
rankings of the user with respect to all of the users in a
community in terms of, for example, intensity scores, quality of
sleep, and the like.
[0196] Exemplary embodiments also provide user interfaces to enable
intuitive and efficient monitoring of a plurality of users by an
individual with administrative powers to view the users' health
data. Such an administrative user may be a physical instructor,
trainer or coach who may use the interface to manage his/her
clients' workout regimen.
[0197] FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary user interface 2100
viewable by an administrative user, including a selectable and
editable representation or listing 2102 of the users (e.g., a
trainer's clients) whose health information is available for
display. When a pointer is hovered over a user selection component
(e.g., an icon representing a user), a snapshot of the user's
information is presented in a popup component, and clicking on the
user selection component opens up the full user interface
displaying the user's information. In some cases, the user
selection components include certain user-specific data surrounding
an image representing the user, for example, a graphic element
indicating the user's intensity score. The user selection
components in the listing 2102 may be provided in a grid as shown
or in a linear listing for easier sorting. The users appearing in
the listing 2102 may be sorted and/or ranked based on any desired
criteria, e.g., intensity scores, who is experiencing soreness, and
the like. Selection of any one user causes the user interface
specific to that user to be opened, for example, as shown in FIGS.
15-18. The administrative user may leave messages on the user
interfaces of the different users. Selection of more than one user
causes a user interface comparing the selected users to be opened,
for example, as shown in FIG. 19.
[0198] The administrative user interface 2100 may include a listing
of users 2104 who recently performed exercise routines including
the time of their last workout and their intensity scores, a
listing of users 2106 who are off-schedule in their exercise
regimen and how many days they have not been exercising, a listing
of users 2108 who are experiencing soreness (that may be determined
automatically based on intensity scores), a listing of users who
are sleep-deprived (that may be determined automatically based on
sleep data), and the like. The lists may be ordered in some cases.
The user interface 2100 may also display a calendar or portion of a
calendar 2110 indicating training times for different users. The
calendar feature enables the administrative user to review exercise
schedules over time and understand how well individuals or teams
are meeting goals. For example, the administrative user may
determine that an individual is undertraining if his intensity for
the day was 18 whereas the team average was 14.
[0199] In any of the exemplary user interfaces disclosed herein,
color coding may be used to indicate categories of any parameter.
For example, in a day panel of a user interface, color coding may
be used to indicate whether a user's day was difficult (e.g., with
the color red), tapering (e.g., with the color yellow), or a day
off from training (e.g., with the color blue).
[0200] Exemplary embodiments enable selected qualitative and/or
quantitative data from any of the user interfaces disclosed herein
to be selected, packaged and exported to an external application,
computational device or webpage (e.g., a blog) for display, storage
and analysis. The data may be selected based on any desired
characteristic including, but not limited to, gender, age,
location, activity, intensity level, and any combinations thereof.
An online blog may be presented to display the data and allow users
to comment on the data.
V. EXEMPLARY COMPUTING DEVICES
[0201] Various aspects and functions described herein in accord
with the present invention may be implemented as hardware, software
or a combination of hardware and software on one or more computer
systems. Exemplary computer systems that may be used include, but
are not limited to, personal computers, embedded computing systems,
network appliances, workstations, mainframes, networked clients,
servers, media servers, application servers, database servers, web
servers, virtual servers, and the like. Other examples of computer
systems that may be used include, but are not limited to, mobile
computing devices, such as wearable devices, cellular phones and
personal digital assistants, and network equipment, such as load
balancers, routers and switches.
[0202] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device
2200 that may be used to perform any of the methods provided by
exemplary embodiments. The computing device may be configured as an
embedded system in the integrated circuit board(s) of a wearable
physiological measurements system and/or as an external computing
device that may receive data from a wearable physiological
measurement system.
[0203] The computing device 2200 includes one or more
non-transitory computer-readable media for storing one or more
computer-executable instructions or software for implementing
exemplary embodiments. The non-transitory computer-readable media
may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware
memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more
magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more USB
flashdrives), and the like. For example, memory 2206 included in
the computing device 2200 may store computer-readable and
computer-executable instructions or software for implementing
exemplary embodiments. The computing device 2200 also includes
processor 2202 and associated core 2204, and optionally, one or
more additional processor(s) 2202' and associated core(s) 2204'
(for example, in the case of computer systems having multiple
processors/cores), for executing computer-readable and
computer-executable instructions or software stored in the memory
2206 and other programs for controlling system hardware. Processor
2202 and processor(s) 2202' may each be a single core processor or
multiple core (2204 and 2204') processor.
[0204] Virtualization may be employed in the computing device 2200
so that infrastructure and resources in the computing device may be
shared dynamically. A virtual machine 2214 may be provided to
handle a process running on multiple processors so that the process
appears to be using only one computing resource rather than
multiple computing resources. Multiple virtual machines may also be
used with one processor.
[0205] Memory 2206 may include a computer system memory or random
access memory, such as dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static
random-access memory (SRAM), extended data output random-access
memory (EDO RAM), and the like. Memory 2206 may include other types
of memory as well, or combinations thereof.
[0206] A user may interact with the computing device 2200 through a
visual display device 2218, such as a computer monitor, which may
display one or more user interfaces 2220 that may be provided in
accordance with exemplary embodiments. The visual display device
2218 may also display other aspects, elements and/or information or
data associated with exemplary embodiments, for example, views of
databases, photos, and the like. The computing device 2200 may
include other input/output (I/O) devices for receiving input from a
user, for example, a keyboard or any suitable multi-point touch
interface 2208, a pointing device 2210 (e.g., a mouse). The
keyboard 2208 and the pointing device 2210 may be coupled to the
visual display device 2218. The computing device 2200 may include
other suitable conventional I/O peripherals.
[0207] The computing device 2200 may also include one or more
storage devices 2224, such as a hard-drive, CD-ROM, or other
computer readable media, for storing data and computer-readable
instructions and/or software that implement exemplary methods as
taught herein. Exemplary storage device 2224 may also store one or
more databases 2226 for storing any suitable information required
to implement exemplary embodiments (e.g., physiological data,
computer-executable instructions for analyzing the data, and the
like). The databases may be updated by a user or automatically at
any suitable time to add, delete or update one or more items in the
databases.
[0208] The computing device 2200 may include a network interface
2212 configured to interface via one or more network devices 2222
with one or more networks, for example, Local Area Network (LAN),
Wide Area Network (WAN) or the Internet through a variety of
connections including, but not limited to, standard telephone
lines, LAN or WAN links (for example, 802.11, T1, T3, 56 kb, X.25),
broadband connections (for example, ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM),
wireless connections, controller area network (CAN), or some
combination of any or all of the above. The network interface 2212
may include a built-in network adapter, network interface card,
personal computer memory card international associate (PCMCIA)
network card, card bus network adapter, wireless network adapter,
universal serial bus (USB) network adapter, modem or any other
device suitable for interfacing the computing device 2200 to any
type of network capable of communication and performing the
operations described herein. Moreover, the computing device 2200
may be any computer system, such as a workstation, desktop
computer, server, laptop, handheld computer, tablet computer (e.g.,
the iPad.TM. tablet computer), mobile computing or communication
device (e.g., the iPhone.TM. communication device), or other form
of computing or telecommunications device that is capable of
communication and that has sufficient processor power and memory
capacity to perform the operations described herein.
[0209] The wearable physiological measurement system may record and
transmit at least the following types of data to an external
computing system, mobile communication system, a cloud or non-cloud
storage system, and/or the Internet: raw physiological data (e.g.,
heart rate data, movement data, galvanic skin response data) and
processed data derived from the raw data (e.g., RR intervals
determined from the heart rate data). Transmission modes may be
wired (e.g., using USB stick inserted into a USB port on the
system) or wireless (e.g., using a wireless transmitter). The raw
and processed data may be transmitted together or separately using
the same or different transmission modes. Since a raw data file is
typically substantially larger than a processed data file, in one
non-limiting example, the raw data file may be transmitted using
WiFi or a USB stick, while the processed data file may be
transmitted using Bluetooth.
[0210] An exemplary wearable system may include a 2G, 3G or 4G chip
that wirelessly uploads all data to the website disclosed herein
without requiring any other external device. A 3G or 4G chip may be
used preferably as a 2G connection on a Nokia 5800 was found to
transfer data at a rate of 520 kbps using 1.69 W of power, while a
3G connection transferred at 960 kbps using 1.73 W of power. That
is, the 3G chip was found to use negligibly more power for almost
twice the transfer speed, thereby halving half the transfer time
and using much less energy from the battery.
[0211] In some cases, the wearable system may opportunistically
transfer data when in close proximity to a streaming outlet. For
example, the system may avoid data transmission when it is not
within close proximity of a streaming outlet, and, when nearby a
streaming outlet (e.g., a linked phone), may send the data to the
external device via Bluetooth and to the Internet via the external
device. This is both convenient and "free" in the sense that the
system utilizes existing cellular data plans.
[0212] Limiting the frequency at which data is streamed increases
the wearable system's battery life. In one non-limiting example,
the system may be set to stream automatically at a certain time of
the day (e.g., in the morning) and following a time-stamp.
Regardless of the data transmission scheme, the system stores all
the data it collects. Data may also be streamed on demand by a
user, for example, by turning a physical component on the system
and holding it or by initiating a process on a mobile application
or receiving device. In some embodiments, the data transmission
frequency may be automatically adjusted based on one or more
physiological parameters, e.g., heart rate. For example, higher
heart rates may prompt more frequent and real-time streaming
transmission of data.
[0213] The computing device 2200 may run any operating system 2216,
such as any of the versions of the Microsoft.RTM. Windows.RTM.
operating systems, the different releases of the Unix and Linux
operating systems, any version of the MacOS.RTM. for Macintosh
computers, any embedded operating system, any real-time operating
system, any open source operating system, any proprietary operating
system, any operating systems for mobile computing devices, or any
other operating system capable of running on the computing device
and performing the operations described herein. In exemplary
embodiments, the operating system 2216 may be run in native mode or
emulated mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the operating system
2216 may be run on one or more cloud machine instances.
VI. EXEMPLARY NETWORK ENVIRONMENTS
[0214] Various aspects and functions of the present invention may
be distributed among one or more computer systems configured to
provide a service to one or more client computers, or to perform an
overall task as part of a distributed system. Additionally, aspects
may be performed on a client-server or multi-tier system that
includes components distributed among one or more server systems
that perform various functions. Thus, the present invention is not
limited to executing on any particular system or group of systems.
Further, aspects may be implemented in software, hardware or
firmware, or any combination thereof. Thus, aspects in accord with
the present invention may be implemented within methods, acts,
systems, system placements and components using a variety of
hardware and software configurations, and the invention is not
limited to any particular distributed architecture, network or
communication protocol. Furthermore, aspects in accord with the
present invention may be implemented as specially-programmed
hardware and/or software.
[0215] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of an exemplary distributed
computer system 2300 in which various aspects and functions in
accord with the present invention may be practiced. The distributed
computer system 2300 may include one or more computer systems. For
example, as illustrated, the distributed computer system 2300
includes three computer systems 2302, 2304 and 2306. As shown, the
computer systems 2302, 2304, 2306 are interconnected by, and may
exchange data through, a communication network 2308. The network
2308 may include any communication network through which computer
systems may exchange data. To exchange data via the network 2308,
the computer systems and the network may use various methods,
protocols and standards including, but not limited to, token ring,
Ethernet, wireless Ethernet, Bluetooth, transmission control
protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), user datagram protocol (UDP),
hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), file transfer protocol (FTP),
simple network management protocol (SNMP), short message service
(SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), signaling system no. 7
(SS7), JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), extensible markup
language (XML), representational state transfer (REST), simple
object access protocol (SOAP), common object request broker
architecture (CORBA), internet inter-ORB protocol (HOP), remote
method invocation (RMI), distributed component object model (DCOM),
and Web Services. To ensure data transfer is secure, the computer
systems may transmit data via the network using a variety of
security measures including, but not limited to, transport layer
security (TSL), secure sockets layer (SSL) and virtual private
network (VPN). While the distributed computer system 2300
illustrates three networked computer systems, the distributed
computer system may include any number of computer systems,
networked using any medium and communication protocol.
[0216] Various aspects and functions in accord with the present
invention may be implemented as specialized hardware or software
executing in one or more computer systems. As depicted, the
computer system 2300 includes a processor 2310, a memory 2312, a
bus 2314, an interface 2316 and a storage system 2318. The
processor 2310, which may include one or more microprocessors or
other types of controllers, can perform a series of instructions
that manipulate data. The processor 2310 may be a well-known
commercially-available processor such as an Intel Pentium, Intel
Atom, ARM Processor, Motorola PowerPC, SGI MIPS, Sun UltraSPARC or
Hewlett-Packard PA-RISC processor, or may be any other type of
processor or controller as many other processors and controllers
are available. The processor 2310 may be a mobile device or smart
phone processor, such as an ARM Cortex processor, a Qualcomm
Snapdragon processor or an Apple processor. As shown, the processor
2310 is connected to other system placements, including a memory
2312, by the bus 2314.
[0217] The memory 2312 may be used for storing programs and data
during operation of the computer system 2300. Thus, the memory 2312
may be a relatively high performance, volatile, random access
memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static
memory (SRAM). However, the memory 2312 may include any device for
storing data, such a disk drive or other non-volatile storage
device, such as flash memory or phase-change memory (PCM). Various
embodiments in accord with the present invention can organize the
memory 2312 into particularized and, in some cases, unique
structures to perform the aspects and functions disclosed
herein.
[0218] Components of the computer system 2300 may be coupled by an
interconnection element such as the bus 2314. The bus 2314 may
include one or more physical busses (for example, buses between
components that are integrated within the same machine) and may
include any communication coupling between system placements
including specialized or standard computing bus technologies such
as integrated development environment (IDE), small computer system
interface (SCSI), peripheral component interconnect (PCI) and
InfiniBand. Thus, the bus 2314 enables communications (for example,
data and instructions) to be exchanged between system components of
the computer system 2300.
[0219] Computer system 2300 also includes one or more interface
devices 2316, such as input devices, output devices and combination
input/output devices. The interface devices 2316 may receive input,
provide output, or both. For example, output devices may render
information for external presentation. Input devices may accept
information from external sources. Examples of interface devices
include, but are not limited to, keyboards, mouse devices,
trackballs, microphones, touch screens, printing devices, display
screens, speakers, network interface cards, and the like. The
interface devices 2316 allow the computer system 2300 to exchange
information and communicate with external entities, such as users
and other systems.
[0220] Storage system 2318 may include one or more
computer-readable and computer-writeable non-volatile and
non-transitory storage media on which computer-executable
instructions are encoded that define a program to be executed by
the processor. The storage system 2318 also may include information
that is recorded on or in the media, and this information may be
processed by the program. More specifically, the information may be
stored in one or more data structures specifically configured to
conserve storage space or increase data exchange performance. The
instructions may be persistently stored as encoded signals, and the
instructions may cause a processor to perform any of the functions
described herein. A medium that can be used with various
embodiments may include, for example, optical disk, magnetic disk
or flash memory, among others. In operation, the processor 2310 or
some other controller may cause data to be read from the
non-transitory recording media into another memory, such as the
memory 2312, that allows for faster access to the information by
the processor than does the storage medium included in the storage
system 2318. The memory may be located in the storage system 2318
and/or in the memory 2312. The processor 2310 may manipulate the
data within the memory 2312, and then copy the data to the medium
associated with the storage system 2318 after processing is
completed. A variety of components may manage data movement between
the media and the memory 2312, and the present invention is not
limited thereto. Further, the invention is not limited to a
particular memory system or storage system.
[0221] Although the computer system 2300 is shown by way of example
as one type of computer system upon which various aspects and
functions in accord with the present invention may be practiced,
aspects of the invention are not limited to being implemented on
the computer system. Various aspects and functions in accord with
the present invention may be practiced on one or more computers
having different architectures or components than that shown in the
illustrative figures. For instance, the computer system 2300 may
include specially-programmed, special-purpose hardware, such as for
example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) tailored
to perform a particular operation disclosed herein. Another
embodiment may perform the same function using several
general-purpose computing devices running MAC OS System X with
Motorola PowerPC processors and several specialized computing
devices running proprietary hardware and operating systems.
[0222] The computer system 2300 may include an operating system
that manages at least a portion of the hardware placements included
in computer system 2300. A processor or controller, such as
processor 2310, may execute an operating system which may be, among
others, a Windows-based operating system (for example, Windows NT,
Windows 2000/ME, Windows XP, Windows 7, or Windows Vista) available
from the Microsoft Corporation, a MAC OS System X operating system
available from Apple Computer, one of many Linux-based operating
system distributions (for example, the Enterprise Linux operating
system available from Red Hat Inc.), a Solaris operating system
available from Sun Microsystems, or a UNIX operating systems
available from various sources. The operating system may be a
mobile device or smart phone operating system, such as Windows
Mobile, Android or iOS. Many other operating systems may be used,
and embodiments are not limited to any particular operating
system.
[0223] The processor and operating system together define a
computing platform for which application programs in high-level
programming languages may be written. These component applications
may be executable, intermediate (for example, C# or JAVA bytecode)
or interpreted code which communicate over a communication network
(for example, the Internet) using a communication protocol (for
example, TCP/IP). Similarly, functions in accord with aspects of
the present invention may be implemented using an object-oriented
programming language, such as SmallTalk, JAVA, C++, Ada, or C#
(C-Sharp). Other object-oriented programming languages may also be
used. Alternatively, procedural, scripting, or logical programming
languages may be used.
[0224] Additionally, various functions in accord with aspects of
the present invention may be implemented in a non-programmed
environment (for example, documents created in HTML, XML or other
format that, when viewed in a window of a browser program, render
aspects of a graphical-user interface or perform other functions).
Further, various embodiments in accord with aspects of the present
invention may be implemented as programmed or non-programmed
placements, or any combination thereof. For example, a web page may
be implemented using HTML while a data object called from within
the web page may be written in C++. Thus, the invention is not
limited to a specific programming language and any suitable
programming language could also be used.
[0225] A computer system included within an embodiment may perform
functions outside the scope of the invention. For instance, aspects
of the system may be implemented using an existing product. Aspects
of the system may be implemented on database management systems
such as SQL Server available from Microsoft of Seattle, Wash.;
Oracle Database from Oracle of Redwood Shores, Calif.; and MySQL
from Sun Microsystems of Santa Clara, Calif.; or integration
software such as WebSphere middleware from IBM of Armonk, N.Y.
However, a computer system running, for example, SQL Server may be
able to support both aspects in accord with the present invention
and databases for sundry applications not within the scope of the
invention.
[0226] FIG. 24 is a diagram of an exemplary network environment
2400 suitable for a distributed implementation of exemplary
embodiments. The network environment 2400 may include one or more
servers 2402 and 2404 coupled to one or more clients 2406 and 2408
via a communication network 2410. The network interface 2212 and
the network device 2222 of the computing device 2200 enable the
servers 2402 and 2404 to communicate with the clients 2406 and 2408
via the communication network 2410. The communication network 2410
may include, but is not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a
Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Metropolitan
Area Network (MAN), a wireless network, an optical network, and the
like. The communication facilities provided by the communication
network 2410 are capable of supporting distributed implementations
of exemplary embodiments.
[0227] In an exemplary embodiment, the servers 2402 and 2404 may
provide the clients 2406 and 2408 with computer-readable and/or
computer-executable components or products under a particular
condition, such as a license agreement. For example, the
computer-readable and/or computer-executable components or products
may include those for providing and rendering any of the user
interfaces disclosed herein. The clients 2406 and 2408 may provide
and render an exemplary graphical user interface using the
computer-readable and/or computer-executable components and
products provided by the servers 2402 and 2404.
[0228] Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, the clients
2406 and 2408 may provide the servers 2402 and 2404 with
computer-readable and computer-executable components or products
under a particular condition, such as a license agreement. For
example, in an exemplary embodiment, the servers 2402 and 2404 may
provide and render an exemplary graphical user interface using the
computer-readable and/or computer-executable components and
products provided by the clients 2406 and 2408.
VII. EQUIVALENTS
[0229] It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the systems,
apparatuses and methods discussed herein are not limited in
application to the details of construction and the arrangement of
components set forth in the following description or illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Exemplary systems, apparatuses and
methods are capable of implementation in other embodiments and of
being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Examples
of specific implementations are provided herein for illustrative
purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. In particular,
acts, elements and features discussed in connection with any one or
more embodiments are not intended to be excluded from a similar
role in any other embodiments. One or more aspects and embodiments
disclosed herein may be implemented on one or more computer systems
coupled by a network (e.g., the Internet).
[0230] The phraseology and terminology used herein are for the
purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any
references to embodiments or elements or acts of the systems and
methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace
embodiments including a plurality of these elements, and any
references in plural to any embodiment or element or act herein may
also embrace embodiments including only a single element. The use
herein of terms like "including," "comprising," "having,"
"containing," "involving," and variations thereof, is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. References to "or" may be construed as
inclusive so that any terms described using "or" may indicate any
of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. Any
references front and back, left and right, top and bottom, upper
and lower, and vertical and horizontal, are intended for
convenience of description, not to limit the present systems and
methods or their components to any one positional or spatial
orientation.
[0231] In describing exemplary embodiments, specific terminology is
used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, each
specific term is intended to, at least, include all technical and
functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in some instances where
a particular exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of system
elements or method steps, those elements or steps may be replaced
with a single element or step. Likewise, a single element or step
may be replaced with a plurality of elements or steps that serve
the same purpose. Further, where parameters for various properties
are specified herein for exemplary embodiments, those parameters
may be adjusted up or down by 1/20th, 1/10th, 1/5th, 1/3rd, 1/2nd,
and the like, or by rounded-off approximations thereof, unless
otherwise specified. Moreover, while exemplary embodiments have
been shown and described with references to particular embodiments
thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that
various substitutions and alterations in form and details may be
made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.
Further still, other aspects, functions and advantages are also
within the scope of the invention.
[0232] Embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with other
embodiments disclosed herein in any manner consistent with at least
one of the principles disclosed herein, and references to "an
embodiment," "one embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," "some
embodiments," "some exemplary embodiments," "an alternate
embodiment," "various embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," and
the like, are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended
to indicate that a particular feature, structure, characteristic or
functionality described may be included in at least one embodiment.
The appearances of such terms herein are not necessarily all
referring to the same embodiment.
[0233] Exemplary flowcharts are provided herein for illustrative
purposes and are non-limiting examples of methods. One of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that exemplary methods may include
more or fewer steps than those illustrated in the exemplary
flowcharts, and that the steps in the exemplary flowcharts may be
performed in a different order than the order shown in the
illustrative flowcharts.
* * * * *
References