U.S. patent application number 13/606140 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-10 for in-situ tear sample collection and testing using a contact lens.
This patent application is currently assigned to GOOGLE INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is James Etzkorn, Zenghe Liu. Invention is credited to James Etzkorn, Zenghe Liu.
Application Number | 20140192315 13/606140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51060727 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140192315 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Zenghe ; et
al. |
July 10, 2014 |
IN-SITU TEAR SAMPLE COLLECTION AND TESTING USING A CONTACT LENS
Abstract
Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lenses having
one or more sensor that sense an analyte in tear fluid and one or
more recesses that collect the tear fluid. In some aspects, a
contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a
body of the contact lens and a recess formed within the substrate
configured to collect tear fluid when the contact lens is worn. The
contact lens further includes at least one sensor disposed within
the substrate configured to sense presence of an analyte in the
collected tear fluid.
Inventors: |
Liu; Zenghe; (Alameda,
CA) ; Etzkorn; James; (Mountain View, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Liu; Zenghe
Etzkorn; James |
Alameda
Mountain View |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GOOGLE INC.
Mountain View
CA
|
Family ID: |
51060727 |
Appl. No.: |
13/606140 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
351/159.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/14507 20130101;
A61B 2010/0067 20130101; A61B 5/6821 20130101; A61B 5/14532
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
351/159.03 |
International
Class: |
G02C 7/04 20060101
G02C007/04 |
Claims
1. A contact lens, comprising: a substrate that forms at least part
of a body of the contact lens; a recess formed within the
substrate, configured to collect and store tear fluid when the
contact lens is worn on an eye and store the collected tear fluid
when the contact lens is removed from the eye, said recess having a
closed end; and at least one sensor disposed within the substrate
configured to sense presence of an analyte in the collected tear
fluid.
2. The contact lens of claim 1, further comprising, a plurality of
recesses formed within the substrate configured to collect and
store tear fluid when the contact lens is worn on an eye and store
the collected tear fluid when the contact lens is removed from the
eye, each of said recesses forming a closed end.
3. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the recess is formed at or
about a perimeter of the contact lens.
4. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the recess has a depth
spanning about a thickness of a cross-sectional area of the
substrate.
5. The contact lens of claim 4, wherein the recess has a depth
within a range of about 50 to about 400 .mu.m.
6. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the recess has a depth
within a range of about 10 to about 75 .mu.m.
7. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is
located within the recess.
8. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is
located adjacent to the recess and wherein the recess includes an
opening through which the tear fluid is dispensed and contacts the
at least one sensor.
9. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the recess collects the
tear fluid via capillary action.
10. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is
an electrochemical sensor.
11. The contact lens of claim 1, comprising a transmitter
configured to transmit data relating to a sensed analyte in the
tear fluid.
12. The contact lens of claim 1, comprising a processor configured
to determine a concentration of a sensed analyte in the tear
fluid.
13. A method comprising: collecting and storing tear fluid in a
cavity disposed within a body of a contact lens when the contact
lens is worn on an eye, the cavity having a closed end; storing the
collected tear fluid in the cavity when the contact lens is removed
from the eye; and detecting presence of at least one analyte in the
collected tear fluid via at least one sensor located within the
body of the contact lens.
14. The method of claim 13, comprising transmitting data relating
to a detected analyte in the tear fluid.
15. The method of claim 13, comprising determining a concentration
of a sensed analyte in the tear fluid.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising dispensing a portion
of the tear fluid from the cavity via an opening so that the
portion of the tear fluid contacts the at least one sensor.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the collecting the tear fluid
comprises collecting the tear fluid in the cavity via capillary
action.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising transmitting data
related to the presence or concentration of the sensed analyte to a
remote device.
19. A contact lens, comprising: a tear fluid collection recess
formed in a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the
contact lens and configured to collect tear fluid when the contact
lens is worn, the recess having a closed end; at least one sensor
configured to sense presence of one or more analytes in the tear
fluid; a processor configured to determine a concentration of the
one or more analytes; and a transmitter configured to transmit
information relating to the presence or the concentration of the
one or more analytes to an external device.
20. The contact lens of claim 19, further comprising a memory that
stores information relating to the type or the concentration of the
one or more analytes.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a contact lens
employing one or more recesses integrated within a substrate that
collect tear fluid and supply collected tear fluid to a sensor for
sensing of an analyte therein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Tear fluid provides a viable source of biological analytes
that can indicate various health states of an individual from which
tear fluid is generated. However, collection of tear samples for
testing is difficult. Many processes for collecting tear samples
usually irritate the eye and produce tear fluid having constituents
which can lead to erroneous test results. For example, tear fluid
generated from irritation of an eye, such as touching of the eye
and tear fluid generated from an emotional reaction comprise
different constituents than basal tears and are generally produced
in greater quantity than basal tears. Such reflex and emotional
tears interfere with composition of tear samples of interest.
[0003] In order to avoid some of the aforementioned drawbacks
associated with collection of tear fluid, contact lenses have been
established that employ internal sensing platforms for in-situ
testing of tear fluid for analytes. These contact lenses generally
test tear fluid that forms a tear film over the contact lens.
However, the total volume of tear fluid establishing the tear film
is often insufficient for in-situ testing of various analytes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1A illustrates an example contact lens having a recess
for collecting tear fluid and having a sensor for sensing an
analyte in the collected tear fluid in accordance with aspects
described herein.
[0005] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate additional examples of contact
lenses having one or more recesses for collecting tear fluid and
having a sensor for sensing an analyte in the collected tear fluid
in accordance with aspects described herein.
[0006] FIG. 3A-3C illustrate examples contact lens having a
plurality of recesses for collecting tear fluid and/or having a
plurality of sensors for sensing one or more analytes in the
collected tear fluid in accordance with aspects described
herein.
[0007] FIG. 4A-4B illustrate top planar views of examples of
contact lenses having a plurality of recesses for collecting tear
fluid and having a sensor for sensing an analyte in the collected
tear fluid in accordance with aspects described herein.
[0008] FIG. 5 presents an illustration of an exemplary non-limiting
system that includes a contact lens that facilitates sensing and
determining information associated with an analyte present within
tear fluid generated by a wearer of the contact lens in accordance
with aspects described herein.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a high level illustration of an example contact
lens circuit for employment in a contact lens to facilitate
gathering, processing and wirelessly communicating, sensed
information related to an analyte present in tear fluid collected
in a cavity disposed within the contact lens, accordance with
aspects described herein
[0010] FIG. 7 presents an exemplary reader device for receiving,
from a contact lens, information related to an analyte sensed in
tear fluid collected by the contact lens in accordance with aspects
described herein.
[0011] FIG. 8 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method that
facilitates collecting tear fluid with a contact lens, and sensing
an analyte in the collected tear fluid in accordance with aspects
described herein.
[0012] FIG. 9 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method that
facilitates collecting tear fluid with a contact lens, sensing an
analyte in the collected tear fluid, and transmitting information
associated with the sensed analyte in accordance with aspects
described herein.
[0013] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of an
exemplary networked or distributed computing environment with which
one or more aspects described herein can be associated.
[0014] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of an
exemplary computing environment with which one or more aspects
described herein can be associated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In one or more aspects, the disclosed subject matter relates
to a contact lens that facilitates in-situ tear fluid testing. In
some aspects, the contact lens includes a substrate that forms at
least part of a body of the contact lens and a recess formed within
the substrate configured to collect tear fluid when the contact
lens is worn. The contact lens further includes at least one sensor
disposed within the substrate configured to sense presence of an
analyte in the collected tear fluid.
[0016] In another aspect, a method is disclosed that includes
collecting tear fluid in a cavity disposed within a body of a
contact lens and detecting presence of at least one analyte in the
collected tear fluid via at least one sensor located within the
body of the contact lens. In one aspect, the at least one sensor is
located within the cavity. In another aspect, the at least one
sensor is located adjacent to the cavity and the cavity includes an
opening through which the tear fluid contacts the at least one
sensor. According to this aspect, the method can include dispensing
a portion of the tear fluid from the cavity via the opening so that
the portion of the tear fluid contacts the at least one sensor.
[0017] In another embodiment, a contact lens is provided having a
tear fluid collection recess formed in a substrate that forms at
least part of a body of the contact lens and configured to collect
tear fluid when the contact lens is worn. The contact lens further
includes at least one sensor configured to sense presence of one or
more analytes the tear fluid and a processor configured to
determines or infer type or concentration of the one or more
analytes. A transmitter is also included on or within the contact
lens configured to transmit information relating to type or
concentration of the one or more analytes to an external
device.
[0018] Various aspects are now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. It should be appreciated that one or more
aspects of the drawings from are not drawn to scale. In the
following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough
understanding of one or more aspects. It is be evident, however,
that such aspects can be practiced without these specific details.
In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block
diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more
aspects.
[0019] With reference now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a
cross-sectional view of an example tear fluid collecting contact
lens 100 in accordance with aspects described herein. Contact lens
100 includes a recess or cavity 106 for collecting tear fluid and
having a sensor 108 for sensing an analyte in the collected tear
fluid when the contact lens 100 is worn over an eye 104. As used
herein the terms recess and cavity are used interchangeably. The
recess 106 is configured to collect tear fluid over time as the
contact lens 104 is worn over an eye. In an aspect, the recess 106
collects tear fluid via capillary action and/or osmosis. The
collected tear fluid serves as a reservoir of tear fluid for
analyte sensing processes of sensor 108.
[0020] In particular, tear fluid provides a viable source of
biological analytes that can indicate various health states of the
individual from which the tear fluid is generated. Contact lenses
having integrated sensors for sensing various analytes generally
test analytes present in tear fluid that forms a tear film over the
contact lens. However, the total volume of tear fluid establishing
the tear film is often insufficient for in-situ testing of various
analytes. For example, electrochemical sensors can be employed
within a contact lens that perform oxidation or reduction of an
analyte of interest and measure current generated in association
with oxidation or reduction. However, when to ear film serves as a
sole source of analyte, continuous sensing by an electrochemical
sensor is often compromised because the limited amount of analyte
in the tear film can be quickly consumed by the sensor.
[0021] Contact lens 100 is depicted having a single cavity 106.
However in various aspects, contact lenses disclosed herein can
include any suitable number N of cavities, N is an integer.
Cavities, such as cavity 106 provided within the disclosed tear
fluid collecting contact lenses, such as contact lens 100, can fill
with tear fluid over a period of time dependant on size and shape
of cavities. Further, tear collecting cavities provided within
contact lenses disclosed herein can slowly fill with tear fluid
over time so as not to dry out an eye. It is to be appreciated that
the contact lens can be designed and configured to collect tear
fluid over any suitable range of time (e.g., seconds, minutes,
hours, days, weeks, or months). In an aspect, the cavities are
configured to store collected tear fluid while the contact lens is
worn in the eye, and when the contact lens is removed from the
eye.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 1, cavity 106 and sensor 108 are
located within a body or substrate 102 of the contact lens 100. In
an aspect, the substrate 102 is a hydrogel--the contact lenses
disclosed herein can comprise any suitable material that can be
employed to create one or more tear colleting cavities within the
substrate 102. In an aspect, the contact lenses disclosed herein
can include soft lenses made from one or more soft polymer
materials including but not limited to, a hydrogel, a silicone
based hydrogel, a polyacrlyamide, or a hydrophilic polymer. For
example, in an aspect, contact lenses disclosed herein can include
crosslinked hydrogels including hydrophilic monomers (e.g.
N-Vinylpyrrolidone, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, 2-hydroxyethyl
methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, methacrylic acid and acrylic
acid), strengthening agents, ultraviolent light (UV) blockers, or
tints. In another aspect, contact lenses disclosed herein can
include silicone hydrogels (e.g. crosslinked hydrogels containing
silicone macromers and monomers, as well as hydrophilic monomers
that absorb water). In yet another aspect, contact lenses disclosed
herein can include hard lenses made from one or more rigid
materials including but not limited to, a silicone polymer,
polymethyl methacrylate, or rigid gas permeable materials.
[0023] Although not to be limited to such shape, the contact lenses
disclosed herein, such as contact lens 100, are generally provided
in a spherical shape that conforms to shape of an eye. With
reference to FIG. 1, contact lens 100 include two primary surfaces,
an inner surface 112 and an outer surface 110, both of which are
spherical. The inner surface 112 is concave and is shown facing and
resting on a surface of the eye 104, and conforming to shape of
cornea 114--the outer surface 110 is convex.
[0024] In an aspect, as depicted in FIG. 1, a cavity 106 is located
within the substrate 102 and adjacent outer wall 112. According to
this aspect, cavity 106 is designed to collect tear fluid disposed
on the outer surface of the contact lens 102. It is to be
appreciated that cavity 106 includes an opening or diffusion layer
adjacent the outer surface 110 of the contact lens at which tear
fluid enters via capillary action and/or osmosis respectively. In
other aspects, tear collecting cavities are disposed within the
substrate 102 and adjacent to the inner surface 112 or a perimeter
edge of the contact lens 100. Regardless of location of a cavity
within the substrate, the respective cavity includes an opening
and/or diffusion layer adjacent to a surface of the contact lens
that facilitates influx of tear fluid.
[0025] In an aspect, a cavity 106 can be located within the
substrate at or near a perimeter of the substrate so that the
cavity is not located in front of the cornea 114 of the eye when
the contact lens in worn in the eye. According to this aspect, a
cavity provided within the substrate of a contact lens can have a
length slightly less than a radius (midway point R of FIG. 1) of
the contact lens. However a cavity may be provided within a contact
lens having a length that ranges substantially the length or
diameter (dashed line D) of the substrate.
[0026] Cavities disposed within the disclosed contact lenses, such
as cavity 106 of contact lens 100, can have any suitable size and
shape that facilitate collection of tear fluid without irritating
the eye, without disrupting the functions of the eye, without
disrupting function of the contact lens, and without causing
discomfort to the wearer. For example, cavity 106 can have a
rectangular shape (as depicted in FIG. 1), a cylindrical shape, or
a semi-ellipsoid shape. In various aspects, cavity 106 has an
optimal size that facilitates collecting an amount of tear fluid
for performing continuous sensing by a sensor 108 when the tear
fluid is provided to the sensor 108. Accordingly, the size and
shape of a cavity can vary depending on functions of sensor 108
that will be sensing the tear fluid collected within the
cavity.
[0027] Contact lens 100 (and additional contact lenses described
herein) has a thickness or width that spans in a horizontal
direction between inner surface 112 and outer surface 110. In
general aspects, the width of the lens is thickest (relative to the
width of the lens at other areas of the lens) at the center point
of the lens, tapering outwardly to a knifelike edge at the
perimeter of the lens. Dashed line W indicates direction of the
width or depth of the contact lens 100. The diameter of the contact
lens 100 is indicated by dashed line D. The particular dimensions
(including dimensions attributable to thickness, diameter,
curvature, and etc.) of the subject contact lenses are not critical
and may vary.
[0028] In an aspect, a cavity, such as cavity 106 provided within
the substrate of a contact lens, such as contact lens 100, can have
a depth that spans within the thickness or width W of the
substrate, including the entire thickness. For example, the
thickness or width of the substrate of a contact lens can range
about 1.0 .mu.m to about 400 .mu.m depending on type of lens and
distance from center point. Generally, contact lenses have a
thickness of about 50 .mu.m to about 150 .mu.m. In typical human
eyes, the tear film has a general thickness of about 7-8 .mu.m
while the total volume of tears in an eye is about 6-8 .mu.L. With
this in mind, for every 10 .mu.m of depth of a tear collecting
cavity (e.g. cavity 106), available volume of tears for consumption
by a sensor within the contact lens (e.g. sensor 108) can be
doubled as compared to available tears in regular tear film.
[0029] In an aspect, where the substrate has a thickness of about
400 .mu.m, a cavity can have a width or depth of about 400 .mu.m or
less and about 10 .mu.m, more particularly, a depth of about 150
.mu.m or less and about 25 .mu.m, and even more particularly, a
depth of about 100 .mu.m or less and about 50 .mu.m. In another
aspect, where the substrate has a thickness of about 150 .mu.m, a
cavity can have a width or depth of about 150 .mu.m or less and
about 10 .mu.m, more particularly, a depth of about 100 .mu.m or
less and about 25 .mu.m, and even more particularly, a depth of
about 75 .mu.m or less and about 50 .mu.m.
[0030] In an embodiment, cavities provided within the subject tear
collecting contact lenses are considered microcavities. The term
microcavity as used herein includes cavities, channels, cells, or
other cavity capable of collecting and storing tear fluid having a
volumetric size less than the entire volume of the substrate in
which it is located. In an aspect, the total volume of the contact
lens substrate is about 25 to about 50 micro liters. With this in
mind, in an aspect, a microcavity has a volume less than about 50%
of the total volume of the substrate. In another aspect, a
microcavity has a volume less than about 25% of the total volume of
the substrate. In another aspect, a microcavity has a volume less
than about 10% of the total volume of the substrate. In yet another
aspect, a microcavity has a volume less than about 5% of the total
volume of the substrate. In yet another aspect, a microcavity has a
volume less than about 0.1% of the total volume of the substrate.
Still in yet another aspect a microcavity has a volume less than
about 0.01% of the total volume of the substrate.
[0031] Referring back to FIG. 1, contact lens 100 (and additional
contact lenses described herein) includes a sensor 108 configured
to sense one or more analytes within tear fluid collected in cavity
106. In an aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the sensor 108 is
located within cavity 106. Sensor 108 and additional sensory
employed in contact lenses disclosed herein, can include a variety
of sensors configured to sense one or more analytes of interest.
For example, sensors for employment with the disclosed contact
lenses can include but are not limited to, an electrochemical
sensor, a biosensor, an amperometric sensor, or a pressure sensor.
Such sensors can be configured to sense information indicative of
presence and/or concentration of various analytes in collected tear
fluid, including but not limited to glucose, alcohol, histamine,
urea, lactate, cholesterol, or electrolyte ions such as sodium,
potassium, calcium and magnesium. In an aspect, sensor 108 can
include two or more sensors configured to sense different analytes
of interest.
[0032] Turning now to FIG. 2A presented is another cross-sectional
view of an example tear fluid collecting contact lens 200 in
accordance with aspects described herein. Contact lens 200 includes
a recess or cavity 106 for collecting tear fluid and having a
sensor 108 for sensing an analyte in the collected tear fluid when
the contact lens 200 is worn over an eye 104. Repetitive
description of like elements employed in respective embodiments of
contact lenses described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.
[0033] Contact lens 200 is similar to contact lens 100 with the
exception that sensor 108 is located within the substrate 102 yet
outside of cavity 106. According to this embodiment, cavity 106 can
include an opening and/or a diffusion layer 202 configured to
release or excrete collected tear fluid. For example, the opening
202 can include a relatively small hole through which collected
tear fluid slowly and steadily escapes cavity 106 in a controlled
fashion. The size and shape of the opening 202 can be selected such
that a predetermined amount of tear fluid is dispensed from cavity
106 at a predetermined rate. In aspect, rather than a hole, cavity
106 can include a diffusion layer 202 that includes a material that
allows for the diffusion of tear fluid out of cavity 106. The
diffusion layer material can be selected such that a predetermined
amount of tear fluid is dispensed from cavity 106 at a
predetermined rate.
[0034] According to this embodiment, sensor 108 is provided within
the substrate 102 outside of cavity 106 and substantially adjacent
to opening 108. As tear fluid is dispensed through opening 108, it
contacts sensor 108. With this configuration, sensor 108 can be
provided a controlled amount of fresh tear fluid at a continuous
rate. In an aspect, by separating sensor 108 from the reservoir of
tear fluid collected in cavity 106, by-products generated by the
sensor 108 can be separated from the collected tear fluid so as to
not contaminate the collected tear fluid. In addition, by providing
sensor 108 with a continuous supply of fresh tear fluid, changes in
the analyte composition of the tear fluid over time can be more
accurately discerned.
[0035] FIG. 2B presents another cross-sectional view of an example
tear fluid collecting contact lens 201 in accordance with aspects
described herein. Contact lens 201 includes a recess or cavity 106
for collecting tear fluid and having a sensor 108 for sensing an
analyte in the collected tear fluid when the contact lens 201 is
worn over an eye 104.
[0036] Contact lens 201 is similar to contact lens 100 with
exception of inclusion of two or more cavities 106 provided within
the substrate and disposition of cavities 106 and sensors 108
within the substrate 102. According to this embodiment, cavity 106
is disposed within the substrate 102 such that depth of the cavity
spans substantially parallel with diameter D of the substrate.
Cavities 106 are adjacent to outer surfaces 110 of the substrate
102 towards an outer perimeter of the contact lens. In particular,
a cavity 106 has a width W that spans within the thickness of the
substrate, substantially perpendicular to the inner 112 and outer
110 surfaces of the substrate, and a depth greater than the width
that spans substantially parallel to the inner 112 and outer 110
surfaces of the substrate. With this embodiment, depth of cavity
106 can be increased to a depth greater than thickness of the
substrate. It should be appreciated that cavities 106 are depicted
having a rectangular shape merely for illustrative purposes, and
are not to be limited to such shape or configuration. For example,
cavities 106 can have a shape that substantially corresponds to the
curvature of the contact lens 201. Sensors 108 can be further
located within cavities 106 and adjacent to a side surface of the
respective cavities.
[0037] FIG. 3A presents another cross-sectional view of an example
tear fluid collecting contact lens 300 in accordance with aspects
described herein. Contact lens 300 includes a plurality of cavities
304 for collecting tear fluid. Respective cavities 304 are further
associated with respective sensors 108 for sensing an analyte in
the collected tear fluid when the contact lens 300 is worn over an
eye 104.
[0038] Contact lens 300 is depicted having eight cavities 304,
however it should be appreciated that contact lens 300 can include
any number N cavities. Respective cavities 304 are disposed within
the substrate adjacent to outer surface 110 of the contact lens
300. According to this aspect, cavities 304 can collect tear fluid
disposed on the outer surface 110 of the contact lens. Sensors 108
can be located within the cavities 304 and/or outside the cavities,
(as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2A respectively). In an aspect,
respective sensors 108 associated with the respective cavities 304
are configured to sense presence and/or concentration of different
analytes. Therefore, contact lens 300 can sense information
associated with a plurality of different analytes at the same time
while sensing mechanisms of the respective sensors 108 do not
interfere with one another. For example, by-products of a first
reaction associated with a first sensor can be contained within a
first cavity. As a result, the by-products of the first reaction
will not interfere with sensing mechanisms of a second sensor
disposed within a second cavity and configured to perform a
different reaction with respect to a different analyte of
interest.
[0039] FIG. 3B presents another cross-sectional view of an example
tear fluid collecting contact lens 301 in accordance with aspects
described herein. Contact lens 301 includes a plurality of cavities
306 for collecting tear fluid. Respective cavities 306 are further
associated with respective sensors 108 for sensing an analyte in
the collected tear fluid when the contact lens 301 is worn over an
eye 104. Contact lens 301 is similar to contact lens 300 with
exception of disposition of cavities 306 within the substrate 102.
In particular, with contact lens 301, the cavities 306 are located
adjacent to an inner surface 112 of the substrate 102. According to
this aspect, the cavities 306 can collect tear fluid present on an
inner surface 112 of the contact lens and/or a surface of the eye
104.
[0040] FIG. 3C presents another cross-sectional view of an example
tear fluid collecting contact lens 302 in accordance with aspects
described herein. Contact lens 302 includes a plurality of cavities
308 for collecting tear fluid. In one aspect, respective cavities
308 are further associated with respective sensors 108 for sensing
an analyte in the collected tear fluid when the contact lens 302 is
worn over an eye 104 (as depicted in the lower half of contact lens
302). In another aspect, a plurality of cavities 308 can share a
single sensor 108 (as depicted in the upper half of contact lens
302).
[0041] Contact lens 302 is similar to contact lens 300 with
exception of disposition of cavities 308 and/or one or more sensors
108 within the substrate 102. In particular, cavities 308 span an
entire width or thickness of contact lens 302. Cavities 308 can
include an opening adjacent to an inner surface 112 and/or an outer
surface 110 of the substrate 102. In an aspect, as presented in the
lower half of contact lens 302, a plurality of cavities 308 span
the thickness of the substrate and are separated from one another
by a space 310. Respective cavities 308 in the lower half of the
contact lens 302 further include a sensor 108 located therein. In
another aspect, as depicted in the upper half of contact lens 302,
a plurality of cavities are provided adjacent to one another and
span the thickness of the substrate. Further, the plurality of
cavities 308 in the upper half of contact lens 302 can share a
single sensor 108. In an aspect, the shared sensor is located just
outside/external to the plurality of cavities. In another aspect,
the shared sensor is located within the plurality of cavities
308.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, depicted are top planar
views of example contact lenses 400 and 401, respectively, worn
over an eye 104 in accordance with aspects described herein. In an
aspect, lenses 300-302 can have top planar configurations same or
similar to that depicted of lens 400. In particular, the
cross-section of lens 400 taken along axis Y can resemble the
cross-sections of lenses 300-301, where the cavities 106 of lens
400 and similarly lenses 300-301 are provided having a depth/length
that spans the width of the substrate (e.g. substantially
perpendicular to a surface of the lens). It should be appreciate
that the number of cavities 106 depicted and proportional size of
the cavities shown is not limiting and is merely intended for
illustrative purposes. For example, lens 400 can have any number N
of cavities (where N is an integer) of varying size. The cavities
106 of lens 400 are located within the substrate 102 and are
disposed a radial distance away from the center of the lens so as
not to cover the cornea 114 of the eye.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 4B, presented is another top-planar
view of an example tear collecting contact lens 401 in accordance
with disclosed aspects. In an aspect, lens 401 demonstrates a
potential top planar configuration of contact lens 201. In
particular, the cross-section of lens 401 taken along axis Y can
resemble the cross-section of lens 202, where the cavities 106 of
lens 401 and similarly lens 202, are provided having a depth/length
that spans a length of the substrate (e.g. substantially parallel
to a surface of the lens). It should be appreciated that number of
cavities 106 depicted and proportional size of the cavities
depicted (e.g. eight) is not limiting and is merely intended for
illustrative purposes. For example, lens 401 can have any number N
of cavities (where N is an integer) of varying size. The cavities
106 of lens 401 are located within the substrate 102 and are
disposed a radial distance away from the center of the lens so as
not to cover the cornea of the eye (e.g. the pupil 112 and the iris
114). In an aspect, cavities 106 can have respective openings 402
at an outer edge/perimeter 404 of the lens 401.
[0044] With reference now FIG. 5, presented is a depiction of
system 500 that includes a contact lens 501 that facilitates
sensing and determining information associated with an analyte
present within tear fluid generated by a wearer of the contact lens
501 in accordance with aspects described herein. Contact lens 501
covers at least a portion of an eye 104. Contact lens 501 includes
one or more recesses 502 configured to collect tear fluid and one
or more sensors 504 configured to sense presence and/or
concentration of an analyte of interest in the collected tear
fluid. Repetitive description of like elements employed in
respective embodiments of contact lenses described herein, such as
sensors and/or recesses is omitted for sake of brevity.
[0045] Contact lens 501 further includes a contact lens circuit 506
that facilitates sensing functions of the one or more sensors 504,
analyzing information sensed by the one or more sensors 504, and
wirelessly communicating information associated with information
sensed by the one or more sensors 504. One or more components of
contact lens circuit 506 can be communicatively coupled to the one
more sensors 504 (e.g. using one or more wires and/or chemically).
Contact lens circuit 506 is described in greater detail with
reference to FIG. 6.
[0046] In an aspect, contact lens circuit 506 includes various
electrical and/or machine based components that facilitate
gathering information sensed by the one or more sensors 504,
analyzing the information, and/or transmitting the information to
an external reader device 510. In an aspect, the contact lens
circuit 506 includes at least a communication component (not shown)
configured to wirelessly transmit data associated with information
sensed by the one or more sensors 504. For example, such
information can include data indicating presence and/or
concentration of an analyte present within tear fluid generated by
the wearer of lens 501 and collected in the one or more cavities
502. In an aspect, the communication component can include an
antenna, such as a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to
transmit the information using a radio wave. In another aspect, the
communication component can include one or more LEDs configured to
transmit the information using light signals.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a high level illustration of example contact lens
that facilitates gathering, processing and wirelessly
communicating, sensed information related to an analyte present in
tear fluid collected in a cavity disposed within the contact lens,
accordance with aspects described herein. Repetitive description of
like elements employed in respective embodiments of contact lenses
and contact lens circuits described herein is omitted for sake of
brevity.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, contact lens 501 can include one or more
sensors 660 and one or more tear fluid collection cavities 670.
Contact lens 501 further includes contact lens circuit 602. Contact
lens circuit can include communication component 610, circuitry
620, power source 630, processor 640, and memory 650. In various
embodiments, one or more of the sensors 660, communication
component 610, circuitry 620, power source 630, processor 640, and
memory 650 can be electrically or chemically coupled to one another
to perform one or more functions of the contact lens circuit 501.
For example, one or more wires can connect the components of
contact lens circuit 602 and the one or more sensors 660.
[0049] In an embodiment, aspects of contact lens circuit 602
constitute machine-executable components embodied within
machine(s), e.g., embodied in one or more computer readable mediums
(or media) associated with one or more machines. Such components,
when executed by the one or more machines, e.g., computer(s),
computing device(s), virtual machine(s), etc. can cause the
machine(s) to perform the operations described. Contact lens
circuit can include memory 650 for storing computer executable
components and instructions. Processor 640 can facilitate operation
of the computer executable components and instructions by contact
lens circuit 602.
[0050] As discussed above, contact lens circuit can include a
communication component 610 to facilitate sending and receiving
wireless communications regarding sensing of an analyte within tear
fluid collected in the one or more tear fluid collection cavities.
For example, the communication component can include a receiver, a
transmitter, a transceiver and/or a transducer. In an aspect, the
communication component 610 includes an RF antenna that transmits
and receives data regarding sensing of an analyte within tear fluid
collected in the one or more tear fluid collection cavities.
[0051] In particular, the one or more sensors 660 are configured to
sense information indicative of presence and/or concentration of an
analyte of interest found within tear fluid collected in the one or
more tear fluid collection cavities. Communication component 610
can include a transducer that converts sensed information (e.g.
electrical signals) at the one or more sensors into a wireless
transmittable signal representative of the sensed information. For
example, where a sensor includes an electrochemical sensor, the
sensed information can include an electrical signal having a
voltage amplitude and/or time component representative of an amount
of analyte present in tear fluid as determined over a period of
time. The transducer and or a transmitter can further transmit the
wireless signal to device external to contact lens 501 for
processing thereof.
[0052] In an aspect, the communication component 610 can transmit
information related to a sensed analyte in response to a request.
According to this aspect, the communication component 610 can
include a receiver that wirelessly receives a request for
information related to a sensed analyte. The contact lens 501 can
perform sensing of analytes in collected tear fluid and store any
sensed information in memory. In response to a request, the
transmitter can transmit requested information.
[0053] In various aspects, sensed signals captured by the one or
more sensors 660 are wireles sly transmitted to an external device
for subsequent processing thereof. However, in another aspect,
contact lens circuit 602 performs on board processing of sensed
signals. Accordingly rather than transmitting signals
representative of raw data related to a sensed analyte (e.g.
voltage amplitude signals generated by the one or more sensor where
the one or more sensor are electrical sensors), processor 640 can
process the raw data signals. In particular, processor can process
signals generated by the one or more sensors to make various
determinations and inferences based on the signals. In turn,
communication component can transmit processed information relating
to the various determinations or inferences.
[0054] In an aspect, processor 640 is configured to determine
presence and/or concentration of a sensed analyte based on signals
generate by the one or more sensors. In another aspect, processor
640 can determine changes in concentration of a sensed analyte over
a period of time, such as throughout the day as the contact lens
501 is worn. Still in yet other aspect, processor 640 can determine
and/or infer various health states of the wearer of the contact
lens 501 based on a determined concentration of a sensed
analyte.
[0055] In order to processes information generated by the one or
more sensors, in an aspect, sensed signals can be stored in memory
650. Further, memory 650 can store various look-up tables and/or
algorithms relating sensed information to analyte concentration
and/or health states. For example, the look-up tables and/or
algorithms can relate voltage amplitudes and durations to an
analyte concentration, such as glucose. These algorithms and/or
look-up tables can further relate analyte concentration, such as
glucose concentration, to a health state, such as low blood sugar.
In some aspects, where the one or more sensors 660 receive a steady
flow of fresh tear fluid over the course of wear of contact lens
501 (e.g. as discussed with respect to FIG. 2A), memory 650 can
store a log of the fluctuations in a sensed analyte throughout the
course of the wear of the contact lens. According to this aspect,
for example, memory can store a log of a wearer's glucose
concentration. In turn, processor 640 can determine information
related to fluctuations in a wearer's blood sugar level throughout
the day.
[0056] In an embodiment, processor 640 can employ various
(explicitly or implicitly trained) classification schemes or
systems (e.g., support vector machines, neural networks, expert
systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, data fusion
engines, etc.) in connection with performing analysis of sensed
signals at the one or more sensors 660. A classifier can map an
input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4 . . . , xn), to a
confidence that the input belongs to a class, such as by
f(x)=confidence(class). Such classification can employ a
probabilistic or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into
the analysis utilities and costs) to prognose or infer a state of a
retina. A support vector machine (SVM) is an example of a
classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates by finding a
hyper-surface in the space of possible inputs, where the
hyper-surface attempts to split the triggering criteria from the
non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classification
correct for testing data that is near, but not identical to
training data. Other directed and undirected model classification
approaches include, e.g., naive Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision
trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic
classification models providing different patterns of independence
can be employed. Classification as used in this disclosure also is
inclusive of statistical regression that is utilized to develop
models of priority.
[0057] Contact lens circuit 501 can additionally include the
appropriate circuitry 6200 to facilitate the functions of contact
lens circuit. For example, circuitry can facilitate the transfer of
electrical responses received at the one or more sensor 660 to the
communication component 610, memory 650, and/or processor 640.
Circuitry 620 can also include signal processing hardware and
software, (e.g. amplifiers, modulators, and etc.) for processing
electrical signals received at the one or more sensor 660 for
wireless transmission thereof.
[0058] Further, contact lens circuit 602 can include a power source
630. Power source 630 can include any suitable power source that
can provide necessary power for the operation of various components
of the contact lens circuit 602. For example, the power source 630
can include but is not limited to a battery, a capacitor, a solar
power source, or a mechanically derived power source (e.g., MEMs
system).
[0059] In an aspect, contact lens circuit 602 does not require an
onboard (e.g. on the contact lens 501) power source to operate. In
one aspect, contact lens circuit 602 can receive power via wireless
energy transfer (e.g. using electromagnetic inductance techniques
and related components).
[0060] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary non-limiting
reader device 700 that interfaces with a contact lens to receive
information related to a sensed analyte in accordance with aspects
described herein. In various aspects, the reader device 500 can
include one or more of the structure and/or functionality of reader
device 510 (and vice versa).
[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, reader device 700 can include interface
component 710, analysis component 720, display component 730 and
request component 740. Aspects of device 700 constitute
machine-executable components embodied within machine(s), e.g.,
embodied in one or more computer readable mediums (or media)
associated with one or more machines. Such components, when
executed by the one or more machines, e.g., computer(s), computing
device(s), virtual machine(s), etc. can cause the machine(s) to
perform the operations described. Device 700 can include memory 760
for storing computer executable components and instructions. A
processor 750 can facilitate operation of the computer executable
components and instructions by device 700.
[0062] Interface component 710 interfaces with and receives from at
least one contact lens, data relating to a sensed analyte. In
particular, interface component 710 can interface with contact
lenses described herein that comprise a contact lens circuit such
as contact lens circuit 602 and the like. In an aspect, interface
component 610 employs a receiving component, such as an RF
receiver, transceiver, photodetector, or IR receiver, to receive
sensed and/or determined information from a contact lens comprising
a contact lens circuit as described herein. In some aspects,
interfacing component 710 can receive determined or inferred
information relating to concentration of a sensed analyte.
According to this aspect, the contact lens can include appropriate
circuitry and components to process data sensed by one or more
sensors provided on or within the contact lens.
[0063] In another aspect, the reader can receive raw data from a
contact lens relating to signals sensed at one or more sensor
disposed within the contact lens. For example, the interface
component 610 can receive signals indicating an amplitude and
duration of an electrical signal generated by the one or more
sensors. According to this embodiment, the reader 700 includes an
analysis component 720 that can analyze received raw data to
determine or infer information related to the sensed analyte.
[0064] Analysis component 720 can employ same or similar
functionality described with reference to processor 640. In
particular, analysis component 720 can determine and/or infer
concentration of a sensed analyte and/or various health states of
the wearer of the contact lens from which raw data information was
transmitted based on a determined concentration of the sensed
analyte. In order to processes information generated by the one or
more sensors, in an aspect, received signals can be stored in
memory 760. Further, memory 760 can store various look-up tables
and/or algorithms relating sensed information to analyte
concentration and/or health states.
[0065] Reader 700 can further include display component. In an
aspect, display component generates a display corresponding to
received sensor signals and/or determined or inferred analyte
concentration/health state information. For example, display
component 730 can include a display screen (e.g., a liquid crystal
display screen (LCD)), that presents information to a user. For
example, display component 730 can present a graphical display of
fluctuation in concentration of a sensed analyte over course of
wear of the contact lens. Reader 700 can further include request
component 540 configured to generate a request for sensed analyte
signals and/or determined or inferred information relating to
sensed analyte signals. According to this aspect, the interface
component 710 can include a transmitter that can transmit requests
to the contact lens. In an aspect, the transmitter is an RF
transmitter and transmits the instructions via a radio wave.
According to this aspect, the instructions can include a data
signal that can be received and interpreted by a contact lens
communication component.
[0066] FIGS. 8-9 illustrates methodologies or flow diagrams in
accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. While, for
purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown
and described as a series of acts, the disclosed subject matter is
not limited by the order of acts, as some acts can occur in
different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that
shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art
will understand and appreciate that a methodology can alternatively
be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such
as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be
required to implement a methodology in accordance with the
disclosed subject matter. Additionally, it is to be appreciated
that the methodologies disclosed in this disclosure are capable of
being stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate
transporting and transferring such methodologies to computers or
other computing devices.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 8, presented is a flow diagram of an
example application of systems and apparatuses disclosed in this
description in accordance with an embodiment. In an aspect, in
exemplary methodology 800, a contact lens such as those described
herein (e.g. 501 and the like) is employed to sense information
pertaining to an analyte concentration provided in collected tear
fluid. At 810, tear fluid is collected in a cavity disposed within
a bode of a contact lens (e.g., using tear fluid collection cavity
670). At 820, presence of the at least one analyte in the collected
tear fluid is detected via at least one sensor located within the
body of the contact lens (e.g., using sensor(s) 660).
[0068] Turning now to FIG. 9, presented is another flow diagram of
an example application of systems and apparatuses disclosed in this
description in accordance with an embodiment. In an aspect, in
exemplary methodology 900, a contact lens such as those described
herein (e.g., 501 and the like) is employed to sense information
pertaining to an analyte concentration provided in collected tear
fluid. At 910, tear fluid is collected in a cavity disposed within
a bode of a contact lens (e.g., using tear fluid collection cavity
670). At 920, a portion of the tear fluid is dispensed for the
cavity via an opening in the cavity. At 930, presence of the at
least one analyte in the collected tear fluid is detected via at
least one sensor located within the body of the contact lens and
adjacent to the opening (e.g., using sensor(s) 660). At 940, data
related to the at least one analyte is transmitted to a remote
device (e.g., using communication component 610).
Exemplary Networked and Distributed Environments
[0069] FIG. 10 provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary
networked or distributed computing environment with which one or
more aspects described in this disclosure can be associated. The
distributed computing environment includes computing objects 1010,
1012, etc. and computing objects or devices 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026,
1028, etc., which can include programs, methods, data stores,
programmable logic, etc., as represented by applications 1030,
1032, 1034, 1036, 1038. It can be appreciated that computing
objects 1010, 1012, etc. and computing objects or devices 1020,
1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, etc. can include different devices, such as
active contact lenses (and components thereof), personal digital
assistants (PDAs), audio/video devices, mobile phones, MPEG-1 Audio
Layer 3 (MP3) players, personal computers, laptops, tablets,
etc.
[0070] Each computing object 1010, 1012, etc. and computing objects
or devices 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, etc. can communicate with
one or more other computing objects 1010, 1012, etc. and computing
objects or devices 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, etc. by way of the
communications network 1040, either directly or indirectly. Even
though illustrated as a single element in FIG. 10, network 1040 can
include other computing objects and computing devices that provide
services to the system of FIG. 10, and/or can represent multiple
interconnected networks, which are not shown.
[0071] In a network environment in which the communications
network/bus 1040 can be the Internet, the computing objects 1010,
1012, etc. can be Web servers, file servers, media servers, etc.
with which the client computing objects or devices 1020, 1022,
1024, 1026, 1028, etc. communicate via any of a number of known
protocols, such as the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP).
Exemplary Computing Device
[0072] As mentioned, advantageously, the techniques described in
this disclosure can be associated with any suitable device. It is
to be understood, therefore, that handheld, portable and other
computing devices (including active contact lens having circuitry
or components that compute and/or perform various functions). As
described, in some aspects, the device can be the contact lens (or
components of the contact lens) and/or the reader described herein.
In various aspects, the data store can include or be included
within, any of the memory described herein, any of the contact
lenses described herein and/or the reader device described herein.
In various aspects, the data store can be any repository for
storing information transmitted to or received from the contact
lens.
[0073] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a suitable computing
system environment 1100 in which one or aspects of the aspects
described in this disclosure can be implemented. Components of
computer 1110 can include, but are not limited to, a processing
unit 1120, a system memory 1130, and a system bus 1122 that couples
various system components including the system memory to the
processing unit 1120.
[0074] Computer 1110 typically includes a variety of computer
readable media and can be any available media that can be accessed
by computer 1110. The system memory 1130 can include computer
storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory
such as read only memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM).
By way of example, and not limitation, memory 1130 can also include
an operating system, application programs, other program
components, and program data.
[0075] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
1110 through input devices 1140 (e.g., keyboard, keypad, a pointing
device, a mouse, stylus, touchpad, touch screen, motion detector,
camera, microphone or any other device that allows the user to
interact with the computer 1110). A monitor or other type of
display device can be also connected to the system bus 1122 via an
interface, such as output interface 1150. In addition to a monitor,
computers can also include other peripheral output devices such as
speakers and a printer, which can be connected through output
interface 1150.
[0076] The computer 1110 can operate in a networked or distributed
environment using logical connections to one or more other remote
computers, such as remote computer 1160. The remote computer 1160
can be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a
peer device or other common network node, or any other remote media
consumption or transmission device, and can include any or all of
the elements described above relative to the computer 1110. The
logical connections depicted in FIG. 11 include a network 1170,
such local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), but can
also include other networks/buses e.g., cellular networks.
[0077] Computing devices typically include a variety of media,
which can include computer-readable storage media and/or
communications media, in which these two terms are used herein
differently from one another as follows. Computer-readable storage
media can be any available storage media that can be accessed by
the computer, can be typically of a non-transitory nature, and can
include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and
non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation,
computer-readable storage media can be implemented in connection
with any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer-readable instructions, program components, structured
data, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can
include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable
programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other
memory technology, or other tangible and/or non-transitory media
which can be used to store desired information. Computer-readable
storage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote
computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data
retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect to
the information stored by the medium. In various aspects, the
computer-readable storage media can be, or be included within, the
memory, contact lens (or components thereof) or reader described
herein.
[0078] On the other hand, communications media typically embody
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program components
or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as a
modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and includes any information delivery or transport
media. The term "modulated data signal" or signals refers to a
signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed
in such a manner as to encode information in one or more
signals.
[0079] It is to be understood that the aspects described in this
disclosure can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware,
middleware, microcode, or any combination thereof. For a hardware
aspect, the processing units can be implemented within one or more
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal
processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs),
programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays
(FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers,
microprocessors and/or other electronic units designed to perform
the functions described in this disclosure, or a combination
thereof.
[0080] For a software aspect, the techniques described in this
disclosure can be implemented with components or components (e.g.,
procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions
described in this disclosure. The software codes can be stored in
memory units and executed by processors.
[0081] What has been described above includes examples of one or
more aspects. It is, of course, not possible to describe every
conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes
of describing the aforementioned aspects, but one of ordinary skill
in the art can recognize that many further combinations and
permutations of various aspects are possible. Accordingly, the
described aspects are intended to embrace all such alterations,
modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope
of the appended claims.
[0082] Moreover, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive
"or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified
otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase "X employs A or B"
is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, the phrase "X employs A or B" is satisfied by any of the
following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A
and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this
application and the appended claims should generally be construed
to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from the
context to be directed to a singular form.
[0083] The aforementioned systems have been described with respect
to interaction between several components. It can be appreciated
that such systems and components can include those components or
specified sub-components. Sub-components can also be implemented as
components communicatively coupled to other components rather than
included within parent components (hierarchical). Additionally, it
is to be noted that one or more components can be combined into a
single component providing aggregate functionality. Any components
described in this disclosure can also interact with one or more
other components not specifically described in this disclosure but
generally known by those of skill in the art.
[0084] In view of the exemplary systems described above
methodologies that can be implemented in accordance with the
described subject matter will be better appreciated with reference
to the flowcharts of the various figures. While for purposes of
simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and
described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood and
appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the
order of the blocks, as some blocks can occur in different orders
and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and
described in this disclosure. Where non-sequential, or branched,
flow is illustrated via flowchart, it can be appreciated that
various other branches, flow paths, and orders of the blocks, can
be implemented which achieve the same or a similar result.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methodologies described in this disclosure after.
[0085] In addition to the various aspects described in this
disclosure, it is to be understood that other similar aspects can
be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described
aspect(s) for performing the same or equivalent function of the
corresponding aspect(s) without deviating there from. Still
further, multiple processing chips or multiple devices can share
the performance of one or more functions described in this
disclosure, and similarly, storage can be provided across a
plurality of devices. The invention is not to be limited to any
single aspect, but rather can be construed in breadth, spirit and
scope in accordance with the appended claims.
* * * * *