U.S. patent application number 16/704516 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-11 for systems to monitor body portions for injury after impact.
The applicant listed for this patent is ELWHA LLC. Invention is credited to Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Mark A. Malamud, Tony S. Pan, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR..
Application Number | 20200178848 16/704516 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56009020 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200178848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hyde; Roderick A. ; et
al. |
June 11, 2020 |
SYSTEMS TO MONITOR BODY PORTIONS FOR INJURY AFTER IMPACT
Abstract
Systems are described for monitoring extremities for injury or
damage following a physical impact. A device embodiment includes,
but is not limited to, a deformable substrate; a sensor assembly
coupled to the deformable substrate, the sensor assembly configured
to generate one or more sense signals based on detection of a
physical impact to a body portion and based on detection of a
physiological parameter; circuitry operably coupled to the sensor
assembly and configured to receive the one or more sense signals
based on detection of the physical impact and to determine whether
the physical impact exceeds a threshold impact value, the circuitry
configured to instruct the sensor assembly to detect one or more
physiological parameters of the body portion when the physical
impact exceeds the threshold impact value; and a reporting device
operably coupled to the circuitry.
Inventors: |
Hyde; Roderick A.; (Redmond,
WA) ; Kare; Jordin T.; (San Jose, CA) ;
Leuthardt; Eric C.; (St. Louis, MO) ; Malamud; Mark
A.; (Seattle, WA) ; Pan; Tony S.; (Bellevue,
WA) ; Sweeney; Elizabeth A.; (Seattle, WA) ;
Tegreene; Clarence T.; (Mercer Island, WA) ; Whitmer;
Charles; (North Bend, WA) ; Wood, JR.; Lowell L.;
(Bellevue, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ELWHA LLC |
Bellevue |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56009020 |
Appl. No.: |
16/704516 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14549689 |
Nov 21, 2014 |
10512420 |
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16704516 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2562/0266 20130101;
A61B 2562/0257 20130101; A61B 2562/0219 20130101; A42B 3/046
20130101; A61B 5/6807 20130101; A61B 5/11 20130101; A61B 2562/164
20130101; A63B 2220/805 20130101; A61B 5/7282 20130101; A61B
2562/0247 20130101; A63B 2220/53 20130101; A61B 5/7285 20130101;
A61B 2562/04 20130101; A61B 5/4041 20130101; A61B 5/6806 20130101;
A41D 13/1281 20130101; A63B 2220/58 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/11 20060101
A61B005/11; A41D 13/12 20060101 A41D013/12 |
Claims
1.-78. (canceled)
79. A device, comprising: a deformable substrate comprising a
conformable structure configured to conform to a skin surface of a
body portion; a sensor assembly coupled to the deformable
substrate, the sensor assembly including at least one of a strain
sensor configured to generate one or more sense signals associated
with deformation of the skin surface or a motion sensor configured
to generate one or more sense signals associated with motion of the
body portion, and at least one sensor configured to generate one or
more sense signals associated with a physiological parameter of the
body portion; circuitry operably coupled to the sensor assembly and
configured to receive one or more sense signals from the sensor
assembly, the circuitry configured to compare the one or more sense
signals received from the sensor assembly to reference data stored
in memory of the device and to determine a recommended course of
action based on the comparison; and a reporting device operably
coupled to the circuitry and configured to generate one or more
communication signals based on instruction by the circuitry, the
one or more communication signals including the recommended course
of action.
80. The device of claim 79, wherein the at least one sensor
includes at least one of an oxygenation sensor, a temperature
sensor, a pressure sensor, a chemical sensor, or an optical
sensor.
81. The device of claim 79, wherein the reference data stored in
memory of the device includes reference data indicative of an
injury to the body portion.
82. The device of claim 79, wherein the circuitry is configured to
instruct the sensor assembly to detect the physiological parameter
of the body portion responsive to comparison of the one or more
sense signals received from the sensor assembly to reference data
stored in memory of the device.
83. The device of claim 79, wherein the sensor assembly includes
the strain sensor, and wherein the strain sensor includes a silicon
nanomembrane or a configuration of stacked metallic materials.
84. The device of claim 79, wherein the sensor assembly includes
the motion sensor, and wherein the motion sensor includes an
accelerometer.
85. The device of claim 79, wherein the sensor assembly includes
each of the strain sensor and the motion sensor.
86. The device of claim 85, wherein the circuitry is configured to
instruct the strain sensor to begin monitoring for deformation of
the skin surface responsive to detection of movement of the body
portion by the motion sensor.
87. The device of claim 79, wherein the deformable substrate
includes at least one of a hydrocolloid film or a gas-permeable
elastomeric sheet.
88. The device of claim 79, wherein the deformable substrate is
integrated with a textile of a garment.
89. The device of claim 79, wherein the reporting device is
configured to provide at least one of an auditory indication
pertaining to the recommended course of action, a visual indication
pertaining to the recommended course of action, or a tactile
indication pertaining to the recommended course of action.
90. The device of claim 79, wherein the reporting device includes a
transmitter configured to transmit the one or more communication
signals to an external device.
91. The device of claim 90, wherein the reporting device is
configured to report the recommended course of action to the
external device.
92. The device of claim 79, wherein the reporting device includes a
display device, and wherein the reporting device is configured to
provide a visual indication pertaining to the recommended course of
action on the display device.
93. The device of claim 92, wherein the display device is coupled
to the deformable substrate.
94. The device of claim 79, further including a power supply
coupled to the deformable substrate configured to supply power to
one or more of the sensor assembly, the circuitry, and the
reporting device.
95. The device of claim 79, further including a proximity
sensor.
96. The device of claim 95, wherein the proximity sensor is
configured to measure a change in proximity over time between at
least a portion of the device and another object or surface, and
wherein at least one of an absolute proximity, a rate of change in
proximity, or a relative change in proximity correlates to a
physical impact or an imminent impact between the body portion and
the another object or surface.
97. The device of claim 79, wherein the sensor assembly includes
the optical sensor, and wherein the reference data stored in memory
of the device includes at least one of a rubor measurement or a
discoloration measurement.
98. The device of claim 79, wherein the sensor assembly includes
the chemical sensor, wherein the chemical sensor is configured to
measure a chemical analyte of blood within the body portion and to
generate one or more sense signals responsive to detection of the
chemical analyte, the chemical analyte of blood including at least
one of a blood protein, a blood peptide, a blood cell component, a
plasma component, or a platelet component.
99. A method, comprising: detecting, via an epidermal electronic
system located on a body portion of an individual, at least one of
deformation of a skin surface of the body portion or a motion of
the body portion; detecting, via the epidermal electronic system, a
physiological parameter of the body portion; generating one or more
sense signals based on detection of the at least one of deformation
of the skin surface of the body portion or the motion of the body
portion and based on detection of the physiological parameter of
the body portion; comparing, via circuitry of the epidermal
electronic system, the one or more sense signals to reference data
stored in memory of the epidermal electronic system; determining,
via circuitry of the epidermal electronic system, a recommended
course of action based on comparing the one or more sense signals
to reference data stored in memory of the epidermal electronic
system; and generating one or more communication signals based on
instruction by circuitry of the epidermal electronic system, the
one or more communication signals including the recommended course
of action.
100. The method of claim 99, wherein detecting, via the epidermal
electronic system, a physiological parameter of the body portion
includes detecting the physiological parameter of the body portion
with at least one of an oxygenation sensor, a temperature sensor, a
pressure sensor, a chemical sensor, or an optical sensor.
101. The method of claim 99, wherein the reference data stored in
memory of the epidermal electronic system includes reference data
indicative of an injury to the body portion.
102. The method of claim 99, further including generating
instructions, via circuitry of the epidermal electronic system, to
detect physiological parameter of the body portion responsive to
comparing the one or more sense signals to reference data stored in
memory of the epidermal electronic system.
103. The method of claim 99, wherein detecting, via an epidermal
electronic system located on a body portion of an individual, at
least one of deformation of a skin surface of the body portion or a
motion of the body portion includes detecting, via the epidermal
electronic system located on the body portion of the individual,
deformation of the skin surface of the body portion and the motion
of the body portion.
104. The method of claim 103, wherein detecting, via the epidermal
electronic system located on the body portion of the individual,
deformation of the skin surface of the body portion and the motion
of the body portion includes detecting the deformation of the skin
surface of the body portion responsive to detecting the motion of
the body portion.
105. The method of claim 99, wherein generating one or more
communication signals based on instruction by circuitry of the
epidermal electronic system includes generating at least one of an
auditory indication pertaining to the recommended course of action,
a visual indication pertaining to the recommended course of action,
or a tactile indication pertaining to the recommended course of
action.
106. The method of claim 99, wherein generating one or more
communication signals based on instruction by circuitry of the
epidermal electronic system includes transmitting the one or more
communication signals to an external device.
107. The method of claim 99, further including measuring, via a
proximity sensor on the epidermal electronic system, a change in
proximity over time between at least a portion of the epidermal
electronic system and another object or surface, and wherein at
least one of an absolute proximity, a rate of change in proximity,
or a relative change in proximity correlates to a physical impact
or an imminent impact between the body portion and the another
object or surface.
108. A computer program product comprising: non-transitory
computer-readable media having encoded instructions for executing a
method for monitoring a biological body portion, the method
including: detecting, via an epidermal electronic system located on
a body portion of an individual, at least one of deformation of a
skin surface of the body portion or a motion of the body portion;
detecting, via the epidermal electronic system, a physiological
parameter of the body portion; generating one or more sense signals
based on detection of the at least one of deformation of the skin
surface of the body portion or the motion of the body portion and
based on detection of the physiological parameter of the body
portion; comparing, via circuitry of the epidermal electronic
system, the one or more sense signals to reference data stored in
memory of the epidermal electronic system; determining, via
circuitry of the epidermal electronic system, a recommended course
of action based on comparing the one or more sense signals to
reference data stored in memory of the epidermal electronic system;
and generating one or more communication signals based on
instruction by circuitry of the epidermal electronic system, the
one or more communication signals including the recommended course
of action.
Description
[0001] If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the
filing date of this application, it is incorporated by reference
herein. Any applications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn..sctn. 119, 120, 121, or 365(c), and any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of such
applications, are also incorporated by reference, including any
priority claims made in those applications and any material
incorporated by reference, to the extent such subject matter is not
inconsistent herewith.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] The present application claims the benefit of the earliest
available effective filing date(s) from the following listed
application(s) (the "Priority Applications"), if any, listed below
(e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than
provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC
.sctn. 119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the
Priority Application(s)).
Priority Applications
[0003] None.
[0004] If the listings of applications provided above are
inconsistent with the listings provided via an ADS, it is the
intent of the Applicant to claim priority to each application that
appears in the Domestic Benefit/National Stage Information section
of the ADS and to each application that appears in the Priority
Applications section of this application.
[0005] All subject matter of the Priority Applications and of any
and all applications related to the Priority Applications by
priority claims (directly or indirectly), including any priority
claims made and subject matter incorporated by reference therein as
of the filing date of the instant application, is incorporated
herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not
inconsistent herewith.
SUMMARY
[0006] In an aspect, a device includes, but is not limited to, a
deformable substrate comprising a conformable structure configured
to conform to a skin surface of a body portion; a sensor assembly
coupled to the deformable substrate, the sensor assembly configured
to generate one or more sense signals based on detection of a
physical impact to the body portion and based on detection of a
physiological parameter of the body portion; circuitry operably
coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to receive the one or
more sense signals based on detection of a physical impact to the
body portion and to determine whether the physical impact exceeds a
threshold impact value, the circuitry configured to instruct the
sensor assembly to detect one or more physiological parameters of
the body portion when the physical impact exceeds the threshold
impact value; and a reporting device operably coupled to the
circuitry and configured to generate one or more communication
signals based on instruction by the circuitry.
[0007] In an aspect, a device includes, but is not limited to, a
deformable substrate integrated with a textile configured to
interface with a body portion; a sensor assembly coupled to the
deformable substrate, the sensor assembly configured to generate
one or more sense signals based on detection of a physical impact
to the body portion and based on detection of a physiological
parameter of the body portion; circuitry operably coupled to the
sensor assembly and configured to receive the one or more sense
signals based on detection of a physical impact to the body portion
and to determine whether the physical impact exceeds a threshold
impact value, the circuitry configured to instruct the sensor
assembly to detect one or more physiological parameters of the body
portion when the physical impact exceeds the threshold impact
value; and a reporting device operably coupled to the circuitry and
configured to generate one or more communication signals based on
instruction by the circuitry.
[0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a device for monitoring body
portions for injury after a physical impact.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic of an embodiment of a device such as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic of an embodiment of a device such as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of a device such as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic of an embodiment of a device such as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic of an embodiment of a device such as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic of an embodiment of a device such as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic of a device for monitoring body
portions for injury after a physical impact.
[0017] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a device
such as shown in FIG. 8.
[0018] FIG. 10A is a diagrammatic isometric view of an embodiment
of a device such as shown in FIG. 8.
[0019] FIG. 10B is a diagrammatic side view of an embodiment of a
device such as shown in FIG. 8.
[0020] FIG. 10C is a diagrammatic side view of an embodiment of a
device such as shown in FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of monitoring body
portions for injury after a physical impact.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here.
[0023] Systems are described for monitoring body portions for
injury, such as tissue and nerve damage, after a physical impact
occurs to the body portion. Individuals afflicted with neuropathy
(e.g., peripheral neuropathy) may have reduced capabilities to
detect when a body portion comes in contact with another object or
a surface due to an impairment of sensation, movement, or other
normal body functions. Neuropathy can result from a disease, such
as diabetes or immune system diseases, from interactions with
various medications or medical treatments (such as chemotherapy),
from inherited characteristics, from vitamin deficiency, from
traumatic injury, from excessive alcohol usage, from infections
(e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)), or other conditions and
sources (see e.g., Torpy, Peripheral Neuropathy, JAMA, Vol. 303
(15), 1556 (April 2010), which is incorporated herein by
reference). In an embodiment, the systems and devices described
herein may be used to monitor for tissue damage after assessing
whether a physical impact has occurred that exceeds a threshold
impact value indicative of an impact to a body portion that may
cause damage to the body portion. Once a physical impact is
determined to exceed the threshold impact value, the device enables
a physiological sensor to monitor one or more physiological
conditions to determine whether an injury has occurred. The device
can then report information associated with the physical impact to
the body portion, the physiological condition of the body portion,
a recommended course of action associated with treatment of the
body portion, and so forth.
[0024] In embodiments, the systems and devices described herein
employ a sensor assembly to monitor for a physical impact to a body
portion and to generate one or more sense signals in response
thereto. The sensors can include, but are not limited to, a
pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a strain sensor, and a motion
sensor (e.g., an accelerometer). The systems described herein can
include circuitry configured to receive the one or more sense
signals from the sensor assembly associated with a physical impact
to the body portion. The circuitry can be configured to determine
whether the physical impact exceeds a threshold impact value and to
instruct the sensor assembly to begin monitoring one or more
physiological conditions of the body portion. For instance, in
embodiments, the systems described herein employ a sensor assembly
to monitor one or more physiological conditions of a subject
following a physical impact and to generate one or more sense
signals in response thereto. The sensors can include, but are not
limited to, an oxygenation sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure
sensor, a chemical sensor, and an optical sensor.
[0025] In embodiments, the systems and devices described herein
employ a reporting device configured to generate one or more
communication signals based on instruction by the circuitry. The
reporting device can convey various communications, including but
not limited to, information associated with the physical impact to
the body portion, information associated with the physiological
condition of the body portion, information associated with a
recommended course of action pertaining to treatment of the body
portion, and so forth. In embodiments, the reporting device is
configured to provide one or more of an auditory indication of the
information, a visual indication of the information, and a tactile
indication of the information.
[0026] In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, a system (or device) 100
is configured to monitor a body portion for injury following a
physical impact, or after occurrence of one or more predetermined
events, such as after an extremity with peripheral neuropathy has
begun to move. The system 100 includes a substrate 102, a sensor
assembly 104, circuitry 106, and a reporting device 108. In
embodiments, the system 100 includes one or more epidermal
electronic systems (EES) to monitor physiological, positional, and
movement conditions for determining one or more of a physical
impact to the body portion, a motion of the body portion, and a
physiological condition of the body portion. EES describe classes
of electronic systems that provide thicknesses, effective elastic
moduli, and flexibility suitable for conforming to and interfacing
with a skin surface (see, e.g., Kim et al., Epidermal Electronics,
Science, Vol. 333, 838-843 (2011) and Yeo et al., Multifunctional
Epidermal Electronics Printed Directly Onto the Skin, Advanced
Materials Vol. 25(20), 2773-2778 (2013), which are incorporated
herein by reference) and can incorporate sensors (e.g.,
physiological, temperature, strain) and associated circuity (e.g.,
transistors, diodes, photodetectors, radio frequency components,
capacitors, oscillators).
[0027] The substrate 102 is a deformable (e.g., flexible,
stretchable) substrate configured to interface with, and conform
to, a skin surface of a subject. The deformable and conformable
nature of the substrate 102 facilitates interaction/interfacing
with the skin surface, a generally low-modulus and deformable
natural surface. For example, the substrate 102 can include one or
more of an elastomeric polymer, a hydrocolloid film, a nanomembrane
(e.g., silicon nanomembrane), or other deformable material. In
embodiments, the substrate 102 can include one or more coating. The
substrate 102 can be positioned in proximity with the skin surface
according to various mechanisms including, but not limited to,
affixed to the skin via an adhesive material, held in place by an
external pressure, such as pressure provided by a material wrapped
around the body portion (e.g., a fabric, a garment, etc.), and so
forth. In embodiments, the substrate is integrated with a textile,
described further herein with respect to FIGS. 8-10C. In
embodiments, the substrate 102 is configured to reversibly deform
to coordinate with a deformation of the skin surface of the body
portion upon which the substrate 102 is mounted. For example, the
substrate 102 can conform to the skin surface during a deformation
of the skin surface, during a rest state of the skin surface, and
so forth. In an embodiment, the substrate 102 includes a
gas-permeable elastomeric sheet on which electronic components of
an EES reside (see, e.g., Kim et al., incorporated herein by
reference) configured to interface with a skin surface. In an
embodiment, the substrate 102 includes a microfluidic enclosure
defined by opposing structured elastomeric substrates between which
electronic components of an EES reside (see e.g., Xu et al, Soft
Microfluidic Assemblies of Sensors, Circuits, and Radios for the
Skin, Science, Vol. 344, 70-74 (2014), which is incorporated herein
by reference).
[0028] The substrate 102 can also be configured for interaction
with a skin surface of a particular body portion. In example
embodiments, the body portion includes one or more of a finger, a
hand, a wrist, a toe, a foot, an ankle, an arm, an elbow, a leg, a
knee, a shoulder, a hip, a spinal portion (e.g., a region proximate
to one or more of a cervical spine, a thoracic spine, a lumbar
spine, a sacral spine, and a coccygeal spine), a rib portion (e.g.,
a region proximate to a rib, such as where the rib attaches the
spine), a torso, a neck, and a head region (e.g., face, scalp). For
example, the substrate 102 can conform to or be formed as a tubular
structure to facilitate interaction with a finger or toe, such as
being wrapped around at least a portion of the finger or toe (see,
e.g., Ying et al., Silicon nanomembranes for fingertip electronics,
Nanotechnology, Vol. 23, No. 34, 1-7 (2012), which is incorporated
herein by reference; Kim et al., ibid.; Yeo et al., ibid.). In an
embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the system 100 is positioned on a foot
200 of the subject for monitoring the foot 200 or other body
portion in proximity to the foot 200 for injury (e.g., tissue
damage, nerve damage, and so forth) following a physical impact to
the foot 200. FIG. 2 also shows the system 100 wrapped around an
individual toe 202 of the foot 200, where the system 100 can
monitor the toe 202, such as one with diabetic neuropathy. In an
implementation, the system 100 is associated with a patient
afflicted with neuropathy, due to diabetes or other cause, where
one or more devices 100 are configured to conform around each of
one or more toes of the patient to monitor for physical impact to
each respective toe and injuries associated with the impact.
[0029] In embodiments, the system 100 is configured to be
disposable, such that the individual on which the system 100 is
positioned (or other individual, such as a healthcare worker caring
for the individual) can remove the system 100 for disposal and
introduce a new system 100 for positioning on the body portion. In
embodiments, the system 100 is reusable, such that after removing
the system 100 from interaction with the body portion, the system
100 can be replaced on the same or different body portion for usage
to monitor the body portion for physical impact and for injury
following a physical impact.
[0030] The physical impact to the body portion can include an
object falling on the foot, an interaction between the foot and an
environmental surface (e.g., an impact between the foot and a floor
surface or foreign object on a floor surface), and other
impact-based interactions. Where an individual is affected by
neuropathic condition, such as peripheral neuropathy, the
individual may not recognize or feel that an impact has occurred to
a particular body portion. The system 100 can be configured to
monitor the body portion and report information to one or more of
the individual, a healthcare professional, and a healthcare
network, where the information can be one or more of information
associated with physical impact to the body portion, information
associated with a physiological condition of the body portion, and
other information pertaining to the body portion.
[0031] In embodiments, the sensor assembly 104 is configured to
sense one or more conditions of the body portion to monitor for a
physical impact to the body portion and to generate one or more
sense signals in response thereto. The circuitry 106 (e.g.,
electric circuitry) is configured to receive the sense signals from
the sensor assembly 104 for processing, such as to determine
whether the sense signals are indicative of a physical impact, such
as, for example, a physical impact of sufficient force to cause
trauma to the body portion or a proximate body region. In
embodiments, referring to FIG. 3, the sensor assembly 104 includes
one or more of a pressure sensor 300, a proximity sensor 302, a
strain sensor 304, and a motion sensor 306.
[0032] The pressure sensor 300 can be configured to measure a
pressure imparted to a surface of the system 100, which can
correlate to a pressure received by the body portion, such as for
determinations regarding whether a physical impact exceeds a
threshold impact value. In embodiments, the circuitry 106 is
configured to instruct the sensor assembly 106 to detect one or
more physiological parameters of the body portion based upon the
one or more sense signals generated by the pressure sensor 300.
[0033] The proximity sensor 302 can include one or more of an
infrared sensor and an optical sensor, each of which are configured
to measure proximity (or a change in proximity over time) from the
system 100 to another object or surface. For example, the proximity
sensor 302 can measure a change in proximity over time between the
system 100 (and corresponding body portion to which the system 100
is mounted) and the object or surface, where the absolute
proximity, rate of change in proximity, relative change in
proximity can be utilized to correlate to information related to a
physical impact or an imminent impact between the body portion and
the object or surface. In embodiments, the circuitry 106 is
configured to instruct the sensor assembly 106 to detect one or
more physiological parameters of the body portion based upon the
one or more sense signals generated by the proximity sensor
302.
[0034] The strain sensor 304 can be configured to measure a strain
or deformation of at least a portion of the system 100 or of the
body portion to which the system 100 is mounted for determining
whether the body portion has experienced a physical impact,
particularly one which might cause traumatic injury to the body
portion. For example, the strain sensor 304 may be a silicon
nanomembrane-based sensor positioned over the skin surface to
measure a strain-based physiological parameter (see, e.g., Son et
al., Multifunctional wearable devices for diagnosis and therapy of
movement disorders, Nature Nanotechnology, Vol. 9, 397-404 (2014),
which is hereby incorporated by reference; Kim et al., ibid.; Yeo
et al., ibid.). The strain sensor 304 can include stacked metallic
materials to measure a strain, such as a titanium/gold stack (see,
e.g., Salvatore et al., Wafer-scale design of lightweight and
transparent electronics that wraps around hairs, Nature
Communications, 5:2982 doi: 10.1038/ncomms3982 (2014)). In
embodiments, the strain sensor 304 monitors the body portion for
movement. For example, the strain sensor can measure a strain
caused by deformation of the skin surface of the body portion to
provide an indication of a movement of the body portion. In
embodiments, the strain sensor 304 monitors deformation of the skin
surface of the body portion during one or more of an impact to the
body portion and swelling of the body portion. In embodiments, the
circuitry 106 is configured to instruct the sensor assembly 106 to
detect one or more physiological parameters of the body portion
based upon the one or more sense signals generated by the strain
sensor 304.
[0035] The motion sensor 306 is configured to detect one or more of
a movement of the body portion and a position of the body portion.
In embodiments, detection of the motion of the body portion is
utilized as a trigger of when to begin monitoring for a physical
impact to the body portion. The body portion can be the portion
with which the system 100 interfaces or can be a portion proximate
the portion with which the system 100 interfaces. In embodiments,
the motion sensor 306 measures a speed of a movement, or relative
change in speed of a movement of a body portion. For example, the
system 100 can be positioned on an ankle of a subject and the
motion sensor 306 measures the speed of movement of the ankle, such
as one or more of a speed of movement during a flexing of the ankle
during a walking motion, a speed of movement relative to a ground
surface during a walking motion, or other movement. In embodiments,
the motion sensor 306 includes an accelerometer 308 configured to
measure one or more of motion of the body portion, vibration of the
body portion, orientation of the body portion, and so forth. Such
speed-based and acceleration-based measurements can be utilized as
a reference measurement in determinations of when or whether a
physical impact has occurred to the body portion. In embodiments,
the accelerometer 308, either alone or in combination with a
pressure or proximity sensor, is utilized to determine one or more
conditions of a physical impact, including, but not limited to, a
force of an impact and whether an impact has occurred. In
embodiments, the motion sensor 306 is configured to measure the
disposition of the body portion over a period of time. For example,
the motion sensor 306 may measure a disposition of the body portion
over time while the body portion is one or more of at rest, while
in motion, and while held in a position that is not a rest position
(e.g., tensed). In embodiments, the circuitry 106 is configured to
instruct the sensor assembly 106 to detect one or more
physiological parameters of the body portion based upon the one or
more sense signals generated by the motion sensor 306.
[0036] The sensor assembly 104 is configured to sense one or more
physiological conditions of the body portion. In embodiments, the
sensor assembly 104 begins to monitor one or more physiological
conditions of the body portion after it has been determined (by the
system 100, at a remote location, by a remote device, etc.) that a
physical impact has occurred to the body portion. Such monitoring
can provide insight as to whether the body portion, or a portion
proximate the body portion, has sustained an injury from the
physical impact. In embodiments, referring to FIG. 4, the sensor
assembly 104 includes one or more of an oxygenation sensor 400, a
temperature sensor 402, a pressure sensor 404, a chemical sensor
406, and an optical sensor 408. The sensor assembly 104 is
configured to generate one or more sense signals responsive to
monitoring for the one or more physiological conditions of the body
portion. In embodiments, the circuitry 106 is configured to receive
the one or more sense signals from the sensor assembly 104.
[0037] The oxygenation sensor 400 is configured to measure an
oxygen analyte within the body portion, such as by measuring an
oxygen concentration within a tissue, bloodstream, or other area of
the body portion, which can be utilized to determine whether the
body portion has sustained a traumatic injury. In embodiments, the
oxygenation sensor 400 includes a pulse oximeter for a noninvasive
measurement of oxygen concentration. The oxygenation sensor 400 is
configured to generate one or more sense signals responsive to
detection of an oxygen analyte, where the one or more sense signals
are generally available for processing by the circuitry 106, or for
reporting via the reporting device 108.
[0038] The temperature sensor 402 is configured to measure a
localized or systemic temperature of the body portion, which can be
utilized to determine whether the body portion has sustained a
traumatic injury. For example, the temperature sensor can include,
but is not limited to, a single point temperature sensor, a spatial
imaging temperature sensor, and a microscale temperature sensor
configured as a microscale heating element or actuator, such as one
or more microscale temperature sensors incorporating thin
serpentine features of thin metal or PIN diodes with nanoscale
membranes (see, e.g., Webb et al., Ultrathin conformal devices for
precise and continuous thermal characterization of human skin,
Nature Materials, Vol. 12, 938-944 (2013), which is incorporated
herein by reference). The temperature sensor 402 is configured to
generate one or more sense signals responsive to detection of a
temperature of the body portion, where the one or more sense
signals are generally available for processing by the circuitry
106, or for reporting via the reporting device 108.
[0039] The pressure sensor 404 is configured to measure a pressure
applied proximate to the system 100 located on the body portion,
which can be utilized to determine whether the body portion has
sustained a traumatic injury. For example, the pressure sensor 404
can be configured to measure a pressure imparted to a surface of
the system 100, which can correlate to a pressure received by the
body portion. The pressure measurements by the pressure sensor
provide an indication regarding whether the body portion has
sustained a physical injury or is likely to sustain a physical
injury. The pressure sensor 404 is configured to generate one or
more sense signals responsive to detection of a pressure applied to
the body portion, where the one or more sense signals are generally
available for processing by the circuitry 106, or for reporting via
the reporting device 108. In embodiments, the pressure sensor 404
is configured to measure swelling of the body portion, such as, for
example, swelling of a toe about which the system 100 is wrapped,
distention of the skin against the pressure sensor 404, and so
forth.
[0040] The chemical sensor 406 is configured to measure a chemical
analyte within the body portion, such as by measuring an analyte
concentration within a tissue, bloodstream, or other area of the
body portion, which can be utilized to determine whether the body
portion has sustained a traumatic injury. In embodiments, the
chemical sensor 400 is configured to identify a component of blood,
such as by measuring the presence of hemoglobin or other protein or
related peptide, or cell component, by measuring a component of
plasma, or by measuring a component of platelets. By measuring a
component of blood, the chemical sensor 406 can be utilized to
determine whether blood or other inflammatory fluid, or a component
thereof, is present in the body portion outside of a blood vessel
(artery, vein, capillary, etc.), or in an amount that is higher
than normal in a specific area, which can indicate a traumatic
injury to the body portion. The chemical sensor 406 is configured
to generate one or more sense signals responsive to detection of a
chemical analyte, where the one or more sense signals are generally
available for processing by the circuitry 106, or for reporting via
the reporting device 108.
[0041] The optical sensor 408 is configured to measure an optical
property of the body portion, which can be utilized to determine
whether the body portion has sustained a traumatic injury. In
embodiments, the optical sensor 408 is configured to monitor the
body portion for signs of discoloration (e.g., a deviation from a
normal coloration of the body portion), which can provide an
indication of rubor (such as that associated with inflammation or
bruising), internal bleeding, or other condition indicative of a
traumatic injury to the body portion. For example, the optical
sensor can include, but is not limited to, a light-emitting diode,
an LED coordinated with a photosensor, an imaging device, such as a
camera, and so forth. The optical sensor 406 is configured to
generate one or more sense signals responsive to detection of an
optical property of the body portion, where the one or more sense
signals are generally available for processing by the circuitry
106, or for reporting via the reporting device 108.
[0042] The circuitry 106 is configured to receive one or more sense
signals from the sensor assembly 104 and to process the sense
signals in order to provide control signals to portions of the
system 100, such as to the reporting device 108. In embodiments,
the circuitry 106 is a resident component that is coupled to the
substrate 102. In embodiments, functionalities of the circuitry 106
can be performed remotely from the substrate 102, where the
circuitry 106 can send and receive signals between a remote
location (e.g., an external device) and the system 100 via
associated wireless communication methods including, but not
limited to acoustic communication signals, optical communication
signals, radio communication signals, infrared communication
signals, ultrasonic communication signals, and the like. The
circuitry 106 can include a microprocessor, a central processing
unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field
programmable gate entry (FPGA), or the like, or any combinations
thereof, and can include discrete digital or analog circuit
elements or electronics, or combinations thereof. In one
embodiment, the computing device includes one or more ASICs having
a plurality of predefined logic components. In one embodiment, the
computing device includes one or more FPGAs having a plurality of
programmable logic commands.
[0043] In embodiments, the circuitry 106 is operably coupled to the
sensor assembly 104 and can receive one or more sense signals
generated by the sensor assembly 104 for processing of the data
associated therewith. The one or more sense signals from the sensor
assembly can relate to detection of a physical impact to the body
portion or to detection of physiological parameters of the body
portion. In embodiments, the circuitry 106 is configured to receive
one or more sense signals based on detection of a physical impact
to the body portion from the sensor assembly 104 and to determine
whether the physical impact exceeds a threshold impact value. For
example, the threshold impact value can represent a force applied
to a body portion at which the body portion has a statistical
likelihood that a traumatic injury would occur to the body portion.
In embodiments, the circuitry is configured to instruct the sensor
assembly 104 to detect one or more physiological parameters of the
body portion when it is determined that the physical impact to the
body portion exceeds the threshold impact value.
[0044] The reporting device 108 is configured to generate one or
more communication signals to report information associated with
operation of the system 100. In embodiments, the reporting device
108 is configured to generate one or more communication signals
based on instruction by the circuitry 106. The information from the
reporting device 108 may be provided one or more of visually (e.g.,
via transmission or display of visual information), audibly (e.g.,
via transmission or display of auditory information), and as data
(e.g., via transmission or display of one or more data signals
associated with the information to convey). The reporting device
108 may function in combination with the circuitry 106 to provide
visual, auditory, or tactile information associated with detection
of a physical impact to the body portion or with a physiological
condition of the body portion (e.g., following a physical impact,
such as an impact that exceeds a threshold impact value). In
embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 5, the reporting device 108
includes a display 500 configured to report, communicate, or
otherwise provide information to a user of the system 100. The
display 500 may include, but is not limited to, a graphical user
interface (GUI), a touchscreen assembly (e.g., a capacitive touch
screen), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode
(LED) display, and a projection-based display. In embodiments, the
reporting device 108 includes a transmitter 502 configured to
transmit information from the system 100 to an external device 504
(e.g., a remote entity, a remote device, a remote server, a remote
network, and so forth). In embodiments, the external device 504
includes a communication device, such as one or more of a mobile
communication device and a computer system including, but not
limited to, mobile computing devices (e.g., hand-held portable
computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), laptop computers,
netbook computers, tablet computers, and so forth), mobile
telephone devices (e.g., cellular telephones and smartphones),
devices that include functionalities associated with smartphones
and tablet computers (e.g., phablets), portable game devices,
portable media players, multimedia devices, satellite navigation
devices (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation devices),
e-book reader devices (eReaders), Smart Television (TV) devices,
surface computing devices (e.g., table top computers), Personal
Computer (PC) devices, and other devices that employ touch-based
human interfaces. The reporting device 108 can communicate (e.g.,
send and receive communication signals) with the external device
504 via one or more connected and wireless communication mechanisms
(FIG. 5 displays a wireless communication mechanism 506) including,
but not limited to acoustic communication signals, optical
communication signals, radio communication signals, infrared
communication signals, ultrasonic communication signals, and the
like.
[0045] In embodiments, the external device 504 includes a computer
system 508 configured to store and execute one or more
computer-executable programs, whereby the reporter can interact
with (e.g., remotely access, execute, and so forth) and modify the
programs stored on or accessible by the computer system 508. For
example, the circuitry 106 can direct the reporting device 108 to
communicate with the computer system 508, such as to transmit to
the computer system 508 one or more of data associated with
detection of a physical impact, data associated with a
determination that a physical impact has occurred, data associated
with a comparison between data associated with detection of a
physical impact and data associated with a threshold impact value,
data associated with a physiological condition of the body portion,
data associated with a physiological condition determined to relate
to a traumatic injury to the body portion, data associated with a
recommendation of a course of action following a determination of a
physical impact, or other information associated with operation of
the system 100. In embodiments, the external device 504 receives
one or more communication signals from the reporting device 108 in
order to process the data stored therein. For example, the external
device 504 can process one or more of data associated with
detection of a physical impact, data associated with a
determination that a physical impact has occurred, data associated
with a comparison between data associated with detection of a
physical impact and data associated with a threshold impact value,
data associated with a physiological condition of the body portion,
data associated with a physiological condition determined to relate
to a traumatic injury to the body portion, data associated with a
recommendation of a course of action following a determination of a
physical impact, or other information associated with operation of
the system 100. In embodiments, the external device 504 is
configured to process the data, to determine a recommended course
of action based on the data, and to relay the recommended course of
action to the reporting device 108. In embodiments, the recommended
course of action includes a recommendation for medical treatment,
such as when the data associated with the one or more physiological
conditions provide an indication that the body portion has
sustained a traumatic injury. The recommended course of action can
also include a recommendation for continued monitoring of the body
portion, such as to determine whether additional physical impacts
occur, to determine whether the physiological conditions change
over time (indicating an improvement in condition or indicating a
deterioration in condition), and so forth. Other recommendations
include, but are not limited to, a recommendation to cease
monitoring of the body portion, a recommendation to begin
monitoring the body portion, and a recommendation for performing a
triage activity (e.g., applying a bandage, applying a tourniquet,
applying heat, applying cold, applying pressure, elevating an
appendage and so forth).
[0046] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the system 100 includes
a power supply 600 configured to provide power to one or more
components of the system 100 including, but not limited to, the
sensor assembly 104, the circuitry 106, and the reporting device
108. In embodiments, the power supply 600 is a resident device
component that is coupled to the substrate 102. Examples of
resident device components include, but are not limited to,
batteries (e.g., a thin film battery, a microbattery) and solar
cells (e.g., silicon-based solar cells) configured to convert light
energy into electrical energy for use by the components of the
system 100. In embodiments, the power supply 600 includes one or
more components positioned remotely from the substrate 102 that
transmit power signals via associated wireless power methods
including, but not limited to, inductive coupling of power signals.
In such embodiments, the system 100 includes one or more components
positioned on the substrate 102 configured to one or more of
receive, process, and/or distribute the power signals that
originate from components positioned remotely from the substrate
102. For example, the system 100 can include a wireless power coil
coupled to the substrate 102 that is configured to receive a remote
power signal, such as a remote power signal originating from a
remote transmission coil (see, e.g., Kim et al., incorporated
herein by reference).
[0047] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the system 100 includes
a comparison module 700 accessible by the circuitry 106 to compare
one or more of data associated with a physical impact to the body
portion detected by the sensor assembly 104 and data associated
with a physiological condition of the body portion detected by the
sensor assembly 104 to reference data indicative of a physical
impact (e.g., a threshold impact value) and reference data
indicative of an injury (e.g., a traumatic injury). In embodiments,
the circuitry 106 accesses the comparison module 700 by accessing a
computer memory 702, which can include, but is not limited to,
random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically
erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or
other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), or
other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,
magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium which can be used to store the desired information
maintained by the comparison module 700 and which can be accessed
by the circuitry 106 or other associated accessing device. The
reference data may be stored by the computer memory 702 of the
system 100, can be accessible by the circuitry 106 via wireless
means, or can be available to the circuitry 106 through another
method, such as through a remote network, a cloud network, and so
forth. The reference data may include physiological and
biomechanical information pertaining to traumatic injuries and can
include, but is not limited to, data associated with an oxygenation
measurement or range of measurements indicative of a traumatic
injury, a temperature measurement or range of measurements
indicative of a traumatic injury, a pressure measurement or range
of measurements indicative of a traumatic injury, a chemical
analyte (e.g., a component of blood) measurement or range of
measurements indicative of a traumatic injury, and an optical
property (e.g., rubor) measurement or range of measurements
indicative of a traumatic injury. By implementing the protocols of
the comparison module 700, the circuitry 106 may compare the data
obtained by the sensor assembly 104 pertaining to detection of a
physical impact to the body portion to reference data indicative of
a physical impact that exceeds a threshold impact value, where the
threshold impact value is a value at which a statistical likelihood
of injury or a risk of injury to the body portion has occurred or
will occur. By implementing the protocols of the comparison module
700, the circuitry 106 may compare the data obtained by the sensor
assembly 104 pertaining to physiological conditions of the body
portion to reference data indicative of an injury to determine a
statistical likelihood of injury or a risk of injury to the body
portion has occurred or will occur, and to determine a recommended
course of action based on the injury. The recommended course of
action can include, but is not limited to, a recommendation to seek
medical treatment, a recommendation for continued monitoring of the
body portion, a recommendation to cease monitoring of the body
portion, a recommendation to begin monitoring the body portion, and
a recommendation for performing a triage activity (e.g., applying a
bandage, applying a tourniquet, applying heat, applying cold,
applying pressure, elevating an appendage, and so forth). In
embodiments, the circuitry 106 further determines an action to be
executed by the reporting device 108 based upon the comparison made
between the data received from the sensor assembly 104 and the
reference data. For example, where the circuitry 106 determines
that the body portion is at a relatively high risk for incurring an
injury, the circuitry 106 may control the reporting device 108 to
take a first action (e.g., report a recommendation to seek
immediate medical attention), whereas if the circuitry 106
determines that the body portion is at a lower risk for incurring
an injury, the circuitry 106 may control the reporting device 108
to take a second action (e.g., provide a visible, audible, or
tactile warning to the subject for continued monitoring).
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates a device 800 for monitoring body portions
for injury after a physical impact in accordance with example
embodiments. The device 800 incorporates the system 100 integrated
with a textile 802 to provide a supportive structure to interface
with the body portion to monitor. For example, in embodiments the
deformable substrate 102 is integrated with the textile 802, such
that the textile 802 (including threading, weave patterns, and so
forth) is configured to support the substrate 102 and corresponding
components mounted thereto against the body portion when the
textile 802 is positioned proximate to (e.g., wrapped around or
about) the body portion. For example, in an embodiment, shown in
FIG. 9, the textile 802 includes an inner surface 900 and an outer
surface 902, wherein at least a portion of the deformable substrate
is positioned between the inner surface 900 and the outer surface
902. The inner surface 900 can be configured to be adjacent the
body portion when the textile 802 is positioned proximate to the
body portion. In an embodiment, the inner surface 900 can define an
aperture 904 through which the system 100 can have access to the
body portion (e.g., for sensor assembly 104 measurements) when the
textile 802 is positioned proximate to the body portion. In
embodiments, the deformable substrate can be attached or mounted to
the inner surface 900 or to the outer surface 902. The deformable
substrate 102 can be attached via an adhesive material, via one or
more threads of the textile 802, or other binding technique. In
embodiments, the deformable substrate 102 is integral to a weave of
the textile 802, whereby one or more fiber or thread of the textile
can secure the substrate to or within the textile 802. For example,
as shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C, the deformable substrate 102 can
be integral to a weave of the textile 802 or bound to the textile
802 via interaction between one or more threads 1000 of the textile
802 with one or more corresponding apertures 1002 formed in the
substrate 102 (shown in FIG. 10A), via interaction between one or
more threads 1000 of the textile 802 with one or more corresponding
channels or grooves 1002 formed by the substrate 102 (shown in FIG.
10B), via interaction between one or more threads 1000 of the
textile 802 with one or more surfaces (e.g., top surface 1006, side
surface 1008, and so forth) of the substrate 102 (shown in FIG.
10C), or via a combination of integrations. In embodiments, the
textile 802 includes one or more electronic threads that
incorporates one or more conductive materials (e.g., metallic,
semi-conductive) to facilitate transfer of electric transmissions
throughout at least a portion of the textile 802. The electronic
threads can be integrated within a weave pattern of the textile
802, such that fabric threads are woven with electronic threads to
form the textile 802.
[0049] In embodiments, the textile 802 is structured to conform to
the body portion on which the device 800 is to be worn. For
example, the textile 802 can be structured at least in part as a
sleeve configured to interface with the body portion, such as an
arm, wrist, elbow, leg, ankle, or knee. The textile 802 can be
structured at least in part as a glove configured to interface with
the body portion, such as a hand or a portion of a hand. The
textile 802 can be structured at least in part as a sock configured
to interface with the body portion, such as a foot or a portion of
a foot. For example, the sock structure can be configured to
conform to a portion of the foot, such as through a structure
configured as a slipper-sock, a footie, a half-sock, and so forth.
The textile 802 can be structured at least in part as a finger cot
configured to interface with the body portion, such as a finger.
The textile 802 can be structured at least in part as a finger
warmer or finger protector, or toe warmer or to protector,
configured to interface with the body portion, such as a finger or
toe.
[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100 for monitoring body
portions for injury after a physical impact in accordance with
example embodiments. Method 1100 shows detecting one or more
conditions relating to a physical impact on a body portion in block
1102. For example, the sensor assembly 104 can detect whether a
physical impact has occurred with respect to a body portion, such
as a body portion on which the system 100 is positioned. Method
1100 also includes determining whether the physical impact is
likely to have produced an injury to the body portion in block
1104. For example, the circuitry 106 can receive one or more sense
signals from the sensor assembly 104 relating to the detection of
the physical impact and compare the sense signals to reference
data, such as a threshold impact value, to determine whether the
physical impact is likely to have produced an injury to the body
portion. Method 1100 also includes detecting one or more
physiological conditions of the body portion upon determination
that the physical impact is likely to have produced an injury to
the body portion in block 1106. Method 1100 further includes
reporting information associated with one or more of the physical
impact to the body portion and the physiological conditions of the
body portion in block 1108. For example, the reporting device 108
can report (e.g., display, transmit) the reporting information
associated with one or more of the physical impact to the body
portion and the physiological conditions of the body portion.
[0051] The state of the art has progressed to the point where there
is little distinction left between hardware, software, and/or
firmware implementations of aspects of systems; the use of
hardware, software, and/or firmware is generally (but not always,
in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware and
software can become significant) a design choice representing cost
vs. efficiency tradeoffs. There are various vehicles by which
processes and/or systems and/or other technologies described herein
can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and
that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the
processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed.
For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy
are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or
firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the
implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet
again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination
of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several
possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devices and/or
other technologies described herein can be effected, none of which
is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be
utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the
vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed,
flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which
may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical
aspects of implementations will typically employ optically-oriented
hardware, software, and or firmware.
[0052] In some implementations described herein, logic and similar
implementations can include software or other control structures.
Electronic circuitry, for example, may have one or more paths of
electrical current constructed and arranged to implement various
functions as described herein. In some implementations, one or more
media can be configured to bear a device-delectable implementation
when such media hold or transmit a device detectable instructions
operable to perform as described herein. In some variants, for
example, implementations can include an update or modification of
existing software or firmware, or of gate arrays or programmable
hardware, such as by performing a reception of or a transmission of
one or more instructions in relation to one or more operations
described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants,
an implementation can include special-purpose hardware, software,
firmware components, and/or general-purpose components executing or
otherwise invoking special-purpose components. Specifications or
other implementations can be transmitted by one or more instances
of tangible transmission media as described herein, optionally by
packet transmission or otherwise by passing through distributed
media at various times.
[0053] Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include
executing a special-purpose instruction sequence or otherwise
invoking circuitry for enabling, triggering, coordinating,
requesting, or otherwise causing one or more occurrences of any
functional operations described above. In some variants,
operational or other logical descriptions herein may be expressed
directly as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as an
executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example, C++
or other code sequences can be compiled directly or otherwise
implemented in high-level descriptor languages (e.g., a
logic-synthesizable language, a hardware description language, a
hardware design simulation, and/or other such similar mode(s) of
expression). Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the
logical expression may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware
description or other circuitry model before physical implementation
in hardware, especially for basic operations or timing-critical
applications. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to
obtain, configure, and optimize suitable transmission or
computational elements, material supplies, actuators, or other
common structures in light of these teachings.
[0054] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various
embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block
diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block
diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions
and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art
that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams,
flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or
collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or
virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, several
portions of the subject matter described herein can be implemented
via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field
Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs),
or other integrated formats. However, some aspects of the
embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be
equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more
computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or
more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or
more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or
more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware,
or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the
circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware
would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light
of this disclosure. In addition, the mechanisms of the subject
matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a
program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative
embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies
regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to
actually carry out the distribution.
[0055] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the various embodiments described herein can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by various types of
electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of electrical
components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually
any combination thereof and a wide range of components that may
impart mechanical force or motion such as rigid bodies, spring or
torsional bodies, hydraulics, electro-magnetically actuated
devices, and/or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, as
used herein "electro-mechanical system" includes, but is not
limited to, electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer
(e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a Micro
Electro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.), electrical circuitry
having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical
circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical
circuitry having at least one application specific integrated
circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing
device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose
computer configured by a computer program which at least partially
carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a
microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least
partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),
electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory
(e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical
circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem,
communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or
any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical or other
analogs. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that
examples of electro-mechanical systems include but are not limited
to a variety of consumer electronics systems, medical devices, as
well as other systems such as motorized transport systems, factory
automation systems, security systems, and/or
communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that electro-mechanical as used herein is not necessarily
limited to a system that has both electrical and mechanical
actuation except as context may dictate otherwise.
[0056] In a general sense, the various aspects described herein can
be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range
of hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof and
can be viewed as being composed of various types of "electrical
circuitry." Consequently, as used herein "electrical circuitry"
includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at
least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having
at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at
least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical
circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by
a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by
a computer program which at least partially carries out processes
and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by
a computer program which at least partially carries out processes
and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a
memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash,
read only, etc.)), and/or electrical circuitry forming a
communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch,
optical-electrical equipment, etc.). The subject matter described
herein can be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some
combination thereof.
[0057] Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a
portion of the systems and/or processes described herein can be
integrated into an image processing system. A typical image
processing system generally includes one or more of a system unit
housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile or
non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digital
signal processors, computational entities such as operating
systems, drivers, applications programs, one or more interaction
devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.),
control systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g.,
feedback for sensing lens position and/or velocity; control motors
for moving/distorting lenses to give desired focuses). An image
processing system can be implemented utilizing suitable
commercially available components, such as those typically found in
digital still systems and/or digital motion systems.
[0058] Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a
portion of the systems and/or processes described herein can be
integrated into a data processing system. A data processing system
generally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video
display device, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory,
processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors,
computational entities such as operating systems, drivers,
graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one or more
interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna,
etc.), and/or control systems including feedback loops and control
motors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity;
control motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or
quantities). A data processing system can be implemented utilizing
suitable commercially available components, such as those typically
found in data computing/communication and/or network
computing/communication systems.
[0059] Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a
portion of the systems and/or processes described herein can be
integrated into a mote system. Those having skill in the art will
recognize that a typical mote system generally includes one or more
memories such as volatile or non-volatile memories, processors such
as microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational
entities such as operating systems, user interfaces, drivers,
sensors, actuators, applications programs, one or more interaction
devices (e.g., an antenna USB ports, acoustic ports, etc.), control
systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback
for sensing or estimating position and/or velocity; control motors
for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A mote
system may be implemented utilizing suitable components, such as
those found in mote computing/communication systems. Specific
examples of such components entail such as Intel Corporation's
and/or Crossbow Corporation's mote components and supporting
hardware, software, and/or firmware.
[0060] One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein
described components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the
discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of
conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are
contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars
set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be
representative of their more general classes. In general, use of
any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its
class, and the non-inclusion of specific components (e.g.,
operations), devices, and objects should not be taken limiting.
[0061] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0062] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates
different components contained within, or connected with, different
other components. It is to be understood that such depicted
architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other
architectures can be implemented which achieve the same
functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components
to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such
that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two
components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality
can be seen as "operably coupled to" each other such that the
desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or
intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated
can also be viewed as being "operably connected," or "operably
coupled," to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and
any two components capable of being so associated can also be
viewed as being "operably couplable," to each other to achieve the
desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable
include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or
physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable,
and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically
interacting, and/or logically interactable components.
[0063] In some instances, one or more components can be referred to
herein as "configured to," "configured by," "configurable to,"
"operable/operative to," "adapted/adaptable," "able to,"
"conformable/conformed to," etc. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that such terms (e.g. "configured to") can generally
encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components
and/or standby-state components, unless context requires
otherwise.
[0064] While particular aspects of the present subject matter
described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein,
changes and modifications can be made without departing from the
subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and,
therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope
all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit
and scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0065] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims
(e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as
"open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or
"an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one
or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles
used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a
specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the
recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations,"
without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations,
or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where
a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is
used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one
having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a
system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be
limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to
"at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least
one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that
have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,
B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that typically a
disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative
terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates
otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be typically
understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and
B."
[0066] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
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