U.S. patent application number 16/869393 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-25 for universal fingertip sensor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nonin Medical Inc.. Invention is credited to Marcus A. Kramer, Matthew Prior, Gregory J. Rausch.
Application Number | 20210052223 16/869393 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005197363 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210052223 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Prior; Matthew ; et
al. |
February 25, 2021 |
UNIVERSAL FINGERTIP SENSOR
Abstract
A device includes a digit probe, a plurality of optical
elements, a processor, and a communication module. The digit probe
has an interior surface and has an exterior surface. The interior
surface is configured to engage a digit and the exterior surface is
configured to engage a tissue site associated with the digit. The
plurality of optical elements is coupled to at least one of the
interior surface and the exterior surface. The plurality of optical
elements includes at least one emitter and includes at least one
detector. The processor is coupled to the plurality of optical
elements. The processor is configured to generate a measure of
arterial oxygenation corresponding to the digit and configured to
generate a measure of regional oxygenation corresponding to the
tissue site. The communication module is coupled to the processor.
The communication module is configured to communicate the measure
of arterial oxygenation and regional oxygenation with a remote
device.
Inventors: |
Prior; Matthew; (Plymouth,
MN) ; Rausch; Gregory J.; (Minnetonka, MN) ;
Kramer; Marcus A.; (Circle Pines, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nonin Medical Inc. |
Plymouth |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005197363 |
Appl. No.: |
16/869393 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15592897 |
May 11, 2017 |
10674961 |
|
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16869393 |
|
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62334708 |
May 11, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/14553 20130101;
A61B 5/6838 20130101; A61B 5/6826 20130101; A61B 2562/0238
20130101; A61B 2562/227 20130101; A61B 5/14552 20130101; A61B 5/002
20130101; A61B 2562/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 5/1455 20060101 A61B005/1455 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A device comprising: a housing having a first portion jointly
coupled to a second portion; a plurality of optical sensors, the
plurality of optical sensors including a first optical sensor
coupled to the first portion and a second optical sensor coupled to
the second portion, the housing configured to allow positioning of
the first optical sensor proximate a first tissue site and
configured to allow positioning of the second optical sensor
proximate a second tissue site, wherein the first optical sensor is
spaced apart from the second optical sensor; and a processor
coupled to the housing, coupled to the first optical sensor, and
coupled to the second optical sensor, the processor configured to
coordinate a first measuring routine using the first optical sensor
and a second measuring routine using the second optical sensor and
to generate a first physiological measurement based on a first
signal received from the first optical sensor and configured to
generate a second physiological measurement based on a second
signal received from the second optical sensor and provide an
output corresponding to the first physiological measurement and
corresponding to the second physiological measurement.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein the processor is configured to
synchronize operation of the first optical sensor and the second
optical sensor.
4. The device of claim 2 wherein the processor is configured to
synchronize operation of the first optical sensor and the second
optical sensor and include a dead time between receiving the first
signal and receiving the second signal.
5. The device of claim 2 further including a display coupled to at
least one of the first portion and the second portion.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein the display is configured to
provide a visible indication of at least one of arterial
oxygenation and regional oxygenation.
7. The device of claim 2 wherein at least one of the first optical
sensor and the second optical sensor includes a light emitter and a
light detector.
8. The device of claim 2 wherein the first portion and the second
portion are coupled by a spring or elastic element.
9. The device of claim 2 wherein the processor is coupled to a
wireless telemetry module.
10. A method for operating a device, the method comprising:
configuring a device to activate a first emitter of a first sensor,
the first sensor affixed to a first portion of a housing;
configuring the device to activate a second emitter of a second
sensor, the second sensor affixed to a second portion of the
housing, the first portion jointly coupled to the second portion
and wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are configured
for placement at a first tissue site and at a second tissue site,
respectively, the first tissue site and the second tissue site
spaced apart, wherein configuring includes coordinating timing as
to operating the first emitter and operating the second emitter;
and determining a first physiological parameter corresponding to a
first output signal received from the first sensor and determining
a second physiological parameter corresponding to a second output
signal received from the second sensor.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein coordinating timing includes
synchronizing.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein coordinating timing includes
emitting light from the first emitter at a time while the second
output signal is independent of light emitted from the first
emitter.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein configuring the device includes
positioning the first sensor on a first surface of the device and
positioning the second sensor on a second surface of the device,
wherein the first surface is configured to engage with a digit and
the second surface is configured to engage with a tissue site
devoid of the digit.
14. An apparatus comprising: an upper jaw and a lower jaw coupled
by a joint, wherein the joint allows relative movement between the
upper jaw and the lower jaw; a plurality of optical elements
disposed on selected surfaces of at least one of the upper jaw and
lower jaw, the plurality of optical elements including a first
optical element configured to emit light of a selected wavelength
and including a second optical element having a terminal for
providing an electrical signal corresponding to detected light, the
electrical signal associated with a subject; and a processor
coupled to the plurality of optical elements, wherein the processor
is configured to control timing and operation of the plurality of
optical elements, and wherein the processor is configured to
determine a first physiological parameter and determine a second
physiological parameter and wherein controlling timing includes
synchronizing emission of light and detection of light in a manner
to avoid sensor crosstalk.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the processor is configured
to provide a dead time between a first signal reading and a second
signal reading associated with the plurality of optical
elements.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the processor is configured
to determine a measure of regional oximetry.
17. The apparatus of claim 14 further including a wireless
telemetry module coupled to the processor, the wireless telemetry
module configured to communicate with a remote device.
18. The apparatus of claim 14 further including a display coupled
to the processor.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the display has a visual
configuration selected by the processor.
20. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the joint includes a
link.
21. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the link includes two pivot
axes.
22. The apparatus of claim 14 further including a port coupled to
the processor, the port configured for electrical connection with a
remote device.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of and claims the
benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/592,897, filed on May 11, 2017, which
claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/334,708, filed on 11 May 2016, each of
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Pulse oximetry provides a measure of the oxygenation in
arterial blood. Regional oximetry, sometimes referred to as tissue
oximetry can provide a measure of organ health associated with
oxygenation of the organ tissue. These different measurements of
oxygenation are determined using emitted light of different optical
wavelengths and using different algorithms. For example, with pulse
oximetry, arterial blood exhibits a pulsatile behavior which
facilitates measurement of oxygen content. On the other hand,
pulsatile behavior of a signal associated with the cerebellum does
not facilitate measurement of oxygenation in the brain.
[0003] Clinical systems provide a measure of both pulse oximetry
and regional oximetry using a variety of optical sensors that
interface with a processor. A clinical system can be powered by
metered line service and, in some instances, using multiple
processors.
[0004] In field settings, however, the power demands to provide
both pulse oximetry and regional oximetry have resulted in devices
that are rather large and suffer poor battery life.
OVERVIEW
[0005] The present inventors have recognized, among other things,
that a problem to be solved can include providing both pulse
oximetry and regional oximetry in a compact package that enable
simplified physiological measurements. The present subject matter
can help provide a solution to this problem, such as by using
multiple emitters and detectors affixed to various surfaces and
activated in a coordinated manner to provide low noise measurement
of both pulse oximetry and regional oximetry.
[0006] This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject
matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to
provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention.
The detailed description is included to provide further information
about the present patent application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
like numerals may describe similar components in different views.
Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent
different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate
generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various
embodiments discussed in the present document.
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a digit probe, according to one
example.
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a digit probe, according to one
example.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a device, according to
one example.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a digit probe, according to one
example.
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a digit probe, according to one
example.
[0013] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a digit probe in a first and second
configuration, according to one example.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a patient fitted with two devices,
according to one example.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart, according to one
example.
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a device, according to one example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates device 100A, sometimes referred to as a
digit probe, according to one example. Device 100A includes upper
jaw 16A coupled to lower jaw 12A by a joint. The joint in this
example includes an articulating hinge having a dynamic pivot axis.
A curved feature on the sides of upper jaw 16A and a corresponding
feature on the lower jaw 12A is adapted to mesh when the jaws are
brought together. A spring or elastic element is fitted to the jaws
and urges the jaws to a closed position.
[0018] Interior surface 18A is disposed on an interior portion of
upper jaw 16A and interior surface 14A is disposed on an interior
portion of lower jaw 12A. Interior surface 18A and interior surface
14A are configured to receive a digit, such as a finger or toe, in
the example illustrated. Other configurations are also
contemplated, including an embodiment suited for affixation at an
ear lobe.
[0019] Optical elements 20A and 20B are fitted to interior surface
18A and 14A, respectively. Optical elements 20A and 20B can include
any combination of an emitter and a detector. An emitter can
include a fiber optic element or a light emitting diode (LED)
suited for emission at a particular wavelength or selected
wavelengths. An optical detector can include a photodetector having
sensitivity at a particular wavelength and can include an
electrical terminal for providing an electrical signal
corresponding to detected light energy.
[0020] In this example, optical elements 20A and 20B include an
emitter and a detector and are configured for determining pulse
oximetry.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a view of lower jaw 12A of device 100A.
Lower jaw 12A is shown in a closed configuration relative to upper
jaw 16A. Lower jaw 12A is configured with a plurality of optical
elements disposed near corners of the generally rectangular shape
of contact surface 10A of lower jaw 12A. The plurality of optical
elements includes optical element 20C, optical element 20D, optical
element 20E, and optical element 20F.
[0022] In this example, optical element 20C, optical element 20D,
optical element 20E, and optical element 20F includes at least one
emitter and at least one detector and are configured for
determining regional oximetry.
[0023] Port 42 is an electrical connection accessible from an
external surface of device 100A. Port 42 can enable coupling of
device 100A with an auxiliary sensor or other device. Port 42 can
be referred to as a sensor port. In the example shown, port 42 is
affixed to lower jaw 12A, however, in other examples, port 42 is
affixed to upper jaw 16A.
[0024] Port 42 can carry an analog signal, digital data, or power,
and in one example port 42 can be used to configure device 100A for
measuring regional oximetry (rSO.sub.2), pulse oximetry
(SpO.sub.2), or any other compatible external sensor by plugging
into the appropriate port.
[0025] An auxiliary sensor can include an external rSO.sub.2 sensor
or an SpO.sub.2 probe suited for use with a particular tissue site
(such as an ear probe or a forehead probe). In various examples, a
processor internal to device 100A (such as processor 84 discussed
elsewhere in conjunction with FIG. 3) or a manually operated switch
coupled to device 100A can be used to configure device 100A to a
configuration suitable for a particular selected physiological
parameter measurement. Alternately, in an example, the device can
also have a separate analog front end for each optical element. The
figure illustrates a single port (here referenced as port 42) and
in some examples, more than one port is provide on an external
surface.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of device 100F, according
to one example. Device 100F includes optical module 20J, processor
84, memory 86, interface 88, communication module 80, and display
30. Optical module 20J, processor 84, memory 86, interface 88,
communication module 80, and display 30 can each be located in
upper jaw 16A, for example, located in lower jaw 12A, or some
portion can be located in upper jaw 16A and some portion can be
located in lower jaw 12A.
[0027] Optical module 20J can include any number of separate
optical elements, some examples of which are represented by optical
elements 20A-20F in other portions of this document. Optical module
20J can be configured for transmission through tissue or configured
for reflectance measurement in which light reflected from the
tissue site provides a measurement signal associated with a
physiological parameter. The separate optical elements of optical
module 20J can include any combination of internal or external
elements. For example, optical module 20J can include an emitter
and a detector affixed directly to a housing of device 100F or
optical module 20J can include an auxiliary sensor having an
emitter and a detector coupled by an electrical cord or an optical
fiber.
[0028] Processor 84 is coupled to optical module 20J. Processor 84
is configured to provide a drive current to a portion of optical
module 20J and configured to receive an electrical signal
corresponding to a detected light emission. Processor 84, in
various configurations, includes a driver circuit, a filter, an
analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, an
amplifier, a microprocessor, and other elements.
[0029] Processor 84 is coupled to memory 86. Memory 86 provides
storage for data corresponding to a measured physiological
parameter, calibration information, authentication information,
patient information, communication parameters, and other data, and
provides storage for instructions for execution by processor
84.
[0030] Interface 88 is coupled to processor 84 and can include a
graphical user interface by which a user can interact with device
100F. For example, interface 88 can include a touch-sensitive
screen, any number of switches or controls, and can include a
display or an indicator light to show device activity or
readiness.
[0031] Communication module 80 can include wired or wireless
telemetry module. For example, communication module 80 can include
a radio frequency (RF) receiver, an RF transmitter, or an RF
transceiver. In various examples module 80 can include a Bluetooth
or low power radio communication module. In various examples,
communication module 80 can include a wired port configured to
electrically connect with a cable or connector.
[0032] Display 30 can include an indicator light, visible display
of characters, an LED emitter or other indicator to show a
physiological measurement, the condition of the device, the state
of the device, device activity, calibration information, device
settings, patient identification information, communication channel
information, paired devices in a communication network,
synchronization status information, or other information.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates device 100B having display 30 coupled to
upper jaw 16B. In this example, lower jaw 12B is coupled to contact
surface 10B. Contact surface 10B includes elements that provide a
region of contact on the tissue surface that has sufficient length
to allow measurement of regional oximetry. In the example shown,
contact surface 10B provides spacing that allows measurement of
light energy along multiple pathways through the tissue. Contact
surface 10B can be electrically or mechanically coupled to a
corresponding feature of lower jaw 12B. In the example shown,
display 30 illustrates two lines of numerical data and a heart icon
that can be modulated to show device activity and measurement.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of device 100C, according to one
example. Device 100C includes an upper jaw 16C jointly coupled to
lower jaw 12C. Upper jaw 16C includes interior surface 18B, here
shown in dashed lines. In addition, interior surface 18B is fitted
with optical elements 20A and 20B. Lower jaw 12C includes interior
surface 14B, here shown in dashed lines. In addition, interior
surface 14B is fitted with optical elements 20C and 20D.
[0035] In the example shown, lower jaw 12C includes notches 36 on
opposing ends. Notches 36 are configured to engage with catch
feature 32 disposed on a side of contact surface 10C. Contact
surface 10C and lower jaw 12C are electrically coupled by a
plurality of electrical contacts 34A, 34B, and 34C at a mating
surface. Contact surface 10C includes a plurality of optical
elements 20E, 20F, 20G, and 20H, some of which can include at least
one emitter and at least one detector. In one example, electrical
contacts 34A, 34B, and 34C provides drive current to emitters and
measured signal conduction from detectors of the plurality of
optical elements.
[0036] In one example, an optical element is coupled by a
translucent conduit. For example, the translucent conduit can
include a resin, an epoxy, a light pipe, or a fiber optic element.
For example, a translucent conduit can be configured to carry
emitted light between a tissue site and an optical element in
either a unidirectional manner or a bidirectional manner.
[0037] Catch feature 32 includes an elastically mounted pawl that
engages with notch 36 to retain contact surface 10C in a fixed
positon relative to lower jaw 12C. In one example, an electrical
connector on a cord can be used to provide an electrical connection
between contact surface 10C and lower jaw 12c.
[0038] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a digit probe in a first and second
configuration, according to one example. Device 10D represents a
configuration suited for pulse oximetry in which upper jaw 16C and
lower jaw 12D are in closed configuration having optical elements
20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D disposed on opposing regions of digit 60.
Interior surface 18C and interior surface 14C are in facing
alignment. Upper jaw 16C and lower jaw 12D are jointly coupled by
link 38.
[0039] Device 100E represents a configuration suited for regional
oximetry in which upper jaw 16C and lower jaw 12D are in an open
configuration, as shown by the inverted reference character `B` on
lower jaw 12D. In the open configuration, optical elements 20A,
20B, 20C, and 20D are disposed along a common contact surface and
device 100E is configured for regional oximetry. In various
examples, one set of the optical elements are operated to provide a
measure of regional oximetry and a second set (different from the
first set) is operated to provide a measure of pulse oximetry. In
the example illustrated, tissue 62 is shown in contact with the
optical elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D. Link 38 provides freedom
of movement to allow upper jaw 16C and lower jaw 12D to align as
shown.
[0040] Consider an example in which optical elements 20A and 20C
are emitters and optical elements 20B and 20D are detectors in a
configuration for reflectance measurement. In this configuration,
light energy from optical element 20A is emitted into tissue 62 and
detected by detector of optical element 20B, along light pathway
52A, as well as detector of optical element 20D, along light
pathway 54A. In a similar manner, light energy from optical element
20C is emitted into tissue 62 and detected by detector of optical
element 20D, along light pathway 52B, as well as detector of
optical element 20B, along light pathway 54B. The multiple pathways
allows calculation of regional oximetry using a sum and difference
method that reduces the influence of noise and surface artifacts.
For a transmittance mode of operation, a different set of optical
elements can be activated.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a patient fitted with device 100E, device
100D, and device 100G. In this example, device 100E provides a
measure of regional oximetry at tissue site 62. Here, tissue site
62 can represent cerebral oximetry. In addition, device 100D is
affixed to finger 62 in the manner of pulse oximetry. Device 100G
is affixed to a forearm location and can be configured to provide
regional oximetry measurements suitable for monitoring for shock.
In this example, device 100D and device 100E are structurally
matched but in one instance, the jaws are in an open configuration
and in the other instance, the jaws are in the closed
configuration.
[0042] Device 100E is fitted with RF antenna 82A, device 100D is
fitted with RF antenna 82C, and device 100G is fitted with RF
antenna 82D. Antennas 82A, 82C, and 82D can be internal to the
device and represented as a component of communication module 80
described elsewhere in this document. In one example, antennas 82A,
82C, and 82D are external to the device. Remote device 70 is fitted
with antenna 82B. In various examples, remote device 70 is body
worn or is at a distance from the user. Remote device 70, in one
example provides synchronization to allow device 100E, device 100D,
and device 100G to operate without interfering with each other. For
example, optical emissions from an emitter of device 100D can
provide additional input that can alter the measured signal
provided by device 100D or device 100G. In one example,
synchronization includes controlling emissions in a manner that
includes dead time between signal readings to avoid sensor
crosstalk.
[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of method 900, according to
one example. At 910, the method includes controlling relative
timing as to emitter operation of a first sensor and a second
sensor. At 920, the method includes generating a first measurement
from the first sensor, and at 930, the method includes generating a
second measurement from the second sensor. In this manner, the
devices can be operated without interference. For example,
synchronization can be provide by a remote device, such as device
70. In one example, synchronization is provided by one device
operating as a master and establishing all other devices in the
system as slaves.
[0044] In one example, a handshake protocol can determine
classification of devices in a system. In one example, a master
clock provides a timing signal to other elements to ensure
precision LED timing to allow for signal processing and for noise
and artifact reduction.
[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates device 100F, according to one example.
Device 100F includes upper jaw 16E (sometimes referred to as
display-side jaw) coupled to lower jaw 12E (sometimes referred to
as non-display-side jaw). Upper jaw 16E is coupled to display 30
and includes optical element 20N. Port 48 is accessible on a back
side of upper jaw 16E and provides an electrical connection to
enable certain device functions.
[0046] Lower jaw 12E includes optical element 20K and is affixed to
contact surface 10D by catches 32 and notches 36. Port 46 is
accessible on a back side of lower jaw 12E and provides an
electrical connection to enable certain device functions.
[0047] Contact surface 10D is physically separable from lower jaw
12E and includes optical elements, some of which are denoted here
as optical element 20L and optical element 20M. Contact surface 10D
can be electrically connected to a particular port of device 100F
by link 44.
[0048] In one example, certain electronic components such, such as
those shown in FIG. 3, are housed in lower jaw 12E.
[0049] Port 42, port 46, and port 48 can each be configured for
various applications. For example, contact surface 10D can be
coupled, via connector 49 and link 44, to port 42 (as shown in FIG.
10), or to port 46, or to port 48. These configurations enable
various measurements, such as rSO.sub.2 measurement or SpO.sub.2
measurement. As another example, an electrical conductor coupled to
port 42 can be connected to connector 48 on the upper jaw 16E. This
configuration is suitable for pulse oximetry measurement. In one
example, an electrical conductor coupled to port 42 can be
connected to an external sensor and suited for an application based
on the external sensor. In another example, port 42 can be left
open in which case, no measurement is provided.
[0050] Any one or more of port 42, port 46, and port 48 can each be
configured for connecting to an external device. For example, an
external device can include a site-specific sensor such as a
forehead sensor or an ear sensor. In addition, an external device
can include a long-cabled wired connector, such as an rSO.sub.2
sensor. Furthermore, any such port can be configured to communicate
with, and electrically connect with, an external sensor, some
examples of which can include: a pulse oximetry sensor, a
disposable sensor, a reusable sensor, a flexible substrate sensor,
a wrist-worn sensor, a capnography sensor, a regional oximetry
sensor, a neonatal sensor, a pediatric sensor, and a veterinary
sensor. In one example, a port of the present subject matter is
configured to connect with a patient interface carrier (rSO.sub.2
without cable) and a display (such as display 30) is configured to
automatically display relevant parameters. In one example, the
display content can be configured for a particular visual
configuration of data and information based on a control signal
provided by the processor.
Various Notes & Examples
[0051] A number of other configurations are also contemplated. For
example, in embodiment includes a sensor device having a first leaf
and a second leaf. Both the first leaf and the second leaf have an
interior surface and an exterior surface. At least one surface is
configured with an optical element. A joint couples the first leaf
and the second leaf.
[0052] A sensor, according to one example, includes a first emitter
and a second emitter wherein each emitter is configured to emit
light directed to a tissue site. A first detector is configured to
provide an electrical signal corresponding to light from the tissue
site. The light from the tissue site corresponds to the emitted
light from at least one of the first emitter and the second
emitter. A processor is coupled to the first emitter, the second
emitter, and the detector and wherein the processor is configured
to execute instructions to determine regional oximetry
corresponding to the tissue site and to determine pulse oximetry
corresponding to arterial oxygenation of blood at the tissue site.
A communication module is coupled to the processor. The
communication module is configured to telemeter data between the
processor and a remote device.
[0053] In one example, at least one of the first emitter, the
second emitter, and the detector are disposed on an interior
surface of a digit probe.
[0054] In one example, at least one of the first emitter, the
second emitter, and the detector are disposed on an exterior
surface of a digit probe.
[0055] In one example, at least one of the first emitter, the
second emitter, and the detector are disposed on an interior
surface of a digit probe.
[0056] The plurality of optical elements can include two emitters
and one detector. This can include two light emitting diodes (LEDs)
and one photodetector. The emitter, and the photodetector are
selected to have a particular amplitude at a specified
wavelength.
[0057] A first device can be in wireless communication with a
second device or in wireless communication with a remote device. In
one example, communication entails a wired connection. Wireless
telemetry can allow for synchronization and for data processing and
data compilation. In an example device having a wireless
communication module, a battery provides a power supply.
[0058] In addition to measuring pulse oximetry and regional
oximetry, other physiological parameters can also be measured using
various examples of the present subject matter. For example, a
device can be configured to measure carboxyhemoglobin,
methemoglobin, total hemoglobin, pulse wave velocity, heart rate
variability, pulse rate, respiration rate, and other
parameters.
[0059] An optical element can include a surface mounted component.
In one example, the optical elements are configured for
transmittance measurement of oxygenation. In one example,
reflectance measurement is performed.
[0060] In an example of an implementation having multiple devices
on a single patient, the resulting data can be compiled at a single
device, at multiple devices, or at a remote monitor in
communication with the multiple devices. In one example, data is
conveyed from one device to another device in a daisy-chain manner.
Synchronization and communication enables selection of a
measurement and communication time slot in a manner that reduces or
eliminates interference from other nearby devices.
[0061] Handshaking and pairing routines can be implemented to
ensure that data associated with one user does not interfere or
contaminate data associated with a different user.
[0062] In one example, an application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC) provides an interface between the optical module and the
processor and allows for low power operation and functionality.
[0063] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or
can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or
more of the other examples.
[0064] The above detailed description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These
embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such
examples can include elements in addition to those shown or
described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples
in which only those elements shown or described are provided.
Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any
combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or
one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular
example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other
examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described
herein.
[0065] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document
and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this
document controls.
[0066] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this
document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and
"wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and
"comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article,
composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in
addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still
deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the
following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc.
are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects.
[0067] Geometric terms, such as "parallel", "perpendicular",
"round", or "square", are not intended to require absolute
mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to
manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element
is described as "round" or "generally round," a component that is
not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a
many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by this description.
[0068] Method examples described herein can be machine or
computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a
computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with
instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform
methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of
such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language
code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can
include computer readable instructions for performing various
methods. The code may form portions of computer program products.
Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or
more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible
computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other
times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can
include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic
disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital
video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random
access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the
like.
[0069] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one
or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each
other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract
is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of
the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding
that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning
of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various
features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This
should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed
feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter
may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed
embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into
the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each
claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is
contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other
in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention
should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along
with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled.
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