U.S. patent application number 17/180719 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-09 for human gas sensing glucose monitoring and ketone fluctuation detection device.
The applicant listed for this patent is BETTER LIFE TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.. Invention is credited to Glenn Allan Battle, George Anthony McKinney, David Nichols, Robert Christopher Walker.
Application Number | 20210275061 17/180719 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005608393 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210275061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKinney; George Anthony ;
et al. |
September 9, 2021 |
HUMAN GAS SENSING GLUCOSE MONITORING AND KETONE FLUCTUATION
DETECTION DEVICE
Abstract
Devices and methods of detecting gas and volatile organic
compounds from skin are disclosed. One system for detecting
emissions through skin includes a sensing device having a housing
having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion
having a concave-shaped bottom surface creating a cavity region,
the at least one light source arranged to emit a spectral range of
wavelengths of light into the cavity region, and at least one
sensor disposed to receive light emitted by the at least one sensor
after the light propagates through at least a portion of the cavity
region, the at least one sensor configured to generate a signal
based on the received light. The sensing device may also include a
communication module configured wirelessly transmit the spectral
information to a mobile device for determining a characteristic,
for example, a blood glucose level.
Inventors: |
McKinney; George Anthony;
(Chula Vista, CA) ; Battle; Glenn Allan; (San
Marcos, CA) ; Walker; Robert Christopher; (Elsinore,
CA) ; Nichols; David; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BETTER LIFE TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. |
Chula Vista |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005608393 |
Appl. No.: |
17/180719 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14933985 |
Nov 5, 2015 |
10959651 |
|
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17180719 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/1455 20130101;
A61B 5/0004 20130101; A61B 5/72 20130101; A61B 5/742 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/1455 20060101
A61B005/1455; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. A system for detecting emissions through skin, comprising: a
sensing device, including a cavity, comprising at least one
infrared light source disposed within the sensing device, the at
least one infrared light source arranged to emit a spectral range
of wavelengths of light into the cavity; at least one sensor,
including a spectrometer, disposed to receive and detect light
emitted by the at least one infrared light source after the light
propagates through at least a portion of the cavity, the at least
one sensor configured to generate a signal based on received light;
a processor, coupled to the at least one sensor, being operable to
receive spectral absorption data from the at least one sensor, and
determine spectral information, using absorption spectroscopy,
based on the received spectral absorption data, the spectral
information being representative of the absorption of light by
gases; and a communication module coupled to the processor, the
communication module configured to receive the spectral information
from the processor and to wirelessly transmit the spectral
information.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a mobile device
comprising: a transceiver configured to receive a communication
that includes the information representative of the signal; a
memory component configured to store data indicative of biomarkers
corresponding to the spectral information; and a processor coupled
to the transceiver and the memory component, the processor
configured to receive the spectral information and detect one or
more biomarkers.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the biomarkers are selected from
the group consisting of electrolytes, metabolites, proteins and
amino acids.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the sensing device further
comprises a display, and wherein the processor is further
configured to provide information representative of biomarkers on
the display.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the processor is further
configured to communicate information representative of the one or
more biomarkers, to a remote computer via a network that is at
least partially wireless.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensing device further
comprises at least one of a heart rate sensor, an oxygen saturation
sensor, a temperature sensor, or an electro cardio signal
sensor.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source
comprises two or more light sources, and wherein spectral
information is based on light received form the two or more light
sources.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is
configured to generate the spectral information using on IR
spectroscopy.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensing device further
comprises a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
spectrometer, the FTIR spectrometer comprising the at least one
infrared light source and the at least one sensor.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein spectral information received by
the processor comprise spectral data over a range of wavelengths,
the spectral data being representative of how gases in the cavity
region absorb light at each of the wavelengths of light emitted by
the at least one infra-red light source.
11. A method of determining the presence of one or more biomarkers
in gas emitted from skin, the method comprising: emitting infra-red
light into a cavity of a sensing device; generating, with a sensor,
spectral data from sensed radiation, representative of absorbed
spectra, in the cavity, the spectral data including signals across
a plurality of wavelengths and representative of a substance in the
cavity, the sensor disposed in a housing of the sensor device to
receive radiation from the cavity; receiving at a processor
spectral data from the sensor component; and generating, using the
processor; spectral information based on the spectral data, the
spectral information corresponding to the one or more
biomarkers.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising transmitting the
spectral information from a sensing device to a mobile device.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising receiving the
spectral information on the mobile device; and displaying
information representative of one or more biomarkers on a display
of the mobile device.
14. A system for detecting emissions through skin, comprising: a
sensing device having at least one radiation source disposed in the
sensing device, the at least one radiation source arranged to emit
radiation having a spectral range of wavelengths of radiation
within the sensing device, the sensing device, including a
spectrometer, disposed to receive and detect radiation emitted by
the at least one radiation source after the radiation propagates
through at least a portion of the sensing device, the sensing
device being configured to generate a signal based on received
radiation; a processor, coupled to the sensing device, being
operable to receive spectral absorption data, from the sensing
device, and determine spectral information, using absorption
spectroscopy, based on received spectral absorption data; and a
communication module coupled to the processor, the communication
module configured to receive the spectral information from the
processor and to wirelessly transmit the spectral information.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a mobile device
comprising: a transceiver configured to receive a communication
that includes the information representative of the signal; a
memory component configured to store data indicative of blood
glucose levels corresponding to the spectral information; and a
processor coupled to the transceiver and the memory component, the
processor configured to receive the spectral information, compare
the spectral information to the data indicative of the blood
glucose levels, and determine a blood glucose level corresponding
to the spectral information.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the sensing device further
comprises a display, and wherein the processor is further
configured to provide information representative of the glucose
level on the display.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein the sensing device further
comprises a memory component configured to store data indicative of
blood glucose levels corresponding to the spectral absorption
information, and wherein the processor is configured to compare the
spectral information to the data indicative of blood glucose levels
and determine a blood glucose level corresponding to received
spectral data.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein the sensing device further
comprises a display, and wherein the processor is further
configured to provide information representative of the glucose
level on the display.
19. The system of claim 14, wherein the processor is further
configured to communicate information representative of the blood
glucose level to a remote computer via a network that is at least
partially wireless.
20. The system of claim 14, wherein the sensing device further
comprises at least one of a heart rate sensor, an oxygen saturation
sensor, a temperature sensor, or an electro cardio signal sensor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/245,151, filed Oct. 22, 2015 titled "HUMAN GAS
SENSING GLUCOSE MONITORING AND KETONE FLUCTUATION DETECTION
DEVICE," this application also claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/209,037, filed Aug. 24, 2015 titled
"HUMAN GAS SENSING GLUCOSE MONITORING AND KETONE FLUCTUATION
DETECTION DEVICE," and U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser.
No. 14/933,985 filed on Nov. 5, 2015, entitled "HUMAN GAS SENSING
GLUCOSE MONITORING AND KETONE FLUCTUATION DETECTION DEVICE" the
entire disclosures of these provisional and nonprovisional
applications are incorporated by reference herein.
[0002] This disclosure relates to accurately detecting a blood
glucose level using a non-invasive technique. And more
specifically, to non-invasively determine a blood glucose level
based on detecting an indicator emitted from skin.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Traditionally methods of blood glucose monitoring employ a
blood glucose meter (BGM), an electronic device configured to
measure and display a blood glucose level captured on a disposable
test strip, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), in which
glucose levels are determined continuously (generally every few
minutes). BGM devices, offer cost advantages, but the information
provided by such devices is limited by the frequency at which a
user measures their blood glucose level. BGM devices also require a
user to obtain blood, typically through the use of a lancet that
penetrates a skin surface, which may prove painful and
uncomfortable to a user. CGM devices currently on the market are
invasive or insufficient in accuracy of measurement. While CGM
devices may provide a more accurate depiction of a user's glucose
levels than BGM devices, invasive CGM devices may also be
uncomfortable and burdensome to a user.
[0004] To compensate for these issues, previous non-invasive
glucose detection systems have focused on attempting to detect
glucose via light radiating through the skin and the measurement of
glucose by analyzing a user's breath. Detection of glucose levels
by radiating light through the skin can be inaccurate, and such
techniques may be made even less effective based on the melanin
levels of a user. In other words, the darker the pigmentation the
more difficult and inaccurate current devices are. It can also be
difficult to detect glucose in breath driven systems due to outer
environmental factors and the need for isolating the reading for
accuracy, which would require a device to cover the mouth or nose
for a 24-hour period, a configuration that carries inherent
awkwardness and difficulty.
SUMMARY
[0005] The systems, methods and devices of the disclosure each have
several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely
responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.
[0006] Some implementations of the system and methods disclosed
herein are designed to address the problem of determining a blood
glucose level using a non-invasive technique. Non-invasive
determination of a blood glucose level will obviate the need to
draw blood (e.g., prick finger) to determine a blood glucose level,
eliminating the pain and mess associated with obtaining a blood
sample and also eliminating bio-hazard waste resulting from
drawn-blood techniques. Several innovations and aspects of the
innovations are described below, however, the described innovations
and aspects are not meant to be construed as limiting in any way.
In addition, aspects, features and portions of the innovations
described in reference to one innovation may be used in another
innovation unless otherwise stated.
[0007] In one innovation, a system for detecting emissions through
skin includes a sensing device having a housing having a top
portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a
concave-shaped bottom surface creating a cavity region, at least
one light source disposed in a portion of the bottom portion, the
at least one sensor arranged to emit a spectral range of
wavelengths of light into the cavity region, at least one sensor
disposed to receive light emitted by the at least one sensor after
the light propagates through at least a portion of the cavity
region, the at least one sensor configured to generate a signal
based on the received light, a processor coupled to the sensor to
receive spectral data from the at least one sensor, and determine
spectral information based on the received spectral data, the
spectral information representative of the spectral data, and a
communication module coupled to the processor, the communication
module configured to receive the spectral information from the
processor and to wirelessly transmit the spectral information. The
system can also include a mobile device having a transceiver
configured to receive a communication that includes the information
representative of the signal, a memory component configured to
store data indicative of blood glucose levels corresponding to the
spectral information, and a processor coupled to the transceiver
and the memory component, the processor configured to receive the
spectral information, compare the spectral information to the data
indicative of blood glucose levels, and determine a blood glucose
level corresponding to the spectral information.
[0008] Such systems may include other aspects. The sensing device
may further include a display, the processor being further
configured to provide information representative of the glucose
level on the display. The sensing device further may include a
memory component configured to store data indicative of blood
glucose levels corresponding to the spectral absorption
information, and the processor is configured to compare the
spectral information to the data indicative of blood glucose levels
and determine a blood glucose level indicative of the spectral
information. The sensing device may further include a display, and
the processor may be further configured to provide information
representative of the glucose level on the display. In one aspect,
the processor can be further configured to communicate information
representative of the blood glucose level to a remote computer via
a network that is at least partially wireless. In one aspect, the
sensing device further includes at least one of a heart rate
sensor, an oxygen saturation sensor, a temperature sensor, a motion
sensor, or an electro cardio signal sensor. In one aspect, the at
least one light source includes two or more light sources, and
wherein spectral information is based on light received from the
two or more light sources. In one aspect, the at least one sensor
is configured to generate the spectral information using on IR
spectroscopy. In one aspect, the sensing device further includes a
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrometer, the
FTIR spectrometer comprising the at least one light source and the
at least one sensor. In one aspect, spectral information received
by the processor comprise spectral data over a range of
wavelengths, the spectral data representative of how gases in the
cavity region absorbs light at each of the wavelengths of light
emitted by the at least one infra-red light source.
[0009] The sensing device may further include a Michelson
interferometer arranged to receive light that propagates from the
at least one infra-red light source and transmit beams of light
that have different spectrum of wavelengths, where the at least one
sensor is arranged to receive light transmitted by the Michelson
interferometer that propagates through at least a portion of the
cavity region. In one aspect the memory includes predetermined data
that includes spectral information and blood glucose levels that
correspond to the spectral information.
[0010] Another innovation includes a system for detecting emissions
through skin, including a sensing device having a collection
cavity, a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
spectrometer arranged to generate spectral data representative of
how gas in the collection cavity absorbs infra-red light at a
plurality of wavelengths, a processor coupled to the FTIR
spectrometer and configured receive the spectral data from the FTIR
spectrometer, the processor further configured to generate spectral
information based on the spectral data, the spectral information
corresponding to a blood glucose level. The sensing device may
further include a communication module coupled to the processor,
the communication module configured to receive the spectral
information from the processor and to wirelessly transmit the
spectral information, and the system may further include a mobile
device including a transceiver configured to receive a
communication that includes the spectral information, a memory
component configured to store data indicative of blood glucose
levels corresponding to the spectral information, and a processor
coupled to the transceiver and the memory component, the processor
configured to receive the spectral information, compare the
spectral information to the data indicative of blood glucose levels
stored in the memory component, and determine a blood glucose level
indicative of the spectral information. The sensing device may
further include a memory component configured to store data
indicative of blood glucose levels corresponding to the spectral
information, and wherein the processor is coupled to the memory
component, the processor further configured to receive the spectral
information, compare the spectral information to the data
indicative of blood glucose levels stored in the memory component,
and determine a blood glucose level indicative of the spectral
information.
[0011] Another innovation includes a method of determining a blood
glucose level from gas emitted from skin, the method including
generating spectral data using a sensor component having at least
one light source (for example, an infra-red LED) and at least one
sensor, the sensor component disposed in a housing of a sensor
device having a cavity region, the sensor component generating
spectral data representative of how gas in the cavity region
absorbs light; at a plurality of wavelengths, passing through the
cavity region, receiving at a processor spectral data from the
sensor component, generating, using the processor, spectral
information based on the spectral data, the spectral absorption
information corresponding to a blood glucose level, and comparing
the spectral information to data indicative of blood glucose levels
stored in a memory component, and determining a blood glucose level
indicative of the spectral absorption information. The method may
further include transmitting the spectral information from a
sensing device to a mobile device. In one aspect, comparing the
spectral information to data indicative of blood glucose levels is
performed by a processor coupled to the memory component, the
mobile device comprising the processor and the memory component.
The method may further include receiving the spectral information
on the mobile device, and displaying information representative of
the blood glucose level on a display of the mobile device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Having thus described certain aspects of the invention in
general terms, reference can now be made to the accompanying
drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating examples of a system for
detecting and identifying volatile organic compounds (VOC's) or gas
emissions, for example, gases of VOC's emitted through skin.
[0014] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view illustrating an example
embodiment of a sensing device.
[0015] FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view illustrating an example
embodiment of a sensing device.
[0016] FIG. 2C is a side plan view illustrating an example of an
embodiment of a sensing device having a collection cavity in a
lower portion of the device that is configured to be placed near or
against skin, and examples of an arrangement of light sources and a
sensor relative to the collection cavity.
[0017] FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating an example of an
embodiment of components of a sensing device.
[0018] FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an example of an
embodiment of components of a mobile device configured to
communicate with a sensing device, for example, the sensing device
illustrated in FIG. 3A.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating a representation of at
least one light source providing light into a collection cavity of
a sensing device, and a sensor detecting radiation from the at
least one light source after the radiation emitted from the at
least on light source has passed through gases and/or VOC's emitted
through or from the skin.
[0020] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematics that illustrate two views of
an example of another embodiment of an arrangement of light sources
and sensors that may be included in a sensing device 100.
[0021] FIG. 5C illustrates an example of an embodiment of a
detector that may be used to provide calibration information to the
sensing device.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustrating an example of
data/information flow from a sensing device to a mobile device and
display of result.
[0023] FIG. 7 is flowchart illustrating an example of a method for
determining a blood glucose level.
[0024] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative
example of an embodiment of a sensing device.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a section of an
illustrative example of an embodiment of a sensing device.
[0026] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative
example of an embodiment of a sensing device.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a section of an
illustrative example of an embodiment of a sensing device.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative example
of an embodiment of a sensing device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS
[0029] The illustrative examples of embodiments described below
allow bypass the barriers of previous non-invasive methods by
allowing for the reading of ketone fluctuations as well as
continuous glucose readings non-invasively yet accurately and
effectively.
[0030] Many diabetics suffer additional readable and decipherable
diseases that need detection. Embodiments of devices described
herein can provide information relevant to a multiplicity of
diseases through the accurate detection of bodily functions and
continuous glucose and ketone monitoring.
[0031] Biomarkers contained in gases and in sweat can give
indications about the physical state of the body. Gases emitted
from a human body contain bio-signatures which provide insight into
the function of human physical systems. Embodiments described
herein can detect data from gases and analyze the difference
between proper and improper cell function. Embodiments described
herein have the ability to read bio-signature data through ketone
readings integrated with traditional methods to provide a more
accurate measuring system for interpretation in the medical field
or to provide a patient with information necessary for
self-treatment or management.
[0032] One aspect of embodiments described herein is an
electrically driven human gas detection and monitoring device that
may come in the form of a wristband or attachable disc allowing
24-hour monitoring of glucose levels that bypass barriers inherent
with other devices. The detection of human gases represents an
elegant solution to the challenges of awkwardness and the constant
monitoring of glucose levels which systems created by light and
breath systems. Embodiments may further allow for the detection of
other biological data of interest in addition to glucose
levels.
[0033] PDMS photonic biosensor designs can be used for continuous
monitoring of glucose concentrations. Micro pulses solid state
Lasers for Photonic Biosensors can be Built on a Polymer based
Platform (Nano Sensors) Low cost production.
[0034] In some embodiments, the sensor technology described herein
can provide the capability of reading Ketone fluctuation
measurements as well as the ability to track continuous glucose
readings (CGR). The sensor may use Infrared (IR) photoacoustic
spectroscopy (PAS) to measure glucose by its mid-infrared
absorption of light through the skin or by using
electromechanically amperometric enzyme electrodes for delectating
glucose and other biomarkers. In various embodiments, biomarkers
for which information may be detected include, but are not limited
to, electrolytes, metabolites, proteins, and amino acids, such as,
for example, sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, lactate,
creatine, glucose, uric acid, DHEA, cortisol, interleukins, tumor
necrosis factor, and neuropeptides.
[0035] Human gases contain bio-signatures which can provide
information related to the function of human physical systems. For
example, a system in accordance with an illustrative example of one
embodiment can read gases and analyze the difference between proper
and improper cell function. A system in accordance with an
illustrative example of one embodiment may also be configured to
read one or more bio-signatures through ketone readings integrated
with traditional methods to provide a more accurate measuring
system to be interpreted in the medical field or for the patient to
respond in a life-affirming manner.
[0036] A sensing device in accordance with an illustrative example
of an embodiment may include, but are not limited to, one or more
of the following features: a top of a bio-sensor, a soft switch
on/off button, a multi-colored power indibator (where green
indicates the device is in a charged state, red indicates that the
device is out of power and yellow indicates the device needs to be
charged), a stainless steel surgical seal portion to be placed
proximate to or on skin, a bottom of the bio-sensor, a micro-sensor
infrared oximeter, one or more key lock screws (to hold the sensor
together in a closed configuration) a photo-spectrometer configured
to measure gases, nano-optics covering configured to protect the
infrared scanner, a micro-sensor body temperature detector
configured to detects changes in body temperature, and additional
sensors for example, motion sensors (such as an accelerometer/body
motion sensor) configured to detect body motion changes related to
abnormal functions.
[0037] Accurate measurement of bio-signatures may provide data
useful for a variety of applications. For example, bio-signature
data may provide data indicative of stress, bio-chemical changes,
and vitality measurements of athletes. Bio-signature data may also
be applicable in drug testing procedures. For example,
bio-signature data may provide information related to steroid use,
the use of other performance-enhancing drugs, or the use of drugs
commonly tested in corporate drug screenings.
[0038] Additionally, similar gas detection principles may be
applicable in the field of astronomy. Spectrometers are used in
many fields. For example, spectrometers are used in astronomy to
analyze the radiation from astronomical objects and deduce chemical
composition. The spectrometer uses a prism or a grating to spread
the light from a distant object into a spectrum. This allows
detection of many of the chemical elements by their characteristic
spectral fingerprints. If the object is glowing by itself, it will
show spectral lines caused by the glowing gas itself. These lines
are named for the elements which cause them, such as the hydrogen
alpha, beta and gamma lines. Chemical compounds may also be
identified by absorption. Typically these are dark bands in
specific locations in the spectrum caused by energy being absorbed
as light from other objects passes through a gas cloud. Much of our
knowledge of the chemical makeup of the universe comes from
spectra.
[0039] Bio-signature data may also provide information relevant to
determining the cause of death in a death investigation.
Bio-signature data may also be relevant in security operations by
providing indications of drug smuggling, or the presence of
explosive devices hidden inhuman orifices. Bio-signature data may
also be relevant for measuring an athlete's performance, helping
indicate possible areas of improvement in exercise routines. In the
medical arena, the detection of gases may provide data currently
provided by blood testing, obviating the need to perform blood
drawing in some instances.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating examples of a system 1
for detecting and identifying volatile organic compounds (VOC's) or
gas emissions, from a surface 103. For example, gases of VOC's
emitted by a human, for example, through skin (each and/or all of
the VOC's gas emissions and anything else emitted by a human in a
gaseous form may be referred to herein as "emissions" for ease of
reference, unless explicitly stated otherwise). Various embodiments
of such systems are disclosed herein.
[0041] In some embodiments, the system 1 includes a sensing device
100 that is configured to sense emissions and generate
corresponding spectral data. The sensing device 100 can further be
configured to determine a characteristic of a human (from which the
emissions were generated), for example, a blood glucose level.
Components of the sensing device 100 are further described, for
example, in reference to FIG. 3A. The sensing device 100 can use
infra-red spectroscopy techniques for sense the emissions. Infrared
spectroscopy (IR spectroscopy) is the spectroscopy that deals with
the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, that is light
with a longer wavelength and lower frequency than visible light. It
covers a range of techniques, mostly based on absorption
spectroscopy. As with all spectroscopic techniques, it can be used
to identify and study chemicals. In some embodiments, radiation
other than IR is used with spectroscopy techniques to generate the
spectral data. In some embodiments, the Near Infrared (NIR) and Mid
Infrared spectrum is used to detect specific gases and their
spectral signatures. In some embodiments, the diffusion,
reflectivity and gas density spectral values that relate to blood
glucose can be determined using a thin-film coated optic as a fixed
base line that mimics a normal spectral signature of glucose.
[0042] In another embodiment, the system 1 includes a sensing
device 100 and further includes a mobile device 125, which is in
communication with the sensing device 100 via communication channel
120. In various embodiments the communication channel 120 allows
for communication via a wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) or a
wired protocol (e.g., USB interface). The sensing device 100 is
configured to sense emissions and generate corresponding spectral
data, and is also configured to transmit spectral information to
the mobile device 125, the spectral information being
representative of the spectral data corresponding to the sensed
emissions. For example, the spectral data detected may include the
strength of a signal sensed at a plurality of wavelengths in a
range or wavelengths. In this embodiment, the mobile device 125
includes a transceiver 130, a processor 135, and a memory component
140. The mobile device 125 is configured to determine a
characteristic of the human from which the emissions were
generated, for example, a blood glucose level. This may be done,
for example, by receiving the spectral information (or e.g.,
spectral data, or any information representative of the sensed
emissions), further processing the spectral information to
determine a level of a sensed characteristic, and then comparing
the spectral information (or information based on the spectral
information) to human characteristic information stored in the
memory component (e.g., blood glucose levels), and determining
characteristic information that corresponds to the level of the
sensed characteristic (and the spectral information). For example,
the mobile device 125 can receive spectral information
representative of the sensed emissions, which may be a detected
signal strength across a plurality of wavelengths in a range of
wavelengths, such spectral information sometimes being referred to
as a spectral signature. Then, knowing the spectral signature of
glucose (for example, an infra-red spectral signature), the
spectral information can be processed to determine if glucose is
present and at what levels, and to determine a value indicative of
the level of glucose present (for example, in mg/dl) based on the
sensed emissions. Then, by comparing the value indicative of the
level of glucose to data stored in memory, the blood glucose level
in mmol/L can be determined. In other words, determining the human
characteristic information that corresponds to emissions sensed by
the sensing device 100. In some embodiments, mobile device 125 may
also include a display 145 coupled to the processor 135, and
information received from the sensing device 100, information
generated by processor 135 and/or information relating to a
determined human characteristic may be communicated to be shown on
the display 145 by the processor 135. Such processing can also be
performed on the sensing device 100 if suitably configured, and in
such implementations the mobile device may also include a display
to show results of sensed emissions. Certain components of the
mobile device 125 are further discussed herein, for example, in
reference to FIG. 3B.
[0043] In another embodiment, the system 1 may further include
another computing device 155, which may be, for example, another
mobile computer (e.g., a cell phone, or a laptop tablet), a desktop
computer or a server (or server system). The computing device 155
may be configured to communicate with the sensing device 100 via a
(wired or wireless) communication channel 145, the mobile device
125 via a (wired or wireless) communication channel 150, or both.
In various embodiments, the computing device 155 may be configured
to send information to the sensing device 100 and/or the mobile
device 125 that is stored on the sensing device 100 and/or mobile
device 125 and used to determine a human characteristic that
corresponds to the sensed emissions. For example, the computing
device 155 may send information that is used that is compared to
data generated based on the sensed emissions. Also, the computing
device 155 may send information that is used to determine
"signatures" of the sensed emissions or be used during processing
of the sensed data to generate information related to the sensed
emissions that is compared to pre-stored information of human
characteristics. For example, the sent information may include
algorithm information, or information for calibrating a sensor or
light source of the sensing device, or information that is used to
control a sensor or a light source of the sensing device 100 (for
example, light source modulation information that is used to
produce desired emitted wavelengths of light across a range of
wavelengths. In some embodiments, information may be transmitted by
the mobile device 125 or the sensing device 100 to the computing
device for storage, further processing or further communication to
another device.
[0044] In some embodiments, the mobile device 125 and/or computing
device 155 may include a user interface. The user interface may
allow for the selection of data, such as, for example, to select
between data received from multiple sensing devices 100 or stored
data. The interface may also allow a user to access, view, and
print stored data. The user interface may also allow a user to
select instructions to be sent to a sensing device 100. In some
embodiments, the user interface includes a touch screen
interface.
[0045] In some embodiments, the system 1 may further include an
insulin delivery device such as an insulin injection device, an
insulin pump, an insulin patch, or an insulin patch injector. In
such embodiments one or more of the sensing device 100, the mobile
device 125, and the computing device 155 may communicate with the
insulin delivery device to provide data relevant to time and amount
of insulin dosage. The insulin delivery device may provide delivery
data to one or more of the sensing device 100, the mobile device
125, and the computing device 155. In an illustrative example one
or more of the sensing device 100, the mobile device 125, and the
computing device 155 may determine a dosage and a time of dosage
and may communicate the dosage and time of dosage to the insulin
delivery device. The insulin delivery device may supply the
determined dosage in accordance with the data received.
[0046] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view illustrating an example
embodiment of a sensing device 100. An example of an upper portion
109 of the sensing device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 2A. In this
embodiment, the sensing device 100 may include a top surface 102
and a "power" button 104 to turn the sensing device 100 on and off
disposed in the top surface 102. The sensing device 100 may also
include a power LED 108 disposed in the top surface such that light
from the power LED 108 is visible when the top surface 102 is
visible, the sensing device 100 further including a control to
activate the power LED 108 when the sensing device 100 is on. The
sensing device 100 may also include a Bluetooth LED 106 disposed in
the top surface such that light from the Bluetooth LED 106 is
visible when the top surface 102 is visible. The sensing device 100
further includes a control (not shown) to turn on the Bluetooth LED
when Bluetooth wireless protocol is being used.
[0047] FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view illustrating an example
of one embodiment of a sensing device 100, for example, the sensing
device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. The sensing device 100 includes a
lower portion 211, which generally refers to a lower or bottom
section of the sensing device 100. The sensing device 100 includes
a concave bottom surface 202 and an edge 208 along the perimeter of
the bottom surface 202. The concave bottom surface 202 forms a
cavity 203 on the bottom of the sensing device 100. The edge 208
and the bottom surface 202 are configured such that when the edge
208 is placed against a surface (for example, a skin surface), a
chamber or cavity is defined between the bottom surface 208 and the
surface that the sensing device 100 is placed against. The sensing
device also includes a side 210, which in this embodiment is
cylindrical-shaped. The side 210, bottom surface 202, and the top
surface 102 define an embodiment of a housing 207 of the sensing
device 100.
[0048] The sensing device 100 also includes at least one light
source (or light emitter) 204 arranged to emit light into the
cavity defined by the bottom surface 202. As illustrated, this
embodiment includes three light sources 204. Other embodiments may
include two light sources, or more than three light sources. In
this embodiment, the light sources 204 are infra-red LEDs. In this
embodiment the light sources 204 are the same, that is, emit a
similar (or identical) spectrum of light. Other embodiments may
include multiple light sources where at least one of the light
sources is different from the other light sources. Different light
sources may be used to emit a desired spectrum of wavelengths that
a single light source may not be able to produce, and thus provide
the functionality to detect a larger number of gases or VOC's
within the cavity 203.
[0049] The sensing device 100 may also include fasteners 206, for
example screws or other connecting hardware which hold the
structure of the sensing device 100 together or components in place
within the sensing device 100.
[0050] The sensing device 100 may also include a detector 212,
which is disposed within the housing 207 and proximate to the
bottom surface 202 such that the detector 212 can receive light
which is emitted by the at least one light source 204 after the
emitted light propagates through at least a portion of the cavity
203 and through emissions in the cavity 203. Although the detector
212 is illustrated in the center of the bottom surface 202 in this
embodiment, the detector 212 may be disposed in other positions in
other embodiments, where the detector 212 will still detect/receive
radiation from the cavity 203. In this embodiment, the detector 212
includes a optic disposed in the bottom surface 202 (for example, a
sapphire optical element) which allows radiation in the cavity 203
to propagate to a sensing component of the detector 212, the
sensing component disposed in the housing 207 such that the optic
is between the sensing component and the cavity 203.
[0051] FIG. 2C is a side plan view illustrating an example of an
embodiment of a sensing device 100, for example the sensing device
100 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, having a collection cavity in a
lower portion of the device that is configured to be placed near or
against skin, and examples of an arrangement of light sources and a
sensor relative to the collection cavity. Only some of the
components of the sensing device 100 are shown for clarity of the
drawing. An arrangement of the housing 207, side 210, top surface
102, power bottom 104, surface 202 and bottom edge 208 of the
sensing device 100 are illustrated. FIG. 2C illustrates one
configuration of the bottom surface 202, forming a single cavity
203. In other embodiments, a bottom surface 203 can be structured
to from two of more cavities, where each cavity includes at least
one light source and at least one detector. FIG. 2C also
illustrates that the light sources 204 may be positioned at an
angle with respect to the lower edge 208 to provide light into the
cavity 203 in the direction of the detector 212.
[0052] FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating an example of an
embodiment of components of a sensing device 100. In this example,
the sensing device 100 includes a processor 320 coupled to a sensor
component 340, which includes a least one sensor 315 and at least
one light source 316. In some embodiments, the sensor component 340
may be a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
spectrometer. In some embodiments, a light source 316 may be an
infra-red LED or an infra-red solid state device. When there are
multiple light sources 316, the light sources may be the same or
different. That is, emit different spectrums of radiation that
include different wavelengths, emit radiation in a spectrum that is
centered at a different frequency, emit a narrower or broader range
of wavelengths. A sensor 315 can be a sensor that is suitable to
collect radiation of a desired wavelength, for example, infra-red
light. The sensor(s) 315 may be tunable to detect radiation at
selected wavelengths, and be controllable to scan a series or range
of wavelengths to detect radiation having such wavelengths.
[0053] The sensing device 100 may also include memory 330 coupled
to the processor 320. In this example, memory 330 includes modules
having instructions to configure the processor 320 to perform
various operations including to emit light into the cavity 203
(FIG. 2C) of the sensing device 100 and detect light from the
cavity 203. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one
light source 316 and the at least one sensor 315 may be controlled
by the processor 320, for example, with instructions that are
stored in memory 330. In this illustrated embodiment, memory 330
may include a sensor component control module 355, which includes a
light source control module 335 and a sensor control module 342.
The light source control module 335 may include instructions to
control one or more of the light sources 316 to emit light and
determine how much power to supply to the light source(s) 316 to
drive the light emission. The light source control module 335 may
also include modulation controls, to control one or more light
sources to emit light in a certain sequence, to be activated at
certain frequencies and for a certain amount of time. For example,
the light source control module 335 may include programs to operate
the at least one light source 316. Such programs may be downloaded
to the sensing device and stored in the memory 330. The sensor
control module 342 can include instructions to operate the at least
one sensor, for example to detect radiation at selected
wavelengths, and control the at least one sensor to scan a series
or range of wavelengths to detect radiation having such
wavelengths.
[0054] The sensing device 100 may also include a working memory 305
in communication with the processor 305. Working memory 305 may be
used by the processor 320 to store a working set of processor
instructions contained in the modules of memory 330. Alternatively,
working memory 305 may also be used by processor 320 to store
dynamic data created during the operation of the sensor component
340.
[0055] The sensing device 100 of this example also includes a
transceiver (or in some implementations just a transmitter) 327.
The transceiver 327 may use a wireless protocol (for example,
Bluetooth) to transmit information related to sensed emissions
detected by the sensor component 340. In some embodiments,
transceiver 327 may be used to download software updates, sensor
component programs, data processing programs, comparison programs,
information relating to human characteristics that the sensing
device is determining (for example blood glucose levels), and/or
other instructions for the processor 320.
[0056] In some embodiments, the sensing device 100 includes a
display. For example, if the sensing device is configured to
determine a blood glucose level based on sensed emissions, the
determined blood glucose level, whether the result is good or bad,
and remedial measures may be shown on the display
[0057] As described in reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments the
sensing device 100 is configured to collect spectral data and send
it to a mobile device (or another computer). In other embodiments
the sensing device is configured to process the spectral data to
determine if a certain gas or volatile organic compound (VOC) is
detected, and then compare the detected matter to human
characteristic information. For example, for glucose, processing
the spectral information can determine a glucose level in mg/dl,
and this glucose level can then be compared to human characteristic
information to determine if the glucose level is elevated or
normal. In such embodiments, the sensing device 100 includes
functionality to process the sensed spectral data, for example, a
spectral data processing module 346, and also includes
functionality to compare a determined value that results from
processing the spectral data to a set of information to identify an
amount or level of a detected gas or VOC, for example, in a
comparison and identification processing module 350, both of which
may be stored in memory 330. The sensing device 100 may also
include an additional memory 310 to store additional data or
instructions for the sensing device 100.
[0058] FIG. 3B is an block diagram illustrating an example of an
embodiment of components of a mobile device 125 configured to
communicate with a sensing device 100, for example, the sensing
device 100 illustrated in FIG. 3A. The mobile device 125 may be any
kind of suitable computer, including a cell phone, a smart watch, a
laptop, a tablet computer, or a specifically designed computing
device that can perform the desired functionality. The illustrated
components of the mobile device 125 may perform the same functions
as the same named and numbered components as described for the
sensing device 100 in reference to FIG. 3A, as in some embodiments
the sensing device 100 itself may be configured to perform emission
sensing and the subsequent processing for determining what is
sensed and what level of a substance has been sensed.
[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile device 125 incudes
a processor 320 coupled to working memory 305, a display 325, a
transceiver 326, and storage 310. The transceiver 327 is used to
receive data including spectral data from the sensing device 100.
The processor is also coupled to memory 330 that includes modules
having instructions to configure the processor to process spectral
data received from the sensing device 100. For example, spectral
data processing module 346 can process the received spectral data
and generate spatial information. Comparison and identification
module 350 can process the spatial information to compare it to
known information data sets to determine a level of a substance
sensed by the sensing device 100, for example, a blood glucose
level. As used herein, "spectral data" is a broad term that refers
to output from a detector or sensor component of the sensing device
100. As used herein "spatial information" is a broad term that
refers to information that is determined or generated as a result
of processing the spectral data. Accordingly, the spatial
information corresponds to the spectral data. The two different
terms are generally used to distinguish spectral data that is
essentially generated from a sensor and information that is
determined as a result of processing the spectral data. However, as
one skilled in the art would appreciate, when "raw" spectral data
is transmitted, the received spectral data may represent the
spectral data but be in a different format, accordingly, the
received representative spectral data may still be referred to as
spectral data. The illustrated components of the mobile device 125
perform the same functions as the same named and numbered
components as described for the sensing device 100 in reference to
FIG. 3A, as in some embodiments the sensing device 100 itself may
be configured to perform emission sensing and the subsequent
processing for determining what is sensed and what level of a
substance has been sensed.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating a lower portion of a
sensing device 100 having two light sources 204 arranged to provide
radiation 503 into a collection cavity 203 of the sensing device
100. A sensor 212 detects a spectrum of radiation in the cavity 203
after the radiation emitted from the light sources 204 has
propagated through gases and/or VOC's emitted through (or from)
skin 501. The sensor 212 can be controlled by a processor 320 (FIG.
3A) in the sensing device 100 to detect the strength of radiation
across a plurality of wavelengths to target the detection of a
certain substance, such as an indicator of blood glucose level. In
various embodiments, sensed spectral data (data/signals output from
the detector 212) may be further processed in the sensing device
100, the mobile device 125 (FIG. 1), or the computing device 155
(FIG. 1) to identify a substance detected in the cavity and
determine a corresponding amount of a human characteristic (e.g.,
blood glucose level).
[0061] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematics that illustrate two views of
an example of another embodiment of an arrangement of light sources
and sensors that may be included in a sensing device 100. The
illustrations in FIGS. 5A and 5B show a lower portion of a sensing
device 100. In this embodiment, the sensing device includes a first
set of light sources 602 and 604 arranged to emit light into cavity
603 via a port 612. In some embodiments, the light sources 602 and
604 may be different, that is, emit different wavelengths,
different spectrum of wavelengths, emit a spectrum of wavelengths
centered at a different wavelength, emit radiation a different
power, and/or be physically different. This embodiment includes two
other sets of light sources (that is, a second set of light sources
and a third set of light sources) which emit light into the cavity
203 through ports 610 and 614, respectively. The light sources 602
and 604 may be activated separately or at the same time, and can be
controlled by processor 320 (FIG. 3A) of the sensing device 100. A
second set of light sources 613 and 615 are arranged to emit light
into cavity 603 via port 610. A third set of light sources 607 and
605 are arranged to emit light into cavity 603 via port 614. The
second and third sets of light sources may operate in the same
manner as the first set of light sources.
[0062] This embodiment also includes a first set of detectors 606
and 608 that are disposed in proximity to the first set of light
sources 602 and 604, and detect radiation in the cavity 203
propagating to the detectors 606 and 608 via port 612. A second set
of detectors 617 and 619 are disposed in proximity to the second
set of light sources 613 and 615, and detect radiation in the
cavity 203 propagating to the detectors 617 and 619 via port 610. A
third set of detectors 609 and 611 are disposed in proximity to the
third set of light sources 605 and 607, and detect radiation in the
cavity 203 propagating to the detectors 609 and 611 via port 614.
The detectors 606 and 608 may be alike or different (for example,
to detect a different spectral range). In various embodiments, the
detectors 606 and 608 can be tuned and controlled to scan through a
range of wavelengths to sense a signal at a plurality of
wavelengths. The detection of signals across a range of wavelengths
can be referred to as spectral data. The second and third sets of
detectors can operate in the same manner as the first set of
detectors.
[0063] The illustrated embodiment may also include one or more
auxiliary sensors, for example to sense temperature, oxygen, heart
rate, electro-cardio signals and/or environmental conditions. For
example, the edge 620 may be configured as a temperature sensor to
detect the temperature of a surface it is placed against, and then
provide temperature information to the processor 320 of the sensing
device 100. The sensing device 100 may also include a temperature
sensor for detecting the environmental temperature. The sensing
device 100 may further include a motion sensor, such as an
accelerometer, to detect body motion. The motion sensor may be able
to detect events such as a fall by a user wearing the sensing
device 100 or detachment of the sensing device from the user.
[0064] The sensor device 100 further includes auxiliary sensor
nests 618, 621, 624. Auxiliary sensor nests 618, 621, and 624 are
configured to engage one or more auxiliary sensors including, but
not limited to, a pulse oximetry sensor, a capnography sensor, a
non-invasive blood pressure sensor, an impedance respiration
sensor, a ketone detector, a heart rate sensor, an oxygen
saturation sensor, a body temperature sensor, an external
temperature sensor, a motion sensor, or an electro cardio signal
sensor.
[0065] FIG. 5C illustrates an example of an embodiment of a
detector 600 that may be used to provide calibration information to
the sensing device 100. The detector 600 includes a diffuser window
602 positioned in the concave bottom surface 202 of the sensing
device 100 providing a port for radiation in the cavity to
propagate through towards a filter 604. In some embodiments the
diffuser window 602 comprises sapphire, wholly or in part. Filter
604 is configured to allow radiation to pass through towards the
sensor 606, such that the radiation that propagates through the
filter 604 includes spectral information corresponding to a
spectroscopy signature for glucose (for example, an infra-red
spectroscopy signature for glucose). In some embodiments, filter
604 comprises multiple layers, and can be, for example, a
coated-optic filter.
[0066] Sensor 606 is positioned to receive radiation propagating
from the cavity 603 that passes through the filter 604, such that
the filter 604 is disposed between the diffuser window 602 and the
sensor 606. Because of the configuration of the optical filter 604,
the sensor 606 generates calibration information for a specific
substance (for example, glucose). The sensor 606 is coupled to a
processor (for example, processor 320 of FIG. 3B) and provides the
calibration data to the processor. The processor can save the
calibration data in memory, and use the calibration data to
calibrate spectral data received from other detectors that receive
radiation from the cavity 603, for example, the first, second
and/or third sets of detectors described in reference to FIGS. 5A
and 5B.
[0067] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustrating an example of
data/information flow from a sensing device 100 to a mobile device
and display of result, where the sensed data relates to determining
a blood glucose level. The sensing device 100 is configured to
sense signals in cavity 203 (referring to previous figures) at each
wavelengths of a plurality of wavelengths in a spectral range, and
generates spectral data. In some embodiments, as illustrated in the
embodiment of FIG. 6, the sensing device 100 transmits data 701 to
the mobile device 125. In some embodiments, the transmitted data
701 may be information representative of a signal strength across a
spectral range 157. In some embodiments, the transmitted data 701
may be information of a detected signal in the frequency domain 153
(for example, when the sensing device 100 includes an
interferometer system that is used to sense radiation in the cavity
203). The mobile device 125 receives the transmitted data 701 using
transceiver 130. The mobile device 125 includes instructions for
the processor 135 to process the spectral data to determine a
corresponding level of concentration in blood, and a corresponding
glucose level. The processing of the spectral data may be similar
to known processing techniques used for IR spectroscopy. The mobile
device 125 can include human (or animal) characteristic information
177, stored in a memory component 140. The mobile device 125 is
configured to process the spectral data and determine information
(spectral information or a value) that can be compared to the
stored information and used to determine, for example, a blood
concentration and a corresponding glucose level.
[0068] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process 800 of
non-invasively detecting an amount of a substance in a human or an
animal, for example, using a sensing device 100 and a mobile device
125 described herein. At block 805 the process 800 emits infra-red
light into a cavity of a sensing device, the cavity defined by a
concave bottom surface of the sensing device and a surface the
sensing device is placed against. This can be performed by a light
source 204 as illustrated in FIG. 2C. At block 810 the process 800
generates, with a sensor, spectral data from sensed radiation in
the cavity, the spectral data including signals across a plurality
of wavelengths and representative of a substance in the cavity, the
sensor disposed in a housing of the sensor device to receive
radiation from the cavity. At block 815 the process 800 receives at
a processor spectral data from the sensor component. At block 820
the process 800 generates, using the processor, spectral
information based on the spectral data, the spectral absorption
information corresponding to a blood glucose level. At block 825
the process 800 compares the spectral information to data
indicative of blood glucose levels stored in a memory component,
and determining a blood glucose level indicative of the spectral
absorption information.
[0069] In some embodiments, the process 800 further includes
transmitting the spectral information from a sensing device to a
mobile device. In such embodiments, the process 800 may also
include comparing the spectral information to data indicative of
blood glucose levels is performed by a processor coupled to the
memory component, the mobile device comprising the processor and
the memory component. The process 800 may also include receiving
the spectral information on the mobile device and displaying
information representative of the blood glucose level on a display
of the mobile device.
[0070] FIGS. 8-12 depict an illustrative example of one embodiment
of a sensing device 900. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of
an illustrative example of one embodiment of a sensing device 900.
The sensing device 900 includes a lower housing 2, a beam support
frame 4, a micro chamber 3, a battery supply 17, a power supply
voltage regulation PCA 10, a central processing unit PCA 11, a
communications PCA 12, a radio TX/RX 16, an O-ring 5, an upper
housing 3, and a plurality of fasteners 18. FIG. 9 is a sectional
view showing taken along line A shown in FIG. 8 of an illustrative
example of one embodiment of the sensing device 900. The sensing
device 900 includes a dichroic filter mirror component 6, a primary
beam receptor 22A, a primary LED/laser source 7A, a reference
LED/laser source 7B, and a reference beam receptor 22B.
[0071] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative
example of one embodiment of the sensing device 900 taken from a
different side than that shown in FIG. 8.
[0072] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line B shown in FIG.
10 of an illustrative example of one embodiment of the sensing
device 900.
[0073] The lower housing 2 includes a top surface 46 and a bottom
surface 44 configured such that when the bottom surface 44 is place
against a surface (for example, a skin surface), a chamber or
cavity is defined between the bottom surface 44 and the surface
that the sensing device 900 is placed against. The lower housing is
further configured to receive and secure one or more components of
the sensing device 900.
[0074] The beam support frame 4 is configured to fit within the
interior of the lower housing 2 and includes is bottom surface 48
and a top surface 50. The beam support frame 4 includes support
structures 78A-C, each support structure being configured to secure
a set of light sources, such as primary LED/laser source 7A and
reference LED/laser source 7B, and a set of detectors, such primary
beam receptor 22A and reference beam receptor 22B, the detectors
being configured to detect radiation. The beam support frame 4 also
includes auxiliary sensors nests 80A-C on the external surface of
the beam support frame 4 configured to engage one or more auxiliary
sensors such as, for example, a pulse oximetry sensor, a
capnography sensor, a non-invasive blood pressure sensor, an
impedance respiration sensor, a ketone detector, a heart rate
sensor, an oxygen saturation sensor, a body temperature sensor, an
external temperature sensor, a motion sensor, or an electro cardio
signal sensor.
[0075] The micro chamber 1 includes a bottom surface 52 and a top
surface 54. The micro chamber 1 is configured to fit within the
interior of the beam support frame 4. The micro chamber 1 includes
ports 30A-C, each port configured to align with a support structure
78A-C supporting a set of light sources and a set of detectors. The
ports may further include one or more filters, such as dichroic
filter mirror component 6. Dichroic filter mirror component 6 is
configured to selectively allow some wavelengths of light to pass
while reflecting other wavelengths. For example, the dichroic
filter mirror component 6 may filter radiation such that the
radiation that propagates through the dichroic filter mirror
component 6 includes spectral information corresponding to a
spectroscopy signature for glucose (for example, an infra-red
spectroscopy signature for glucose). The micro chamber 1 further
includes a top surface such that, when the micro chamber 1 is
positioned within the beam support frame 4 and the beam support
frame 4 is positioned within the lower housing 2, a cavity is
formed in which each set of light sources can emit light through
ports 30A-C and into the cavity and each set of detectors can
detect radiation in the cavity propagating through the ports 30A-C,
the cavity being defined by the interior walls and the interior of
the top surface of the micro chamber 1, as well as a surface upon
bottom surface 44 of the lower housing 2 is placed. The micro
chamber 1 further includes receiving members 32M-0 for receiving
the fasteners 18. The receiving members 32M-O are positioned on the
top surface 54 of the micro chamber 1 and protrude upward in a
direction opposite of the bottom surface 44 of the lower housing
2.
[0076] The power supply voltage regulation 10 includes a bottom
surface 56 and a top surface 58, where the bottom surface is
configured to rest on the top surfaces of the receiving members
32M-O. The battery supply 17 is configured to fit between the top
surface 54 of the micro chamber 1 and the bottom surface 56 of the
power supply voltage regulation PCA 10. The battery supply 17
engages with and supplies power to the power supply voltage
regulation 10. The power supply voltage regulation 10 receives
power from the battery supply 17 and provides power to the other
components of the sensing device 900. The power supply voltage
regulation 10 further includes panels 75A-C that extend distally
from the bottom surface 56 of the power supply voltage regulation
10 towards the bottom surface 44 of the lower housing 2 and between
the exterior surface of the beam support frame 4 and the interior
surface of the lower housing 2. Each panel 75A-C is configured to
align with one of the support structures 78A-C and to provide power
to each set of lights and set of detectors. The power supply
voltage regulation 10 further includes receiving members 32J-L for
receiving the fasteners 18. The receiving members 32J-L are
positioned on the top surface 58 of the power supply voltage
regulation 10 in alignment with the receiving members 32M-O and
protrude upward in a direction opposite of the bottom surface 44 of
the lower housing 2.
[0077] The central processing unit PCA 11 includes a bottom surface
60 and a top surface 62, where the bottom surface is configured to
rest on the top surfaces of the receiving members 32J-L. The
central processing unit PCA 11 can communicate with the light
sources, the detectors, the power supply voltage regulation PCA 10,
the communications PCA 12, and the Radio TX/RX 16. The central
processing unit PCA 11 may include a memory including modules
having instructions to configure the central processing unit PCA 11
to perform various operations including to emit light into the
cavity of the sensing device 900 and to detect light from the
cavity. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more light
sources and one or more detects may be controlled by the central
processing unit PCA 11, for example, with instructions that are
stored in the memory. In this illustrated embodiment, the memory
may include a detector component control module, which includes a
light source control module and a detector control module. The
light source control module may include instructions to control one
or more of the light sources to emit light and determine how much
power to supply to the light source(s) to drive the light emission.
The light source control module may also include modulation
controls, to control one or more light sources to emit light in a
certain sequence, to be activated at certain frequencies and for a
certain amount of time. Such programs may be downloaded to the
sensing device 900 and stored in the memory. The detector control
module can include instructions to operate the one or more
detectors, for example to detect radiation at selected wavelengths,
and control the one or more detectors to scan a series or range of
wavelengths to detect radiation having such wavelengths.
[0078] The central processing unit PCA 11 can be configured to
process spectral data received from the one or more detectors, such
as for example, spectral data to determine if a certain gas or
volatile organic compound (VOC) is detected, and then compare the
detected matter to human characteristic information. For example,
for glucose, processing the spectral information can determine a
glucose level in mg/dl, and this glucose level can then be compared
to human characteristic information to determine if the glucose
level is elevated or normal. Human characteristic information may
be stored in the memory of the sensing device 900 or received from
an external device. In such embodiments, the central processing
unit 11 includes functionality to process the sensed spectral data,
for example, a spectral data processing module, and also includes
functionality to compare a determined value that results from
processing the spectral data to a set of information to identify an
amount or level of a detected gas or VOC, for example, in a
comparison and identification processing module, both of which may
be stored in memory. The sensing device 900 may also include an
additional memory to store additional data or instructions for the
sensing device 900.
[0079] The central processing unit PCA 11 further includes
receiving members 32G-I for receiving fasteners 18. The receiving
members 32G-I are positioned on the top surface 62 of the central
processing unit PCA 11 in alignment with the receiving members
32J-L and protrude upward in a direction opposite of the bottom
surface 44 of the lower housing 2.
[0080] The communications PCA 12 includes a bottom surface 64 and a
top surface 66, where the bottom surface is configured to rest on
the top surfaces of the receiving members 32G-I. The communications
PCA 12 receives power from the power supply voltage regulation PCA
10 and is in communication with the central processing unit PCA 11.
Mounted on the top surface of the communications PCA 12 is the
radio TX/RX 16. The radio TX/RX is configured to transmit data to
and receive data from one or more external devices, such as, for
example, mobile device 125 and computing device 155 described
above. The radio TX/RX 16 may communicate through a wireless
protocol (e.g., Bluetooth). In some embodiments, the sensing device
may further be configured to communicate through wired protocols
(e.g., USB interface). The communications PCA 12 further includes a
pair of Bluetooth LEDs 74A,B. The central processing unit PCA 11
can be configured to activate the Bluetooth LED 74A,B when the
Bluetooth wireless protocol is in use. The communications PCA 12
further includes the power button 36. Power button 36 can be in
communication with the central processing unit PCA 11 and the power
supply voltage regulation PCA 10. When engaged, the power button 36
can communicate with the processor such that the processor supplies
power to the sensing device 900 or cease's the supply of power to
the sensing device 900. The power button 36 may further include an
LED for indicating the power state of the device. The power button
36 may display different colors and/or emit light at particular
intervals to indicate the power state of the sensing device 900.
Some examples of power states include on, off, charged, charging,
out of power, or needs to be charged. The communications PCA 12
further includes receiving holes 32D-F aligned with receiving
members 32G-I for receiving fasteners 18.
[0081] The upper housing 3 includes a bottom surface 68 and a top
surface 70. The bottom surface 68 is configured to rest on the top
surface 66 of the communications PCA 12 and the top surface 46 of
the lower housing 2. The beam support frame 4, micro chamber 1,
battery supply 17, power supply voltage regulation PCA 10, central
processing unit PCA 11, communications PCA 12, and radio TX/RX 16
are configured to fit within the lower housing 2. The O-ring 3 can
be positioned to create a seal between the top surface 46 of the
lower housing 2 and a bottom surface 68 of the upper housing 3. The
upper housing 3 further includes receiving holes 32A-C aligned with
receiving holes 32D-F for receiving fasteners 18. The fasteners 18,
when inserted into receiving holes 32A-0 secure the micro chamber
1, power supply voltage regulation PCA 10, central processing unit
PCA 11, communications PCA 12, and upper housing 3 in place. The
top surface 70 of the upper housing 3 further includes an opening
34 from which the power button 36 protrudes allowing for external
engagement of the power button 36 and visibility of the LED of
power button 36. The opening 34 allows for the visibility of the
LED of power 36 when top surface 70 of the upper housing 3 is
visible. The upper housing 3 further includes a vent 38 positioned
above the radio TX/RX 16. The upper housing 3 also includes a set
of openings 42A, B through which Bluetooth LEDs 74A, B protrude.
The openings 42A, B allow for visibility of the Bluetooth LEDs
74A,B when the top surface 70 of the upper housing is visible. FIG.
12 shows a cross-sectional view of an illustrative example of one
embodiment of a sensing device 900. FIG. 12 shows a reference beam
receptor 22C and the reference LED/laser source 7C positioned
within the port 30C. FIG. 12 further depicts a concave inner
surface 40 of the micro chamber 1. The concave inner surface 40
creates a cavity when the bottom surface 44 of the lower housing 2
is positioned against a surface such as a skin surface, such that
one or more of the sets of detectors can detect radiation from
light propagating from the one or more sets of light sources
through the cavity and through emissions from the skin.
[0082] Additional disclosure of certain embodiments of a sensing
device are included in the appendix filed herewith, which is a part
of this provisional application. The various illustrative methods,
logical blocks, modules, circuits and algorithm steps described in
connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be
implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or
combinations of both. The interchangeability of hardware and
software has been described generally, in terms of functionality,
and illustrated in the various illustrative components, blocks,
modules, circuits and steps described above. Whether such
functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends upon
the particular application and design constraints imposed on the
overall system.
[0083] The hardware and data processing apparatus used to implement
the various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and
circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein
may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or
multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field
programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or,
any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state
machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of
computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a
microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more
microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such
configuration. In some implementations, particular steps and
methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given
function.
[0084] In one or more aspects, the functions and processes
described may be implemented in hardware, digital electronic
circuitry, computer software, firmware, including the structures
disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents
thereof, or in any combination thereof. Implementations of the
subject matter described in this specification also can be
implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more
modules of computer program instructions, encoded on a computer
storage media for execution by, or to control the operation of,
data processing apparatus.
[0085] If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on
or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a
computer-readable medium. The steps of a method, algorithm or
manufacturing process disclosed herein may be implemented in a
processor-executable software module which may reside on a
computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both
computer storage media and communication media including any medium
that can be enabled to transfer a computer program from one place
to another. A storage media may be any available media that may be
accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such
computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or
other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to store
desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures
and that may be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection can be
properly termed a computer-readable medium. Disk and disc, as used
herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc,
digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and blue-ray disc where
disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce
data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above also may be
included within the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally,
the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any
combination or set of codes and instructions on a machine readable
medium and computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into
a computer program product.
[0086] Various modifications to the implementations described in
this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to
other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of
this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to
the implementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest
scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel
features disclosed herein. To the extent that the word "exemplary"
is used herein, it exclusively means "serving as an example,
instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other possibilities or implementations.
Additionally, a person having ordinary skill in the art will
readily appreciate, the any relative term used or indicated herein,
for example, "upper" and "lower," are sometimes used for ease of
describing the figures, and indicate relative positions
corresponding to the orientation of the figure on a properly
oriented page, and may not reflect the proper orientation of an
IMOD as implemented.
[0087] Certain features that are described in this specification in
the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in
combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various
features that are described in the context of a single
implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations
separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although
features may be described above as acting in certain combinations
and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a
claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the
combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a
subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
[0088] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in
a particular order, a person having ordinary skill in the art will
readily recognize that such operations need not be performed in the
particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all
illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.
Further, the drawings may schematically depict one more example
processes in the form of a flow diagram. However, other operations
that are not depicted can be incorporated in the example processes
that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more
additional operations can be performed before, after,
simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. In
certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be
advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components
in the implementations described above should not be understood as
requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be
understood that the described program components and systems can
generally be integrated together in a single software product or
packaged into multiple software products.
* * * * *