Health parameter detection system, method and apparatus based on frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR)

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatuses include a health parameter detection apparatus. The apparatus includes a platform having a measurement surface, the measurement surface being a first surface. The measurement surface is operable to contact a target area of a user. The apparatus includes one or more light sources disposed proximate to a transparent material and operable to transmit light into the transparent material. The apparatus further includes an internal mirror forming a first angle with the measurement surface and / or a camera such that the camera is operable to receive scattered light caused by frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) occurring on the measurement surface and reflected from the mirror. The platform can form a portion of at least one of a treadmill, an elliptical machine, a rowing machine, a stair-stepper, or a leg press machine.

Description

Related applications cross-reference

[0001] The priority claimed in this application is as follows: U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,605, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Suppressed Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) Surface Topology and Composition Analysis System, Method, and Apparatus"; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,616, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Wearable Electroacoustic Monitoring System, Method, and Apparatus"; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,627, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Acoustic Enhancement Implants"; and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,633, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Multi-..." The entire contents of the following documents are incorporated herein by reference: “Sensor systems, methods, and apparatus for detecting various signal types”; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,640, filed August 30, 2023, entitled “Multi-device health parameter monitoring system, method, and apparatus”; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,647, filed August 30, 2023, entitled “Health parameter detection system, method, and apparatus based on suppressed total reflectance (FTIR)”; and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,663, filed August 30, 2023, entitled “Nervous system and / or musculoskeletal parameter characterization system, method, and apparatus”. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional optical analysis apparatus used for health characterization typically assumes constant mechanical properties around the sample area, without considering any spatial differences or surface features within the sample area. These systems usually use only a single wavelength of visible light (e.g., red light). Furthermore, conventional optical analysis apparatus is very large and heavy, and not easily moved between examination chambers. Therefore, health characterization using conventional optical analysis apparatus is limited.

[0003] Based on the above observations and other factors, various aspects of this disclosure were conceived and developed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed herein can solve the aforementioned problems. For example, a health parameter detection apparatus may include a body having a platform formed of a transparent material. The platform may include a measuring surface forming a first surface of the body, and the measuring surface may be operable to contact a target area of ​​a user. The apparatus may also include one or more light sources disposed adjacent to the transparent material and operable to transmit light into the transparent material. Furthermore, the apparatus may include: a reflector disposed within the body and forming a first angle with the measuring surface; and / or a camera, at least partially disposed within the body, such that the camera is operable to receive light caused by a suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) event occurring at the measuring surface and reflected from the reflector.

[0005] In some examples, the device includes one or more wheels extending from a second surface of the body. The device may also include a handle formed on a third surface of the body. Furthermore, the device may include: a mounting frame disposed between the platform and the reflector, substantially parallel to the platform; and / or one or more force sensors disposed between the platform and the mounting frame, operable to detect forces applied to the measuring surface. Additionally, one or more light sources may include a row of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed along one side of a transparent material. Furthermore, the reflector may include a first reflector; and / or the device may include a second reflector internal to the body, forming a third angle with the measuring surface such that the second reflector receives light reflected from the first reflector. Furthermore, the device may include a third reflector internal to the body, forming a fourth angle with the measuring surface such that the third reflector reflects light reflected from and received by the second reflector toward the camera. The third reflector may be a curved reflector, and / or the device may also include a lens positioned between the third reflector and the camera. One or more light sources may include LEDs of various frequencies; and / or the scattered light may be caused by multiple FTIR events generated by powering LEDs of different frequencies, one frequency at a time, so that the health parameter detection device can construct a nanoscale or microscale 3D topology from multiple FTIR events.

[0006] In some scenarios, a health parameter detection system may include a platform formed of a transparent material. The platform may include a measurement surface operable to contact a target area of ​​a user. Furthermore, a multi-sensor scanning system may include: a light source operable to transmit light into the transparent material; one or more cameras pointed at the transparent material such that the cameras are operable to receive scattered light caused by a suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) event occurring on the measurement surface due to contact with the target area; and / or at least one motor operable to move the measurement surface.

[0007] In some examples, the system also includes a computer-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, enable the health parameter detection system to: collect calibration light data by powering a light source, including a calibration LED array, over predetermined calibration time intervals; collect test data by performing a two-part assessment of an object; normalize the test data using calibration light source data, anthropometric data, or patient demographic information to generate normalized test data; and / or present a visual representation of the normalized test data on a graphical user interface on a clinician's computing device. Furthermore, when executed by one or more processors, these instructions can further enable the health parameter detection system to generate a skin surface calibration profile indicating one or more optical characteristics of the plantar surface. One or more cameras may include a plurality of cameras arranged in an array pointing towards the underside of the platform. Additionally, the platform may include at least one of: a flexible running band comprising a transparent material for receiving light from the light source; and / or a rigid deck around which the flexible running band is wound. The rigid deck may include a transparent material for receiving light from the light source. Furthermore, the platform may include a plurality of parallel rigid plates extending from a first side of the platform to a second side of the platform. The platform can be formed as at least one of the following: treadmill, elliptical trainer, rowing machine, stair climber and / or leg press machine.

[0008] In some cases, health parameter detection methods include: collecting calibration light data by powering a light source adjacent to a transparent material forming a measurement surface during a predetermined calibration time interval; collecting test data corresponding to one or more suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) events caused by powering the light source during the test time interval and occurring on the measurement surface; normalizing the test data to generate normalized test data; and / or presenting a visual representation of the normalized test data on a graphical user interface on a clinician's computing device display.

[0009] In some scenarios, the light source may include a calibration LED array comprising LEDs of different frequencies corresponding to the contact surface of the calibration object. Furthermore, the two-part evaluation may include: generating first location data corresponding to the object's location; and / or generating second location data corresponding to the vestibular inhibition location. Additionally, the test data may include a balanced distribution generated by calculating the difference between the first and second location data. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The foregoing summary and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, specific embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and features shown. The accompanying drawings, as an integral part of this specification, illustrate specific embodiments of systems and methods conforming to the subject matter of this disclosure, and together with the description, illustrate the advantages and principles of the subject matter of this disclosure, wherein: Figure 1 An example of a health parameter detection system for generating suppressed total reflection (FTIR) events using a platform is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An example of a health parameter detection system for generating FTIR events using a platform with a compact shape factor is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 An example of a health parameter detection system is shown, which includes various components of a platform with a compact shape factor to generate FTIR events.

[0013] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of a health parameter detection system that uses a mobile platform including a flexible treadmill belt to generate FTIR events is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 An example of a health parameter detection system is shown that uses a mobile platform including a flexible treadmill belt surrounding a rigid deck to generate FTIR events.

[0015] Figure 6 An example of a health parameter detection system for generating FTIR events is shown. This system uses a mobile platform comprising multiple boards.

[0016] Figure 7 An example of a health parameter detection system that uses a platform of exercise machines to generate FTIR events is shown.

[0017] Figure 8 It shows that it can be made by Figures 1 to 7 Examples of health parameter detection methods performed by any of the systems shown.

[0018] Figure 9It shows that it can be made by Figures 1 to 7 Examples of health parameter detection methods performed by any of the systems shown. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To simplify the description and ensure clarity, reference numerals are used repeatedly in different figures where appropriate to identify corresponding or similar elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are detailed to fully illustrate the embodiments described herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein can be practiced with these specific details omitted. In other instances, methods, processes, and components are not detailed to avoid obscuring the focus of description of relevant features. The content of this specification should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments. The drawings are not drawn to scale, and some components may be exaggerated to more clearly demonstrate the details and features of this disclosure.

[0020] The wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as restrictive. For example, the use of the singular form such as "a" is not intended to limit the number of items. Furthermore, relative terms used in the description for clarity (including, but not limited to, "top," "bottom," "left side," "right side," "upper part," "lower part," "below," "above," and "side") are used only to accompany specific illustrations and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure or the appended claims. Moreover, it should be understood that any feature of this disclosure may be used alone or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the accompanying drawings and detailed specifications. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages should be included within the scope of this specification, fall within the scope of this disclosure, and are protected by the appended claims.

[0021] Furthermore, given that the present disclosure can be implemented in various different forms, this specification aims to illustrate the basic principles of the present disclosure, rather than limiting the present disclosure to the specific embodiments shown and described. Any feature of the present disclosure can be used alone or in combination with other features. Terms such as "embodiment" and "example" used in the specification indicate that the referred feature is included in at least one aspect of the specification. Individual references to the terms "embodiment," "example," etc., in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they mutually exclusive, unless otherwise stated and / or readily understood by those skilled in the art from the specification. For example, features, structures, processes, steps, operations, etc., described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but are not necessarily included. Therefore, the present disclosure can include various combinations and / or integrations of the examples described herein. Furthermore, all aspects of the present disclosure described herein are not necessary conditions for implementing the present disclosure. Similarly, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings and specification, will be able to understand or discover other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages should be considered as included in this specification, within the scope of the present disclosure, and covered by the claims.

[0022] Any degree terms used in the specification and appended claims, such as, but not limited to, “substantially,” should be understood to include precise configurations or similar but not precise configurations. For example, “substantially flat surface” refers to both a precisely flat surface and a similar but not precise flat surface. Similarly, terms such as “about” or “approximately” used in the specification and appended claims should be understood to include the stated value or a range of three to one-third of the stated value. For example, about 3 mm covers all values ​​from 1 mm to 9 mm, and approximately 50 degrees covers all values ​​from 16.6 degrees to 150 degrees.

[0023] The term "coupling" is defined as a connection state, whether direct or indirect through intermediate components, and is not necessarily limited to a physical connection. This connection can manifest as a permanent or detachable connection of objects. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are used interchangeably in this disclosure. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" all mean to include, but are not necessarily limited to, the described content. "Real-time" or "real-time time" refers to something that occurs substantially instantly.

[0024] Finally, the use of "or" and "and / or" in this specification should be interpreted inclusively, meaning any single item or any combination. Therefore, "A, B, or C" or "A, B, and / or C" can refer to any of the following: "A", "B", or "C"; "A and B"; "A and C"; "B and C"; "A, B, and C". This definition is only exceptions when the combination of elements, functions, steps, or behaviors is inherently mutually exclusive to some extent.

[0025] Systems, methods, and apparatuses include an improved health parameter characterization device that can perform pressure mapping based on the occurrence of suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) events. The device may include one or more cameras for capturing light intensity values ​​generated on a transparent medium, which are used to measure the pressure distribution of objects or entities in contact with the transparent medium. These systems, methods, and apparatuses can use transparent media to measure pressure induced by human tissue at contact surfaces and their surface characteristics. The techniques disclosed herein can also be applied to several other research areas, such as contact machinery, electrical contact, rolling element bearings, sealing machinery (e.g., seabed), shielding devices, etc.

[0026] In some cases, health parameter characterization devices can use light of different wavelengths within a transparent medium. This may create a boundary condition where an electromagnetic field prevents photons from escaping the transparent medium until an external object disturbs the electromagnetic waves. When an object (e.g., the surface of a body part) interferes with this boundary condition, or in other words, comes into contact with the transparent medium, the transparent medium emits photons. The greater the pressure between the object and the surface, the closer the object's surface features are to the transparent medium, and the more photons are scattered. Therefore, a camera recording an image of the contact area can be used to measure the light intensity at different locations, and the light intensity can be converted into a pressure map for display on one or more computing devices. Furthermore, the techniques disclosed herein can generate one or more of the following types of health parameter characterizations—perfusion maps, thermograms, electroactivity maps, and / or other types—based on the interface with the contact surface of the body part while generating a pressure map, or generate one or more of these health parameter characterizations without generating a pressure map.

[0027] As discussed in this article, electromagnetic waves can refer to light with wavelengths shorter than or longer than visible light, as well as visible light (e.g., ultraviolet, visible, and / or near, mid, and long-range infrared), while a transparent medium can refer to a medium that does not shield electromagnetic waves at wavelengths used in a specific application. For example, if a transparent medium is used for infrared light, this does not mean that the medium is transparent to the visible light spectrum, but rather that it does not shield infrared electromagnetic waves. In other words, the "transparency" of a transparent medium can be specific to a particular frequency.

[0028] In some scenarios, health parameter characterization devices can be vertical platforms with reduced height (e.g., less than 14 inches), which can reduce safety risks compared to taller measuring devices, especially for patients already suffering from imbalances. The system can include components in at least two configurations that can utilize one or more 3D curved mirrors and can form a reduced-height profile for the device. In other examples, component configurations can include multiple cameras for reducing the device's height.

[0029] Furthermore, various exercise machines and / or rehabilitation devices can be manufactured using the techniques disclosed herein. For example, transparent media can be formed in one or more of treadmills, elliptical trainers, rowing machines, steppers, or leg press machines, which can improve assessment during exercise or physical therapy. These highly precise, multi-functional pressure plates can also be integrated into virtual reality (VR) environments.

[0030] This system, method, and apparatus may include a health parameter characterization procedure for use with a tested patient. The techniques disclosed herein can have many different applications, each requiring unique procedures before, after, and during the testing procedure. Examples of health parameter characterization procedures with applications that improve balance assessment are also disclosed herein.

[0031] Further advantages and benefits will become apparent from the detailed description below.

[0032] Figure 1 An example of a system 100 for performing health parameter detection and / or characterization is shown. System 100 may include a health parameter detection device 102 that generates pressure maps, perfusion maps, surface topology, and / or material composition by analyzing the surface of a body part pressed against a transparent medium 104 (e.g., sample surface 105). The surface of the body part may be the sole of the foot of a person standing or pushing against the transparent medium 104. The health parameter detection device 102 may use the concept of FTIR to capture electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths within the transparent medium 104 (e.g., a glass slide, plastic sheet, etc.). In this case, if any surface feature of the body part (e.g., sample surface 105) is closer to the wavelength of the captured light than the transparent medium 104, photons begin to scatter from the contact area. Therefore, one or more cameras 106 and / or microscopes beneath the glass medium can record these photons. In some cases, electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths, ranging from the ultraviolet range to visible and infrared waves, are generated by one or more LEDs (e.g., multiple LEDs 108). The plurality of LEDs 108 may include a wide range of LEDs, for example, between 10 nm and 4000 nm wavelengths.

[0033] One or more cameras 106 on the opposite side of the transparent medium 104 from the measurement surface can record scattered photons. The number and / or amplitude of photons at a specific region of the contact area can correspond to the pressure applied to the transparent medium 104, allowing a pressure map to be generated from this data. Furthermore, LEDs with different wavelengths can be switched on one frequency at a time (e.g., sequentially), from smaller wavelengths to larger wavelengths. One or more cameras 106 can record scattered photographs at different LED illumination stages to record slices of the contact surface at different distances from the glass surface. Additionally, a specific group of frequencies can be activated at a time for a specific use case. Different distances from the glass surface correspond to different wavelengths of the LEDs. By combining these images, a nanoscale or microscale 3D surface topology of the contact area (e.g., the body portion pressing against the transparent medium 104) can be generated. In other words, the health parameter detection device 102 can be used to generate images of slices of an object against the glass medium at different distances. The health parameter detection device 102 can operate as a nanoscale 3D scanner that constructs a 3D profile of the contact area. These surface topologies can be used to determine the friction factor, roughness factor, and / or other mechanical or optical properties of the contact surfaces.

[0034] Furthermore, by analyzing the amplitude of the received wave used for each of these wavelengths, the health parameter detection device 102 can simultaneously determine the material composition (e.g., water content, salt percentage, oxygen content, etc.) of the part in contact with the body. Wavelengths outside the visible light range can be used, particularly in the near-infrared range from 800 nm to 4000 nm. The FTIR spectra used to determine the material can be performed simultaneously with the generation of pressure maps, perfusion maps, and / or 3D surface topologies. One or more cameras 106 (e.g., as a supplement to or alternative to a spectrometer) can detect electromagnetic waves scattered at different frequencies, one at a time, or in a specific set of frequencies, and only at the wavelengths required for material composition analysis. For example, if the health parameter detection device 102 is used to check the oxygen level at the contact surface, an LED emitting electromagnetic waves at certain wavelengths that can help detect oxygen (e.g., between 1400-1600 nm) is used. In some examples, chemical composition analysis performed with a visible light camera 106 and multiple different wavelengths is an improvement over other FTIR spectrometers that may use a spectrometer.

[0035] In some examples, pressure distribution can be determined as a supplement to or alternative to perfusion distribution. This can be particularly useful for patients with diabetes or neuropathy, for whom perfusion distribution in the foot can be determined by measuring changes in pressure maps and / or surface topology over time and correlating these changes with known blood flow areas (e.g., using one or more machine learning techniques).

[0036] Furthermore, the health parameter detection device 102 may include one or more interchangeable LED assemblies, each corresponding to a specific use case, a specific component of the material composition, etc. The glass medium may also have conductive portions, such as transparent conductive ink, formed on the contact surface of the transparent medium 104. The conductive ink can be used to send and / or receive electrical signals to and / or receive electrical signals through the contact surface. Additionally, other portions of the transparent medium 104 (e.g., outside the measurement surface portion) may be covered with a shield 110 or an opaque material to trap photons within the transparent medium 104.

[0037] In some applications, the transparent medium 104 may be formed into the top portion of the exercise device 112, such as an exercise device or physical therapy device for humans and / or animals. For example, the transparent medium 104 may be formed into a flexible running belt 113, a rigid deck, multiple plates, or a combination thereof, as described below. Figures 4A to 7 As discussed in more detail.

[0038] Figure 2 An example of system 100 is shown, which includes a health parameter detection device 102. Figure 2 The system 100 shown can be formed Figure 1 At least a portion of the system 100 shown. The health parameter detection device 102 may include a body 114 having one or more mirrors disposed within the body 114. For example, the body 114 may have a transparent medium 104 defining a first surface (e.g., a top surface) of the body 114, and the first mirror may be an inclined mirror 116 disposed below the transparent medium 104. The inclined mirror 116 may be positioned opposite a top measuring surface 118 of the transparent medium 104, which may be exposed. The inclined mirror 116 may form an angle with the body 114 (e.g., the first surface) such that scattered light incident from the transparent medium 104 onto the inclined mirror 116 is reflected toward one or more cameras 106. One or more cameras 106 may be positioned in an upper corner 117 inside the body 114, the upper corner 117 facing downward at an angle toward the inclined mirror 116.

[0039] In certain situations, when the health parameter detection device 102 is in the measurement in progress position, the tilting mirror-camera system 119 can reduce the overall height of the health parameter detection device. One or more cameras 106 can be placed below the top of the glass (e.g., the transparent medium 104) and can look down at the tilting mirror 116. Furthermore, for portability and mobility, two, three, or four wheels 121 can extend from one side of the body 114, and an extendable and / or adjustable handle 123 can extend from the other side of the body 114. Thus, the health parameter detection device 102 can be switched between a measurement in progress position and a transport position, which may include a 90° rotation difference from the measurement in progress position.

[0040] Figure 3 An example of system 100 is shown, which includes a health parameter detection device 102 having a plurality of reflectors 120. Figure 3 The system 100 shown can be formed Figure 1 At least a portion of the system 100 shown.

[0041] For example, the health parameter detection device 102 may include a second reflector 122 that forms another angle with a first surface of the body 114 (e.g., the top measuring surface 118). Thus, the second reflector 122 can receive light reflected from the tilted reflector 116 and reflect the light toward a third reflector 124. The third reflector 124 can then reflect the light from the second reflector 122 toward one or more cameras 106. The first reflector 115, the second reflector 122, and / or the third reflector 124 may include 3D curved reflectors (e.g., instead of tilted reflectors), and one or more lenses 126 may be disposed between the first reflector 115, the second reflector 122, and / or the third reflector 124, which can further reduce the height dimension 125 of the health parameter detection device 102. Therefore, these configurations can improve the portability of the health parameter detection device 102, allowing the device to be designed to be comparable in size to a household weighing scale. Consequently, the health parameter detection device can be more portable, safer, and lighter. Furthermore, the camera 106 and the curved reflector system can be designed as replaceable or modifiable modular components. In these examples, the camera(s) 106 can be positioned below the top of the glass (e.g., the transparent medium 104) and facing away from the glass towards the curved reflector 128. Additionally, the health parameter detection device 102 may include one or more force sensors 129 disposed below the transparent medium 104 for measuring the force applied to the top measuring surface 118.

[0042] In some examples, the configuration of the health parameter detection device 102 may include multiple cameras, which can increase the field of view of the detection system and / or further reduce the height of the health parameter detection device 102. As mentioned above, the cameras 106 may include any combination of visible light cameras, infrared cameras, UV cameras, etc. In addition to reducing the height of the health parameter detection device 102, multiple cameras 106 can also be used to construct large and / or elongated platforms 131, which measure pressure distribution, perfusion distribution, electrical distribution, surface topology, etc. These platforms 131 may be integrated into one or more motion devices 112, as described below with respect to Figures 4 to 112. Figure 6 As discussed in more detail.

[0043] Figure 4 to Figure 6 An example of a sports device 112 is shown, which includes components of a health parameter detection device 102. These sports devices 112 can be integrated with the health parameter detection device 102 to provide multiple mapping capabilities based on various types of collected data. Figures 4 to... Figure 6 The system 100 shown can be formed Figure 1 At least a portion of the system 100 shown.

[0044] The exercise device 112 disclosed herein addresses some obstacles to the use of pressure mapping devices, particularly in exercise and physical therapy, where some pressure mapping devices can only analyze a person in a static setting and not in a dynamic setting. In other words, some pressure mapping devices can only analyze a person when they are standing, not when they are walking or running. The exercise device 112 disclosed herein addresses these problems by using FTIR-based scanning techniques to provide improved spatial resolution for measuring health parameters integrated into a dynamic setting. The exercise device 112 can be an exercise or physical therapy device, such as a treadmill 130, an elliptical trainer 702, a leg press machine 704, a stepper 706, and / or a rowing machine 708, which incorporate a transparent medium 104 to perform health parameter characterization techniques.

[0045] Figure 4A and Figure 4BAn example of a health parameter detection device 102 is shown, which has an exercise machine shape factor 402 that integrates the health parameter detection device 102 into a motion device 112. The motion device 112 may include a treadmill 130. The treadmill 130 may capture light (e.g., from multiple LEDs 108) within a flexible running belt 132 formed of a transparent medium 104 on which an object moves (e.g., standing, walking, and / or running). Multiple cameras 404 may record footprints on the transparent medium 104 that cause pressure and / or FTIR events, and a processing unit may then convert the footprints into a pressure map.

[0046] In some examples, the treadmill 130 may include one or more motors 406 connected to one or more rollers 408 to generate rotational motion for the one or more rollers 408. The treadmill 130 may also include a frame 410 to which other components are fastened / mounted. A flexible running belt 132 may be wound around one or more rollers 408. Furthermore, the treadmill 130 may include a tilting mechanism for adjusting the height dimension at one side of the treadmill 130, and a belt fastening mechanism for securing the flexible running belt 132 in place. Additionally, the treadmill 130 may include one or more cameras 106, such as a plurality of cameras or a camera array 414 in an internal portion of the treadmill 130, pointing upwards toward the transparent medium 104. Furthermore, the treadmill 130 may include one or more light sources, such as a plurality of LEDs 108 for providing light to the flexible running belt 132.

[0047] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the treadmill 130 can omit any running deck by using a flexible running belt 132 made of a flexible yet strong material that maintains both friction and normal forces when the user runs on the flexible running belt 132. Light from multiple LEDs 108 can be captured inside the flexible running belt 132 on which an object moves, and multiple cameras 106 can record footprints and / or scattered light caused by the footprints. A processing unit can be used to convert the footprints into pressure maps, perfusion maps, etc.

[0048] Figure 5 An example of a treadmill 130 is shown, which includes the components mentioned above. Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe treadmill 130 discussed also includes a rigid deck 134. For example, the flexible running belt 132 in this design may be a flexible, thin rubber-like or fabric-like material that provides friction but omitting the provision of normal forces. The rigid deck 134 may be at least partially disposed beneath the flexible running belt 132 and provide normal forces that can support the object when it stands, walks, and / or runs on the flexible running belt 132. Light from multiple LEDs 108 can be captured within the rigid deck 134. Multiple cameras 106 can be used to record footprints and / or scattered light caused by the footprints. The processing unit can then convert the footprints into pressure maps, perfusion maps, etc.

[0049] In this configuration, the rigid deck 134 can be formed of a rigid material and can provide normal forces. The rigid deck 134 can also operate in an FTIR domain (e.g., a transparent medium 104) in which light from multiple LEDs 108 is captured. Multiple cameras 106 (e.g., a row or array 414 of cameras forming the cameras 106), a single camera 106, and / or a camera reflector module can be positioned below the running deck to record footprints and / or scattered light caused by the footprints. An internal or external processing unit can then convert the images or video into pressure maps, perfusion maps, etc. The internal or external processing unit can also post-process the data to create analytical outputs for visual display via one or more graphical user interfaces.

[0050] Figure 6 An example of a treadmill 130 is shown, which may include the components mentioned above. Figures 4A to 5 The arbitrary features discussed. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the treadmill 130 may include a plurality of rigid plates 136, or substantially rectangular rigid bars, which may be formed of a transparent medium 104.

[0051] In this configuration, the flexible running belt 132 and / or rigid deck 134 can be replaced by multiple rigid rectangular rods or rigid plates 136, which provide both normal and frictional forces. Light from the multiple LEDs 108 can be trapped within the rods, and one or more cameras 106 or camera reflector modules can be used to record pressure maps (e.g., footprints). Light can be trapped within the rods in two different ways. First, the multiple LEDs 108 can be attached to and movable with the multiple rigid plates 136. Second, the multiple LEDs 108 can be stationary and / or fixed to the structure of the treadmill 130 (e.g., the frame of the treadmill 130), and the multiple rigid plates 136 can move past the multiple LEDs 108 as they emit light, such that the light is trapped within the multiple rigid plates 136. Furthermore, internal or external computing modules can be used to process the data.

[0052] Figure 7 An example of system 100 is shown, which includes different shape factor implementations of motion device 112. Figure 7 The system 100 shown can be formed Figure 1 At least a portion of the system 100 shown.

[0053] For example, the health parameter detection device 102 can be integrated into multiple different designs to form different types of pressure mapping devices, such as fitness machines and / or physical therapy machines. Exercise device 112 may include a stepper 706 with the health parameter detection device 102, which is at least partially integrated into one or more steps of the stepper 706. Exercise device 112 may include an elliptical trainer 702 with the health parameter detection device 102, which is at least partially integrated into the standing platform portion of the elliptical trainer 702. Exercise device 112 may include a rowing machine 708 with the health parameter detection device 102, which is at least partially integrated into the foot pedal portion of the rowing machine 708. Exercise device 112 may include a leg massager 704 with the health parameter detection device 102, which is at least partially integrated into the foot massage portion of the leg massager 704. Various other types of exercise equipment, physical therapy equipment, medical diagnostic equipment, and / or health parameter monitoring equipment can integrate the health parameter detection device 102.

[0054] Figure 8 An example of a method 800 for determining the health parameters of an object using a health parameter detection device 102 is shown. This method 800 can be... Figures 1 to 7 Execute any of the systems 100 shown.

[0055] In some examples, method 800 may include at least four distinct phases during the examination of a patient or subject, and each phase may comprise different parts. Method 800 may be executed using one or more computing devices, such as a clinician computing device, a cloud server device, one or more mobile devices, etc. The one or more computing devices may execute applications locally and / or be connected to each other via one or more network connections. The one or more computing devices may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, perform one or more of the operations discussed herein. For example, the computing device may perform a health parameter characterization procedure by performing various data collection, analysis, and other input / output operations discussed below.

[0056] In some cases, the health parameter characterization procedure may include a first phase for initialization and calibration (e.g., initialization / calibration phase 802). For example, initialization / calibration phase 802 may include determining the tare weight of the force sensor and / or taking a pre-test image of the glass (e.g., transparent medium 104) to calibrate for possible stains / scratches on the transparent medium 104 in the image, or light noise from the room, or possible light noise from multiple LEDs 108.

[0057] The initialization / calibration phase 802 may include one or more subjects standing on the sample surface 105 of the health parameter detection device 102 for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 to 3 minutes) to determine the viscoelastic properties of the tissue in contact with the sample surface 105. A predetermined set of different wavelengths of light may be emitted for calibration purposes. Specific wavelengths of light may be emitted at the beginning and / or end of the calibration process and then recorded. For example, white light may be emitted at the beginning to analyze the optical properties of the foot. The light emitted from the sample surface 105 during the calibration process may originate from the FTIR effect and / or from light directly irradiated onto the foot, which reflects the light to the light sensor. Therefore, method 800 may include determining skin optical properties by first recording skin images with or without white light, and then performing an FTIR-based analysis of the skin using a calibration factor to account for the skin's optical properties. Thus, the optical properties of the tissue in contact with the sample surface 105 can be calibrated.

[0058] In some examples, the first stage (e.g., initialization / calibration stage 802) may include calibrating the health parameter detection device 102 for measurements of the object's skin color, viscoelastic mechanical properties of the foot, and / or roughness factor. Thus, method 800 can account for the roughness of the foot in pressure measurements by generating FTIR-based surface topology and / or including at least one of other types of 3D scanners, such as projection methods. Furthermore, force measurements and / or center of gravity measurements may be determined as part of the first stage (e.g., the initialization / calibration stage), which can be further used to normalize and / or calibrate test data analysis equations. Additionally, a calibration process may be run before the object stands on the glass to identify characteristics of the health parameter detection device 102 (e.g., the transparent medium 104), such as effects from scratches, previous footprints, dirt, etc.

[0059] In some cases, method 800 includes a second phase, which may be a testing and / or experimental phase 804. For example, an object may stand in a normal standing posture on a transparent medium 104 for a first predetermined time period. The user may then stand in a vestibular-inhibited posture on the sample surface for a second predetermined time period. The difference in balance distribution between the two postures can then be calculated. Furthermore, test data can be collected in various other postures (e.g., standing on one leg, squatting, deep squatting, jumping, etc.), which can also be used to determine balance distributions, stress maps, perfusion maps, etc.

[0060] In some examples, method 800 includes a third stage, which may be a post-processing stage 806. For example, using one or more computing devices, health parameter detection device 102 may normalize test data of the optical properties of the foot based on the calibration initialization stage. Health parameter detection device 102 may normalize test data of the roughness factor of the foot based on the calibration initialization stage. Health parameter detection device 102 may normalize test data of anthropometric measurements based on the calibration initialization stage. Health parameter detection device 102 may normalize test data based on patient demographic data. In some examples, one or more machine learning algorithms may use training and / or validation processes (e.g., with or without human assistance) to perform the post-processing steps of method 800 and / or calculate the pressure distribution.

[0061] In some cases, method 800 includes a fourth phase, which can be a data presentation phase 808. There are many different ways to present post-processed test data to clinicians and patients / subjects. For example, data can be presented as one or more graphs, lists, spreadsheets, charts, icons, etc., on a display graphical user interface to represent post-processed test data.

[0062] Figure 9An example of a method 900 for detecting health parameters is shown, which can be performed using a health parameter detection device 102. Method 900 can be... Figures 1 to 7 Execute on any of the systems shown.

[0063] In some examples, in step 902, method 900 can collect calibration light data by powering a light source adjacent to a transparent material forming the measurement surface during a predetermined calibration time interval. In step 904, method 900 can collect test data by powering the light source during a test time interval for a two-part evaluation of the object, the test data corresponding to one or more suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) events caused by powering the light source during the test time interval and occurring on the measurement surface. In step 906, method 900 can normalize the test data to generate normalized test data. In step 908, method 900 can present a visual representation of the normalized test data on a graphical user interface on the display of a clinician's computing device.

[0064] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchical structure of the method steps described in this specification is merely an exemplary scheme and can be adjusted while maintaining the subject matter of this disclosure. For example, any operation described in this specification may be omitted, repeated, performed in parallel, performed in a different order, and / or combined with other operations described in this specification.

[0065] While this disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, specific embodiments of this disclosure are described in a particular implementation context. In different embodiments of this disclosure, functionality may be separated or combined in different ways, and different terms may be used to describe them. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A health parameter detection device, comprising: main body; A platform formed of a transparent material, the platform including a measuring surface forming a first surface of the body, the measuring surface being operable to contact a target area of ​​a user; One or more light sources, the light sources being disposed adjacent to the transparent material and operable to transmit light into the transparent material; A reflector, wherein the reflector is disposed inside the body and forms a first angle with the measuring surface; as well as A camera, at least partially disposed in the body, is operable to receive scattered light caused by a suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) event occurring on the measuring surface and reflected from the mirror.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more wheels extending from the second surface of the body.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: A handle, which is formed into a third surface of the body.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: A mounting frame is disposed between the platform and the reflector, and is substantially parallel to the platform; as well as One or more force sensors are disposed between the platform and the mounting frame and are operable to detect forces applied to the measuring surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The one or more light sources include a row of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed along one side of the transparent material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The reflector includes a first reflector; as well as The device further includes: A second reflecting mirror located inside the main body forms a third angle with the measuring surface, such that the second reflecting mirror receives light reflected from the first reflecting mirror; as well as A third reflecting mirror inside the main body forms a fourth angle with the measuring surface, such that the light reflected from the second reflecting mirror and received by the third reflecting mirror is reflected toward the camera.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The third reflecting mirror is a curved reflecting mirror.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: A lens, positioned between the third reflector and the camera.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The one or more light sources include multiple LEDs of different frequencies; and The scattered light is caused by multiple FTIR events, each generated by powering multiple LEDs of different frequencies at a different frequency, enabling the health parameter detection device to construct a nanoscale or micrometer-scale 3D topology from the multiple FTIR events.

10. A health parameter detection system, comprising: A platform formed of a transparent material, the platform including a measuring surface operable to contact a target area of ​​a user; A light source, operable to transmit light into the transparent material; One or more cameras, the cameras facing the transparent material, such that the one or more cameras are operable to receive scattered light caused by a suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) event, the suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) event occurring on the measurement surface due to contact with the target region; and One or more motors, operable to move the measuring surface.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising: A computer-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the health parameter detection system to: Calibration light data is collected by powering the light source at predetermined calibration time intervals. The light source package includes a group of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for calibration. Test data is collected by performing a two-part evaluation of the object. Test data are normalized using calibration light source data, anthropometric data, or patient demographic data to generate normalized test data. as well as The normalized test data is presented as a visual representation on the graphical user interface of the clinician's computing device.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein, When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions cause the health parameter detection system to generate a skin surface calibration profile, which indicates one or more optical properties of the sole surface.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein, The one or more cameras include a plurality of cameras arranged in an array facing the lower side of the platform.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein, The platform includes at least one of the following: A flexible running belt, the flexible running belt comprising a transparent material for receiving light from the light source, or A rigid deck, around which the flexible running belt is wrapped, the rigid deck comprising a transparent material for receiving light from the light source.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein, The platform includes a plurality of parallel rigid plates extending from a first side of the platform to a second side of the platform.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein, The platform forms part of at least one of the following: treadmill, Elliptical trainer Rowing machine Step machine, or Leg massager.

17. A method for detecting health parameters, the method comprising: Calibration light data is collected by powering a light source adjacent to a transparent material forming the measurement surface during predetermined calibration time intervals. Test data is collected by powering the light source during the test interval to perform a two-part evaluation of the object, the test data corresponding to one or more suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) events caused by powering the light source during the test interval and occurring on the measurement surface; The test data is normalized to generate normalized test data; as well as The normalized test data is presented as a visual representation on the graphical user interface of the clinician's computing device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The light source includes a calibration light-emitting diode (LED) array, which comprises LEDs of different frequencies corresponding to the contact surface of the calibration object.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, The two-part assessment includes: Generate first position data corresponding to the object's position, and Generate second location data corresponding to the vestibular inhibition location.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The test data includes a balanced distribution generated by calculating the difference between the first location data and the second location data.

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