A wearable device for monitoring labor progress during labor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for monitoring the progress of a person's labor during childbirth. The system of the present invention comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, a processing unit and a data transmission unit. A first sensor is provided for detecting lactic acid in sweat from the person's body. A second sensor is provided for detecting muscle movements on the abdominal surface of the person's body. The processing unit of the system determines fatigue levels and descent of the fetus and their respective patterns based on corresponding and respective signals from the first sensor and the second sensor received and transmitted by the data transmission unit. The present invention also relates to a sensor for detecting lactic acid, a sensor for detecting muscle movements and a method for monitoring the progress of a person's labor during childbirth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable device for monitoring the labor process during labor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wearable device for monitoring the descent of a fetus and the fatigue level of a mother during labor. Background Art

[0002] Typically, vaginal childbirth involves three stages, namely the shortening and opening of the cervix, the descent of the fetus and its birth, and the pushing out of the placenta. Periodic contractions of the uterus occur during childbirth, which cause the fetus to descend and be born. However, in vaginal childbirth, it is inevitable that the mother must be able to push the fetus through the pelvic passage. It takes continuous strength and energy for the mother to push the fetus through the pelvic passage. Typically, this activity causes the mother to feel tired.

[0003] Generally, fatigue occurs when aerobic respiration is unable to meet the energy and strength required by the body. Therefore, in order to provide the required strength, the body shifts to anaerobic metabolism. This also causes exhaustion or fatigue in the body. In addition, the anaerobic metabolism mentioned here refers to a condition called glycolysis, which is an oxygen-independent metabolic pathway that converts glucose to release energy. It is characterized by the presence of lactic acid in the sweat produced by the body during this process, and the presence of lactic acid is encountered in the sweat that is exuded through the skin. The presence of lactic acid in sweat provides an indication of glycolysis or anaerobic metabolism, which correlates with the level of fatigue encountered by the body.

[0004] The onset and persistence of fatigue tires and weakens the mother, who is unable to muster the strength needed to push the fetus through the pelvic passage and therefore cannot continue for long.

[0005] Therefore, the need to monitor the descent of the fetus is crucial to monitoring the progress of labor and delivery encountered during vaginal delivery. Since the descent of the fetus is also related to the mother pushing the fetus through the pelvic passage, the fatigue encountered by the mother during this stage cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is not unimportant to ignore monitoring fatigue levels along with the descent of the fetus. Therefore, monitoring of the descent of the fetus and the mother's fatigue level, together, provides an overall observation and insight into the progress of labor, and appropriate clinical decisions can be made based on these observations, the current situation and other relevant factors of the mother.

[0006] US 2015 / 0126834 A1 discloses a wearable electrochemical sensor for detecting chemical analysis within an external environment. The electrical potential generated by muscle cells is detected by recording the electrical activity generated by skeletal muscles using a technique called electromyography (EMG). Here, the EMG potential caused by movement in the body affects the measurement of the electrochemical sensor and causes errors in such measurement. Moreover, fluctuations in the temperature of the body affect the conductivity of the analysis and affect its measurement.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an invention that monitors fetal descent and fatigue levels and overcomes the limitations previously discussed herein. Summary of the invention

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a system for monitoring the progress of a person's labor during childbirth. The system of the present invention includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a processing unit and a data transmission unit. A first sensor is provided for detecting lactic acid in sweat from the person's body. A second sensor is provided for detecting muscle movement on the abdominal surface of the person's body. The processing unit of the system determines fatigue level and fetal descent and their respective patterns based on corresponding and respective signals from the first sensor and the second sensor received and transmitted by the data transmission unit.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the first sensor is a lactate sensor provided for detecting lactate in sweat from a person's body.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second sensor includes at least one strain gauge sensor. The strain gauge sensor is provided for detecting muscle movement of the abdominal surface of the human body caused by uterine contraction. The strain gauge sensor can be arranged on the abdominal surface of the human body in a linear and / or vertical arrangement.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first sensor, the second sensor, the processing unit and the data transmission unit are separate elements themselves. These elements of the system called the first sensor, the second sensor, the processing unit and the data transmission unit are arranged separately, or one or more such elements are integrated together. These elements are arranged in a corresponding relationship to each other and are electrically connected to each other.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, one or more elements of the system referred to as the first sensor, the second sensor, the processing unit and the data transmission unit are wearable components.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention also provides a sensor for detecting lactic acid. The sensor for detecting lactic acid includes a plurality of resistor arms of a bridge circuit. One of the plurality of resistor arms is an electrode capable of directly contacting the skin surface to detect lactic acid. The other resistor arms of the plurality of resistor arms are located on a substrate to provide insulation from sweat.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrodes of the sensor for detecting lactic acid are composed of silver ink and nitrite.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the substrate of the sensor for detecting lactic acid is composed of conductive rubber.

[0016] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, electrodes among a plurality of resistor arms of a sensor for detecting lactic acid are electrically connected therewith to form a bridge circuit.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor for detecting lactate is a wearable component, such as a biosensor patch or the like.

[0018] Therefore, the present invention also provides a sensor for detecting muscle movement. The sensor for detecting muscle movement includes a plurality of resistor arms of a bridge circuit. One of the plurality of resistor arms is a strain gauge disposed on a substrate, and is provided to detect muscle movement on the abdominal surface of a person's body. The strain gauge is separated from the other resistor arms of the plurality of resistor arms located on a separate substrate.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the substrate of the strain gauge or other resistive arm is composed of a non-conductive and impermeable material such as rubber.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, the strain gauge and other resistor arms of the plurality of resistor arms are electrically connected thereto to form a bridge circuit.

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the sensor for detecting muscle movement is a wearable component, such as a biosensor patch or the like.

[0022] Therefore, the present invention also provides a method for monitoring the progress of a person's labor during childbirth. The method of the present invention comprises the following steps: detecting lactic acid in sweat from the person's body by a first sensor, detecting muscle movement on the abdominal surface of the person's body by a second sensor, and determining fatigue level and fetal descent and their respective patterns by a processing unit. Determining fatigue level and fetal descent is based on corresponding and respective signals from the first sensor and the second sensor received and transmitted by the data transmission unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] With reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A system for monitoring the progress of a person's labor during childbirth according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 2 shows a representation of a lactate sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 Representation of electrodes of a lactate sensor;

[0027] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 Circuit diagram of lactate sensor;

[0028] Figure 5 shows a representation of a strain gauge sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 Circuit diagram of the strain gauge;

[0030] Figure 7 shows the arrangement of a biosensor such as a patch on the surface of the skin;

[0031] Figure 8 It shows that according to the present invention Figure 1 Circuit diagram of the system;

[0032] Fig. 9 It shows that according to the present invention Figure 1 An exemplary arrangement of a system;

[0033] Fig.10 It shows that according to the present invention Figure 1 Another exemplary arrangement of a system;

[0034] Fig.11 It shows that according to the present invention Figure 1 Another exemplary arrangement of a system of; and

[0035] Fig.12 A method according to the invention for monitoring the progress of a human labour during childbirth is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The descent of the fetus must be monitored to make clinical decisions during labor. Likewise, it is not unimportant to monitor the fatigue level of the person in labor in order to understand the person's endurance level to continue with labor and decide on any medical intervention that may be required. This varies from person to person, therefore, an individualized pattern of the descent of the fetus and fatigue level provides a clearer understanding of the labor and the person's current condition.

[0037] The present invention aims to provide a solution for monitoring the descent and fatigue level of the fetus.

[0038] Reference below Figures 1 to 12 The present invention is further described by way of non-exhaustive exemplary embodiments.

[0039] Figure 1 A system (100) for monitoring the progress of a person's labor during childbirth is shown. The system (100) of the present invention mainly comprises a lactate sensor (101), a strain gauge sensor (102), a data transmission unit (103) and a processing unit (104).

[0040] A lactate sensor (101) is provided for detecting lactic acid in sweat produced from the body of a person undergoing labor during labor. The lactate sensor (101) can be placed directly on the skin of a person. When anaerobic metabolism occurs in the body, the body of a person sweats, producing sweat containing lactic acid, which ultimately leads to tiredness and fatigue. This condition will affect the progress of vaginal labor and therefore needs to be monitored. The lactate sensor (101) senses the lactic acid in the sweat so that the fatigue level can be determined.

[0041] In another aspect, a strain gauge sensor (102) is provided for detecting muscle movement in the abdominal region of a person caused by uterine contractions. Monitoring of this movement provides in particular a clear understanding of the descent of the fetus from the abdomen through the cervical canal. The strain gauge sensor (102) is adapted to detect extension and compression in the abdominal region.

[0042] A data transmission unit (103) is provided to receive signals from the lactate sensor (101) and the strain gauge sensor (102) and transmit them to a processing unit (104). A processing unit (104) is provided. To process signals related to the lactate sensor (101) and the strain gauge sensor (102) to determine fatigue level and fetal descent, respectively. The data transmission unit (103) and the processing unit (104) can be provided as independent or separate elements, or can be integrated together to provide the required functionality. The data transmission unit (103) is also provided to transmit data to other processing devices, handheld devices, communication gateways, etc. Such transmission can be achieved wirelessly by available means such as Bluetooth, near field communication, etc.

[0043] Figure 2 A lactate sensor (101) of the present invention is shown. The lactate sensor has a component (201) that reacts with lactate or analyzes lactate. The component (201) includes, but is not limited to, silver ink. The silver ink mixed with nitrate is brought into direct contact with the skin. The component (201) essentially forms an electrode. The lactate sensor (101) has a plurality of resistive elements together with the electrodes to form a bridge circuit (202). The resistive elements (202) together with the circuit of the bridge circuit are placed on a conductive rubber surface (203) to insulate them from sweat. This arrangement allows stray electromyography (EMG) signals to pass through the conductive rubber surface (203), and thus, if an EMG signal is generated, it is completely canceled out.

[0044] Figure 3 Shown is a component (201) that is an electrode of a lactate sensor (101). Shown is the presence of nitrate (301) along with silver ink. It can be placed directly on the skin surface.

[0045] Figure 4A representation of a bridge circuit (400) is shown, which is referred to as the circuit or connection of the component (201) and other resistor arms (401a, 401b and 401c) belonging to the resistor element (202). Here, the component (201) essentially acts as one of the arms of the bridge circuit, except for the resistor arms (401a, 401b and 401c) each forming an independent arm of its bridge circuit.

[0046] The bridge circuit of the lactate sensor having the resistor arm called component (201) and the other resistor arms (401a, 401b and 401c) will be in equilibrium in the absence of lactate. Therefore, the output voltage V out as follows:

[0047] V out =V CD =V c –V D =0………Formula (1)

[0048] Among them, V CD is the voltage across nodes C and D,

[0049] V C is the voltage drop at node C

[0050] V D is the voltage drop at node D.

[0051] However, the presence of lactic acid in sweat reacts with the nitrate present in the lactate sensor, thereby increasing the conductivity of the component (201) of the lactate sensor (101). In other words, the resistance of the component (201) which is an electrode and forms one of the arms of the bridge circuit of the lactate sensor decreases. The current I total The path of least resistance is taken, and I2 will be greater than I1. Therefore, V C will be greater than V D Therefore, the output voltage V out as follows:

[0052] V out =V CD =V c –V D ≠0…………Formula (2)

[0053] The higher the concentration of lactic acid in sweat, the higher the V out The higher the value of . Therefore, there is a direct correlation between the concentration of lactic acid in sweat and the output voltage. This enables the fatigue level to be determined accordingly.

[0054] Figure 5A representation of a strain gauge sensor (102) is shown. The strain gauge sensor (102) has a strain gauge component (501) made of a material such as conductive rubber (503). The strain gauge component (501) is placed on an impermeable and non-conductive material (504) such as non-conductive rubber to isolate the strain gauge component (501) from sweat. The strain gauge component (501) is capable of and suitable for stretching and compression. Therefore, stretching and compression on the abdominal surface directly affects the strain gauge component (501), and its stretching and compression changes its resistance value. Since the strain gauge component (501) is placed on an impermeable and non-conductive material (504) that is also suitable for stretching and compression, the resistance value is not affected. The strain gauge component (501) and other resistive elements (502) belonging to the bridge circuit of the strain gauge sensor (102) form a bridge circuit that detects changes in resistance, which can be used to determine muscle movement. The resistive element can be placed on a separate impermeable and non-conductive surface (505) such as plastic or rubber.

[0055] Figure 6 A representation of a bridge circuit (600) is shown, which is referred to as a circuit or connection of a strain gauge component (501) and other resistor arms (601a, 601b and 601c) belonging to a resistor element (502). Here, the strain gauge component (501) essentially acts as one of the arms of the bridge circuit, in addition to the resistor arms (601a, 601b and 601c) each forming a separate arm of its bridge circuit.

[0056] The strain gauge component (501) is characterized in that when stretched, the length of the strain gauge component increases and the area decreases, so the resistance increases. Similarly, when the strain gauge component (501) contracts due to compression, the resistance decreases. This is expressed by the gauge factor GF of the strain gauge component.

[0057] GF=(ΔR / R) / €……Formula (3)

[0058] Where GF is the gauge factor,

[0059] ΔR is the change in resistance,

[0060] R is the resistance when the strain gauge is not deformed,

[0061] € is the strain

[0062] For a specific strain gauge, strain is determined by sensing changes in resistance.

[0063] When the strain gauge is in a normal state, that is, neither stretched nor compressed, the bridge circuit of the strain gauge sensor having a resistor arm called the strain gauge component (501) and other resistor arms (601a, 601b and 601c) will be in a balanced state. Therefore, the output voltage V out as follows:

[0064] V out =V AB =V A –V B =0......Formula (4)

[0065] Among them, V AB is the voltage across nodes A and D,

[0066] V A is the voltage drop at node A,

[0067] V B is the voltage drop at node B.

[0068] However, when the strain gauge component is stretched, its resistance increases. In other words, the resistance of the component (201) that acts as an electrode and forms one of the arms of the bridge circuit of the strain gauge sensor increases. The current I total The path of least resistance is taken, and I2 will be less than I1. Therefore, V A will be less than V B , and the voltage difference is negative. Therefore, the output voltage V out as follows:

[0069] V out =V AB =V A –V B ≠0………Formula (5)

[0070] On the other hand, when the strain gauge component is compressed, its resistance decreases. In other words, the resistance of the component (201) which is an electrode and forms one of the arms of the bridge circuit of the strain gauge sensor decreases. The current I total The path of least resistance is taken, and I2 will be greater than I1. Therefore, V A will be greater than V B , and the voltage difference is positive. Therefore, the output voltage V out as follows:

[0071] V out =V AB =V A –V B ≠0………Formula (6)

[0072] Figure 7An arrangement (700) of a biosensor as a patch on a skin surface (701) is shown. Here, the patch (702) is a strain gauge sensor (102) and / or a lactate sensor (101), which can be provided separately or integrated together to form a single patch. However, the lactate sensor (101) and the strain gauge sensor (102) can be provided as a wearable patch independently or integrated. The skin surface (701) can be the abdominal surface of a person who is in labor during childbirth.

[0073] As the fetus descends, the strain gauges are compressed as the abdomen returns to its original shape. This pattern can be used to determine the descent of the fetus.

[0074] Consider that multiple strain gauges are applied at the beginning of labor, and the fetal descent has not yet begun, so all the strain gauges are in tension. Now, consider the state where the fetal descent has begun and is at station zero. In this state, the top few strain gauges are subject to compression, and the topmost strain gauge will experience the greatest compression of them. Similarly, the amount of compression experienced by each strain gauge will be different at different stages of the fetal descent. An artificial neural network can be used to determine the stage or state of the fetal descent based on these patterns.

[0075] Figure 8 A representation of a circuit (800) is shown, which shows the electrical connection of the bridge circuit of the lactate sensor (400) and the bridge circuit of the strain gauge sensor (600). Figure 4 In the same context as shown in , a bridge circuit of a lactate sensor (400) is shown having component (201) and other resistor arms (401a, 401b and 401c) belonging to the resistor element (202). Figure 6 In the same context shown, a bridge circuit of a strain gauge sensor (600) is shown having a strain gauge component (501) and other resistor arms (601a, 601b and 601c) belonging to a resistor element (502).

[0076] Fig. 9An exemplary arrangement of a system (900) according to the present invention is shown. Here, the system (900) is shown as having a lactate sensor and a strain gauge sensor arranged adjacent to each other. They can also be used as separate biosensor patches. Here, the system (900) has a component (201) of a lactate sensor connected to other resistive elements (202) of a bridge circuit of the lactate sensor (101). A strain gauge component (501) made of a conductive rubber (503) placed on an impermeable and non-conductive material (504) is also shown here. The strain gauge component (501) is electrically connected to other resistive elements (502) of the bridge circuit of the strain gauge sensor (102). The bridge circuit of the strain gauge sensor is placed on an impermeable and non-conductive surface (505) such as plastic. A data transmission unit (103) is provided to receive signals from the lactate sensor and the strain gauge sensor and transmit the signals to a processing unit (104). The processing unit (104) processes these signals to determine the fatigue level and the decline of the fetus accordingly.

[0077] Fig.10 Another exemplary arrangement of a system according to the present invention is shown. Here, a system (1000) is shown as having a lactate sensor and a strain gauge sensor in a stacked or sandwiched arrangement. Here, a component (201) of a lactate sensor having other resistive elements (202) of a bridge circuit connected to the lactate sensor (101). A strain gauge component (501) made of a conductive rubber (503) placed on an impermeable and non-conductive material (504) is also shown. The strain gauge component (501) is electrically connected to other resistive elements (502) of the bridge circuit of the strain gauge sensor (102). The bridge circuit of the strain gauge sensor is placed on an impermeable and non-conductive surface such as plastic. A data transmission unit (103) is provided to receive signals from the lactate sensor and the strain gauge sensor and transmit the signals to a processing unit (104). The processing unit (104) processes these signals to determine fatigue levels and fetal decline accordingly.

[0078] Fig.11Another exemplary arrangement of a system according to the present invention is shown. Here, a system (1100) is shown, which has a lactate sensor and a strain gauge sensor in an integrated arrangement. They can be used as a single biosensor patch. Here, the system (1100) has a component (201) of a lactate sensor connected to other resistive elements (202) of a bridge circuit of the lactate sensor (101). The resistive element (202) is placed on a conductive rubber surface (203). Also shown here is a strain gauge component (501) made of conductive rubber placed on an impermeable and non-conductive material (504). The strain gauge component (501) is electrically connected to other resistive elements (502) of the bridge circuit of the strain gauge sensor (102). The bridge circuit of the strain gauge sensor is placed on an impermeable and non-conductive surface such as plastic. A data transmission unit (103) is provided to receive signals from the lactate sensor and the strain gauge sensor, and transmit the signals to a processing unit (104). The processing unit (104) processes these signals to determine the fatigue level and fetal descent accordingly.

[0079] Fig.12 A method (1200) for monitoring the progress of a person's labor during childbirth is shown. The method (1200) of the present invention mainly includes the following steps: detecting lactic acid (1201), detecting muscle movement (1202) and determining fatigue level and fetal descent (1203). The method of the present invention is mainly performed by the system of the present invention described herein before. The step of detecting lactic acid (1201) in sweat from the person's body is performed by the lactic acid sensor (101). The step of detecting muscle movement (1202) on the abdominal surface of the person's body is performed by the strain gauge sensor (102). The step of determining fatigue level and fetal descent and their respective patterns is performed by the processing unit (104) based on the corresponding and respective signals from the lactic acid sensor (101) and the strain gauge sensor (102) received and transmitted by the data transmission unit (103).

[0080] Only certain features of the present invention are specifically shown and described herein, and those skilled in the art will appreciate many modifications and changes. The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described herein in the specification. It should be noted that the present invention is illustrated by exemplary embodiments and is neither exhaustive nor restrictive. Certain aspects of the present invention that are not elaborated in detail in this specification are well understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, where applicable, the terms used herein in the specification in connection with the singular form also include their plural forms, and vice versa. In fact, any relevant modifications or changes not specifically described in the specification should be interpreted as being fully within the scope of the present invention. The attached claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the spirit of the present invention.

[0081] Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention and its essential features. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed at present are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive in all aspects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes falling within the meaning, scope and equivalents of the present invention are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring the progress of a person's labor during childbirth, comprising: a first sensor for detecting lactic acid in sweat from a person's body; a second sensor for detecting muscle movement on an abdominal surface of a person's body; as well as a processing unit for determining a fatigue level and a descent of the fetus and their respective patterns based on the corresponding and respective signals from the first sensor and the second sensor received and transmitted by the data transmission unit, The first sensor includes a component capable of directly contacting the surface of the skin, wherein the component includes silver ink mixed with nitrate, and the nitrate reacts with lactic acid.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: The first sensor is a lactic acid sensor provided therein for detecting lactic acid in sweat from the body of a person.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein: The first sensor comprises: A plurality of resistor arms of a bridge circuit, wherein: One of the plurality of resistor arms includes the component, and the other resistor arms of the plurality of resistor arms are located on a substrate to provide insulation from sweat.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein: The second sensor includes at least one strain gauge sensor provided therein for detecting the muscle movement of the abdominal surface of the body of the person caused by uterine contraction.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein: The second sensor has a plurality of strain gauge sensors disposed in a linear and / or vertical arrangement on the abdominal surface of the body of the person.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first sensor, the second sensor, the processing unit, and the data transmission unit as individual elements of the system are arranged separately, or one or more of such elements are integrated with each other in a corresponding relationship and electrically connected to each other.

7. A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein: The system or one or more of the first sensor, the second sensor, the processing unit and the data transmission unit as elements thereof is a wearable component.

8. A sensor for detecting lactic acid, comprising: A plurality of resistor arms of a bridge circuit, wherein: One of the plurality of resistor arms includes a component capable of directly contacting a surface of the skin to detect lactic acid, and the other resistor arms of the plurality of resistor arms are located on a substrate to provide insulation from sweat, Wherein, the component includes silver ink mixed with nitrate, and the nitrate reacts with lactic acid.

9. The sensor for detecting lactic acid according to claim 8, wherein: The substrate is composed of conductive rubber.

10. The sensor for detecting lactic acid according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: The component and other resistor arms of the plurality of resistor arms are electrically connected thereto to form a bridge circuit.

11. The sensor for detecting lactic acid according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: The sensor for detecting lactate is a wearable component.

12. The sensor for detecting lactic acid according to claim 11, wherein: The wearable component includes a biosensor patch.

13. A method for monitoring the progress of a human labor during childbirth, comprising: detecting, by a first sensor, lactic acid in sweat from a person's body; detecting muscle movement on the abdominal surface of the person's body by a second sensor; and determining, by a processing unit, a fatigue level and a decline of the fetus and their respective patterns based on corresponding and respective signals from the first sensor and the second sensor received and transmitted by a data transmission unit, The first sensor includes a component capable of directly contacting the surface of the skin, wherein the component includes silver ink mixed with nitrate, and the nitrate reacts with lactic acid.

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