Physiological monitoring system

Abstract

A physiological monitoring system includes a sensing device, a rectifying device, and a signal output device. The sensing device includes a plurality of first, second, and third sensing units. The first sensing units extend along a first direction and are separated from each other along a second direction, the first direction being different from the second direction. The second sensing units are configured to generate induced current and are located between the first and third sensing units, extend along the second direction, and are separated from each other along the first direction. The third sensing units extend along the first direction and are separated from each other along the second direction. The first and third sensing units include a plurality of sensors configured to output physiological sensing signals. The rectifying device is coupled to the sensing device and configured to rectify the induced current to output a rectified current. The signal output device is coupled to the sensing device and the rectifying device, is driven by the rectified current, and is configured to process the physiological sensing signals and output sensing results.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a physiological monitoring system, in particular, to a physiological monitoring system with interleaved structure and self-powered function. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the aging of society and the increasing demand for home care, the awareness of health management in today's society has gradually increased, making the demand for physiological monitoring devices also increasing. Because the wearable physiological monitoring system has high convenience and real-time reporting function, it has become the choice of many people.

[0003] However, due to the structural limitations of some physiological monitoring devices, physiological monitoring can only be performed by a single-point sensing system, which is prone to insufficient sensing data, that is, low sensing resolution, resulting in inaccurate sensing results, causing false positives or false negatives.

[0004] In addition, because some physiological monitoring devices still need to be powered and charged by external power, users need to remove the physiological monitoring device for charging at irregular intervals to maintain the operation of the physiological monitoring device. In addition to causing discontinuous monitoring results, it is also possible that the user will be unable to report in real time during the removal of the physiological monitoring device. SUMMARY

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present disclosure provides a physiological monitoring system, comprising a sensing device, a rectifying device and a signal output device. The sensing device comprises a plurality of first sensing units, a plurality of second sensing units and a plurality of third sensing units. The plurality of first sensing units extend along a first direction and are separated from each other in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction. The plurality of second sensing units are used to generate induced current, wherein the plurality of second sensing units extend along the second direction and are separated from each other in the first direction. The plurality of third sensing units extend along the first direction and are separated from each other in the second direction, wherein the plurality of second sensing units are located between the plurality of first sensing units and the plurality of third sensing units in a third direction, and the third direction is different from the first direction and the second direction. The plurality of first sensing units and the plurality of third sensing units each comprise a plurality of sensors for outputting a plurality of physiological sensing signals. The rectifying device is coupled to the sensing device for rectifying the induced current to output a rectified current. The signal output device is coupled to the sensing device and the rectifying device, driven by the rectified current to process the plurality of physiological sensing signals, and then output the sensing results.

[0006] The physiological monitoring system disclosed herein can achieve multi-point sensing through the interlaced structure of its sensing devices to improve sensing resolution, and can be self-powered by the rectifier and sensing devices without the need for an external power source to achieve long-term continuous operation. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below:

[0008] Figure 1 Here is a simplified functional block diagram of a physiological monitoring system according to some embodiments;

[0009] Figure 2A A top view of a sensing device according to some embodiments;

[0010] Figure 2B According to some embodiments Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of region 210 in the image;

[0011] Figure 3 For along Figure 2A The section AA' is a cross-sectional view of multiple sensing units according to some embodiments;

[0012] Figure 4A For along Figure 2A The section line BB' is a cross-sectional view of multiple sensing units according to some embodiments;

[0013] Figure 4B For along Figure 2A The section BB' is a cross-sectional view of multiple sensing units according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a simplified functional block diagram of a physiological monitoring system according to some embodiments.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0016] 100: Physiological Monitoring System

[0017] 110: Sensing device

[0018] 120: Rectifier

[0019] 130: Signal output device

[0020] 210: Region

[0021] 500: Physiological Monitoring System

[0022] 510: Sensing Device

[0023] L1~L3: Sensing units

[0024] S: sensor

[0025] M1, M2: triboelectric layer

[0026] AA', BB': section line

[0027] SL: sensing lead wire

[0028] PE: power supply electrode

[0029] CE: energy harvesting electrode

[0030] B1-B4: microstructure

[0031] h1-h3: height

[0032] X: first direction

[0033] Y: second direction

[0034] Z: third direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the present disclosure, when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be "directly connected or coupled" or "electrically connected or coupled" to the other element. "Connected" or "coupled" can also be used to mean that two or more elements are in operative or communicative cooperation or interaction with each other. In addition, although the terms "first", "second", and the like are used herein to describe various elements, the terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms do not necessarily imply or suggest a sequence or order, nor do they necessarily imply or suggest any priority or importance. The terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate the same or similar elements or method flows.

[0037] Figure 1 A simplified functional block diagram of a physiological monitoring system 100 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the physiological monitoring system 100 includes a sensing device 110, a rectifying device 120, and a signal output device 130. The sensing device 110 includes a plurality of sensing units L1, a plurality of sensing units L2, and a plurality of sensing units L3. Each of the sensing units L1 and each of the sensing units L3 includes a plurality of sensors S to output a plurality of physiological sensing signals to the signal output device 130. The sensing units L2 are configured to generate induced current to the rectifying device 120.

[0038] In some embodiments, the rectifying device 120 is coupled to the signal output device 130 and each of the sensing units L1-L3 in the sensing device 110 to rectify the induced current generated by the sensing units L2 to output a rectified current to the sensing units L1, L3, and the signal output device 130.

[0039] The signal output device 130 is coupled to the sensing device 110 and the rectifying device 120, and is driven by the rectified current to process the plurality of physiological sensing signals and output the sensing results. In some embodiments, the signal output device 130 can output the sensing results using suitable wired or wireless communication methods, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Universal Serial Bus, and / or Ethernet. In other embodiments, the signal output device 130 further includes a shift register (not shown) made of thin film transistors to drive the plurality of sensors S.

[0040] The sensing units L1-L3 in the sensing device 110 of the present disclosure are overlapped with each other in the vertical direction. In other words, the sensing units L1-L3 are located on different horizontal planes and are overlapped with each other. For the purpose of clearly illustrating the configuration of the sensing device 110, please refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B wherein Figure 2A is a top view of the sensing device 110 according to some embodiments, Figure 2B is a perspective view of the region 210 in Figure 2A according to some embodiments.

[0041] In some embodiments, the sensing units L1 extend along a first direction X and are separated from each other in a second direction Y, wherein the first direction X is different from the second direction Y. The sensing units L2 extend along the second direction Y and are separated from each other in the first direction X. The sensing units L3 extend along the first direction X and are separated from each other in the second direction Y. In other words, as shown in Figure 2A , the sensing units L1 and L3 extend in parallel along the first direction X, and both the sensing units L1 and L3 intersect with the sensing units L2.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 2B , in some embodiments, the sensing units L2 are stacked on the sensing units L1 along a third direction Z, and the sensing units L3 are stacked on the sensing units L2 along the third direction Z, i.e., the sensing units L2 are located between the sensing units L1 and L3 in the third direction Z, wherein the third direction Z is different from the first direction X and the second direction Y. Therefore, the sensing units L1-L3 form an interlaced structure in the sensing device 110.

[0043] In some embodiments, a vertical projection of the sensing unit L2 on an imaginary plane parallel to the sensing unit L1 does not overlap a vertical projection of the sensor S in the sensing unit L1 on the imaginary plane. In other words, the vertical projection of the sensor S in the sensing unit L1 on the imaginary plane is located at a different position than the vertical projection of the sensing unit L2 on the imaginary plane. In some embodiments, a vertical projection of the sensor S of the sensing unit L3 on an imaginary plane parallel to the sensing unit L1 overlaps a vertical projection of the sensing unit L2 on the imaginary plane.

[0044] In some embodiments, the sensing unit L1 and the sensing unit L3 are arranged in the second direction Y in an alternating manner with one sensing unit L1 and one sensing unit L3 alternating with each other (as shown in FIG. 1C). Figure 2A In this embodiment, the positions of the sensors S in the sensing unit L1 in the first direction X and the second direction Y are different from the positions of the sensors S in the sensing unit L3 in the first direction X and the second direction Y. In other words, the sensors S in the sensing unit L1 and the sensors S in the sensing unit L3 are arranged in a checkered manner in the first direction X and the second direction Y. Figure 2A In this embodiment, the positions of the sensors S in the sensing unit L1 in the first direction X and the second direction Y are different from the positions of the sensors S in the sensing unit L3 in the first direction X and the second direction Y. In other words, the sensors S in the sensing unit L1 and the sensors S in the sensing unit L3 are arranged in a checkered manner in the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0045] Through the above-described positional relationship between the sensing units L1-L3 and the arrangement of the sensors S, the interleaved structure of the sensing device 110 proposed in the present disclosure can be achieved to realize the function of multipoint sensing and improve the sensing resolution.

[0046] Referring back to FIG. 1A, Figure 2B In some embodiments, each sensing unit L1 and each sensing unit L3 includes a power supply electrode PE, a sensing lead SL, and a triboelectric layer M1. The power supply electrode PE is coupled to the plurality of sensors S to receive the rectified current from the rectifying device 12 to drive the plurality of sensors S. The sensing lead SL is coupled to the plurality of sensors S to receive the plurality of physiological sensing signals from the plurality of sensors S and transmit the plurality of physiological sensing signals to the signal output device 130. The triboelectric layer M1 overlaps the power supply electrode PE and overlaps and covers the plurality of sensors S, wherein the triboelectric layer M1 has a first polarity.

[0047] In some embodiments, the sensor S can include a thin-film transistor (TFT) and / or a micro electro mechanical system (MEMs), and can be connected to the sensing lead SL and the power supply electrode PE by die bonding and / or flip-chip, etc. In some embodiments, the sensor S is used to generate a physiological sensing signal according to the physiological state (e.g., pulse) of the user by piezoresistive, piezocapacitive, and / or piezoelectric means, and transmit the physiological sensing signal to the signal output device 130 through the sensing lead SL. For example, when the sensing device 110 is attached to the skin of the user, the pulse of the user will cause the resistance value in the piezoresistive sensor to change, thereby identifying the pulse of the user and causing the sensor S to output the corresponding physiological sensing signal to the signal output device 130.

[0048] Referring back to Figure 2B In some embodiments, each sensing unit L2 includes an energy harvesting electrode CE and a triboelectric layer M2. The energy harvesting electrode CE is used to generate induced current and transmit the induced current to the rectifier device 120. The triboelectric layer M2 is coated on the energy harvesting electrode CE and has a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

[0049] In some embodiments, the triboelectric layer M1 can be composed of a skin-friendly flexible and elastic material, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyimide (PI), or any skin-friendly flexible and elastic material or a combination including at least one of the foregoing, so that the sensing device 110 has the first polarity and can be attached to the skin of the user so that the sensor S can perform sensing.

[0050] In some embodiments, the triboelectric layer M2 can be composed of a material having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, such as aniline formaldehyde resin, polyoxymethylene (POM), ethyl cellulose (EC), polyamide (PA), or a combination including at least one of the foregoing, so that the triboelectric layer M2 has the second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

[0051] Through the sensing units L1, L2, L3 having triboelectric layers M1, M2 with opposite polarities, the self-powered function of the physiological monitoring system 100 can be achieved, and the operation mode thereof will be described below.

[0052] In operation, when sensing unit L1 or sensing unit L3 undergoes displacement (e.g., sliding) relative to sensing unit L2, an induced current is generated because the first polarity of the triboelectric layer M1 in sensing unit L1 and sensing unit L3 is opposite to the second polarity of the triboelectric layer M2 in sensing unit L2. At this time, the energy harvesting electrode CE in sensing unit L2 collects this induced current and outputs it to the rectifier 120.

[0053] When the rectifier 120 receives the induced current, it rectifies the induced current and transmits the rectified current to the output device 130 and provides it to the sensor S through the power supply electrode PE in the sensing device 110, so as to maintain the operation of the signal output device 130 and the sensor S in the sensing device 110.

[0054] This disclosure further provides sensing units L1 and L3 with multiple microstructures to increase the magnitude of the induced current between the triboelectric layer M1 and the triboelectric layer M2, thereby improving the efficiency of the self-powered function. For details regarding the microstructures in sensing units L1 and L3, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 And Figures 4A to 4B.

[0055] Figure 3 For along Figure 2A The section AA' is a cross-sectional view of sensing units L1 and L2 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, each sensing unit L1 further includes a plurality of microstructures B1 and a plurality of microstructures B2, wherein microstructures B1 and B2 belong to a triboelectric layer M1, and microstructure B1 has a height h1 in the third direction Z, and microstructure B2 has a height h2 in the third direction Z that is lower than the height h1. In some embodiments, the vertical projection of microstructure B1 on an imaginary plane parallel to sensing unit L1 at least partially overlaps the vertical projection of sensor S on this imaginary plane, and sensing unit L2 partially overlaps microstructure B2 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). In some embodiments, microstructures B1 and B2 are arranged along a first direction X extending from the sensing unit L1, and are arranged alternately in a manner where one microstructure B1 and one microstructure B2 alternate.

[0056] In operation, since microstructure B2 is part of the triboelectric layer M1 and has a first polarity, an induced current is generated between the overlapping sensing units L2 and microstructure B2. It is worth noting that the presence of microstructure B2 increases the contact area between sensing units L1 and L2, thus further increasing the magnitude of the induced current and improving the efficiency of the self-powered function. On the other hand, the presence of microstructure B1 increases the contact area between sensing unit L1 and the user's skin, which not only helps improve the sensing effect but also allows the sensing device 110 to fit more stably against the user's skin.

[0057] Figure 4A For along Figure 2A The cross-section BB' is a cross-sectional view of sensing units L1 to L3 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, each sensing unit L3 further includes a plurality of microstructures B3. The microstructures B3 have a height h3 below the height h1 in the third direction Z, belong to the triboelectric layer M1, and are arranged along the first direction X extending from the sensing unit L3. On the other hand, the presence of the microstructures B3 increases the contact area between the sensing unit L3 and the user's skin, which not only helps improve the sensing effect but also allows the sensing device 110 to fit more stably against the user's skin.

[0058] In some embodiments, the height h2 is between 0.2 times and 0.8 times the height h1, and the height h2 is greater than or equal to the height h3.

[0059] In other embodiments, the height h2 is between 0.2 and 0.8 times the height h1, and the height h2 is less than the height h3.

[0060] Figure 4B For along Figure 2A The cross-section BB' is a cross-sectional view of sensing units L1 to L3 according to other embodiments. In some embodiments, the triboelectric layer M1 covers the power supply electrode PE and sensing wire SL of the sensing unit L3, and each sensing unit L3 further includes a plurality of microstructures B4. Microstructures B4 belong to the triboelectric layer M1 and are located on opposite sides of the triboelectric layer M1, respectively, and are arranged along a first direction X, wherein microstructures B4 are in contact with sensing unit L2.

[0061] Since microstructure B4 belongs to the triboelectric layer M1, it also possesses the first polarity. Therefore, an induced current will be generated between the overlapping sensing unit L2 and microstructure B4. The presence of microstructure B4 increases the contact area between sensing unit L3 and sensing unit L2, thus further increasing the magnitude of the induced current and improving the efficiency of the self-powered function.

[0062] Therefore, by using the microstructures B1 to B4 in sensing unit L1 and sensing unit L3, the contact area between sensing unit L1 and sensing unit L3 and sensing unit L2 can be increased, thereby further improving the efficiency of the self-powered function.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a simplified functional block diagram of a physiological monitoring system 500 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the physiological monitoring system 500 includes a sensing device 510, a rectifier 120, and a signal output device 130. Figure 5 The physiological monitoring system 500 is similar to Figure 1 The physiological monitoring system 100 is different in that... Figure 1 The sensor S in the sensing device 110 and Figure 5 The sensors S in the sensing device 510 have different configurations. For the sake of simplicity, the following description will only focus on the configuration differences of the sensors S.

[0064] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the sensors S in sensing unit L1 and sensing unit L3 are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Conversely, in Figure 5 In this embodiment, the vertical projection of the sensor S of sensing unit L3 onto an imaginary plane parallel to sensing unit L1 partially overlaps with the vertical projection of sensing unit L2 onto this imaginary plane, and the other part is located in the multiple gaps between the multiple vertical projections of multiple sensing units L2 onto this imaginary plane. (When viewed from above...) Figure 5 In the physiological monitoring system 500, a portion of the sensors S of multiple sensing units L3 are arranged at intervals with the sensors S of sensing unit L1 in the second direction Y (for example, a sensor S of sensing unit L3 is provided between two adjacent sensors S of two adjacent sensing units L1 in the second direction Y), while another portion of the sensors S of the multiple sensing units L3 are arranged along the multiple sensing units L2 in the second direction Y and are not adjacent to the sensors S of sensing unit L1. In other words, with Figure 1 compared to, Figure 5 The multiple sensing units L3 also include multiple sensors S located at the same position as the sensors S in the sensing unit L1 in the first direction X, and at different positions from the sensors S in the sensing unit L1 in the second direction Y.

[0065] In summary, the physiological monitoring systems 100 and 500 proposed in this disclosure achieve multi-point sensing and self-powered functions through interlaced sensing units L1 to L3, eliminating the need for an additional power supply device, and thus have the advantages of high sensing resolution and small size.

[0066] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this disclosure. All equivalent variations and modifications made in accordance with the claims of this disclosure shall fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A physiological monitoring system, comprising: A sensing device, comprising: Multiple first sensing units extend along a first direction and are separated from each other in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction; A plurality of second sensing units are used to generate an induced current, wherein the plurality of second sensing units extend along the second direction and are separated from each other in the first direction; as well as A plurality of third sensing units extend along the first direction and are separated from each other in the second direction, wherein the plurality of second sensing units are located between the plurality of first sensing units and the plurality of third sensing units in a third direction, the third direction being different from the first direction and the second direction; Each of the plurality of first sensing units and the plurality of third sensing units includes a plurality of sensors for outputting a plurality of physiological sensing signals; A rectifier, coupled to the sensing device, is used to rectify the induced current to output a rectified current; and A signal output device is coupled to the sensing device and the rectifier device, driven by the rectified current to process the multiple physiological sensing signals, and then outputs a sensing result. The sensor is used to generate the physiological sensing signal based on the user's physiological state through piezoresistive, piezoresistive, and / or piezoelectric methods.

2. The physiological monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the vertical projection of the second sensing unit on an imaginary plane parallel to the plurality of first sensing units does not overlap with the vertical projection of the plurality of sensors of the plurality of first sensing units on the imaginary plane, and at least a portion of the vertical projections of the plurality of sensors of the plurality of third sensing units on the imaginary plane overlap with the vertical projections of the plurality of second sensing units on the imaginary plane.

3. The physiological monitoring system of claim 2, wherein a portion of the plurality of sensors of the plurality of third sensing units is vertically projected onto the imaginary plane and overlaps with the vertical projection of the plurality of second sensing units onto the imaginary plane, and the vertical projection of another portion of the plurality of sensors of the plurality of third sensing units onto the imaginary plane is located between the vertical projections of the plurality of second sensing units onto the imaginary plane.

4. The physiological monitoring system of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of first sensing units and the plurality of third sensing units further comprises: A power supply electrode is coupled to the plurality of sensors to receive the rectified current from the rectifier to drive the plurality of sensors; A sensing wire is coupled to the plurality of sensors to receive the plurality of sensing signals from the plurality of sensors and to transmit the plurality of sensing signals to the signal output device; as well as A first triboelectric layer is superimposed on the power supply electrode and superimposed on and covers the plurality of sensors, wherein the first triboelectric layer has a first polarity.

5. The physiological monitoring system of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of second sensing units further comprises: An energy harvesting electrode for generating the induced current and transmitting it to the rectifier; and A second triboelectric layer covers the energy harvesting electrode, wherein the second triboelectric layer has a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

6. The physiological monitoring system of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of first sensing units further comprises: A plurality of first microstructures having a first height in the third direction, wherein the vertical projections of the plurality of first microstructures on the imaginary plane at least partially overlap the vertical projections of the plurality of sensors on the imaginary plane; and Multiple second microstructures have a second height lower than the first height in the third direction, wherein the multiple second sensing units partially overlap the multiple second microstructures. The plurality of first microstructures and the plurality of second microstructures belong to the first triboelectric layer and are arranged alternately along the first direction.

7. The physiological monitoring system of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of third sensing units further comprises: Multiple third microstructures, having a third height lower than the first height in the third direction, belong to the first triboelectric layer and are arranged along the first direction.

8. The physiological monitoring system as described in claim 7, wherein... The second height is between 0.2 and 0.8 times the first height, and The second altitude is greater than or equal to the third altitude.

9. The physiological monitoring system as described in claim 7, wherein... The second height is between 0.2 and 0.8 times the first height, and The third height is greater than the second height.

10. The physiological monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the first triboelectric layer covers the power supply electrode and the sensing wire, and each of the plurality of third sensing units further comprises: Multiple fourth microstructures, belonging to the first triboelectric layer, are located on opposite sides of the first triboelectric layer in the third direction, and are arranged along the first direction, wherein the multiple fourth microstructures are in contact with the multiple second sensing units.

11. The physiological monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the first triboelectric layer is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyimide (PI), or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

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