In-ear sign detection device and system

Abstract

The application relates to an in-ear type sign detection device and system, wherein the in-ear type sign detection device comprises an infrared temperature measurement assembly and a first mounting piece; the infrared temperature measurement assembly is mounted on one end of the first mounting piece close to an eardrum, and the first mounting piece is elastic; when the sign detection device is worn, the first mounting piece is in an external auditory canal of a wearer, and the first mounting piece is deformed elastically so that the infrared temperature measurement assembly is aligned with the eardrum of the wearer, and the infrared temperature measurement assembly is used for detecting the eardrum temperature of the wearer. The first mounting piece can adapt to different external auditory canal shapes, and then the wearer can adjust the in-ear angle of the first mounting piece, so that the infrared temperature measurement assembly can be aligned with the eardrum of the wearer. The problem that existing in-ear type temperature detection devices cannot accurately monitor the core temperature of the human body in some cases due to the fact that the individual differences of the external auditory canal shapes among different users are not considered is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vital sign detection, and in particular to an in-ear vital sign detection device and system. Background Technology

[0002] Blood oxygen and body temperature are fundamental parameters for monitoring patients' vital signs in various hospital departments. Continuous and accurate monitoring of vital signs is the current goal for improving vital sign monitoring equipment.

[0003] Currently, one method for monitoring body temperature is through wearing an in-ear temperature monitoring device. These devices resemble headphones in shape, with an infrared probe installed at the front. After the user wears the device, the infrared probe is positioned inside the user's ear canal, using infrared light to detect the temperature of the eardrum. The eardrum temperature accurately reflects the body's core temperature.

[0004] To achieve continuous body temperature monitoring, the first challenge to overcome is the variation in ambient temperature. Since changes in ambient temperature affect measurement results, continuous body temperature monitoring requires a relatively stable ambient temperature. One existing technology incorporates a constant-temperature heating element in in-ear temperature monitoring devices to ensure a relatively stable operating temperature for the infrared probe, thereby reducing the impact of ambient temperature variations on the measurement results. However, when the ambient temperature changes, the constant-temperature heating element remains continuously activated to monitor body temperature in real time, increasing the battery power consumption of the in-ear temperature monitoring device and significantly reducing its continuous operating time.

[0005] Meanwhile, existing in-ear temperature monitoring devices do not take into account individual differences in the shape of the external auditory canal among different users. When a user wears an in-ear temperature monitoring device that does not match the shape of their external auditory canal, it is difficult to align the infrared probe with the eardrum. Consequently, the eardrum temperature measured by this in-ear temperature monitoring device will differ from the actual eardrum temperature, making it impossible to accurately monitor the body's core temperature.

[0006] There is currently no effective solution to the problem that existing in-ear temperature detection devices cannot accurately monitor core body temperature in some cases because they do not take into account individual differences in the shape of the external auditory canal among different users. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides an in-ear vital sign detection device and system to solve the problem that existing in-ear body temperature detection devices cannot accurately monitor the core body temperature in some cases because they do not take into account individual differences in the shape of the external auditory canal among different users.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an in-ear vital sign detection device, the vital sign detection device comprising: an infrared temperature measurement component and a first mounting component;

[0009] The infrared temperature measurement component is installed at the end of the first mounting member near the eardrum, and the first mounting member is elastic;

[0010] When the vital signs detection device is worn, the first mounting component is located inside the wearer's external auditory canal. Through the elastic deformation of the first mounting component, the infrared temperature measuring component is aligned with the wearer's eardrum, and the infrared temperature measuring component is used to detect the wearer's eardrum temperature.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first mounting member includes a central portion and an edge portion, the edge portion wrapping around the central portion, the edge portion being made of an elastic material, and the central portion supporting the edge portion.

[0012] In some of these embodiments, the first mounting element is made of an elastic material.

[0013] In some embodiments, the infrared temperature measurement assembly includes an infrared thermopile sensor and a first temperature sensor;

[0014] The infrared thermopile sensor and the first temperature sensor are mounted on the end of the first mounting component near the eardrum.

[0015] The first temperature sensor is located on the side of the infrared thermopile sensor closer to the first mounting component, and is used to detect the cold junction operating environment temperature of the infrared thermopile sensor.

[0016] When the vital signs detection device is worn, the elastic deformation of the first mounting component allows the infrared thermopile sensor to be aligned with the wearer's eardrum, and the infrared thermopile sensor is used to detect the wearer's eardrum temperature.

[0017] In some embodiments, the vital signs detection device further includes: a blood oxygen measurement component and a second mounting component;

[0018] The second mounting component is mounted on the first mounting component and is located at the end of the first mounting component away from the infrared temperature measurement component;

[0019] The second mounting member has a mounting surface on which the blood oxygen measurement component is mounted, and the second mounting member is elastic in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface;

[0020] When the vital signs detection device is worn, the elastic deformation of the second mounting component allows the blood oxygen measurement component to fit against the wearer's tragus, and the blood oxygen measurement component is used to detect the wearer's blood oxygen concentration.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second mounting element is made of an elastic material, and the blood oxygen measurement assembly includes a blood oxygen sensor;

[0022] The blood oxygen sensor is mounted on the mounting surface;

[0023] When the vital signs detection device is worn, the elastic deformation of the second mounting component allows the blood oxygen sensor to fit against the wearer's tragus, and the blood oxygen sensor is used to detect the wearer's blood oxygen concentration.

[0024] In some of these embodiments, the elastic material is selected from thermoplastic elastomers and thermosetting elastomers.

[0025] In some of these embodiments, the hardness of the elastic material is 10A-50A;

[0026] And / or, the elastic modulus of the elastic material is 1 MPa-2 GPa.

[0027] In some embodiments, the vital sign detection device further includes: a data processing unit and a communication unit; the communication unit includes a wireless communication unit and / or a wired communication unit;

[0028] Both the infrared temperature measurement component and the blood oxygen measurement component are connected to the data processing unit.

[0029] The data processing unit is used to send vital sign data to an external data processing and / or storage device through the communication unit, and the vital sign data includes eardrum temperature and / or blood oxygen concentration.

[0030] In some embodiments, the vital sign detection device further includes a second temperature sensor connected to the data processing unit;

[0031] The second temperature sensor is located at the end of the second mounting member away from the first mounting member, and is used to detect the ambient temperature outside the wearer's ear;

[0032] The data processing unit is also used to detect the wearer's eardrum temperature through the infrared thermometer when the rate of change of the external ambient temperature is less than a preset threshold.

[0033] In some embodiments, the vital sign detection device further includes a position sensor connected to the data processing unit;

[0034] The position sensor is located at the end of the second mounting component away from the first mounting component, and is used to acquire the position information of the vital sign detection device.

[0035] The data processing unit is further configured to determine whether the vital signs detection device is inside the wearer's ear based on the location information, and when the vital signs detection device is inside the wearer's ear, to detect the wearer's eardrum temperature through the infrared temperature measurement component and / or to detect the wearer's blood oxygen concentration through the blood oxygen measurement component.

[0036] In some embodiments, the data processing unit is used to send vital sign data to an external data processing and / or storage device via the communication unit, including:

[0037] The data processing unit is used to add timestamps to the vital signs data and send the timestamped vital signs data to an external data processing and / or storage device.

[0038] In some embodiments, both the infrared thermopile sensor and the first temperature sensor are connected to the data processing unit;

[0039] The data processing unit is used to correct the detection results of the infrared thermopile sensor based on the detection results of the first temperature sensor.

[0040] In some embodiments, the data processing unit uses an asynchronous method to collect and transmit different vital sign data.

[0041] Secondly, the present invention provides an in-ear vital sign detection system, the vital sign detection system comprising two in-ear vital sign detection devices as described in the first aspect.

[0042] Compared with related technologies, the in-ear vital sign detection device and system provided in this invention uses a flexible first mounting component as the mounting carrier for the infrared temperature measurement component. This allows it to adapt to different external auditory canal shapes, enabling the wearer to adjust the insertion angle of the first mounting component so that the infrared temperature measurement component can be aligned with the wearer's eardrum. This solves the problem that existing in-ear body temperature detection devices, which do not consider individual differences in the external auditory canal shape among different users, sometimes fail to accurately monitor the core body temperature.

[0043] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of this application more readily apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the in-ear vital sign detection device provided by the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an in-ear vital sign detection device in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an in-ear vital sign detection device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To better understand the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application, the application is described and illustrated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the general meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Words such as “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “these,” used in this application, do not indicate quantitative limitation and may be singular or plural. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or modules (units) but may include steps or modules (units) not listed, or may include other steps or modules (units) inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms “connected,” “linked,” and “coupled,” used in this application, are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The term “multiple” used in this application refers to two or more. The "and / or" operator describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Typically, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., used in this application are merely for distinguishing similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects.

[0050] This invention provides an in-ear vital sign detection device. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the in-ear vital sign detection device provided by the present invention. Figure 1The vital signs detection device includes an infrared temperature measuring component 200 and a first mounting component 100. The infrared temperature measuring component 200 is mounted on the end of the first mounting component 100 near the eardrum, and the first mounting component 100 is elastic. When the vital signs detection device is worn, the first mounting component 100 is located in the wearer's external auditory canal. Through the elastic deformation of the first mounting component 100, the infrared temperature measuring component 200 is aligned with the wearer's eardrum, and the infrared temperature measuring component 200 is used to detect the wearer's eardrum temperature.

[0051] Specifically, the vital signs detection device mainly consists of an infrared temperature measuring component 200 and a first mounting component 100, with the infrared temperature measuring component 200 installed at one end of the first mounting component 100. When the wearer wears the vital signs detection device, both the infrared temperature measuring component 200 and the first mounting component 100 are located inside the wearer's external auditory canal, with the infrared temperature measuring component 200 facing inwards, i.e., towards the eardrum. Because the first mounting component 100 is elastic, it can adaptively deform according to the shape of the external auditory canal. Therefore, the first mounting component 100 can adapt to the shape differences of different external auditory canals, including differences in the shape of the external auditory canal between different wearers and differences in the shape of the external auditory canal of the same wearer at different insertion angles. On the one hand, the elasticity of the first mounting component 100 allows it to adapt to different external auditory canals, resulting in more uniform contact with the external auditory canal. This ensures more even force distribution in the external auditory canal, preventing strong localized pressure and providing a better wearing experience for all wearers. On the other hand, the first mounting component 100 is elastic and can fit the external auditory canal at different insertion angles. Thus, the wearer can continuously adjust the insertion angle of the first mounting component 100 so that the infrared temperature measuring component 200 can be aligned with the wearer's eardrum, ultimately enabling the infrared temperature measuring component 200 to accurately measure the eardrum temperature.

[0052] Therefore, the in-ear vital sign detection device provided in this invention uses a flexible first mounting member 100 as the mounting carrier for the infrared temperature measuring component 200, which can adapt to different external auditory canal shapes. Furthermore, the wearer can adjust the insertion angle of the first mounting member 100 so that the infrared temperature measuring component 200 can be aligned with the wearer's eardrum. This solves the problem that existing in-ear body temperature detection devices, which do not consider individual differences in the external auditory canal shape among different users, sometimes fail to accurately monitor the core body temperature.

[0053] In some of these embodiments, the first mounting member 100 includes a central portion and an edge portion, the edge portion wrapping around the central portion, the edge portion being made of an elastic material, and the central portion supporting the edge portion.

[0054] Specifically, in this embodiment, the central portion of the first mounting member 100 mainly supports its edge portion, which is an elastic structure. Since the edge portion of the first mounting member 100 is in contact with the external auditory canal, when the edge portion is made of an elastic material, it can deform accordingly with different external auditory canal structures, thus adapting to different external auditory canal structures. Simultaneously, the hardness of the central portion is greater than that of the edge portion, preventing excessive bending deformation of the first mounting member 100 as a whole, providing a certain support effect for the infrared temperature measurement component 200, and facilitating the overall insertion of the device into the external auditory canal, thereby improving the overall structural stability of the device. For example, based on the material properties of the central portion, it can be a flexible structure made of a flexible material, or a rigid structure made of a rigid material that closely resembles the shape of the external auditory canal; based on the type of material of the central portion, it can be a non-metallic structure made of a non-metallic material, or a metallic structure made of a metallic material. It should be noted that when the central portion is made of a metallic material, direct connection between the infrared temperature measurement component 200 and the central portion should be avoided to prevent the metallic material from affecting the data acquisition accuracy of the sensor in the infrared temperature measurement component 200. If other sensors are present in the device, direct connection between the sensors and the central part should be avoided. Additionally, the central part should have mounting holes extending through both ends to facilitate the passage of the data transmission line from the infrared temperature measurement component 200.

[0055] Correspondingly, in some other embodiments, the first mounting element 100 is made of an elastic material.

[0056] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first mounting member 100 is made entirely of elastic material, resulting in a greater elastic variation and thus a greater range of deformation. Therefore, the first mounting member 100 in this embodiment is more adaptable to different external auditory canal shapes, and can accommodate various external auditory canal shapes with significant differences in shape.

[0057] In some of these embodiments, the elastic material is selected from thermoplastic elastomers and thermosetting elastomers.

[0058] Specifically, since the first mounting component 100 needs to be in direct contact with the skin of the external auditory canal, the elastic material needs to be non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The elastic material can be selected from various types of elastomers, including thermoplastic elastomers and thermosetting elastomers. For example, in thermoplastic elastomers, non-toxic and environmentally friendly styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers, etc., can be selected. In thermosetting elastomers, non-toxic and environmentally friendly silicone, etc., can be selected.

[0059] Furthermore, in order to achieve a better wearing effect, the elastic material should be given appropriate hardness and elasticity.

[0060] In one embodiment, the hardness of the aforementioned elastic material can be between 10A and 50A. There are various methods for measuring hardness; this embodiment uses Shore hardness as an example. Hardness indicates how easily a material deforms. When the Shore hardness of the elastic material is between 10A and 50A, the first mounting member 100 can deform according to different external auditory canal shapes, while simultaneously providing a certain degree of support for the infrared temperature measuring component 200 without causing excessive bending deformation.

[0061] In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the elastic material ranges from 1 MPa to 2 GPa. The elastic modulus reflects the material's ability to recover after deformation. When the elastic modulus of the elastic material is in the range of 1 MPa to 2 GPa, the force exerted by the first mounting member 100 on the external auditory canal after deformation is moderate. At this time, the wearer will not feel a large pressure on the external auditory canal, and there is a certain friction between the first mounting member 100 and the external auditory canal, so that the first mounting member 100 can be stably placed in the external auditory canal and will not easily fall off.

[0062] In another embodiment, the hardness of the elastic material is 10A-50A, and the elastic modulus ranges from 1MPa to 2GPa. Specifically, in this embodiment, the hardness and elasticity of the elastic material simultaneously meet the above requirements, thereby providing the wearer with a better user experience.

[0063] In some embodiments, the infrared temperature measurement component 200 includes an infrared thermopile sensor and a first temperature sensor; the infrared thermopile sensor and the first temperature sensor are mounted on the end of the first mounting member 100 near the eardrum; the first temperature sensor, located on the side of the infrared thermopile sensor near the first mounting member 100, is used to detect the cold junction operating environment temperature of the infrared thermopile sensor; when the vital signs detection device is worn, the elastic deformation of the first mounting member 100 allows the infrared thermopile sensor to be aligned with the wearer's eardrum, and the infrared thermopile sensor is used to detect the wearer's eardrum temperature.

[0064] This embodiment provides a specific infrared temperature measurement component 200. The infrared temperature measurement component 200 mainly includes an infrared thermopile sensor and a first temperature sensor. The infrared thermopile sensor is aligned with the eardrum during use to detect the eardrum temperature; while the first temperature sensor detects the cold junction operating environment temperature of the infrared thermopile sensor. By using the cold junction operating environment temperature of the infrared thermopile sensor, the eardrum temperature detected by the infrared thermopile sensor can be compensated and corrected, reducing the impact of ambient temperature changes on the measurement results, thereby determining the eardrum temperature more accurately. Compared to the prior art, which uses a heating component to ensure a constant operating temperature of the temperature measurement component, the infrared temperature measurement component 200 in this embodiment can reduce the power consumption of the detection device.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an in-ear vital sign detection device according to some embodiments of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The vital sign detection device provided in this embodiment, in addition to including the infrared temperature measurement component 200 and the first mounting component 100, also includes: a blood oxygen measurement component 400 and a second mounting component 300; the second mounting component 300 is mounted on the first mounting component 100 and located at one end of the first mounting component 100 away from the infrared temperature measurement component 200; the second mounting component 300 has a mounting surface, the blood oxygen measurement component 400 is mounted on the mounting surface, and the second mounting component 300 is elastic in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface; when the vital sign detection device is worn, the elastic deformation of the second mounting component 300 allows the blood oxygen measurement component 400 to fit against the wearer's tragus, and the blood oxygen measurement component 400 is used to detect the wearer's blood oxygen concentration.

[0066] Specifically, the above embodiments mainly describe a vital signs detection device including an infrared temperature measurement component 200, which enables the device to detect the wearer's eardrum temperature. In this embodiment, the vital signs detection device can also detect the wearer's blood oxygen concentration, a function mainly achieved by a blood oxygen measurement component 400. The blood oxygen measurement component 400 is mounted on the mounting surface of the second mounting member 300, which is connected to the side of the first mounting member 100 away from the infrared temperature measurement component 200. After the detection device is worn, the first mounting member 100 is located inside the external auditory canal, while the second mounting member 300 and the blood oxygen measurement component 400 are approximately located at the opening of the external auditory canal, with the mounting surface of the second mounting member 300 basically parallel to the tragus. Under the action of the second mounting member 300, the blood oxygen measurement component 400 can fit relatively tightly against the tragus.

[0067] In some embodiments, the second mounting 300 is made of a resilient material, and the blood oxygen measurement assembly 400 includes a blood oxygen sensor.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, the selection criteria for the elastic material of the second mounting component 300 are the same as those for the first mounting component 100. This elastic material needs to be non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The elastic material can be selected from various types of elastomers, including thermoplastic elastomers and thermosetting elastomers. For example, in thermoplastic elastomers, non-toxic and environmentally friendly styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers, etc., can be selected. In thermosetting elastomers, non-toxic and environmentally friendly silicone, etc., can be selected. Furthermore, the hardness of the elastic material is 10A-50A, and the elastic modulus ranges from 1MPa to 2GPa.

[0069] In some embodiments, the vital signs detection device further includes: a data processing unit and a communication unit; the communication unit includes a wireless communication unit and / or a wired communication unit; the infrared temperature measurement component 200 and the blood oxygen measurement component 400 are both connected to the data processing unit; the data processing unit is used to send vital signs data through the communication unit to an external data processing and / or storage device, the vital signs data including eardrum temperature and / or blood oxygen concentration.

[0070] In the above embodiments, the vital sign detection device mainly describes its eardrum temperature detection and blood oxygen concentration detection functions. In addition, it is necessary to export the detected eardrum temperature and blood oxygen concentration data. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vital sign detection device also has a communication function. Specifically, after the infrared temperature measurement component 200 and the blood oxygen measurement component 400 acquire the vital sign data, they transmit the vital sign data to the data processing unit. The data processing unit can perform preliminary processing on the vital sign data and then transmit the vital sign data to an external data processing and / or storage device through the communication unit.

[0071] Due to the small size of the vital signs detection device, the data processing unit can be a small MCU (Microcontroller Unit). The communication unit can be a wireless communication unit to achieve wireless communication functionality, such as Bluetooth or NFC (Near Field Communication) tags. Alternatively, a wired communication unit can be used, requiring an interface on the vital signs detection device to connect the corresponding data transmission line. External data processing devices include common terminals such as computers, which can then process the vital signs data and provide feedback to the user. Directly transmitting vital signs data from the data processing unit to an external data processing device enables real-time monitoring of vital signs. Simultaneously, the data processing unit can also transmit vital signs data to an external storage device for later retrieval. Accordingly, the communication unit can combine wireless and wired communication units, thus providing both wireless and wired communication capabilities.

[0072] Furthermore, the communication unit may also include a voice communication unit, facilitating remote voice communication between the wearer and others. For example, the wearer can communicate directly with a doctor through the vital sign detection device in hospitals, at home, outdoors, or other scenarios requiring remote voice communication. Therefore, in one embodiment, the vital sign detection device also has the call function of a traditional headset, facilitating doctors to provide guidance on vital sign monitoring to the wearer or to provide real-time feedback on vital sign data analysis results.

[0073] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the data processing unit for sending vital sign data to an external data processing and / or storage device via a communication unit includes: the data processing unit adding a timestamp to the vital sign data and sending the timestamped vital sign data to the external data processing and / or storage device.

[0074] Specifically, in this embodiment, the data processing unit does not simply send the vital sign data to an external device. Instead, during data preprocessing, it adds a timestamp to the vital sign data to represent the acquisition time of each data point. The timestamp not only allows for a more accurate determination of the wearer's vital sign status at different times but also enables the integration and synchronization of vital sign data collected over different time periods. Furthermore, considering that the same wearer may use multiple vital sign detection devices, the timestamp also allows for the integration and synchronization of vital sign data acquired by different detection devices.

[0075] In some embodiments, the vital signs detection device further includes: a second temperature sensor connected to the data processing unit; the second temperature sensor is located at the end of the second mounting member 300 away from the first mounting member 100, and is used to detect the external ambient temperature of the wearer; the data processing unit is also used to detect the eardrum temperature of the wearer through the infrared temperature measuring component 200 when the rate of change of the external ambient temperature is less than a preset threshold.

[0076] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 When the vital signs detection device is worn, the second mounting component 300 is approximately positioned at the opening of the wearer's external auditory canal, while the second temperature sensor is located on the outer side of the external auditory canal, thus detecting the wearer's external auditory environment temperature. The second temperature sensor transmits the detected external auditory environment temperature to the data processing unit, which then controls the operating state of the infrared temperature measurement component 200 based on the external auditory environment temperature. The infrared temperature measurement component 200 typically provides more accurate eardrum temperature readings when the ambient temperature is stable. Therefore, if the data processing unit determines that the rate of change of the external auditory environment temperature exceeds a threshold, it considers the ambient temperature unstable and thus deems the eardrum temperature obtained by the infrared temperature measurement component 200 inaccurate; conversely, if the data processing unit determines that the rate of change of the external auditory environment temperature is less than a threshold, it considers the ambient temperature stable and thus deems the eardrum temperature obtained by the infrared temperature measurement component 200 relatively accurate. The data processing unit can then filter the eardrum temperature data using these criteria, retaining only the more accurate eardrum temperature data.

[0077] In some embodiments, the vital signs detection device further includes: a position sensor connected to the data processing unit; the position sensor is located at the end of the second mounting member 300 away from the first mounting member 100, and is used to acquire position information of the vital signs detection device; the data processing unit is also used to determine whether the vital signs detection device is in the wearer's ear based on the position information, and when the vital signs detection device is in the wearer's ear, to detect the wearer's eardrum temperature through the infrared temperature measuring component 200, and / or to detect the wearer's blood oxygen concentration through the blood oxygen measuring component 400.

[0078] Specifically, in this embodiment, the main function of the position sensor is to detect the position of the vital sign detection device, so that the data processing unit can determine whether the vital sign detection device is inside the ear. Therefore, this position sensor can also be called an in-ear detection sensor. When the vital sign detection device is not inside the ear, the data processing unit controls other components to stop working, thereby reducing device power consumption and avoiding the acquisition of erroneous vital sign data.

[0079] In one embodiment described above, the infrared temperature measurement component 200 includes an infrared thermopile sensor and a first temperature sensor. By utilizing the cold junction operating environment temperature of the infrared thermopile sensor, the eardrum temperature detected by the infrared thermopile sensor can be compensated and corrected, reducing the impact of ambient temperature changes on the measurement results and thus determining the eardrum temperature more accurately. This compensation and correction process can be performed by the data processing unit in the vital signs detection device. Therefore, in a further embodiment, both the infrared thermopile sensor and the first temperature sensor are connected to the data processing unit; the data processing unit is used to correct the detection results of the infrared thermopile sensor based on the detection results of the first temperature sensor.

[0080] Correspondingly, in another embodiment, the compensation and correction process can also be performed by an external data processing device, i.e., the data processing unit in the vital signs detection device is only used to send the eardrum temperature data and the working environment temperature data of the cold junction to the external data processing device.

[0081] In some embodiments, the vital sign detection device includes an infrared temperature measurement component 200, a blood oxygen measurement component 400, and a data processing unit. Therefore, the vital sign detection device simultaneously possesses eardrum temperature detection and blood oxygen concentration detection functions, and also needs to transmit vital sign data to external devices via a wireless transmission unit. To reduce the instantaneous power consumption of the vital sign detection device, in a further embodiment, the data processing unit uses an asynchronous method to collect and transmit different vital sign data. Specifically, blood oxygen collection, body temperature collection, and wireless transmission do not operate at the same time, ensuring low transient power consumption. For example, blood oxygen is collected at time t1, and the blood oxygen information is wirelessly transmitted at time t2; body temperature is collected at time t3, and the body temperature information is wirelessly transmitted at time t4; the order and time interval of t1, t2, t3, and t4 can be flexibly set.

[0082] Through the above embodiments, the structural features of the vital signs detection device and its functional components have been described relatively completely. Accordingly, to ensure the operation of the functional components, a power supply, a power circuit, and connecting cables for each functional component also need to be configured in the vital signs detection device. The power supply is typically a small battery. The battery can be located at the end of the first mounting member 100 furthest from the infrared temperature measurement component 200, close to the second mounting member 300; alternatively, it can be located at the second mounting member 300 furthest from the first mounting member 100. Meanwhile, the connecting cable between the infrared temperature measurement component 200 and the data processing unit needs to pass through the first mounting member 100.

[0083] Simultaneously, the vital signs detection device may also have corresponding housing structures for mounting functional components. For example, the vital signs detection device may have a first housing structure for mounting the infrared temperature measurement component 200. The first housing structure is connected to the end of the first mounting member 100 near the eardrum. The first housing structure should be designed with a small size, not only with a diameter smaller than the first mounting member 100, but also smaller than the common diameter of the external auditory canal. The vital signs detection device may also have a second housing structure for mounting the battery. The second housing structure is connected to the end of the first mounting member 100 away from the first housing structure, and the second mounting member 300 can be mounted on one side of the second housing structure and protrude from it. The vital signs detection device may also have a third housing structure for mounting the data processing unit and the communication unit. The third housing structure is connected to the side of the second housing structure away from the first mounting member 100 and may be integral with the second housing structure.

[0084] The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated by a specific embodiment below.

[0085] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an in-ear vital sign detection device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 3In one specific embodiment, the in-ear vital sign detection device includes: an infrared thermopile sensor 210, an infrared thermopile cold junction ambient temperature sensor 220 (equivalent to a first temperature sensor), an ambient temperature sensor 540 (equivalent to a second temperature sensor), a blood oxygen sensor 410, an in-ear detection sensor 530, an NFC tag 550, a battery 510, a power supply circuit, wireless and wired communication circuits, a flexible structural component (equivalent to a first mounting component 100 and a second mounting component 300), and a printed circuit board 520 integrating a microprocessor, etc.

[0086] The elastic materials of the first mounting component 100 and the second mounting component 300 can be non-toxic and environmentally friendly styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers, and silicone, etc. The first mounting component 100 and the second mounting component 300 can use the same or different elastic materials.

[0087] Furthermore, the diameter of the first mounting component 100 can be designed to be approximately 5mm, and its length can be designed to be approximately 1cm. It is positioned between the infrared thermopile sensor 210 and the battery-loading structure, and is part of the outer shell structure. When worn, adults gently pull the earlobe upwards and backwards, while children gently pull the earlobe downwards and backwards, ensuring the ear canal is essentially straight. The first mounting component 100 and the infrared thermopile sensor 210 are placed into the ear canal at the inner third of the ear canal opening. After removing the pulling force, the first mounting component 100 deforms appropriately according to the shape of the ear canal, allowing the wearer to adjust it to ensure the infrared thermopile sensor 210 is essentially aligned with the eardrum.

[0088] The pulse oxygen sensor 410 is mounted on top of the second mounting component 300. The second mounting component 300 is slightly larger than the pulse oxygen sensor 410. The second mounting component 300 can be a continuous part of the device housing or an independent structural component mounted on the device housing. The second mounting component 300 is made of an elastic material with good elasticity, and its longitudinal dimension can be changed through elastic deformation. Therefore, the pulse oxygen sensor 410 can fit well inside the tragus regardless of the size and depth of the external auditory canal tragus.

[0089] Infrared thermopile sensor 210, infrared thermopile cold junction ambient temperature sensor 220 and blood oxygen sensor 410 are all connected to the outermost printed circuit board 520 (PCBA) via flexible cables. Ambient temperature sensor 540 and in-ear detection sensor 530 can be integrated onto the PCBA. The PCBA can also integrate an NFC tag 550 and a BLE (Bluetooth) communication unit (including a BLE antenna), as well as a wired communication unit. In addition, it can also integrate a battery and power management unit.

[0090] It should be noted that the above is merely an illustrative example. For instance, the first mounting component 100 could also have a diameter of 4.5 mm and a length of 0.7 mm. The size and shape of the second mounting component 300 can also vary, as long as it covers the size of the blood oxygen sensor. For example, the second mounting component 300 could be elliptical, with a major axis greater than 5.5 mm and a minor axis greater than 2 mm. The components integrated into the PCBA described above can also be placed in other locations, such as placing the ambient temperature sensor 540 on a structure exposed outside the ear, or separately mounting the NFC tag 550 on a structure exposed outside the ear. The in-ear detection sensor 530 can be placed near the blood oxygen sensor 410, or near the infrared thermopile sensor 210, etc. When the above components are not integrated into the PCBA, they are connected to the PCBA via a flexible cable.

[0091] Correspondingly, vital sign detection equipment can also integrate the audio component of traditional headphones for remote voice communication.

[0092] The in-ear vital sign detection device provided in the above embodiments has the following technical effects:

[0093] 1. For collecting eardrum temperature, rigid infrared detection elements (infrared thermopile sensor 210 and infrared thermopile cold junction ambient temperature sensor 220) are integrated into one end of the first mounting component 100. When worn, the first mounting component 100 can bend to adapt to different shapes of the human ear canal, ensuring that the infrared detection element is basically aligned with the tympanic membrane inside the ear canal.

[0094] 2. For blood oxygen collection, the blood oxygen sensor 410 is set near the tragus, and the blood oxygen sensor 410 is supported by the elastic second mounting part 300, which ensures that the blood oxygen sensor 410 fits well with the inside of the tragus, and also ensures that the blood oxygen sensor 410 is stationary relative to the tragus when the ear moves, thereby ensuring signal quality.

[0095] 3. To ensure timely detection of changes in ambient temperature, an ambient temperature sensor 540 is integrated into the vital signs detection device, facing outwards towards the ear. When the sensor's temperature reading changes significantly, it indicates a change in the body's environment, such as moving from indoors to outdoors. If the sensor's temperature remains constant for a period of time, such as 5-20 minutes, it indicates a stable environment. When the ambient temperature is stable, the system considers the measurement more accurate. This sensor integration enables the intelligent selection of accurate body temperature and blood oxygen levels.

[0096] 4. Multiple sets of infrared detection cold junction ambient temperature correction data are used, such as common room temperatures of 26℃ and 20℃. When the temperature changes slowly or remains constant, an appropriate temperature compensation curve is selected based on the temperature collected by the infrared thermopile cold junction ambient temperature sensor 220. This makes the temperature read by the infrared thermopile sensor 210 more accurate, without the need for other structures to ensure the stability of the working environment temperature of the infrared thermopile sensor 210, thus avoiding structural redundancy and additional power consumption.

[0097] 5. An integrated in-ear detection sensor 530 reduces device power consumption and avoids acquiring incorrect vital sign data. An integrated NFC tag 550 enables "tap-to-connect" for convenient use.

[0098] 6. Blood oxygen acquisition, body temperature acquisition, and wireless transmission do not operate at the same time, ensuring low transient power consumption. For example, blood oxygen acquisition is performed at time t1, blood oxygen information is wirelessly transmitted at time t2, body temperature acquisition is performed at time t3, and body temperature information is wirelessly transmitted at time t4. The order and time interval of t1, t2, t3, and t4 can be flexibly set.

[0099] Based on the in-ear vital sign detection devices provided in the above embodiments, this invention also provides an in-ear vital sign detection system. The vital sign detection system includes two in-ear vital sign detection devices provided in this invention. Since these devices can adapt to different shapes of external auditory canals, each device can be used for both ears. The wearer can wear the devices in both ears simultaneously, and by simultaneously monitoring vital signs with both devices and combining the two sets of data, a more accurate vital sign monitoring result can be obtained.

[0100] Because the external auditory canals of both ears are symmetrical, the specific structures of two vital sign detection devices can be designed symmetrically, allowing each device to be used for the left and right ears respectively. In this case, the vital sign detection device has a higher degree of compatibility with its corresponding ear.

[0101] Specifically, the vital signs detection system may also include a storage and charging device for storing two vital signs detection devices and charging them during storage. Either of the two vital signs detection devices can function normally after being worn, while the other device can be placed in the storage device for charging or for data export, thus ensuring continuous real-time monitoring of vital signs signals.

[0102] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties.

[0103] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the application and not intended to limit it. All other embodiments derived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0104] Obviously, the accompanying drawings are merely some examples or embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other similar situations based on these drawings without any creative effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the work done in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art, certain design, manufacturing, or production modifications made based on the technical content disclosed in this application are merely conventional technical means and should not be considered as insufficient disclosure of this application.

[0105] The term "embodiment" in this application refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment that may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily imply the same embodiment, nor does it imply that it is mutually exclusive with or independent of other embodiments. It will be clearly or implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0106] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of patent protection. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An in-ear vital sign detection device, characterized in that, The vital signs detection device includes: an infrared temperature measurement component (200), a first mounting component (100), a data processing unit, a second temperature sensor connected to the data processing unit, a second mounting component (300), and a blood oxygen measurement component (400). The infrared temperature measurement component (200) is installed at the end of the first mounting member (100) near the eardrum, and the first mounting member (100) is elastic; When the vital signs detection device is worn, the first mounting part (100) is located in the wearer's external auditory canal. Through the elastic deformation of the first mounting part (100), the infrared temperature measuring component (200) is aligned with the wearer's eardrum. The infrared temperature measuring component (200) is used to detect the wearer's eardrum temperature. The second mounting component (300) is mounted on the first mounting component (100) and is located at the end of the first mounting component (100) away from the infrared temperature measuring component (200); The second temperature sensor is located at the end of the second mounting member (300) away from the first mounting member (100) and is used to detect the ambient temperature outside the ear of the wearer; The data processing unit is used to detect the wearer's eardrum temperature through the infrared temperature measuring component (200) when the rate of change of the external ambient temperature is less than a preset threshold. The second mounting member (300) has a mounting surface on which the blood oxygen measurement assembly (400) is mounted, and the second mounting member (300) is elastic in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface; When the vital signs detection device is worn, the elastic deformation of the second mounting part (300) allows the blood oxygen measurement component (400) to fit against the wearer's tragus, and the blood oxygen measurement component (400) is used to detect the wearer's blood oxygen concentration; After the vital signs detection device is worn, the first mounting part (100) is in the external auditory canal, the second mounting part (300) and the blood oxygen measurement component (400) are at the opening of the external auditory canal, and the mounting surface of the second mounting part (300) is basically parallel to the tragus.

2. The in-ear vital sign detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mounting member (100) includes a central portion and an edge portion, the edge portion wrapping around the central portion, the edge portion being made of an elastic material, and the central portion supporting the edge portion.

3. The in-ear vital sign detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mounting component (100) is made of an elastic material.

4. The in-ear vital sign detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The infrared temperature measurement component (200) includes an infrared thermopile sensor and a first temperature sensor; The infrared thermopile sensor and the first temperature sensor are mounted on the end of the first mounting component (100) near the eardrum; The first temperature sensor is located on the side of the infrared thermopile sensor closer to the first mounting part (100) and is used to detect the cold junction operating environment temperature of the infrared thermopile sensor. When the vital signs detection device is worn, the infrared thermopile sensor can be aligned with the wearer's eardrum by the elastic deformation of the first mounting member (100), and the infrared thermopile sensor is used to detect the wearer's eardrum temperature.

5. The in-ear vital sign detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second mounting component (300) is made of an elastic material, and the blood oxygen measurement assembly (400) includes a blood oxygen sensor.

6. The in-ear vital sign detection device according to claim 2, 3, or 5, characterized in that, The elastic material is selected from thermoplastic elastomers and thermosetting elastomers.

7. The in-ear vital sign detection device according to claim 2, 3, or 5, characterized in that, The hardness of the elastic material is 10A-50A; And / or, the elastic modulus of the elastic material is 1 MPa-2 GPa.

8. The in-ear vital sign detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vital sign detection device further includes: a data processing unit and a communication unit; the communication unit includes a wireless communication unit and / or a wired communication unit. Both the infrared temperature measurement component (200) and the blood oxygen measurement component (400) are connected to the data processing unit; The data processing unit is used to send vital sign data to an external data processing and / or storage device through the communication unit, and the vital sign data includes eardrum temperature and / or blood oxygen concentration.

9. The in-ear vital sign detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vital sign detection device further includes: a position sensor connected to the data processing unit; The position sensor is located at the end of the second mounting member (300) away from the first mounting member (100) and is used to acquire the position information of the vital sign detection device; The data processing unit is also used to determine whether the vital signs detection device is inside the wearer's ear based on the location information. When the vital signs detection device is inside the wearer's ear, the wearer's eardrum temperature is detected by the infrared temperature measurement component (200), and / or the wearer's blood oxygen concentration is detected by the blood oxygen measurement component (400).

10. The in-ear vital sign detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The data processing unit is used to transmit vital sign data to an external data processing and / or storage device via the communication unit, including: The data processing unit is used to add timestamps to the vital signs data and send the timestamped vital signs data to an external data processing and / or storage device.

11. The in-ear vital sign detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, Both the infrared thermopile sensor and the first temperature sensor are connected to the data processing unit. The data processing unit is used to correct the detection results of the infrared thermopile sensor based on the detection results of the first temperature sensor.

12. The in-ear vital sign detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The data processing unit uses an asynchronous method to collect and transmit different vital sign data.

13. An in-ear vital sign detection system, characterized in that, The vital signs detection system includes two in-ear vital signs detection devices as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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