System for obtaining biometric parameters by means of collar mask device

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of health and physical rehabilitation. Specifically, the present invention provides systems, methods and devices for obtaining biometric parameters by means of a device having a sensor connected to an electronic device, thus providing a smart tool to help prevent physical side effects of epidemic respiratory diseases, improving functional level, independence and quality of life of the elderly. The system comprises: a collar mask device to be used by a subject, the collar mask device comprising a textile material and a plurality of sensors included in the textile material; and a computer application connected to the plurality of sensors located in the collar mask device by means of a wireless connection to the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medicine or veterinary science and hygiene, in particular to the field of measurements for diagnostic purposes, for a plurality of sensor units connected to a patient using a body or personal area network. In particular, the present invention provides a system for obtaining biometric parameters using a collar mask device connected to an electronic device such as a smartphone. Background Art

[0002] In the health field, an important part of this field is the monitoring of patients with the aid of invasive or non-invasive sensors, which serves to prevent or diagnose some types of diseases or pathologies, in particular in elderly patients.

[0003] Currently, there are several devices that help control parameters to maintain a good state of health, but they focus only on improving respiratory physiological aspects and often contain peripheral systems that increase the evaluation time.

[0004] An example of this type of monitoring currently performed on patients is the invention disclosed in document US2021085255A1, which describes a method for detecting the health status of a user of a wearable device using compressed physiological signal data. The method includes generating physiological signal data based on data recorded using one or more sensors of the wearable device by a software application running on the wearable device. The physiological signal data indicates the physical fitness of the user of the wearable device. The software application compresses the physiological signal data using a "dictionary" defined by a server application running on a server device. The physiological signal data is transmitted from the wearable device to the server. The server application decompresses the physiological signal data to generate physiological signal data generated by the user indicating the physical fitness of the user of the wearable device. The server application determines the change in the physiological state of the user of the wearable device based on the difference between the physical fitness of the user of the wearable device indicated by the generated physiological signal data and the historical physiological data of the user of the wearable device. The server application detects the health status of the user of the wearable device based on the change in the physiological state of the user of the wearable device.

[0005] On the other hand, document US2020297243A1 proposes a system for estimating the movement of a person, etc., the system comprising: a sensor attached to the waist of the person and measuring various parameters that change with the movement of the person, the parameters being measured by the sensor in a time series; and a motion estimation unit configured to estimate position values ​​indicating the positions of multiple predetermined areas of the person's body at a determined time. The motion estimation is configured to learn according to an algorithm of a machine learning model so that reference position values ​​of multiple areas of the person's body are output at an answer time.

[0006] As can be appreciated, the above-mentioned literature focuses on improving respiratory physiological aspects without providing the correct dosage required according to the individual's physical condition. In addition, they neglect the concerns about motivation, adherence, and performance of physical exercise in an interactive and entertaining manner. Therefore, there is a need to create a monitoring and control system that is more accurate and complete and enables prevention, timely detection, education, and treatment of the physical sequelae of respiratory diseases prevalent in individuals. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention provides a system for obtaining biometric parameters in an individual with the aid of a device having multiple sensors connected to an electronic device, characterized in that the system comprises: a collar-mask type device to be worn by the individual, wherein the collar-mask device comprises a textile material and multiple sensors included in the textile material; and a computer application comprising an interface, which is connected to the multiple sensors located in the collar-mask type device via a wireless connection.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the computer application determines at least one biometric parameter of the individual by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the at least one biometric parameter is a physiological indicator.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the computer application determines at least one biometric parameter by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the biometric parameter is related to changes in the movement of the individual.

[0010] In yet another preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the collar-mask type device comprises two 3D inertial sensors, a breathing rate and gas sensor and an integrated heart rate, body temperature and blood oxygen sensor.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that, when the device is placed on an individual, the first inertial sensor is located on the individual's sternal manubrium and the second inertial sensor is located on the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra of the individual.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the respiratory rate and gas sensors are located on the projection of the individual's alar cartilages and on the sides of the corners of the mouth, while the integrated heart rate, body temperature and blood oxygen sensors are located on the projection of the individual's external carotid artery or in the earlobe area.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the physiological index is selected from the group consisting of heart rate, respiratory gas, blood oxygen percentage, body temperature and respiratory rate.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that said biometric parameter related to changes in movement of the individual is selected from the group consisting of walking distance, translational speed, translational acceleration, center of mass (COM) and posture angle.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device connected to said collar-mask type device via a wireless connection by means of a computer application is a mobile device, most preferably a smartphone.

[0016] In yet another preferred embodiment, the cervical mask type device includes multiple layers of fabric layers, metal mesh layers, and plastic mask layers on the interior.

[0017] The present invention also provides a method for obtaining biometric parameters with the aid of a device having multiple sensors connected to an electronic device, characterized in that the method includes: providing a collar-mask type device to be worn by an individual, the device comprising a textile material and multiple sensors included in or located in the textile material; positioning each sensor of the collar-mask type device on a specific area of ​​the body of the individual; connecting a computer application comprising an interface, which is connected to the sensors located in the collar-mask type device via a wireless connection; performing some physical activities so that the sensors detect the biometric parameters of interest; obtaining and analyzing information related to the physical activities captured by the sensors from the computer application; and delivering results regarding the evaluated biometric parameters.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the computer application determines a biometric parameter of the individual by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the biometric parameter is a physiological indicator.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the computer application determines a biometric parameter by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the biometric parameter is related to changes in the movement of the individual.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the first sensor (3) is located on the sternal manubrium of the individual, the second sensor (4) is located on the spinous process of the cervical vertebra of the individual, the third sensor (1) is located on the projection of the alar cartilage, and the fourth sensor (2) is located on the projection of the external carotid artery of the individual or in the earlobe area.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the physiological index is selected from the group consisting of heart rate, respiratory gas, blood oxygen percentage, body temperature and respiratory rate.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that said biometric parameter related to the variation of the movement of the individual is selected from the group consisting of walking distance, translational speed, translational acceleration, center of mass (COM) and posture angle.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the electronic device connected to said sensor located on the cervical mask device via a wireless connection by means of said computer application is a mobile device, most preferably a smartphone.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a device for obtaining biometric parameters with the aid of sensors on an individual, characterised in that the device comprises a collar-mask type device comprising a textile material and a plurality of sensors included in the textile material and connected to an electronic device, preferably a smart phone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A representative image of a collar-mask type device of the present invention is shown, showing the positioning of the different sensors included therein, where 1 is a breathing rate and gas sensor; 2 is an integrated heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen sensor; 3 is an inertial sensor 1; and 4 is an inertial sensor 2.

[0026] Figure 2 A representative image of the interior of a cervical mask-type device is shown in an orthogonal perspective, with the inner layers comprising the cervical mask-type device shown joined together.

[0027] Figure 3 A representative image of the interior of a cervical mask type device is shown from a left side perspective, with the inner layers shown bonded together.

[0028] Figure 4 A representative image of the interior of a cervical mask type device is shown from a right side perspective, with the inner layers of the device shown separated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention discloses a system and method providing a technical tool including a collar mask with multiple sensors connected to a computer application, the use of which is focused on non-fragile or fragile elderly people, and by health professionals and caregivers of the elderly for prevention, early detection, education and treatment of prevalent respiratory diseases or physical sequelae of limiting diseases. The system and method proposes to control biometric parameters in general, and in particular physiological and posture related indicators, through telerehabilitation and telemonitoring with a 2D virtual environment, to improve respiratory physiological indicators and posture control indicators. The technology is preferably implemented as a highly functional and ergonomic collar mask type sports model, which is also a mask developed for physical exercise in outdoor or gym type spaces.

[0030] Specifically, a system for obtaining biometric parameters with the aid of a device having multiple sensors is connected to an electronic device and is characterized in that the system comprises: a collar-mask type device to be worn by an individual, the device comprising a textile material and a plurality of sensors included in the textile material; and a computer application comprising an interface, which is connected to the plurality of sensors located in the collar-mask type device via a wireless connection, wherein the electronic device is a mobile device, most preferably a smart phone.

[0031] In the context of the present invention, and by way of general elucidation throughout the entire description, a collar mask device will be understood as a piece of clothing covering at least the nose, mouth and neck of an individual, the clothing being made of a textile material and in which a plurality of sensors covering the area from which the desired parameters of interest are obtained are placed. In additional embodiments of the present invention, the collar mask device may also cover the ears and chest.

[0032] In the context of the present invention, and by way of general elucidation throughout the entire description, a biometric parameter is to be understood as any parameter relating to a physical, physiological or postural characteristic of an individual.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, and by way of general elucidation throughout the entire description, a physiological indicator is to be understood as any value of a variable that enables the normal functioning of an individual's biological system.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the computer application determines a biometric parameter of the individual by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the biometric parameter is a physiological indicator.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the computer application determines the biometric parameter by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the biometric parameter is related to changes in the movement of the individual.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the collar mask type device comprises two 3D inertial sensors ( Figure 1 : point 3 located on the individual's sternum, and point 4 on the back of the collar mask device located on the spinous process of the individual's cervical vertebra), integrated heart rate, body temperature and blood oxygen sensor ( Figure 1 : point 2) and respiratory rate and gas sensors ( Figure 1 :Point 1).

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the first inertial sensor is located on the manubrium of the individual and the second inertial sensor is located on the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra of the individual.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the breathing rate and gas sensors are located on the projection of the alar cartilages of the individual and laterally at the corners of the mouth.

[0039] In yet another preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the integrated heart rate, body temperature and blood oxygen sensor is located on the projection of the external carotid artery or on the earlobe area of ​​the individual.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the physiological index is selected from the group consisting of heart rate, respiratory gas, blood oxygen percentage, body temperature and respiratory rate.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that said biometric parameter related to changes in movement of the individual is selected from the group consisting of walking distance, translational speed, translational acceleration, center of mass (COM) and posture angle.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the computer application delivers the diagnostic report via the Internet or email.

[0043] In yet another preferred embodiment, the collar mask type device internally comprises a plurality of layers in which a plurality of sensors are located, wherein the layers comprise: a first layer comprising a fabric in which the respiratory sensors are located; a plastic mask which provides rigidity to the collar mask type device and is placed before the layer of fabric containing the respiratory sensors; and a layer which is a metal mesh separating the two layers ( Figure 4 ). Although this is a preferred embodiment of the invention, variations of this device having these and other layers may be envisioned and used to measure desired biometric parameters without departing from the desired scope of protection.

[0044] The computer application software will present a visual report on the screen in non-technical language in the case of elderly people (AM, its Spanish acronym) or caregivers, and in technical language in the case of health professionals and rehabilitation personnel. In either case, the provided report can be stored on the network and sent via email, or printed on paper in PDF format.

[0045] This technology can be used before, during and at the end of physical exercise, or while performing daily life activities such as walking. It will therefore be able to evaluate physiological indicators in this regard: body posture with the help of mathematical algorithms, heart rate (beats / minute), respiratory gases, blood oxygen percentage, body temperature and respiratory rate (cycles / minute), which are key parameters in the elderly population and are directly affected by epidemic diseases such as influenza, influenza, pneumonia, novel coronavirus infection (Covid-19), and by the restrictions in this population caused by the latter disease, for example. On the other hand, the percentage of oxygenation in the blood is a metric that has a certain value in the current pandemic period, in particular for the early detection of asymptomatic hypoxemia caused by novel coronavirus infection.

[0046] Another object of the present invention is a method for obtaining biometric parameters with the aid of a device having multiple sensors connected to an electronic device, characterized in that the method comprises: providing a collar-mask type device to be worn by an individual, the device comprising a textile material and multiple sensors included in the textile material; positioning each sensor in the collar-mask type device in a specific area of ​​the body of the individual; connecting a computer application comprising an interface, which is connected to the sensors located in the collar-mask type device via a wireless connection; performing some physical activities so that the sensors detect the biometric parameters of interest; obtaining and analyzing information related to the physical activities captured by the sensors from the computer application; and delivering results regarding the biometric parameters evaluated in the individual.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the computer application determines a biometric parameter of the individual by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the biometric parameter is a physiological indicator.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the computer application determines a biometric parameter by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the biometric parameter is related to changes in the movement of the individual.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the first inertial sensor (3) is located on the sternal manubrium of the individual, the second inertial sensor (4) is located on the spinous process of the cervical vertebra of the individual, the third sensor (1) is located on the projection of the alar cartilage, and the fourth sensor (2) is located on the projection of the external carotid artery of the individual or on the earlobe area.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the physiological index is selected from the group consisting of heart rate, respiratory gas, blood oxygen percentage, body temperature and respiratory rate.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that said biometric parameter related to the variation of the movement of the individual is selected from the group consisting of walking distance, translational speed, translational acceleration, center of mass (COM) and posture angle.

[0052] The design of the product will enable the solution of the problems raised through the integration of science and technology, contributing to the creation of smart tools to prevent the physical sequelae of prevalent respiratory diseases and improve functionality, independence and quality of life in the elderly.

Claims

1. A system for obtaining biometric parameters of an individual by means of a device having a sensor connected to an electronic device, characterized in that The system comprises: - a collar-mask type device to be worn by an individual, comprising a plurality of sensors located at a height between the nose and the sternum of the individual and comprised in a textile material; and - A computer application connected to said plurality of sensors located in said collar-mask type device via a wireless connection to said electronic device.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The collar mask type device includes a plurality of layers inside, and the plurality of sensors constituting the collar mask type device are placed in the plurality of layers.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The plurality of layers are selected from the group consisting of a fabric layer, a metal mesh layer, and a plastic face mask layer.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The computer application determines a biometric parameter of the individual by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the biometric parameter is a physiological indicator.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The computer application determines a biometric parameter by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the biometric parameter is related to changes in movement of the individual.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The collar-mask device contains two 3D inertial sensors, integrated heart rate, body temperature and blood oxygen sensors, as well as breathing rate and gas sensors.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that In the collar mask type device, the first inertial sensor (3) is located at the height of the individual's sternal manubrium, and the second inertial sensor (4) is located at the height of the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra of the individual, the respiratory rate and gas sensor (1) is located at the height of the projection of the individual's alar cartilage and on the side of the corner of the mouth, and the integrated heart rate, body temperature and blood oxygen sensor (2) is located at the height of the projection of the individual's external carotid artery or in the earlobe area.

8. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The physiological index is selected from the group consisting of heart rate, respiratory gas, blood oxygen percentage, body temperature and respiratory rate.

9. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that The biometric parameter related to changes in movement of the individual is selected from the group consisting of walking distance, translational velocity, translational acceleration, center of mass (COM) and posture angle.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The electronic device connected to the sensor of the collar-mask type device via a wireless connection by means of a computer application is a mobile device.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that The mobile device is a smartphone.

12. A method for obtaining biometric parameters of an individual by means of a device having a plurality of sensors connected to an electronic device, characterized in that The method comprises: - providing a collar-mask type device to be worn by the individual, the collar-mask type device comprising a plurality of sensors located at a height between the nose and the sternum of the individual, the plurality of sensors being comprised in a textile material; - positioning each sensor of the collar-mask device on a specific area of ​​the individual's body; - connecting the plurality of sensors of the collar-mask device to an electronic device via a wireless connection by means of a computer application; - performing some physical activity by the individual so as to cause the sensor to detect the biometric parameter of interest; - obtaining and analyzing from the computer application information relating to the individual's physical activity captured by the sensor; and - delivering results regarding said biometric parameters assessed.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The computer application determines a biometric parameter of the individual by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the biometric parameter is a physiological indicator.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The computer application determines a biometric parameter by means of a mathematical algorithm, wherein the biometric parameter is related to changes in movement of the individual.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first inertial sensor (3) of the device is located at the height of the sternal manubrium of the individual, the second inertial sensor (4) of the device is located at the height of the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra of the individual, the third sensor (1) of the device is located at the height of the projection of the alar cartilage, and the fourth sensor (2) of the device is located at the height of the projection of the external carotid artery of the individual or in the earlobe area.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The physiological index is selected from the group consisting of heart rate, respiratory gas, blood oxygen percentage, body temperature and respiratory rate.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The biometric parameter related to changes in movement of the individual is selected from the group consisting of walking distance, translational velocity, translational acceleration, center of mass (COM) and posture angle.

18. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The electronic device connected to the sensor of the collar-mask type device via a wireless connection by means of a computer application is a mobile device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The mobile device is a smartphone.

20. A device for obtaining biometric parameters of an individual by means of a sensor, characterized in that The device comprises a plurality of sensors located at a height between the nose and the sternum of the individual, the plurality of sensors being included in a textile material, the sensors being connected to an electronic device.

21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that The device includes a plurality of layers inside, and the plurality of sensors constituting the device are placed in the plurality of layers.

22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The plurality of layers are selected from the group consisting of a fabric layer, a metal mesh layer, and a plastic face mask layer.

23. The device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that The device includes two 3D inertial sensors, integrated heart rate, body temperature and blood oxygen sensors, and a respiratory rate sensor.

24. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that The first inertial sensor (3) is located at the height of the individual's sternal manubrium, the second inertial sensor (4) is located at the height of the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra of the individual, the respiratory rate and gas sensor (1) is located at the height of the projection of the individual's alar cartilage and on the side of the corner of the mouth, and the integrated heart rate, body temperature and blood oxygen sensor (2) is located at the height of the projection of the individual's external carotid artery or in the earlobe area.

25. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that The electronic device to which the plurality of sensors are connected is a smartphone.

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