Systems, methods, and apparatuses having sensors with multiple detection signal types

Abstract

The present system, method and apparatus include a multi-sensor scanning device for characterizing a health parameter. The device includes a scanning portion formed at an end portion of the device. The scanning portion includes a first sensor assembly. The first sensor assembly has a glass segment forming a contact surface and / or one or more LEDs operable to provide electromagnetic waves to an interior of the glass segment. The first sensor assembly also includes a light sensor aligned with a transmission surface of the glass segment. In addition, the system includes a second sensor assembly including one or more sensors aligned with a same target area as the contact surface. Further, the one or more sensors of the second sensor assembly include a conductive coating formed on the contact surface and / or one or more electrical transducers disposed at least partially around the contact surface. The device can be a platform having a standing portion.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,605, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Suppressed Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) Surface Morphology and Composition Analysis System, Method, and Apparatus," U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,616, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Wearable Electroacoustic Monitoring System, Method, and Apparatus," U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,627, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Acoustic Enhancement Implants," and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,627, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus with Sensors Having Multiple Detection Signal Types." Priority is claimed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,633, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,640, filed August 30, 2023, entitled “Multi-device health parameter monitoring system, method, and apparatus”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,647, filed August 30, 2023, entitled “Health parameter detection system, method, and apparatus based on suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR)”, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,663, filed August 30, 2023, entitled “System, method, and apparatus for characterizing neurological and / or musculoskeletal parameters”; the entire contents of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, various technologies exist for characterizing the human body to achieve medical diagnosis and treatment, with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-ray examinations being common methods. However, these systems suffer from drawbacks such as large size, high cost, slow detection speed, and complex operation. Some miniaturized devices for characterizing human health-related parameters employ electrodes arranged within a band, but these devices have limited data acquisition capabilities and often generate noise, limiting their widespread application in various scenarios.

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

[0004] The systems, methods, and apparatuses described in this disclosure can solve the aforementioned problems. For example, a multi-sensor scanning apparatus for characterizing health parameters may include a scanning section formed at one end thereto. The scanning section includes: a first sensor assembly having a glass segment forming a contact surface; one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) operable to provide electromagnetic waves into the glass segment; and / or a light sensor aligned with a transmissive surface of the glass segment; and / or a second sensor assembly including one or more sensors aligned with the same target area as the contact surface, and the one or more sensors being of a different type than the sensors in the first sensor assembly; and / or a mounting portion that at least partially accommodates one or more components of the scanning section.

[0005] In some embodiments, one or more sensors of the second sensor assembly may include a conductive coating formed on the contact surface. Furthermore, one or more sensors of the second sensor assembly may include one or more electrical transducers arranged at least partially around the contact surface. Additionally, one or more sensors of the second sensor assembly may include one or more acoustic actuators or one or more acoustic sensors arranged at least partially around the contact surface. One or more sensors of the second sensor assembly may include one or more force sensors communicatively coupled to the glass segment, operable to detect forces applied to the contact surface of the glass segment. The device may include a spring-loaded damping system disposed at the scanning section of the multi-sensor scanning device. A light sensor is operable to detect scattered light generated by one or more electromagnetic wave emitters due to suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) occurring at the contact surface. Furthermore, the multi-sensor scanning device may be a handheld device; and / or the mounting portion may include a handle portion of the handheld device. The multi-sensor scanning device may also be a standing platform; and / or the mounting portion may include a base of the standing platform. The multi-sensor scanning device may be a wearable device; and / or the mounting portion may include a strap for the wearable device.

[0006] In some scenarios, a system that uses multiple sensor types to characterize health parameters may include a scanning unit formed at one end of a scanning device. This scanning unit may include a first sensor assembly having a transparent segment forming a contact surface. The scanning unit may also include one or more electromagnetic wave transmitters operable to provide electromagnetic waves into the transparent segment; and / or a light sensor and / or camera aligned with the transparent segment, operable to detect scattered light transmitted through the transparent segment due to suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) occurring at the contact surface; and / or a second sensor assembly including one or more electrical sensors aligned with the same target area as the contact surface.

[0007] In some cases, one or more electrical sensors may include at least one of the following: a transparent conductive ink disposed on a contact surface; and / or one or more electrodes disposed at least partially around the contact surface. The light sensor may be a visible light camera. Furthermore, the second sensor assembly may be integrally formed with the scanning section of the scanning device. Additionally or alternatively, the second sensor assembly may be a remote sensor assembly separate from the scanning section of the scanning device. Furthermore, the second sensor assembly may include a wearable device. The wearable device may include a third sensor assembly having at least one of an acoustic actuator or an acoustic sensor. Additionally, the third sensor assembly may include one or more acoustic actuators or one or more acoustic transducers aligned with the same target area as the contact surface.

[0008] In some examples, a method for characterizing health parameters using multiple sensor types may include acquiring a first type of data using a first sensor assembly. This first sensor assembly may have a glass segment forming a contact surface, one or more LEDs operable to provide electromagnetic waves into the glass segment, and / or a light sensor aligned with the glass segment, operable to detect scattered light transmitted through the glass segment due to suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) occurring at the contact surface. The method may also include acquiring a second type of data using a second sensor assembly having one or more electrical sensors or one or more electrical actuators. The method may further include acquiring a third type of data using a third sensor assembly having one or more acoustic sensors or one or more acoustic actuators. The method may include generating health parameter characterization results using at least two of the first, second, or third types of data; and / or displaying a visual indication of the health parameter characterization results on a screen. Furthermore, the first, second, and / or third sensor assemblies may be formed in the scanning section of a handheld scanning device. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The above-described invention and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, the drawings show certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. However, it should be understood that the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and features shown. The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrating implementations of systems and methods consistent with the subject matter of this disclosure, and together with the specification serve to explain the advantages and principles consistent with the disclosed subject matter, wherein: Figure 1 An example system for characterizing health parameters using a multi-signal scanning device is shown.

[0010] Figure 2A and 2B An exemplary system for characterizing health parameters using a handheld multi-signal scanning device is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 An exemplary system for characterizing health parameters is shown, which is a multi-signal scanning device with a band-like shape.

[0012] Figure 4 An exemplary system for characterizing health parameters is shown, which is a multi-signal scanning device with a standing platform configuration.

[0013] Figure 5 An exemplary system for characterizing health parameters is shown, which has a multi-signal scanning device with a configuration of multiple internal sensor components.

[0014] Figures 6A to 6C An exemplary system for characterizing health parameters is shown, which has a multi-signal scanning device with a configuration of multiple internal sensor components.

[0015] Figures 7A to 7D An exemplary system for characterizing health parameters is shown, comprising a multi-signal scanning device with a variety of internal sensor components and external sensor / actuator components.

[0016] Figure 8 An exemplary schematic diagram of the multi-signal analysis technique employed by a multi-signal scanning device for characterizing health parameters is shown.

[0017] Figure 9 The following are shown: Figures 1 to 8 An exemplary method for characterizing health parameters using a multi-signal scanning device, executed by any of the systems in the example. Detailed Implementation

[0018] It should be understood that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, reference numerals are used repeatedly in different figures where appropriate to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, steps, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure relevant important features. Moreover, this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some portions may be enlarged to better illustrate the details and features of this disclosure.

[0019] The wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered restrictive. For example, the use of the singular form "a" is not intended to limit the number of items. Furthermore, related terms used in the specification (including, but not limited to, "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "downward," "upward," and "side") are used for clarity when specifically referring to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or the appended claims. Moreover, it should be understood that any feature of this disclosure may be used alone or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages disclosed in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions, or will become apparent to them. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included in this specification, fall within the scope of this disclosure, and are protected by the appended claims.

[0020] Furthermore, since the technology disclosed herein is applicable to a variety of different embodiments, this disclosure is intended to be regarded as an example of the principles of the technology disclosed herein, and not as a limitation to the specific embodiments shown and described. Any feature of the technology disclosed herein may be used alone or in combination with any other feature. References to the terms "embodiment," "example," etc., in the specification mean that one or more features mentioned are included in at least one aspect of the specification. When multiple examples, multiple embodiments, etc., are mentioned in the specification, they do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are not mutually exclusive, unless expressly stated and / or readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the specification. For example, features, structures, processes, steps, actions, etc., described in one embodiment may also be included in, but not necessarily in, other embodiments. Therefore, the technology disclosed herein may include various combinations and / or combinations of the examples described herein. Additionally, as stated herein, not all aspects of this disclosure are essential for its implementation. Similarly, other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the technology disclosed will be apparent, or will become apparent, to those skilled in the art upon review of the drawings and specification. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included in this specification, fall within the scope of this disclosure, and are covered by the claims.

[0021] Any degree terms used in this specification and the appended claims, such as, but not limited to, “substantially,” should be understood to cover a precise construction, or a similar but not precise construction. For example, “substantially flat surface” means a surface having a precisely flat surface or a similar but not precisely flat surface. Similarly, the terms “about” or “approximately” used in this specification and the appended claims should be understood to include the stated value or a value three times greater or one-third of the stated value. For example, about 3 millimeters includes all values ​​from 1 millimeter to 9 millimeters, and about 50 degrees includes all values ​​from 16.6 degrees to 150 degrees.

[0022] The term "coupling" is defined as a connection, which can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through intermediate components, and is not necessarily limited to a physical connection. The connection can be a permanent or releasable connection between objects. The terms "including," "containing," and "having" are used interchangeably in this disclosure. The terms "including," "containing," and "having" mean including, but not limited to, the described content. The term "real-time" means substantially instantaneous.

[0023] Finally, the terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein should be interpreted inclusively, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Therefore, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means any of the following: “A”, “B”, or “C”; “A and B”; “A and C”; “B and C”; “A, B, and C”. Exceptions to this definition exist only when the combination of elements, functions, steps, or actions is inherently mutually exclusive to some extent.

[0024] The systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed herein integrate sensor devices capable of integrating two, three, four, or five types of measurement / actuation signals, including at least electrical, acoustic, optical, thermal, and / or force signals. The apparatuses disclosed herein provide a comprehensive system for simultaneous signal acquisition. Utilizing multi-signal execution techniques can deepen our understanding of the human body, thereby optimizing disease screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

[0025] Different modal data signals (e.g., electrical, acoustic, optical, thermal, and / or force signals) interact with each other in specific ways. For example, the device can generate and emit sound waves on living objects such as the human body, and these sound waves can alter the electrical and optical properties of the human body in one or more measurable and analyzable ways. Therefore, integrating two, three, four, or even five modalities at the same location and enabling them to communicate synchronously will bring significant opportunities for the development of diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative devices in the fields of healthcare, agriculture, structural health monitoring, and animal health. Some examples may employ up to three modalities of data signals: electrical, acoustic, and / or optical signals. Other examples may include a fourth thermal modality, which may employ the same sensor / actuator components as the optical modality. For example, infrared light, as well as visible and ultraviolet light, can be used to generate thermal effects on the medium and analyze the electro-optical-acoustic properties corresponding to the thermal signals input to the target area. Furthermore, a fifth modality may include force measurement, which can be used to standardize the measurement results of other modalities. Furthermore, the device disclosed herein can be designed in different sizes and can be used as a single-purpose measuring tool, a single-sensor modality measuring tool, a multi-purpose measuring tool, and / or a multi-sensor tool integrating multiple different modal sensors.

[0026] The technologies disclosed herein can be applied to a variety of different operating procedures and use cases, such as simultaneous analysis of body composition while monitoring muscles, monitoring and treatment of diabetic foot, plant health monitoring, endoscopes, arthroscopy or laparoscopy probes for non-invasive diagnosis, and / or combinations thereof.

[0027] Other beneficial effects and advantages of the systems, methods and apparatus discussed herein will become apparent in the detailed description below.

[0028] Figure 1 An exemplary system 100 is depicted, including a sensor device 102 having one or more detection signal types suitable for different sensor modes. The sensor device 102 may be a multi-detection signal scanning device 104, which may employ any combination of two, three, four, or five signal modes (e.g., electrical, acoustic, optical, thermal, and / or force signals).

[0029] The sensor device 102 of the system may include a scanning unit 106 formed at one end 107. The scanning unit 106 may have a first sensor assembly 109, which may include an optical sensor assembly 108 based on frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR), or other types of optical sensor assemblies. For example, the sensor device 102 may utilize the FTIR principle to trap electromagnetic waves (e.g., electromagnetic waves from one or more LEDs 110) inside a transparent medium 111 (e.g., a glass segment 112). The term "transparent" herein can be applied to visible light, infrared, and / or ultraviolet light applications, in which case the transparent medium 111 may be a medium that does not filter or absorb any of the aforementioned electromagnetic waves. When electromagnetic waves are trapped in the medium 111, a detection environment can be constructed for analyzing the mechanical properties, geometric characteristics, and / or chemical composition of any object in contact with the transparent medium. These parameters of the object can be detected by a camera 114 sensitive to the wavelength of the trapped light, or by a light sensor made of various materials such as graphene.

[0030] The data 113 generated and acquired through the first optical mode can be combined with acoustic and electrical transducers and sensors (e.g., the second and third modes) to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the contact object. In one application, such as Figure 3 As shown, multiple sensors 302 can be integrated to form a band 304 that can cover body parts such as the arm. In this case, sound waves and electromagnetic waves can be used for muscle monitoring, while light waves are used to analyze hydration levels. Optical signals or FTIR signals can be used to measure surface properties (e.g., roughness, coefficient of friction), pressure, and / or temperature of the sample contact surface. These three modes (or four modes including thermal modes) can operate synchronously and independently, providing data support for one to four independent data analysis engines. These engines can generate output results through two to four synchronous and independent data analysis channels, with no interference between the channels. In another application, this technology enables linkage between different data analysis channels, generating both cross-domain output results and cross-domain actuation signals for further tissue stimulation and analysis, such as... Figure 9 As shown. For example, a band 304 integrating a multi-detection signal sensor assembly 115 can detect cardiovascular function by applying acoustic stimulation to target tissue and analyzing cardiovascular performance characteristics using optical sensors. In this example, the optical measurement results can be influenced by acoustic or electrical stimulation and combined with the stimulation signals for comprehensive analysis.

[0031] The multi-signal scanning device 104 may include a glass surface 112, which may or may not be covered with a conductive transparent ink / coating 118. This glass surface (e.g., glass segment 112) can capture light waves (e.g., visible light, infrared, ultraviolet light). This light-capturing glass system may be disposed on one or more acoustic transducers 118, which in turn may be disposed on one or more force sensors 120. The force sensors 120 can acquire force data, which can be correlated with other acquired / emitted signals (e.g., electrical, acoustic, optical, and / or thermal signals) to standardize the acquired / emitted signals. Furthermore, the data acquired by the acoustic transducers can also be used for data standardization (e.g., determining the force value or applied pressure value for data standardization). Alternatively, the force sensor 120 may be omitted from the multi-signal sensor device. Various forms and configurations of the above-described components of the multi-signal scanning device 104 will be described in detail below.

[0032] Figure 2A and Figure 2B More details of the multi-detection signal scanning device 104 are depicted. For example... Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the device 104 can be a handheld multi-domain sensor capable of simultaneously sensing and generating acoustic signals, electrical signals, optical signals and / or thermal signals.

[0033] In some examples, the multi-detection signal device 104 may have a scanning section 106 (e.g., a detection head) at a first distal end 107 and a handle section 116 at a second distal end 202 opposite to the first distal end 107. The multi-detection signal scanning device 104 may include additional internal components 204 disposed within the handle section 116. For example, a printed circuit board (PCB) 206 may be at least partially encapsulated within the housing 208 of the multi-detection signal scanning device 104 (e.g., disposed within the internal cavity 210 of the multi-detection signal scanning device 104), which may include a data acquisition unit, a data transmission / reception unit, an analysis unit, a wireless communication unit, and / or one or more signal generation units corresponding to different detection signal modes, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, a power module 212 (e.g., a battery, AC power adapter, etc.) may also be integrated into the multi-detection signal sensor device, for example, disposed within the handle section 116.

[0034] In addition, such as Figure 2BAs shown, electrodes 214 can be printed on the glass surface 112 (e.g., the top surface 216 of device 104) in any shape and number. For example, the glass surface 112 can have a circular outline 218, and the electrodes can be printed in various forms such as solid circles, concentric circles, fan shapes, curves, grids, rows, columns, and arrays. The multi-detection signal scanning device 104 may also include a light sensor or camera 114 for reading light values ​​from the detection side 220 opposite to the contact surface 122 of the glass plate 112, which are caused by suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) occurring at the contact surface 122 of the glass segment 112. For example, the light sensor or camera 114 may be disposed within the cavity 210 of the detection head / handle portion of device 102, facing the back side of the glass segment 112 opposite to the exposed contact surface 122. The multi-detection signal scanning device 104 may further include one or more acoustic transducers 124 capable of emitting sound waves at different frequency bands, which may be arranged at the periphery (e.g., circumference) 222 or outer edge of the contact surface 122 (e.g., glass segment 112). Additionally or alternatively, the multi-detection signal scanning device 104 may include one or more LEDs 110, which are at least partially or wholly and uniformly arranged around the contact surface 122 (e.g., for providing light into the interior of the glass segment 112). In some examples, the one or more LEDs 110 include multiple LEDs with different wavelengths, corresponding to different detection parameters of the multi-detection signal scanning device 104. For example, a combination of LEDs at a specific frequency may correspond to one or more molecules or compounds detected by analyzing FTIR signals generated at the contact surface. Furthermore, multiple LEDs 110 may correspond to specific sets of contact distances for generating a three-dimensional topology produced by scattered FTIR photons and detected by a light sensor (e.g., camera 114). In other words, each wavelength frequency (e.g., between 10 nanometers and 4000 nanometers) corresponds to the distance between the location where photons are scattered inside the glass segment 112 and the contact surface. Therefore, by turning on LEDs of different frequencies one by one and aggregating the imaging results of multiple different frequencies, the multi-detection signal scanning device 104 can generate a three-dimensional nanoscale map of the sample surface in contact with the glass segment 112.

[0035] Figure 3 An exemplary band 304 made of multiple electrodes 302 is depicted, which can be used for muscle monitoring and / or skin condition monitoring. In some scenarios, the multi-sensor assembly 306 of the multi-detection signal scanning device 104 can be fabricated in different size specifications, such as millimeters or centimeters, forming millimeter- or centimeter-scale multi-detection sensor nodes, and arranged in one or more rows of arrays on a wearable device. For example, Figure 3A band 304, made of multiple sensors 304 in millimeter and / or centimeter scale, is depicted for use in muscle monitoring and / or skin condition monitoring. Furthermore, miniaturized versions of the technology disclosed herein can be applied to the tips of endoscopes and / or gastrointestinal probes. The multi-sensor assembly 306 can also be fabricated in larger sizes (e.g., centimeter and / or meter scale), for example... Figures 1 to 2B The handheld probe shown is in this form. Furthermore, the multi-sensor assembly 306 can also be manufactured in large sizes (e.g., meter-level sizes from 0.1 meters to 100 meters), such as standing devices or standing platforms, hospital beds, chairs, operating tables, running tracks, etc.

[0036] For example, Figure 4 A large apparatus 402 is depicted employing a multi-sensor assembly to form a multi-detection signal standing scanning surface 404. The apparatus may include a substantially flat standing platform 406 defined by a glass segment 112. A camera 114 may be integrated into a frame 408 surrounding the glass segment 112, for example, positioned on the side 410 of the glass segment 112 or below the glass segment 112. The glass segment 112 may be arranged above one or more acoustic transducers 124 and / or one or more force sensors 120. Conductive ink may be at least partially disposed on the contact surface 122 of the glass segment 112.

[0037] The multi-detection signal scanning device 104 discussed herein can be applied to humans, animals, and plants for detecting diseases and / or nutrient absorption, and / or leaf water content. Furthermore, the different sensor components and parts disclosed herein can be modular and / or interchangeable to achieve cross-domain analysis combinations of different detection signal modes. Therefore, the device's functionality can be adjusted to suit specific application scenarios by disassembling and / or installing different signal sensors and actuators.

[0038] Figures 5 to 7D Various exemplary embodiments of the multi-detection signal scanning device 104 are shown. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the scanning unit 106 may include a cylindrical multi-detection signal sensor (which may also have other arbitrary shapes) having a glass surface 112. The glass surface 112 may be curved or planar, capable of capturing electromagnetic waves in any band from ultraviolet to long-wave infrared. The resulting FTIR phenomenon can generate relevant data for analyzing the composition of the sample / object in contact with the contact surface 122, as well as the mechanical properties of the surface in contact with the glass.

[0039] Furthermore, the acoustic transducer 124 can emit sound waves through the glass segment 112 to the contact surface 122 (e.g., due to the isolation provided by the glass segment 112, the sample does not need to be in direct contact with the acoustic transducer). These acoustic transducers 124 can also be connected to force sensors and / or spring-damped systems, enabling not only the measurement of forces applied to the glass but also ensuring good contact between the glass and the object being tested. The contact force can be used as one of the detection signal modes (e.g., a fifth detection signal mode). Additionally, the surface of the glass segment 112 can be printed or coated with conductive transparent ink forming one or more electrode shapes, thereby enabling both the emission of electrical signals to and the acquisition of electrical signals from the object in contact with the contact surface 122. Furthermore, thermal signals can be generated and / or detected using optical sensor components (e.g., infrared / ultraviolet LEDs), acoustic sensor components, and / or electrical sensor components.

[0040] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Another exemplary configuration of the sensor assembly of the multi-detection signal scanning device 104 is shown. In these examples, electrical and / or acoustic transducers 602 may be in direct contact with the object being detected. In this configuration, one or more ends of the electrical and / or acoustic transducers 602 have conductive surfaces and can therefore also be used as electrodes. Conductive ink forming the electrodes may be printed on one or more acoustic transducers 124, in addition to being disposed on the contact surface 122. One or more acoustic transducers 124 may also be directly connected to the spring-damping system 604 and / or the force sensor 606 (e.g., disposed around the outer circumference / periphery of the scanning section 106). Additionally or alternatively, a glass or transparent surface may be connected to the force sensor and / or the spring-damping system 604, for example, disposed below a mounting frame for securing the outer end of the glass segment 112 and / or accommodating one or more LEDs 110. Figure 6B As shown, the scanning section 106 of the multi-detection signal scanning device 104 may include an inner region 607 (e.g., glass segment 112) which is wholly or at least partially covered with conductive ink 609; and an outer region 611 which includes one or more acoustic transducers 124, LED openings, force sensors 606 and / or electrical sensors 602 (e.g., the outer periphery / outer circumference 613 forming the contact surface of the inner region 607).

[0041] Figure 6COther exemplary configurations of the multi-detection signal scanning device 104 are shown. In this example, in addition to one or more acoustic transducers 124, an electromagnetic wave (EM) emitting LED 608 may also be in direct contact with the object being detected, or may replace the acoustic transducer in direct contact with the object being detected. In this configuration, the acoustic transducer 124 has a conductive surface and can therefore also be used as an electrode. Furthermore, since the LED 608 forming the outer circumference / periphery of the scanning section 106 may be an infrared light-emitting diode, it can be used to thermally stimulate the object being detected. This function can be used in conjunction with electrodes printed on glass. As described above, one or more acoustic transducers 124 may be connected to a spring-damped system 604 and / or a force sensor assembly 606. The glass segment 112 and / or the transparent surface 111 may also be connected to the force sensor 606 and / or the spring-damped system 604.

[0042] Figures 7A to 7D An exemplary configuration of sensor device 102 is shown, in which the photoelectric component 702 and the acoustic-electric component 704 are separated. However, in these configurations, the individual sensors / transducers can still be communicatively coupled via the processing unit 706 of the analysis platform. For example, components of the optical sensor assembly (e.g., electromagnetic wave emitter, some or all of the LEDs 110) can be externally designed, such as... Figure 7A As shown; it can also be arranged around the glass surface 112, such as Figure 7B As shown. Figure 7C and Figure 7D As shown, a large device 708 can also be used in conjunction with an electroacoustic wearable device 710 and / or sensors for analyzing the human foot 712. One application example of this configuration is a standing platform 714, which can synchronously stimulate cells with sound waves while simultaneously analyzing the optical and electrical properties of the cells, thereby enabling the analysis of diabetic foot, foot wounds, or foot perfusion (or hand features), such as... Figure 7C As shown. In another example, the optical components can be integrated into the probe or clamp 304 (e.g. Figure 7D As shown, this configuration is used to analyze human body parts (such as arms, legs, torsos, etc.) or plants, while simultaneously analyzing and / or stimulating the target sample area via an external electroacoustic sensor / transducer. One application example of this configuration is the analysis of the vascular system using acoustic, force, electrical, and / or optical signals while applying electrical stimulation to the human body.

[0043] Figure 8 An exemplary schematic diagram 802 is shown of a multi-signal analysis technique 804 that can be used by any of the systems disclosed herein. Figure 8 The diagram illustrates how different combinations of signals can be applied to various sensing and analysis processes. For example, Figure 8This demonstrates how three or four different signal types (e.g., optical 806, electrical 808, acoustic 810, and / or thermal signals) can be integrated into cross-domain analysis. For example, optical sensing / actuation mode 806 can be used to determine surface topology, surface contact mechanics (e.g., friction, roughness, slip), and / or surface composition. Electrical sensing / actuation mode 808 can be used for neuromodulation, muscle activity monitoring, and / or implant characterization. Acoustic sensing / actuation mode 810 can include monitoring or stimulating muscle, bone, and / or tendon tissue, blood flow, combinations thereof, and / or diagnosis / treatment. When combined for dual-signal cross-domain analysis, optical sensing / actuation modes can be combined with electrical sensing / actuation modes to achieve optical or thermal stimulation 812 and electrical and / or compositional analysis 814. When combined for dual-signal cross-domain analysis, the optical sensing / actuation mode 806 can be combined with the acoustic sensing / actuation mode 810 to achieve acoustic stimulation 816 and optical analysis 818 (e.g., for skin tumor analysis, diabetic foot analysis, etc.). When combined for dual-signal cross-domain analysis, the acoustic sensing / actuation mode 810 can be combined with the electrical sensing / actuation mode 808 to achieve muscle characterization and activation 820 and electrical sensing and / or acoustic stimulation 822. When combined for three-signal or four-signal cross-domain analysis 824, optical, electrical, acoustic, and / or thermal sensing / actuation modes can be combined to achieve optical-thermal-acoustic and / or electrical stimulation, and simultaneous optical-acoustic-electrical and / or thermal monitoring, which can be applied to any functional scenario discussed in this paper.

[0044] Therefore, in some examples, LED 110 and / or electromagnetic wave emitter can emit light directly onto the human body surface, and then the optical signal is read by a light sensor (e.g., camera 114), and the optical signal can be enhanced and / or adjusted by an electrical or acoustic emitter; conversely, the electromagnetic waves or heat generated by LED 110 can also affect the acoustic and / or electrical signals.

[0045] Figure 9 An exemplary method 900 for characterizing health parameters using multiple sensor types (e.g., a multi-sensor scanning device 102) is illustrated. This method 900 can be derived from the methods disclosed herein. Figures 1 to 8 Execute on any system.

[0046] In some examples, at step 902, method 900 may use a first sensor assembly to acquire a first type of data, the first sensor assembly having: a glass segment forming a contact surface; one or more LEDs operable to provide electromagnetic waves into the interior of the glass segment; and a light sensor aligned with the glass segment, operable to detect scattered light transmitted through the glass segment due to suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) occurring at the contact surface. At step 904, method 900 may use a second sensor assembly to acquire a second type of data, the second sensor assembly having one or more electrical sensors or one or more electrical actuators. At step 906, method 900 may use a third sensor assembly to acquire a third type of data, the third sensor assembly having one or more acoustic sensors or one or more acoustic actuators. At step 908, method 900 may use at least two of the first, second, or third types of data to generate health parameter characterization results. At step 910, method 900 may cause a display screen to present a visual indication of the health parameter characterization results.

[0047] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods described throughout this disclosure is merely an exemplary scheme and can be adapted to remain within the scope of the subject matter of this disclosure. For example, any operation described throughout this disclosure may be omitted, repeated, performed in parallel, performed in a different order, and / or combined with any other operation shown throughout this disclosure.

[0048] While this disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Numerous variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in a particular context. In different embodiments, functions may be separated or combined in different ways, and different terms may be used to describe them. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-sensor scanning device for characterizing health parameters, the device comprising: A scanning unit, formed at one end of a multi-sensor scanning device, includes: The first sensor assembly has: A glass segment that forms the contact surface; One or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), said one or more LEDs being operable to provide electromagnetic waves into the glass segment; and A light sensor aligned with the transmissive surface of the glass segment; and The second sensor assembly includes: one or more sensors aligned with a target area identical to the contact surface, wherein the one or more sensors are of a different type than those in the first sensor assembly; and The mounting section at least partially accommodates one or more components of the scanning section.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, One or more sensors in the second sensor assembly include a conductive coating formed on the contact surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: in, One or more sensors in the second sensor assembly include one or more electrical transducers arranged at least partially around the contact surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, One or more sensors in the second sensor assembly include one or more acoustic sensors or one or more acoustic actuators arranged at least partially around the contact surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, One or more sensors in the second sensor assembly include one or more force sensors that are communicatively coupled to the glass segment, such that the one or more force sensors are operable to detect forces applied to the contact surface of the glass segment.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: A spring-loaded damping system located at the scanning section of a multi-sensor scanning device.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The optical sensor is operable to detect scattered light emitted by one or more electromagnetic wave emitters originating from suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) occurring at the contact surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The multi-sensor scanning device is a handheld device; and The mounting portion includes the handle portion of the handheld device.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The multi-sensor scanning device is a standing platform; and The mounting section includes the base of the standing platform.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The multi-sensor scanning device is a wearable device; and The mounting section includes a strap for the wearable device.

11. A system for characterizing health parameters using multiple sensor types, the system comprising: A scanning section formed at one end of the scanning device, the scanning section comprising: The first sensor assembly has: A transparent segment is formed on the contact surface; One or more operable electromagnetic wave transmitters to provide electromagnetic waves into the transparent section; and A light sensor and / or camera aligned with the transparent segment, operable to detect scattered light transmitted through the transparent segment due to suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) occurring at the contact surface; and The second sensor assembly includes one or more electrical sensors aligned with the same target area as the contact surface.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein, The one or more electrical sensors include at least one of the following: Transparent conductive ink applied to the contact surface; or One or more electrodes arranged at least partially around the contact surface.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein, The light sensor is a visible light camera.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein, The second sensor assembly is integrally formed in the scanning section of the scanning device.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein, The second sensor assembly is a remote sensor assembly that is separate from the scanning part of the scanning device.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein, The second sensor assembly includes a wearable device.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein, The wearable device includes a third sensor assembly having at least one of an acoustic actuator or an acoustic sensor.

18. The system of claim 11, further comprising: The third sensor assembly includes one or more acoustic transducers or one or more acoustic actuators aligned with the same target area as the contact surface.

19. A method for characterizing health parameters using multiple sensor types, the method comprising: A first type of data is collected using a first sensor component, the first sensor component having: A glass segment that forms the contact surface; One or more LEDs operable to provide electromagnetic waves into the glass segment; as well as A light sensor facing the glass segment, the light sensor being operable to detect scattered light transmitted through the glass segment due to suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR) occurring at the contact surface; A second type of data is collected using a second sensor assembly, which includes one or more electrical sensors or one or more electrical actuators; A third type of data is collected using a third sensor assembly, which includes one or more acoustic sensors or one or more acoustic actuators; Health parameter characterization results are generated using at least two data types from the first type of data, the second type of data, or the third type of data. as well as The display shows a visual indication of the health parameter characterization results.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The first sensor assembly, the second sensor assembly, and the third sensor assembly are formed in the scanning section of the handheld scanning device.

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