Wearable electroacoustic monitoring system, method and apparatus
By combining acoustic and electrical stimulation signals through wearable devices, the problem of traditional systems being unable to provide accurate biological information has been solved, enabling precise monitoring and analysis of biological systems and providing detailed information on tissue health status and electrical properties.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GS HEALTH MATRIX LLC
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Traditional electrosensing and actuation systems cannot provide precise information about the mechanical activity of living organisms, especially the structure and physiological characteristics of biological systems and their interactions with implantable materials.
Using wearable devices, including substrate materials, acoustic actuators, acoustic sensors, and electrodes, precise monitoring and analysis of biological systems are achieved through the combination of acoustic and electrical stimulation signals.
It enables precise electroacoustic stimulation and analysis of biological systems, and can monitor muscle activity, bone density, healing process, etc., providing information on tissue health status and electrical properties.
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Figure CN122161645A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Cross-referencing related applications
[0001] This application claims priority to the following applications: U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,605, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) Surface Morphology and Composition Analysis System, Method, and Apparatus"; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,616, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Wearable Electroacoustic Monitoring System, Method, and Apparatus"; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,627, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Acoustic Enhancement Implants"; and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,633, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "With..." Systems, methods, and apparatuses with sensors having multiple types of detection signals are included herein; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,640, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Multi-device health parameter monitoring system, method, and apparatus"; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,647, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) based health parameter detection system, method, and apparatus"; and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 579,663, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Nervous system and / or musculoskeletal parameter characterization system, method, and apparatus", the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology
[0002] Traditional electrosensing and actuation systems cannot provide precise information about the mechanical activity of living organisms. For example, such systems typically cannot provide direct information about the structural and physiological characteristics of biological systems and their interactions with implantable materials. Summary of the Invention
[0003] Based on the above observations and other factors, various aspects of this disclosure were conceived and developed.
[0004] The systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed herein can solve the aforementioned problems. For example, a wearable device for stimulating or analyzing biological systems or implantable objects may include: a substrate material; a plurality of acoustic actuators disposed on the substrate material and operable to generate acoustic stimulation signals toward a target region; a plurality of acoustic sensors disposed on the substrate material and operable to receive acoustic response signals from the target region; and / or a plurality of electrodes disposed on the substrate material and operable to generate electrical stimulation signals toward the target region and receive electrical responses from the target region.
[0005] In some examples, the substrate material can be a flexible material, including at least one of fabric, natural biomaterial, polymer, or metal. The substrate material can also be formed into sleeves, cuffs, gloves, and / or hoods. Furthermore, the substrate material can be formed into a back band, waist band, torso band, or abdominal band. Additionally, multiple acoustic actuators, multiple acoustic sensors, and multiple electrodes can be positioned along the spinal region of the back band, waist band, torso band, or abdominal band.
[0006] In some cases, wearable devices for stimulating or analyzing biological systems or implantable objects may include a substrate material and / or multiple sensors and actuators arranged in an array on the substrate material. The multiple sensors and actuators may be operable to: generate acoustic stimulation signals toward a target region; generate electrical stimulation signals toward a target region; receive acoustic response signals from the target region; and / or receive electrical response signals from the target region.
[0007] In some scenarios, multiple sensors and actuators can be distributed substantially uniformly on the substrate material. Furthermore, any one of the multiple sensors and actuators may include at least one of the following: a piezoelectric transducer; a speaker and microphone; and / or one or more metamaterials.
[0008] In some examples, a method for stimulating or analyzing a biological system or an implantable object may include: positioning a wearable device at a target area on a user's body; using one or more acoustic actuators disposed on the wearable device to generate an acoustic stimulation signal toward the target area; using one or more electrodes disposed on the wearable device to generate an electrical stimulation signal toward the target area; using one or more acoustic sensors to receive an acoustic response signal from the target area; and / or using one or more electrical sensors to receive an electrical response signal from the target area.
[0009] In some cases, the method may include using acoustic stimulation signals to alter the electrical properties of a target region, wherein the electrical response signal reflects the change in electrical properties. The method may also include using acoustic stimulation signals to perform acoustic therapy or quality assessment on at least one of muscle tissue, bone tissue, tendon tissue, or implanted tissue. Furthermore, the method may include using acoustic stimulation signals or acoustic response signals to perform acoustic monitoring of biological systems or implantable objects. The method may also include using electrical response signals to perform electromyography (EMG) detection on biological systems, muscle tissue, tendon tissue, or neural activation.
[0010] In some scenarios, the method may include: using electrical stimulation signals and electrical response signals to perform impedance or capacitance measurements on tissue in a target region. The impedance or capacitance measurements may indicate at least one of the following: volume changes, compositional changes, health status of the tissue or biological system, mechanical changes, electrical changes, or neural activation. Furthermore, the method may include performing electroacoustic stimulation using acoustic stimulation signals and electrical response signals, wherein the acoustic stimulation signals stimulate nerves, and the nerves generate electrical response signals. The method may also include performing electroacoustic muscle characterization using acoustic stimulation signals and electrical response signals, wherein the electrical response signals or acoustic response signals are generated in response to the acoustic stimulation signals and electrical stimulation signals. The frequency or intensity of the acoustic stimulation signals may correspond to the tissue, organ, or cell type of the target region. Furthermore, the frequency may be an ultrasound frequency, and the tissue type may include tendons, muscles, bones, or cartilage that receive acoustic stimulation signals to promote healing. Attached Figure Description
[0011] The invention will be more clearly understood by reading the foregoing summary and the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the subject matter for illustrative purposes, but it should be understood that the subject matter is not limited to the specific embodiments and features shown. The accompanying drawings, as an integral part of this specification, illustrate specific embodiments of systems and methods conforming to the subject matter of this disclosure, and together with the description, illustrate the advantages and principles of the subject matter, wherein: Figure 1 An example system is shown, including wearable devices for tissue stimulation and / or analysis.
[0012] Figures 2A to 2F An example schematic diagram is shown for cross-domain analysis of wearable devices using electrical and / or acoustic signals.
[0013] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Examples of wearable sleeves and / or sleeve devices for tissue stimulation and / or analysis are shown.
[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Examples of back bands and / or spinal strip devices for tissue stimulation and / or analysis are shown.
[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Examples of gloves and / or hand devices for tissue stimulation and / or analysis are shown.
[0016] Figure 6A and Figure 6B An example of a head device for tissue stimulation and / or analysis is shown.
[0017] Figure 7A and Figure 7BAn example of a waist or trunk device for tissue stimulation and / or analysis is shown.
[0018] Figures 8A to 8D An example of a wearable device for tissue stimulation and / or analysis of non-human subjects is shown.
[0019] Figure 9 An example of a method for using wearable devices to stimulate or analyze tissues is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0020] To simplify the description and clarify the illustrations, reference numerals are used repeatedly in different figures where appropriate to identify corresponding or similar elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are detailed to fully illustrate the embodiments described herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein can be practiced with these specific details omitted. In other instances, methods, processes, and components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the focus of the description of relevant features. The content of this specification should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments. The drawings are not drawn to scale, and the proportions of some components may be exaggerated to more clearly show the details and features of this disclosure.
[0021] The wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as restrictive. For example, the use of the singular form "a" is not intended to limit the number of items. Furthermore, relative terms used in the description for clarity (including, but not limited to, "top," "bottom," "left side," "right side," "upper part," "lower part," "below," "above," and "side") are used only to accompany specific illustrations and should not be construed as limiting 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 herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the accompanying drawings and detailed specifications. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages should be included within the scope of this specification, fall within the scope of this disclosure, and are protected by the appended claims.
[0022] Furthermore, given that this technology can be implemented in various different forms, this specification is intended to illustrate the principles of the technology through exemplary description, rather than limiting the technology to the specific embodiments shown and described. Any feature of this disclosure can be used alone or in combination with other features. The terms "embodiment," "example," etc., used in this specification indicate that the referred feature is included in at least one aspect of the specification. When the terms "embodiment," "example," etc., are individually referenced in this specification, they do not necessarily refer to the same example, nor are they mutually exclusive, unless specifically stated and / or readily understood by a person skilled in the art from the specification. For example, features, structures, processes, steps, operations, etc., described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but are not necessarily included. Therefore, this disclosure can include various combinations and / or integrations of the examples described herein. Furthermore, all aspects of this disclosure described herein are not necessary conditions for implementing this disclosure. Similarly, those skilled in the art, upon reviewing the accompanying drawings and specification, will be able to understand or discover other systems, methods, features, and advantages of this disclosure. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages should be considered as included in this specification, within the scope of this disclosure, and covered by the claims.
[0023] Any degree terms used in the specification and appended claims, such as, but not limited to, “substantially,” should be understood to include precise configurations or similar but not precise configurations. For example, “substantially flat surface” refers to both a precisely flat surface and a similar but not precise flat surface. Similarly, terms such as “about” or “approximately” used in the specification and appended claims should be understood to include values that are three times to one-third of the stated value. For example, about 3 mm includes all values from 1 mm to 9 mm, and about 50 degrees includes all values from 16.6 degrees to 150 degrees.
[0024] The term "coupling" is defined as a connection state, whether direct or indirect through intermediate components, and is not necessarily limited to a physical connection. This connection can manifest as a permanent or detachable connection between objects. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are used interchangeably in this specification. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" all mean that they include, but are not limited to, the described content. "Real-time" or "real-time time" refers to something that occurs substantially instantly.
[0025] Finally, the use of "or" and "and / or" in this specification should be interpreted inclusively, meaning any single item or any combination. Therefore, "A, B, or C" or "A, B, and / or C" can refer to 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 behaviors is inherently mutually exclusive to some extent.
[0026] The systems, methods, and apparatus described herein include wearable devices for simultaneous electroacoustic stimulation and analysis of various biological organisms, such as the human body. This system enables cross-domain analysis of the electroacoustic properties of cells and tissues. Acoustic and electrical measurements can be performed independently or in conjunction, allowing for the measurement of the influence of acoustic signals on electrical signals and vice versa. For example, acoustic stimulation of cells and / or tissues can manipulate their electrical properties, thereby enabling specific measurements and improving the understanding of their biomechanical characteristics.
[0027] The wearable devices described herein are capable of simultaneous independent acoustic and electro-sensing and actuation. Furthermore, these wearable devices can stimulate the human body through either the electrical or acoustic domains while simultaneously monitoring the human response through the other domain. The devices can be used in various processes, such as: acoustic stimulation processes; acoustic diagnostic and / or monitoring processes; electromyography recording processes; electrical impedance tomography processes; electroacoustic neuromodulation processes; electroacoustic muscle characterization analysis processes; and / or combinations of the above processes.
[0028] Therefore, the wearable device disclosed herein can have diverse applications targeting different areas of the user. The wearable device can be used to monitor muscle activity, muscle health, muscle volume, muscle strength, and / or muscle healing processes. Furthermore, the system disclosed herein can be used to monitor bone density, water content, and / or bone healing processes. This system can focus acoustic energy onto a target point to promote healing processes, manipulate or destroy cancer cells, and / or stimulate nerves. This system can also be used to monitor implant healing processes and / or diagnose implant fixation defects. Additionally or alternatively, this system can be used to monitor tendon healing processes and / or diagnose tendon defects. This system can also be used to improve the adhesion of cells to foreign bodies within the human body, including implants, grafts, fracture plates, screws, and other fixations.
[0029] Other advantages of the systems, methods, and apparatus disclosed herein will be elucidated in the detailed description below.
[0030] Figure 1An example of system 100 is shown, which includes a wearable device 102, such as an acoustic and / or electro-wearable device. Wearable device 102 may include a substrate 104 formed of fabric, plastic, or other flexible / partially flexible materials and / or various other types of materials to form different shapes, sizes, and shape factors. Wearable device 102 may also include one or more sensors and / or actuators, such as multiple sensors / actuators 106. Multiple sensors / actuators 106 may include any combination of acoustic actuators 107, acoustic sensors 109, electro-actuators 111, and / or electro-sensors 113. Wearable device 102 may include one or more integrated sensors / actuators 115, which are combinations of acoustic sensors 109, acoustic actuators 107, and / or electrodes (e.g., electro-actuators 111 and / or electro-sensors 113). Wearable device 102 may include an array 117 of integrated sensors. Wearable device 102 may also include a power source 108, such as a battery and / or an AC power adapter, which is disposed on (or separate from) the base body 104. Wearable device 102 may also include a controller 110, such as a processor or microcontroller, for implementing the sensing control system 112, the actuation control system 114, and / or the sensing analysis engine 116. Controller 110 and / or any components of controller 110 may be integrated with wearable device 102 (e.g., disposed on the base body 104), or controller 110 and / or any components of controller 110 may be remotely or separately from the base body 104. For example, base body 104 may include a communication interface 118 (e.g., a wireless communication interface) for communicating with controller 110, for example, to send data collected from multiple sensors / actuators 106 to sensing analysis engine 116. Sensing analysis engine 116 may use the sensor data to perform one or more sensor data analyses and / or cross-domain analysis 120.
[0031] For example, the acoustic-electric wearable device 102 can generate acoustic-electric signals with different waveforms (e.g., pure tones, Gaussian waves, etc.), different frequencies (e.g., 1 Hz to 10 MHz), and / or different intensities from one or more actuators. The generated signals can interact with soft and hard tissues. This interaction may induce tissue transformation or wave transformation. The transformed waves can be measured using the same or different arrays 117 of electroacoustic sensors (e.g., multiple sensors / actuators 106). Furthermore, the wearable device 102 can be loosened or tightened while the sensors and actuators are uniformly distributed, and / or the position of the sensors / actuators can be recorded. The collection of sensor data can be transmitted to an external database, a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone), and / or a data acquisition system via a wired or wireless communication interface (e.g., communication interface 118). In addition, the multiple sensors / actuators 106 may include one or more piezoelectric transducers for torque sensing and actuation, and / or one or more microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphones and / or speakers that can be used in high-density arrays. In addition, the sensing analysis engine 116 may include one or more machine learning (ML) models for extracting information from the measured signal (e.g., using various architectures for time series analysis) or a combination of one or more signal processing methods and / or analysis and / or machine learning algorithms for signal processing, which in some scenarios form part of cross-domain analysis 120.
[0032] In some examples, the output of sensor 106 can be tailored to different use case scenarios. Acoustic actuator 106 can output a specific frequency and / or a specific amplitude corresponding to the type of tissue being stimulated and / or analyzed. For example, an ultrasound output frequency can correspond to the specific use case of tendon healing. Other output frequencies can be used to target bone tissue to determine bone density, muscle tissue density, water content, etc.
[0033] Figures 2A to 2F A schematic diagram of one or more cross-domain analyses 120 is shown, illustrating the cross-domain or hybrid characteristics of simultaneously using acoustic and electrical signals and sensing. This not only means that acoustic and electrical stimulation and sensing can be performed simultaneously and independently, but also means that system 100 can use acoustic stimulation to alter the electrical properties of tissue to inform electrical sensing, or, as another example, electrical stimulation and / or sensing can inform acoustic stimulation or sensing.
[0034] Figure 2AAn example of an acoustic therapy system 100 provided by a wearable device 102 is shown. The wearable device 102 may be operable to provide only acoustic excitation 204 in at least one configuration 202. For example, in-phase excitation may be used to transmit acoustic energy over a large area. Furthermore, one or more metamaterials may be formed onto the acoustic transducer to create various acoustic focusing, eddy current, and / or transmission features. For example, any of the acoustic transducers or sensors may have a metamaterial layer attached to its end to enhance or manipulate the transmission and reception of acoustic signals. The metamaterial may be a first type of material that forms a helical or gradient structure relative to a second type of material, such that the metamaterial forms acoustic Luneburg lenses, eddy current lenses, etc., to further focus acoustic signals to a specific point or area of a target region. Additionally, phased array excitation may be used to focus acoustic energy over a small area. For example, an array of acoustic transducers around the arm may stimulate specific muscles or tendons to promote healing or improvement.
[0035] Figure 2B An example of an acoustic diagnostic monitoring system provided by wearable device 102 in a second configuration 206 is illustrated. Static and dynamic measurements of the geometric and mechanical properties of various tissues, nerves, bones, and implants can be generated. For example, one or more actuators (e.g., acoustic actuator 107) can generate acoustic signals 208. As the sound waves of acoustic signal 208 propagate through at least a part of the body, the sound waves can be modified based on the geometric and mechanical properties of the body part. The modified sound waves 210 can then be sensed using an acoustic sensor array 109 disposed on wearable device 102.
[0036] Figure 2C An example of an electromyography (EMG) system provided by wearable device 102 is shown. For example, in at least a third configuration 212, only the electrodes of electrical sensor 113 are used to sense electrical signals 214 conducted by nerves or signals generated by muscles. Wearable device 102 may include a density electrode array 117 to provide more precise information on nerve and muscle health. Alternatively, the third configuration 212 may include only electrical stimulation signals 216 transmitted from electrical actuator 111 to living tissue.
[0037] Figure 2D An example of a capacitance / impedance measurement system provided by wearable device 102 in a fourth configuration 218 is illustrated. For example, one or more electrodes can be used to generate and apply electrical signals 216 (e.g., stimulation signals) with different frequencies and / or waveforms. The electrical signals 216 can propagate through different body parts, and the electrical signals 216 can be modified based on the capacitance and / or resistance of different body parts. The modified signal 220 can be measured using an electrode array. Thus, location-specific information, including volume changes, body composition, electrical properties, and / or neural activation, can be extracted from the measured signal 214.
[0038] Figure 2E An example of an electroacoustic stimulation system provided by wearable device 102 in a fifth configuration 222 is shown, which can be used to stimulate nerves. For example, an acoustic actuator 109 disposed on wearable device 102 can achieve neuromodulation 224 by focusing sound waves onto a specific nerve. An acoustic sensor 111 disposed on wearable device 102 can sense the sound field generated by acoustic actuator 109 to determine the occurrence of acoustic stimulation. Furthermore, multiple electrodes can be used simultaneously to sense the electrical response of nerves to acoustic stimulation 226.
[0039] Figure 2F An example of an electroacoustic muscle characterization analysis system provided by wearable device 102 in a sixth configuration 228 is shown. For example, wearable device 102 can provide simultaneously operating acoustic and electrical monitoring systems. Acoustic monitoring system 230 can provide information about the geometric and / or other physical characteristics of a body part. Electrical monitoring system 232 can provide information about the neural and muscular activity, geometric characteristics, and some physical features of the body part. In some scenarios, information from these two systems can be fused to provide a precise understanding of the body part. For example, it should be understood that... Figures 2A to 2F Any configuration shown (e.g., first configuration 202, second configuration 206, third configuration 212, fourth configuration 214, fifth configuration 222 and / or sixth configuration 21X) can be combined with any configuration, and any part of any configuration can be combined with other parts.
[0040] Figures 3A to 6B An example of a wearable device 102 designed for a specific body part 302 of a user 304 is shown. For example, Figure 3A and Figure 3B A wearable sleeve or sleeve 306 is shown, which can cover or target the upper arm 308 (e.g., biceps and / or triceps), forearm, thigh, calf, and / or combinations thereof. Wearable device 102 may include an acoustic sensor array 109, acoustic actuators 111, and electrical sensors 113 and / or electrical actuators 111 (e.g., multiple sensors / actuators 106), these components being at least partially or completely disposed around wearable device 102.
[0041] Figure 4A and Figure 4BAn example of a wearable back strap 402 and / or spinal band targeting the spine 404 of user 304 is shown. For example, wearable device 102 may include a back region 406 and / or one or more front regions (e.g., a front band) to hold wearable device 102 in place behind user 304. Sensor and / or actuator array 117 (e.g., acoustic sensor 109, acoustic actuator 107, electrodes 111 / 113 and / or integrated sensor / actuator 115) may be disposed on a portion of wearable device 102, such as a substantially elongated rectangular portion 408 covering the spinal region and / or back neck region of user 304.
[0042] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example of a wearable glove 502 for the hand region 504 of user 304 is shown. For example, the wearable glove 502 may include an array 117 of sensors and / or actuators disposed on the palm portion and / or back portion of the wearable glove 502. The wearable glove 502 may be a truncated glove 506 omitting the finger portion, or alternatively, may include one or more finger portions having one or more sensors / actuators for monitoring the finger region 508 of user 304. Furthermore, the wearable device 102 may be a wearable sock or slipper targeting the foot region and / or toe region of user 304. Some examples of the wearable device 102 include a uniform or substantially uniform distribution 510 of sensors / actuators 106 on a substrate material 104. Additionally or alternatively, the sensors / actuators 106 may have a localized or non-uniform distribution on the substrate material 104. For example, wearable glove 502 may have an acoustic actuator 107 disposed on a first side (e.g., the palm side) and an acoustic sensor 109 disposed on a second side (e.g., the back of the hand side). The distribution of the sensor / actuator 106 may correspond to a specific geometry of the tissue, implant, bone, or nerve being monitored and / or stimulated.
[0043] Figure 6A and Figure 6B An example of a wearable cap 602 or headband for targeting head region 604 is shown. The wearable device 102 may be operable to be mounted around the top portion of a user's head or skull and / or may be wrapped around the back of the user's head or skull.
[0044] Figure 7A and Figure 7BAn example of a torso strap 702 or belt for targeting the torso region 704 of user 304 is shown. Wearable device 102 can be formed into a loop or band that wraps around the torso region 704, such as a strip with at least one securing mechanism (e.g., hook, button, loop, etc.) for attaching one end of the strip to another portion of the strip. Alternatively, wearable device 102 can be a closed-loop band (e.g., a single loop piece) that is pulled across the user's legs up to the torso region. As previously described, wearable device 102 can be formed from an elastic or flexible material to facilitate placement and removal from the target area.
[0045] Figures 8A to 8D An example of a wearable device 102 for a non-human object 802 is shown. For example, the wearable device 102 can be used as a livestock device for sensing / actuating target areas of different animals or plants. The wearable device 102 can be a coat or body sleeve 804, which can be placed on a cat 806 (e.g., Figure 8A As shown), Dog 808 (for example) Figure 8B (as shown) and / or Ma 810 (e.g.) Figure 8C (as shown). Furthermore, the wearable device 102 can be formed as a strip, sleeve, or conical sleeve 812 for positioning on the upper or lower portion of the animal's leg 814. The wearable device 102 can also be a strip or sleeve for positioning on the trunk 816 and / or branches of a plant or tree 818 (e.g., as shown). Figure 8D (As shown).
[0046] Figure 9 An example of a method 900 for tissue stimulation or analysis using wearable device 102 is shown.
[0047] In some embodiments, in step 902, method 900 may position the wearable device at a target area on the user's body. In step 904, method 900 may use one or more acoustic actuators disposed on the wearable device to generate an acoustic stimulation signal toward the target area. In step 906, method 900 may use one or more electrodes on the wearable device to generate an electrical stimulation signal toward the target area. In step 908, method 900 may use one or more acoustic sensors to receive an acoustic response signal from the target area. In step 910, method 900 may use one or more electrical sensors to receive an electrical response signal from the target area.
[0048] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method described in this disclosure is merely an exemplary scheme and can be adjusted within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, any operation described in this disclosure may be omitted, repeated, performed in parallel, performed in a different order, and / or combined with other operations described in this disclosure.
[0049] While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with various embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Numerous variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, the specific embodiments of this disclosure are described within a particular implementation context. In different embodiments, functional modules may be separated or combined in different ways, and different terms may be used to describe them. Such variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined by the following claims.
Claims
1. A wearable device for stimulating or analyzing a biological system or an implantable object, said wearable device comprising: Substrate material; Multiple acoustic actuators are disposed on the substrate material and operable to generate acoustic stimulation signals toward a target region; Multiple acoustic sensors are disposed on the substrate material and operable to receive acoustic response signals from the target region; as well as Multiple electrodes are disposed on the substrate material and are operable to generate electrical stimulation signals to the target region and receive electrical response signals from the target region.
2. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The substrate material includes a flexible material, which includes at least one of fabric, natural biomaterial, polymer or metal.
3. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The base material forms a sleeve or sleeve.
4. The wearable device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The base material forms the glove.
5. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The base material forms the headgear.
6. The wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The base material forms a back band, a waist band, a trunk band, or an abdominal band; and the plurality of acoustic actuators, the plurality of acoustic sensors, and the plurality of electrodes are positioned along the spinal region of the back band, the waist band, the trunk band, or the abdominal band.
7. A wearable device for stimulating or analyzing a biological system or an implantable object, said wearable device comprising: Substrate material; as well as Multiple sensors and actuators, arranged in an array on the substrate material, are operable to: Generates acoustic stimulus signals directed toward the target region; Generates an electrical stimulation signal directed toward the target region; Receive acoustic response signals from the target region; as well as Receive electrical response signals from the target area.
8. The wearable device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The multiple sensors and actuators are distributed substantially evenly on the substrate material.
9. The wearable device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, At least one of the plurality of sensors and actuators includes at least one of the following: piezoelectric transducers; Speakers and microphones; or One or more metamaterials.
10. A method for stimulating or analyzing a biological system or an implantable object, the method comprising: Position the wearable device at a target area on the user's body; One or more acoustic actuators disposed on the wearable device are used to generate acoustic stimulation signals toward the target area; One or more electrodes on the wearable device are used to generate an electrical stimulation signal to the target area; One or more acoustic sensors are used to receive acoustic response signals from the target area; as well as One or more electrical sensors are used to receive electrical response signals from the target area.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The acoustic stimulus signal is used to change the electrical properties of the target region, and the electrical response signal reflects the change in the electrical properties.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: Use the acoustic stimulation signal to perform acoustic therapy or quality assessment on at least one of the following: Muscle tissue, Bone tissue, tendon tissue, or Implanted tissue.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Acoustic monitoring of biological systems or implantable objects is performed using the acoustic stimulus signal or the acoustic response signal.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Electromyography (EMG) is used to detect activation of biological systems, muscle tissue, tendon tissue, or nerves using the electrical response signals.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The electrical stimulation signal and the electrical response signal are used to perform electrical impedance or capacitance measurements on the tissue of the target region.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The impedance measurement or the capacitance measurement indicates at least one of the following: volume change, composition change, health status of tissue or biological system, mechanical change, electrical change, or neural activation.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: Electroacoustic stimulation is performed using the acoustic stimulation signal and the electrical response signal, wherein the acoustic stimulation signal stimulates a nerve, and the nerve generates the electrical response signal.
18. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Electroacoustic muscle characterization is performed using the acoustic stimulation signal and the electrical response signal, wherein the electrical response signal or the acoustic response signal is generated in response to the acoustic stimulation signal and the electrical stimulation signal.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein, The frequency or intensity of the acoustic stimulus signal corresponds to the tissue, organ, or cell type in the target region.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The frequency is an ultrasonic frequency, and the tissue type includes tendons, muscles, bones, or cartilage that receive the acoustic stimulation signals to promote healing.