Apparatus for detecting vital parameters in an ear of a human, and method for measuring vital parameters of a human

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for detecting at least two vital parameters. For this purpose, the apparatus comprises: an optical sensor device (2) for detecting at least one vital parameter of a living being (4), wherein the optical sensor device (2) comprises: a radiation source (6) for emitting radiation (7) and a radiation detector (8) for detecting radiation (7), wherein the radiation source (6) and the radiation detector (8) are arranged next to one another; an elongate insertion portion (12) for insertion into an auditory canal (14) and for positioning the optical sensor device (2) in a portion (16) of the auditory canal (14) surrounded by bones, wherein the optical sensor device (2) is arranged on or is a component of the elongate insertion portion (12) and wherein a temperature sensor (18) for detecting the body temperature is arranged on or is a component of the elongate insertion portion (12); an evaluation portion (20), which is coupled to, in particular releasably coupled to, the insertion portion (12), wherein the evaluation portion (20) and the optical sensor device (2) are at least partially interconnected for signal transmission, in particular in a coupled state.

Description

[0001] Device for detecting vital parameters in a human ear and method for measuring vital parameters of a human

[0002] The present invention relates according to claim 1 to a device for detecting vital parameters in an ear of a human and according to claim 12 to a method for measuring vital parameters of a human.

[0003] For example, EP3020327A discloses an ear thermometer that already delivers advantageous results, as it proposes sealing the ear canal from the environment, creating a favorable climate in the sealed area. Nevertheless, it is desirable to obtain even more precise and diverse information about the health status of a person in distress. Further devices for recording vital parameters in the ear are disclosed in WO2017 / 015661A1, WO99 / 23941A1, DE102017007040A1, and WO2017 / 203251A1.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to enable a more accurate detection of the health status of a person in distress, in particular a person suffering from hypothermia.

[0005] The aforementioned object is achieved according to the invention by a device for detecting at least one, and particularly preferably two, or at least two vital parameters according to claim 1. Such a device preferably comprises at least: an optical sensor device for detecting at least one vital parameter of a living being, wherein the optical sensor device has a radiation source for emitting radiation and a radiation detector for detecting radiation, wherein the radiation source and the radiation detector are arranged side by side, in particular on a PCB. "Side by side" here means that the radiation source and the radiation detector are preferably arranged on the same surface and in particular in the same orientation.Furthermore, the device preferably has an elongated insertion portion for insertion into an ear canal and for positioning the optical sensor device in a portion of the ear canal surrounded by bone. Elongated here preferably means that the extension of the insertion portion in its longitudinal direction is many times greater than the extension in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, in particular at least 3 times as long or at least 5 times as long or at least 10 times as long or e.g. up to 20 times as long or e.g. up to 50 times as long. The optical sensor device is particularly preferably arranged on the elongated insertion portion or is a component thereof, and wherein a temperature sensor for detecting the body core temperature is arranged on the elongated insertion portion or is a component thereof.Furthermore, an evaluation part is provided which is coupled, in particular detachably coupled, to the introduction part, wherein the evaluation part and the optical sensor device are at least temporarily connected to one another in terms of signal technology, in particular in a coupled state.

[0006] This solution is advantageous because the placement of the radiation source next to the radiation detector allows for a very compact design, allowing the optical sensor device to be positioned very deep in the ear canal. Positioning it near the eardrum has the advantage of allowing very precise recording of vital signs.

[0007] The device or probe is preferably suitable for use in adults and adolescents (>14 years of age). Its dimensions are particularly preferably designed for a craniomorphometric anatomy that corresponds to the majority of white Caucasian / Asian people at the time of filing this patent application, in particular a correspondingly defined ear canal with a preferably minimum length of 12 mm and a preferably maximum length of 25 mm.

[0008] Further preferred embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the following description parts and / or the subclaims.

[0009] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radiation source is arranged or configured on a front side of a substrate for emitting radiation in the direction of a tympanic membrane, in particular in the extension direction of the insertion portion, and the radiation detector is particularly preferably also arranged or configured on the front side of the substrate for detecting radiation from the direction of the tympanic membrane, in particular from the extension direction of the insertion portion. The substrate is particularly preferably a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the PCB is preferably connectable or connected to the evaluation portion by means of lines, in particular flexible lines, such as cables, for transmitting the detected signals and / or data.Preferably, a radiation barrier is formed between the radiation source and the radiation detector, wherein the radiation source is designed as at least two light sources, in particular a first LED or OLED and a second LED or OLED, for emitting radiation of different wavelengths. A radiation barrier in the sense of the present invention is understood to be a device which prevents direct illumination of the radiation detector with radiation from the radiation source. Particularly preferably, the radiation barrier is designed as a wall-like device or elevation between the radiation source and the radiation detector. The radiation barrier is preferably made of silicon, for example. This embodiment is advantageous because the radiation emitted by the radiation source is very well reflected by the eardrum and the structures behind it, whereby the vital parameters can be recorded very precisely.

[0010] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated insertion portion is configured to position the optical sensor device at a distance of equal to or less than 7 mm from the eardrum, in particular from the eardrum of a defined auditory canal, in particular at a distance between 7 mm and 3 mm from the eardrum. Additionally or alternatively, the elongated insertion portion can have a length between 12 mm and 25 mm, in particular between 14 mm and 23 mm and particularly preferably between 16 mm and 21 mm and most preferably 18 mm or substantially 18 mm or approximately 18 mm or exactly 18 mm. Both embodiments or definitions of the insertion portion are advantageous because they advantageously predetermine the distance of the optical sensor device from the eardrum.

[0011] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radiation source is arranged or formed on a top side of a substrate for emitting radiation in the direction of an auditory canal wall, in particular in the radial direction of the insertion portion, and the radiation detector is preferably also arranged or formed on the top side of the substrate for detecting radiation from the direction of the auditory canal wall, in particular from the radial direction of the insertion portion. The radiation source and the radiation detector are preferably oriented in the same direction, in particular such that radiation emitted by the radiation source can be detected by the radiation detector as a result of reflection. The substrate is particularly preferably a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the PCB is preferably connected by means of lines, in particular flexible lines, such asCables, for transmitting the detected signals and / or data, which can be or is connected to the evaluation component. A radiation barrier is preferably formed between the radiation source and the radiation detector. Particularly preferably, the radiation barrier is formed as a wall-like device or elevation between the radiation source and the radiation detector. The radiation barrier is preferably made of silicon, for example. The radiation source is preferably formed as at least two light sources, in particular a first LED or OLED and a second LED or OLED, for emitting radiation of different wavelengths. This embodiment is advantageous because the radiation source and the radiation detector are aligned very close to the eardrum in the direction of the auditory canal wall, whereby very precise vital parameters can be recorded.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated insertion portion is configured to position the optical sensor device in a portion of the auditory canal surrounded by bone and / or at a distance of equal to or less than 12 mm from the eardrum, in particular from the eardrum of a defined auditory canal, in particular at a distance between 7 mm and 3 mm from the eardrum. Additionally or alternatively, the elongated insertion portion has a length between 12 mm and 25 mm, in particular between 14 mm and 23 mm and particularly preferably between 16 mm and 21 mm and most preferably of 18 mm or substantially 18 mm or approximately 18 mm or exactly 18 mm. Both embodiments or definitions of the insertion portion are advantageous because they advantageously predetermine the positioning of the optical sensor device very close to the eardrum.

[0013] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a light source or a first light source of the radiation source can emit radiation with wavelengths in the range of 860 nm and 900 nm, in particular in the range of 875 nm and 885 nm and preferably 880 nm. Additionally or alternatively, a light source or another light source or a further light source of the radiation source can emit radiation with wavelengths in the range of 620 nm and 700 nm, in particular in the range of 655 nm and 665 nm and preferably 660 nm, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. Additionally or alternatively, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radiation source has a light source or a further light source ora third illuminant, wherein the third illuminant can emit radiation in the range of 480 nm and 580 nm, and preferably in a range of 510 nm and 545 nm, and particularly preferably in a range of 520-535 nm. The radiation detector is particularly preferably configured to detect radiation from the illuminant, the other illuminant, and the third illuminant. This embodiment is advantageous because a defined vital parameter, in particular oxygen saturation, can be detected by means of the radiation from the first illuminant and / or the radiation from the second illuminant. The embodiment is further advantageous because, additionally or alternatively, the pulse rate can be detected by means of the illuminant or the third illuminant.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radiation source and / or the radiation detector are enclosed, in particular embedded, in a material that is transparent to the radiation from the radiation source and elastically deformable, in particular a polymer material. This embodiment is advantageous because the elastically deformable material protects the highly vulnerable components of the auditory canal. Furthermore, the transparent material enables the optical detection of the vital parameter(s). According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substrate is predominantly enclosed by an elastically deformable material, in particular a polymer material, wherein the deformable material forms at least one recess, wherein the radiation source and / or the radiation detector are arranged in the recess.The embodiment is advantageous because the transparency requirement for the deformable material is not met, which allows it to be selected more cost-effectively, especially if the deformable material would alternatively have to be transparent for several wavelength ranges.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a surface of the radiation source, via which the radiation from the radiation source can be emitted, is arranged at a first distance from the substrate, and an outer surface of the deformable material, at least in the region surrounding the recess, has a second distance from the substrate, the second distance being either equal to or greater than the first distance. This embodiment is advantageous because it defines the minimum distance between the sensor device and the surface of the auditory canal.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated insertion portion that can be inserted into the auditory canal forms an inner end in its longitudinal direction, and the elongated insertion portion has or forms one or at least one sealing element for closing the auditory canal, with the temperature sensor being arranged or formed between the inner end and the sealing element. This embodiment is advantageous because the temperature sensor can be arranged in a region in which the core body temperature can be detected.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement of the temperature sensor for determining core body temperature is configured such that the temperature sensor can be arranged at a distance of 9 mm and 2 mm or at a distance of less than 9 mm, in particular less than 7 mm or between 7 mm and 2 mm, and / or at a distance of at least 0.1 mm from the eardrum, and wherein the temperature sensor is designed to determine the air temperature of an air volume present between the sealing element and the inner end. This embodiment is advantageous because the sealing element separates an area of ​​the ear canal from the environment, and the air present in this area can thus be heated very quickly to the level of core body temperature. This enables very accurate temperature measurements within a short time.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation component and the temperature sensor are at least temporarily connected to one another in terms of signaling, in particular when coupled. The temperature sensor is preferably a sensor different from an optical sensor. The temperature sensor is particularly preferably a thermistor, wherein the temperature sensor is preferably arranged or formed on a rear side of the substrate or PCB. The rear side is preferably formed parallel or preferably sectionally parallel to the top side. This solution is advantageous because, with a very small PCB, several functional groups can be arranged very close to the eardrum or very deep in the auditory canal, in particular in the inner auditory canal part surrounded by bone.

[0019] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a method according to claim 12 for measuring vital parameters of a human. The method according to the invention preferably comprises at least the following steps: providing a device for detecting at least two vital parameters, in particular a device according to the invention, inserting the elongated insertion portion into an ear canal of a human, positioning the optical sensor device at a distance of 7 mm or less than 7 mm from the eardrum, positioning the temperature sensor at a distance of 16 mm or less than 16 mm from the eardrum, demarcating an air-containing volume portion of the ear canal from the environment by means of a sealing element of the elongated insertion portion, generating temperature data, in particular core temperature data,wherein the temperature data represents the temperature of the air in the demarcated volume portion after a defined minimum period after the volume portion has been demarcated from the environment, wherein the temperature data is generated by the temperature sensor or derived from analog sensor signals of the temperature sensor after the temperature sensor has detected the temperature of the air in the demarcated volume portion, generating vital parameter data, wherein the vital parameter data is generated by the optical sensor device or derived from analog sensor signal data of the optical sensor device, wherein the vital parameter data represents at least one vital parameter of the human, wherein the optical sensor device has detected the at least one vital parameter, controlling a display device depending on the temperature data and / or the vital parameter data. This solution is advantageous,Because the sensor device is positioned in close proximity to the eardrum, one or more vital parameters can be recorded very precisely.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical sensor device is positioned at a distance of 6 mm or less than 6 mm from the eardrum, and the temperature sensor is preferably positioned at a distance of 16 mm or less than 16 mm from the eardrum and the evaluation part and the elongated insertion part are preferably connected to one another via a plug connection to create a data connection, in particular a data and energy connection, wherein the optical sensor device transmits the vital parameter data or vital parameter signals to the evaluation part and wherein the temperature sensor transmits the temperature data or temperature signals to the evaluation part.Additionally or alternatively, the device for recording at least two vital parameters, in particular oxygen saturation and pulse rate, can be connected to a cover for completely covering the ear and preferably for at least partially and preferably completely covering the mastoid, wherein the cover has the display device, in particular a display, wherein the display device is controlled as a function of the vital parameter data and / or core temperature data. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation part can have a communication interface for wireless data exchange, wherein a data connection is established between the communication interface and a mobile terminal for transmitting the vital parameter data and / or the temperature data or for transmitting evaluation data generated by the evaluation part, wherein the evaluation data is generated from the vital parameter data and / or the temperature data.

[0021] Individual or all representations of the figures described below are preferably to be regarded as construction drawings, ie the dimensions, proportions, functional relationships and / or arrangements resulting from the figure(s) preferably correspond exactly or preferably substantially to those of the device(s) according to the invention or the product according to the invention or the system according to the invention or substantially or precisely visualize steps of the method(s) according to the invention.

[0022] It shows:

[0023] Fig. 1a is a schematic view of an exemplary device according to the invention for insertion into an ear canal of a human;

[0024] Fig. 1b is a schematic and enlarged view of the sensor device only sketched in Fig. 1a;

[0025] Fig. 1c is a schematic view of the exemplary device according to the invention shown in Fig. 1a inserted into the ear canal of a human;

[0026] Fig. 2a is a schematic view of another exemplary device according to the invention for insertion into the ear canal of a person; Fig. 2b is a schematic and enlarged view of the sensor device only sketched in Fig. 2a;

[0027] Fig. 2c is a schematic view of the exemplary device according to the invention shown in Fig. 2a inserted into the ear canal of a human; and

[0028] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an alternative sensor head of a device according to the invention.

[0029] Fig. 1a shows an example of a device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 according to the invention is preferably designed to record one or more vital parameters. Vital parameters here include, for example, core body temperature, blood oxygen saturation, or pulse rate. The device 1 can thus be referred to alternatively as a device for recording vital parameters or alternatively as a pulse rate recording device or as an oxygen saturation recording device or as a core body temperature recording device. The device 1 preferably has a plurality of parts that can be detachably coupled to one another, namely an elongated insertion part 12 and a cover 62. The elongated insertion part 12 can preferably be connected to one another by means of a coupling device 60, in particular a plug connection, via which signals and / or data and / or power can particularly preferably be transmitted.However, it is alternatively also possible that the elongated insertion part 12 and the cover are permanently connected to each other.

[0030] The elongated insertion portion 12 is designed for insertion into an auditory canal of a living being 4 (cf. Fig. 1c), in particular a human, and has at least one sensor device, in particular an optical sensor device 2 and / or a temperature sensor 18. The optical sensor device 2 is preferably arranged or formed on a front side 22 (cf. Fig. 1b) of the elongated insertion portion 12. The front side 22 is preferably oriented substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal extension direction L of the elongated insertion portion 12. The front side 22 preferably forms at least part of, or the majority of, or all of, an end 48 (cf. Fig. 1b) of the elongated insertion portion 12. The end formed by the front side 22 can also be referred to as the inner end 48, since it extends the part of the elongated insertion portion 12 furthest in the longitudinal direction L into the auditory canal 14 of the ear 17 (cf. Fig. 1c) of the living being 4 (Fig.1c) forms or represents the insertable portion of the elongated insertion portion 12. The optical sensor device 2 preferably has a radiation source 6 and a radiation detector 8 for detecting radiation 7 which is emitted by the.

[0031] Radiation source 6 was emitted. Particularly preferably, the radiation source 6 and the radiation detector 8 are arranged next to one another, in particular at a distance of less than 5 mm or preferably less than 4 mm or particularly preferably less than 3 mm from one another. It is possible here for a radiation barrier 26 to be provided or formed between the radiation source 6 and the radiation detector 8. The radiation barrier can, for example, consist of the same material as the substrate 10 (cf. Fig. 1b). However, the radiation barrier 28 is preferably not permeable at least to radiation from the radiation source 6.

[0032] The optical sensor device 2 preferably has at least one illuminant 28 and preferably two or more than two illuminants 28 and 30, and particularly preferably three or more than three illuminants 28, 30, and 31 (cf. Fig. 1b). Preferably, the first illuminant 28 of the radiation source 6 can emit radiation with wavelengths in the range of 860 nm and 900 nm, in particular in the range of 875 nm and 885 nm, and preferably 880 nm. Another or second illuminant 30 of the radiation source 6 is preferably designed to emit radiation with wavelengths in the range of 620 nm and 700 nm, in particular in the range of 655 nm and 665 nm, and preferably 660 nm. Preferably, the radiation source 6 can have at least one third illuminant 31, wherein the third illuminant 31 can emit radiation in the range of 480 nm and 580 nm and preferably in a range of 510 nm and 545 nm and particularly preferably in a range of 520-535 nm.It is of course possible that—depending on the required vital parameters—the light source designated as the third light source 31 can be understood as the first light source or the second light source. Likewise, the second light source 30 can alternatively be understood as the first or third light source. The first light source 29 can thus alternatively be understood as the second or third light source.

[0033] The radiation detector 8 for detecting radiation 7 of the radiation source 6 is thus configured to detect radiation from the first illuminant 28 and the second illuminant 30 and the third illuminant 31 and to convert it into data or analog signals.

[0034] The temperature sensor 18 is preferably arranged or formed on a surface of the elongated insertion portion 12 that is inclined toward the front side 22 (see Fig. 1b). Furthermore, a capacitor 66, in particular for supplying the radiation source 6 and / or the radiation detector 8 and / or the temperature sensor 18 with electrical energy, can be arranged or formed on the substrate.

[0035] Furthermore, the elongated insertion portion 12 preferably has a sealing element 50 for sealing an auditory canal 14 (see Fig. 1c). The sealing element 50 is preferably arranged permanently or replaceably on the elongated insertion portion 12.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the position of the sealing element 50 can be adjusted or moved in the longitudinal direction L of the elongated insertion portion 12. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the sealing element 50 to be fixedly arranged (but preferably replaceable) at a defined position.

[0037] The reference numeral 68 denotes a connecting element which is preferably connected by means of a coupling device 60, in particular a detachable plug connection or a detachable magnetic connection, to the evaluation part 20, which preferably has at least one microprocessor 21 for processing the vital parameter data and / or for controlling the sensor device 2 and / or the temperature sensor 18.

[0038] Signals and / or data and / or electrical energy can be conducted between the sensor device 2 and / or the temperature sensor 18 and the evaluation portion 20 by means of one or more conducting elements (not shown). The conducting element(s) preferably run inside the elongated insertion portion 20 and inside the connecting element 68. The elongated insertion portion 20 and the connecting element 68 can alternatively be designed as a continuous device or as a device with a common housing or enclosure, in particular as an elongated insertion portion 20 with an outer connecting section. The reference numeral 58 denotes a display device, in particular for displaying information, in particular vital parameter results or changes in vital parameters or operating instructions.Furthermore, input means (not shown), in particular buttons and switches, can also be provided for entering control commands. The display device 58 is preferably designed as a touchscreen and thus enables the selection or control of functions in addition to the visual output of information. Furthermore, the device 1 can have an acoustic output device (not shown) for the acoustic output of information, in particular vital parameter results or changes in vital parameters or operating instructions. Furthermore, the evaluation part 20 preferably has a communication means or a communication device 64, in particular a communication device for wireless data exchange, in particular for data exchange via radio transmission, such as NFC or Bluetooth or WLAN or 3G, 4G, 5G or 6G, or is connected to such a communication device 64.

[0039] Fig. 1b shows an enlarged view of the portion of the device 1 that can be arranged in the region of the eardrum 24 (cf. Fig. 1c). It can be seen that the elastically deformable material 34 preferably has or forms a recess, wherein the radiation 7 emitted by the illuminating means 28, 30, 31 can be introduced into the living being 4 via the eardrum 24 and reflected radiation 7 can reach the radiation detector 8 without the radiation having to penetrate through non-biological material. The reference numeral 36 denotes a recess, i.e. an area in the beam path of the radiation 7 that is not filled by the elastic material 34. Alternatively, the elastically deformable material 34 can completely enclose the sensor device 2, in which case the elastically deformable material would have to be transparent to the radiation 7 emitted by the at least one illuminating means and preferably by the illuminating means.

[0040] Fig. 1c schematically shows a device 1 according to the invention, wherein the elongated insertion portion 12 is inserted into the auditory canal 14 of a living being 4. The elastically deformable portion 34 contacts the auditory canal wall 15 and prevents, for example, sharp-edged portions of the elongated portion 12 from coming into contact with the very sensitive auditory canal wall 15.

[0041] In the arrangement shown, the sensor device 2 is arranged at a distance A of less than 7 mm from the eardrum 24.

[0042] The sealing element 50 is preferably arranged such that it is positioned in a portion 161 of the ear canal 14 surrounded by tissue. Alternatively, however, the sealing element 50 can also be arranged such that it is positioned in a portion 16 of the ear canal 14 surrounded by bone. As a result of the positioning of the sealing element 50, an air volume 52 located between the sealing element 50 and the eardrum 24 is separated from the surroundings 56.

[0043] Fig. 2a-2c show a further example of the device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 shown in Fig. 2a-2c is essentially the same as the device 1 shown in Fig. 1a-1c, with only the arrangement of the sensor device 2 and / or the temperature sensor 18 being different, whereby the same reference numerals are used for the same components and the above-mentioned explanations apply analogously.

[0044] It can be seen, for example, from Fig. 2b that the radiation source 6 is arranged or formed on a top side 32 of a substrate 10 for emitting radiation 7 in the direction of an auditory canal wall 15 (cf. Fig. 2c), in particular in the radial direction of the introduction portion 12. The radiation detector 8 is also arranged or formed on the top side 32 of the substrate 10 for detecting radiation 7 from the direction of the auditory canal wall 15 (cf. Fig. 2c), in particular from the radial direction of the introduction portion 12. The substrate 10 is preferably designed as a PCB and a radiation barrier 26 is particularly preferably formed between the radiation source 6 and the radiation detector 8. The radiation source 6 can be designed as at least two lighting means 28, 30, in particular a first LED or OLED and a second LED or OLED, for emitting radiation 7 of different wavelengths.The elongated insertion portion 12 is preferably configured so that the optical sensor device 2 can be positioned in a portion 16 of the auditory canal 14 surrounded by bone and / or at a distance (B) of equal to or less than 12 mm from the eardrum 24 (cf. Fig. 2c), in particular from the eardrum 24 of a defined auditory canal 14, in particular at a distance between 7 mm and 3 mm from the eardrum 24 (cf. Fig. 2c).

[0045] Fig. 3 shows a further example of a sensor head 70. The sensor head 70 is formed by the elongated insertion portion 12 and at least a portion of the connecting element 68. Reference numeral 38 denotes a surface spaced from the substrate 10, via which the radiation 7 can be emitted. The surface 38 is spaced 40 from the nearest substrate surface portion. Reference numeral 34 denotes an elastic material provided to protect the auditory canal 14 (cf. Fig. 1c or Fig. 2c). In a region adjacent to the radiation source 6, in particular directly adjacent to it, the elastic material is spaced 42 from the nearest substrate surface portion. The distance 42 is preferably equal to the distance 40 or the distance 42 is greater than the distance 40.

[0046] The present invention thus generally relates to a device 1 for detecting at least two vital parameters, wherein this device 1 has an optical sensor device 2, an elongated insertion portion 12, and an evaluation portion 20. The optical sensor device 2 is preferably used to detect at least one vital parameter of a living being 4, in particular a human, wherein the optical sensor device 2 has a radiation source 6 for emitting radiation 7 and a radiation detector 8 for detecting radiation 7, wherein the radiation source 6 and the radiation detector 8 are particularly preferably arranged next to one another. The elongated insertion portion 12 is preferably used for insertion into an auditory canal 14 and for positioning the optical sensor device 2 in a portion 16 of the auditory canal 14 surrounded by bone. The optical sensor device 2 is preferably arranged on the elongated insertion portion 12 or is a component thereof.A temperature sensor 18 for detecting core body temperature is preferably arranged on the elongated insertion portion 12 or is a component thereof. The evaluation portion 20 is preferably coupled to the insertion portion 12, in particular detachably coupled, wherein the evaluation portion 20 and the optical sensor device 2 are at least temporarily connected to one another in terms of signals, in particular in a coupled state. Furthermore, it can be seen from Fig. 2b that the temperature sensor 18 and / or the capacitor 66 is / are arranged or formed on a rear side 54 facing away from the upper side 32. However, it is alternatively possible for the temperature sensor 18 and / or the capacitor 66 to be arranged or formed on the same side, e.g., on the upper side 32, on which the sensor device 2 is also arranged or formed.

[0047] List of reference symbols

[0048] 1 Device for detecting at least one vital parameter and preferably at least two vital parameters

[0049] 2 optical sensor device

[0050] 4 living beings

[0051] 6 Radiation source

[0052] 7 Radiation

[0053] 8 Radiation detector

[0054] 10 Substrat

[0055] 12 elongated insertion part

[0056] 14 Ear canal

[0057] 15 Ear canal wall

[0058] 16 portion surrounded by bone

[0059] 17 Ear

[0060] 18 Temperature sensor

[0061] 20 evaluation share

[0062] 22 Front

[0063] 24 eardrum

[0064] 26 Radiation barrier

[0065] 28 first light source

[0066] 30 second light source

[0067] 31 third lamp 32 top

[0068] 34 elastically deformable material

[0069] 36 recess

[0070] 38 Surface

[0071] 40 first distance

[0072] 42 outer surface

[0073] 44 surrounding area

[0074] 46 second distance

[0075] 48 inner end

[0076] 50 sealing element

[0077] 52 air volume

[0078] 54 Back

[0079] 56 Surroundings

[0080] 58 Display device

[0081] 60 plug connection

[0082] 62 Cover

[0083] 64 Communication interface

[0084] 66 Capacitor

[0085] 68 connecting element

[0086] 70 Sensor head

[0087] 161 portion surrounded by tissue

[0088] A Distance between eardrum and sensor device located on the front

[0089] B Distance between eardrum and sensor device arranged on top

[0090] L Longitudinal direction of the elongated insertion part

Claims

Claims 1. Device (1) for recording at least two vital parameters, comprising at least one optical sensor device (2) for recording at least one vital parameter of a living being (4), wherein the optical sensor device (2) comprises a radiation source (6) for emitting radiation (7) and a radiation detector (8) for detecting radiation (7), wherein the radiation source (6) and the radiation detector (8) are arranged side by side, an elongated insertion portion (12) for insertion into an ear canal (14) and for positioning the optical sensor device (2) in a bone-surrounded portion (16) of the ear canal (14), wherein the optical sensor device (2) is arranged on or is a component thereof of the elongated insertion portion (12), and wherein a temperature sensor (18) for recording the core body temperature is arranged on or is a component thereof of the elongated insertion portion (12), a sensor coupled to the insertion portion (12),in particular a detachably coupled evaluation component (20), wherein the evaluation component (20) and the optical sensor device (2) are at least temporarily, in particular in a coupled state, interconnected by signal technology, wherein the radiation source (6) is arranged or configured on a front side (22) of a substrate (10) for emitting radiation (7) in the direction of a tympanic membrane (24) in the extension direction of the input component (12) and the radiation detector (8) is arranged or configured on the front side (22) of the substrate (10) for detecting radiation (7) from the direction of the tympanic membrane (24) in the extension direction of the input component (12), wherein the substrate (10) is a PCB and wherein a radiation barrier (26) is configured between the radiation source (6) and the radiation detector (8). wherein the radiation source (6) is configured as at least two light sources (28, 30), in particular a first LED or OLED and a second LED or OLED, for emitting radiation (7) of different wavelengths, wherein the elongated insertion portion (12) that can be inserted into the ear canal (14) forms an inner end (48) in its longitudinal direction (L) and wherein the elongated insertion portion (12) has or forms one or at least one sealing element (50) for closing the ear canal (14), wherein the temperature sensor (18) is arranged or formed between the inner end (48) and the sealing element (50).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongated insertion portion (12) is configured to position the optical sensor device (2) at a distance of 7 mm or less than 7 mm from the eardrum (24), in particular at a distance between 7 mm and 3 mm from the eardrum (24), and / or the elongated insertion portion (12) has a length between 12 mm and 25 mm.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the radiation source (6) is arranged or formed on a top surface (32) of a substrate (10) for emitting radiation (7) in the direction of an ear canal wall (15), in particular in the radial direction of the insertion portion (12), and the radiation detector (8) is arranged or formed on the top surface (32) of the substrate (10) for detecting radiation (7) from the direction of the ear canal wall (15), in particular from the radial direction of the insertion portion (12), wherein the substrate (10) is a PCB and wherein a radiation barrier (26) is formed between the radiation source (6) and the radiation detector (8). wherein the radiation source (6) is designed as at least two light sources (28, 30), in particular a first LED or OLED and a second LED or OLED, for emitting radiation (7) of different wavelengths.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the elongated insertion portion (12) is configured to position the optical sensor device (2) in a bone-surrounded portion (16) of the ear canal (14) and / or at a distance (B) of equal to or less than 12 mm from the eardrum (24), in particular from the eardrum (24) of a defined ear canal (14), in particular at a distance between 7 mm and 3 mm from the eardrum (24) and / or the elongated insertion portion (12) has a length between 12 mm and 25 mm.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that radiation with wavelengths in the range of 860nm and 900nm, in particular in the range of 875nm and 885nm and preferably of 880nm, can be emitted by a light source (28) of the radiation source (6) and wherein radiation with wavelengths in the range of 620nm and 700nm, in particular in the range of 655nm and 665nm and preferably of 660nm, can be emitted by another light source (30) of the radiation source (6).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the radiation source (6) has at least one third light source (31), wherein the third light source (31) can emit radiation in the range of 480nm and 580nm and preferably in a range of 510nm and 545nm and particularly preferably in a range of 520-535nm, wherein the radiation detector (8) is configured to detect radiation (7) from the light source (28), the other light source (30) and the third light source (31).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the radiation source (6) and / or the radiation detector (8) are enclosed by, and in particular embedded in, a material (34) that is transparent to the radiation (7) of the radiation source (6) and elastically deformable.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the substrate (10) is mostly enclosed by an elastically deformable material (34), wherein the elastically deformable material (34) forms at least one recess (36), wherein the radiation source (6) and / or the radiation detector (8) are arranged in the recess (36).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that a surface (38) of the radiation source (6), via which the radiation (7) of the radiation source (6) can be emitted, is arranged at a first distance (40) to the substrate (10), and wherein an outer surface (42) of the elastically deformable material (34) has a second distance (46) to the substrate (10) at least in the area (44) surrounding the recess (36), wherein the second distance (46) is either equal to or greater than the first distance (40).

10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrangement of the temperature sensor (18) for determining the core body temperature is configured such that the temperature sensor (18) is located at a distance of 9 mm and 2 mm or at a distance of less than 9 mm, in particular less than 7 mm or between 7mm and 2mm, and / or can be arranged at a distance of at least 0.1mm from the eardrum (18), and wherein the temperature sensor (18) is configured to determine the air temperature of an air volume (52) located between the sealing element (50) and the inner end (48).

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the evaluation component (20) and the temperature sensor (18) are at least temporarily, in particular in the coupled state, interconnected by signal technology, wherein the temperature sensor (18) is a sensor different from an optical sensor, wherein the temperature sensor (18) is a thermistor, wherein the temperature sensor is preferably arranged or formed on a back side (54) of the substrate (10), wherein the back side (54) is preferably parallel or preferably sectionally parallel to the top side (32).

12. Method for measuring vital parameters of a human being (4), comprising at least the following steps: Providing a device (1) for recording at least two vital parameters according to one of the preceding claims, Insertion of the elongated insertion portion (12) into an ear canal (14) of a human (4), Positioning the optical sensor device (2) at a distance of 7 mm or less than 7 mm from the eardrum (24), Positioning the temperature sensor (18) at a distance of 16 mm or less than 16 mm from the eardrum (24), Separation of an air-containing volume portion (52) of the ear canal (14) by means of a sealing element (50) of the elongated insertion portion (12) from the surroundings (56), Generating temperature data, in particular core temperature data, wherein the temperature data represent the temperature of the air located in the delimited volume fraction (52) after a defined minimum duration after the volume fraction (52) has been delimited from the environment (56), wherein the temperature data are generated by the temperature sensor (18) or derived from analog sensor signals of the temperature sensor (18) after the temperature sensor (18) has detected the temperature of the air located in the delimited volume fraction, Generating vital parameter data, wherein the vital parameter data are generated by the optical sensor device (2) or derived from analog sensor signal data of the optical sensor device (2), wherein the vital parameter data represent at least one vital parameter of the human (4), wherein the optical sensor device (2) has detected the at least one vital parameter, Control of a display device (58) depending on the temperature data and / or the vital parameter data.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the optical sensor device (2) is positioned at a distance of 6 mm or less than 6 mm from the eardrum (24), and the temperature sensor (18) is positioned at a distance of 16 mm or less than 16 mm from the eardrum (24), and wherein the evaluation unit (20) and the elongated insertion unit (12) are connected to each other via a plug connection (60) to generate a data connection, in particular a data and power connection, wherein the optical sensor device (2) transmits the vital parameter data or vital parameter signals to the evaluation unit (20), and wherein the temperature sensor (18) transmits the temperature data or temperature signals to the evaluation unit (20), and wherein the device (1) is used to detect at least two vital parameters, in particular the oxygen saturation and the pulse rate,with a cover (62) for completely covering the ear (17) and preferably for at least partial and preferably complete covering of the mastoid, wherein the cover (62) has the display device (58), in particular a display (58), wherein the display device (58) is controlled depending on the vital parameter data and / or core temperature data, and wherein the evaluation component (20) has a communication interface (64) for wireless, data exchange, wherein between the communication interface (64) and a mobile device (66) establishes a data connection (68) for transmitting vital parameter data and / or temperature data or for transmitting evaluation data generated by the evaluation component (20), wherein the evaluation data is generated from the vital parameter data and / or temperature data.

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