Wearable device

Abstract

There is disclosed a wearable device comprising a body, a head band attached to the body and sized to accommodate the circumference of a user's head and temporarily hold the body against a user's forehead. The body comprises at least one near infrared light emitter arranged to, in use, project near infrared light onto the user's forehead.

Description

WEARABLE DEVICE

[0001] The invention related to a wearable device comprising at least one near infrared light emitter arranged to, in use, project near infrared light onto the user's forehead.BACKGROUND

[0002] Neurodegenerative disorders are notoriously difficult to treat. One avenue which shows promise is in stimulating brain tissue to attempt to force the body to heal and / or regenerate those areas of the brain thereby preventing death of those tissues.

[0003] Stimulation of the brain is not trivial. The brain is located within the skull, which is designed to protect the brain. The skull does its job well and makes it difficult to apply stimulation directly to the brain tissue Any non-invasive solution which is to apply stimulation to the brain tissue needs to be able to act upon the brain through the skull.

[0004] When stimulating brain tissue care must be taken to avoid over-dosing, applying too much stimulation which may result in heating brain tissue. This may produce negative effects and hinder regeneration or repair of the body.

[0005] Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease are chronic with the suffering enduring the condition over a period of years. Treatment is therefore restricted to palliative only, and normally administered throughout the progression of the disease. This can result in numerous trips to hospitals or clinical settings which can be risky for frail or elderly patients.

[0006] Any stimulation applied may be onerous on a sufferer, who may not be able to comprehend what is happening during application of stimulation. Presentation of a clinical environment may be perceived with fear by a sufferer.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a wearable device comprising a body and a head band. The head band is attached to the body and sized to accommodate the circumference of a user's head and temporarily hold the body against a user's forehead. The body comprises at least one near infrared light emitter arranged to, in use, project near infrared light onto the user's forehead. The wearable device is able to apply stimulation tothe brain through the skin and skull of a user in this way. Arranging the at least one near infrared emitter on the forehead avoids loss of stimulation from the presence of hair elsewhere on the head. Hair reflects the near infrared light, thereby hampering brain stimulation.

[0008] Preferably, the body comprises two near infrared light emitters arranged to respectively deliver near infrared light onto each frontal eminence of the forehead. Use of multiple infrared emitters ensures a broad area of stimulation upon the brain and even application across the forehead thereby ensuring sufficient stimulation dosage for safe and effective treatment.

[0009] Optionally, the two near infrared light emitters are at least 60 mm apart from each other. Spacing the two emitters apart by at least 60 mm ensures an even application of stimulation across the forehead, a particularly advantageous spacing is 66.5 mm. The infrared emitters should not be spaced more than 90 mm apart.

[0010] Suitably, the wearable device further comprises a sensor arranged to sense when the wearable device is correctly seated upon a user's forehead. The use of a sensor, such as a light sensor, or near infrared light sensor, ensures that no accidental emission of near infrared light is permitted, unless and until, the wearable device is correctly positioned upon a user.

[0011] Advantageously, near infrared light is only emitted when the sensor provides a signal that the wearable device is correctly seated upon a user. The sensor therefore prevents accidental emission from the at least one near infrared emitter, mitigating the risk to the user.

[0012] Preferably, the body is further provided with a cushion arranged, in use, between the body and the forehead. The use of a cushion between the body and the forehead ensures that the wearable device is not only comfortable to wear, but also a good contact is made between the body and the forehead, this ensures that any emitted infrared light does not escape the edges of the wearable device, and is transmitted into the forehead.

[0013] Optionally, the at least one near infrared light emitter is protected by a near infrared transparent cover. The use of a cover ensures the infrared light emitter is protected from accidental damage or contamination from the environment. The cover and body can be provided with a suitable ingress protection rating to allow the device to be wiped clean or even washed without impacting the function of the wearable device.

[0014] Suitably, the wearable device further comprises a processor and a memory, the processor arranged to control the at least one near infrared light emitter and record, in the memory, usage data, the usage data optionally including any of the following; week number;usage date; usage time; usage duration. Logging of data in this fashion allows use of the device to be assessed, to determine if the device is being using regularly, and / or effectively. Logging of data can also assist in research to determine if particular periods and / or durations of use at different times of day produce improved effects. The wearable device may be further provided with a communication port to allow any logged data to be downloaded from the memory for analysis at a later point.

[0015] Advantageously, the wearable device may further comprise an alert to signal to a user an operational state of the wearable device, optionally the alert being either, or both, an audio alert or a visual alert. Operational states may include a charge state of a battery in the wearable device, whether the wearable device is in an on state, if the wearable device is emitting near infrared light, and / or a duration of that emission, usage restriction limit reached, or an error state for example. This allows a user to readily discern the operational state of the device without recourse to further equipment.

[0016] Preferably, the wearable device further comprises a safety cut out, wherein the safety cut out prevents emission of near infrared light once a threshold condition is reached, the threshold condition optionally being a usage duration within a set period. The use of a safety cut out ensures that the wearable device cannot over-stimulate a user's brain. The threshold may be not more than 30 minutes of stimulation can be provided within a 24 hour period, or any other suitable duration.

[0017] Optionally, the wearable device further comprising a nasal probe. The use of a nasal probe provides a further avenue for stimulation of the brain from a single wearable device. In this way multiple sections of brain tissue may be targeted. The nasal cavity provides a low resistance route for near infrared stimulation of the brain.

[0018] Suitably, the nasal probe comprises a near infrared emitter arranged to project near infrared light into a nostril of a user. Including a near infrared emitter in the nasal probe allows near infrared light to be projected up into the nasal cavity and towards the brain tissue.

[0019] Advantageously, the nasal prove further comprises at least one arm to grip a nose of a user, and optionally the septum of a user's nose. Providing the nasal probe with an arm to grip a nose or septum of the user allows the nasal probe to be temporarily held in place on a user, allowing the user the use of both their hands during stimulation so they may otherwise occupy themselves for the duration of the stimulation.

[0020] Preferably, the at least one arm is biased towards the at least one near infrared emitter of the nasal probe thereby forming a clasp. The clasp gently pinches the nose to provide the gripping effect holding the nasal probe in place.

[0021] Suitably, the nasal probe comprises urging means to urge the at least one arm towards another part of the nasal probe, optionally wherein the urging means are complimentary magnetic means. The complimentary magnetic means may be magnets with opposite poles arranged in the arm and elsewhere on the probe (such as the near infrared emitter), to provide an attractive force between the two parts. This provides additional fixing means above the simple biasing of the at least one arm.

[0022] Advantageously, the threshold mentioned above can apply to, and be used to curtail use of, the nasal probe. The above referenced safety cut out prevents emission of near infrared light from the nasal probe once the threshold condition is reached. In this way the total amount of near infrared light emitted by the nasal probe and body may be controlled. The threshold means there is a set usage time for the device in any given period, in order to avoid over- exposure to the near infrared light. The set usage time is constant regardless of whether the nasal probe is used with the device or not. The wearable device may be used for part of the time without the nasal probe, and then at another time, with the nasal probe, however the total permitted usage time is a fixed value.

[0023] The wearable device may be provided as a kit of parts comprising the body, head band, and nasal probe.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wearable device.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a wearable device.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a lower perspective view of a wearable device.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of a wearable device.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a nasal probe for use with a wearable device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a wearable device 102. The wearable device 102 comprises a head band 104 and a body 106. The head band 104 is sized to accommodate a range of head circumferences, and may be adjustable to fit a variety of users. The adjustment may be from the head band 104 being elastic or comprising an adjustable clasp which is able to stow slack, of a combination. The head band 104 is attached and secured to either side of the body 106, although the head band 104 could be provided as a continuous loop on which the body 106 is mounted. Preferably, the head band 104 is made of a durable and comfortable material so a user is content the wear the device for prolonged periods of time.

[0031] The body 106 is formed of a durable material, such as but not limited to, plastic. The body typically defines a cavity in which is housed one or more internal components of the wearable device 102.

[0032] The body 106 may comprise numerous apertures to provide ports, buttons, or audio / visual displays or alerts to a user. The body 106 in FIG. 1 is shown with a cable 108 attached to a port, an on / off button 110, a display 112 (such as an LED display), and an audio output 114.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a side view of a wearable device 102 having all the same attributes as that shown in FIG. 1, but absent the cable 108. Here the port 202 can be can be clearly seen. The port 202 allows for the connection of accessory components, such as a nasal probe 502 (discussed later).

[0034] Figure 3 shows a lower perspective view of a wearable device 102 having all the same attributes as that shown in FIG. 1. A connector 302 can be seen on the lower surface of the device allowing for connection of a charger to recharge an internal battery and / or communication with an internal memory of the wearable device 102. The connector 302 may be, for example, a USB C or similar connector.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a rear perspective view of a wearable device 102. A periphery of the body 106 is provided with a cushion 402 that runs around the perimeter of the rear face of the body 106. The cushion is preferably a ring of foam covered in a waterproof coating or cover, such as, but not limited to polyurethane or poly vinyl chloride. A suitable density for the foam is around 28kg / m3.

[0036] Located within the perimeter defined by the cushion 402 are located the near infrared light emitters 404 and a sensor 406.

[0037] The near infrared light emitters 404 are spaced apart by at least 60 mm and not more than 90 mm. A distance of 66.5 m is preferred. The near infrared light emitters 404 are located within the cavity of the body 106 and behind a cover which is transparent to near infrared light. The covers protect the near infrared light emitters 404 from contamination by grease or dirt as well as mechanical damage. The near infrared emitter 504 may possess a beam angle in the range 100 - 110 degrees, 105 degrees is particularly suitable.

[0038] The sensor 406 is also located within the perimeter defined by the cushion 402. It is shown in the center of the body between the two near infrared light emitters 404, however this need not be the case. The sensor can be located at any suitable position provided it may perform the function of determining whether the wearable device 102 is properly seated on a user's forehead. The sensor is suitably a light sensor, so that when the body 106 is sat in place on the forehead, the cushion 402 will block any external light from penetrating within the perimeter.

[0039] The sensor 406, will record a signal consistent with no light present, and fulfil the conditions required to allow the wearable device 102 to begin emission of near infrared light. Alternative sensors may be suitable, such as proximity, or thermal sensors, provided the sensor selected allows the wearable device 102 to possess the above described safety feature, of only emitting infrared light once the wearable device is correctly seated upon a user's forehead.

[0040] The sensor 406 may continue to monitor during usage of the wearable device 102, so that if a user removes the wearable device 102 during emission of near infrared light, the sensor 406 then detects the condition for emission is no longer fulfilled, and the wearable device 102 ceases emission. The wearable device 102 may enter a pause state if this happened, and will only recommence emission once properly seated on the user's forehead, and optionally, where the user presses a button 110 on the wearable device 102 to recommence emission.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a nasal probe 502 for use with a wearable device. The nasal probe 502 comprises a probe body 508 attached to a cable 108, which enables the nasal probe 502 to be connected to, powered by, controlled by, and / or communicate with, the apparatus located within the body 106 via the port 202.

[0042] The nasal probe 502 further comprises a near infrared emitter 504 which is positioned such that near infrared light produced by the near infrared emitter 504 is projected up the nasal cavity and towards the brain to provide the required stimulation. The near infrared emitter 504 is located in a transparent pillar, having dimensions to sit within a nasal cavity. The pillarencases the near infrared emitter 504 and thereby protects the near infrared emitter 504 from ingress of contaminants or mechanical damage.

[0043] An arm 506 is provided, attached to the probe body 508. The arm 506 is formed of a flexible material suitable for gripping a nose, or septum, of a user. The material, and nasal probe 502 generally is formed to be suitable for cleaning between uses. The arm 506 is mechanically and resiliently biased towards the near infrared emitter 504, and pillar, such that the arm 506 abuts the pillar, such that tissue may be gently pinched and held between the pillar and the arm 506, thereby allowing the nasal probe 502 to be retained in place during use.

[0044] The arm 506 and pillar may also be provided with complimentary magnetic means, such that an attractive magnetic force is present between the pillar and the arm 506, thereby providing an increased gripping effect by the two parts, further holding the nasal probe 502 in place when in use. The magnetic means also provides a more reliable attachment means than mechanical means such as springs, which can be prone to corrosion and failure. Likewise, if the natural resilience of the arm 506 is impaired for whatever reason, the nasal probe 502 may still be successfully attached using the magnetic means alone.

[0045] The above disclosed wearable device 102 is comfortable to wear, easy to use, and is fail safe such that an end user who is suffering from a neurodegenerative condition may use the wearable device 102 in the comfort of their own home. The provision of data logging allows the use of the device to be checked and reviewed to ensure an adequate stimulation regime is being used.

[0046] Typically, the device will comprise a single programme which applies stimulation via the body 106 alone for no more than 30 minutes in a 24 hour period and for no more than 20 minutes in a 24 hour period when the nasal probe 502 is used with the body 106. An intermediate time may be used if the nasal probe 502 is connected to the body 106 during the 30 minute period. These time periods are example thresholds.

[0047] Once the time period has elapsed, the threshold would be exceeded with further use, and the wearable device 102 will no longer emit near infrared light until the 24 hour period has elapsed, after which the wearable device 102 may be used again for the above time periods in the next 24 hour period. The usage data of the nasal probe 502 may be logged separately to the body 106. Optionally, a manual override may be provided to adjust the threshold or reset the time limit to zero.

[0048] The near infrared light emitters mentioned herein, whether in the body 106 or the nasal probe 502, are typically LEDs having specification as per the table below. Although it will be apparent that other emitters may be substituted.

[0049] Emitter SpecificationHeadset Emitter Nasal Probe EmitterWavelength 810nm ±5nm 810nm ±5nmBeam Angle 105° 120°Pulse Frequency 40Hz 40HzPulse Duty Cycle 50% 50%Power Output lOOmW 60mWPeak Irradiation 100mW / cm250mW / cm2Average Irradiation 50mW / cm225mW / cm2

[0050] Further examples of the disclosure are provided in the below numbered clauses, which are not to be confused with the claims:Clause 1. A wearable device comprising a body; a head band attached to the body and sized to accommodate the circumference of a user's head and temporarily hold the body against a user's forehead; the body comprising at least one near infrared light emitter arranged to, in use, project near infrared light onto the user's forehead.Clause 2. The wearable device of clause 1 wherein the body comprises two near infrared light emitters arranged to respectively deliver near infrared light onto each frontal eminence of the forehead.Clause 3. The wearable device of clause 2 wherein the two near infrared light emitters are at least 60 mm apart from each other.Clause 4. The wearable device of any previous clause wherein the wearable device further comprises a sensor arranged to sense when the wearable device is correctly seated upon a user's forehead.Clause 5. The wearable device of clause 4 wherein near infrared light is only emitted when the sensor provides a signal that the wearable device is correctly seated upon a user.Clause 6. The wearable device of any previous clause wherein the body is further provided with a cushion arranged, in use, between the body and the forehead.Clause 7. The wearable device of any previous clause wherein the at least one near infrared light emitter is protected by a transparent screen, optionally a near infrared transparent screen.Clause 8. The wearable device of any previous clause, further comprising a processor and a memory, the processor arranged to control the at least one near infrared light emitter and record, in the memory, usage data, the usage data optionally including any of the following; week number; usage date; usage time; usage duration.Clause 9. The wearable device of any previous clause further comprising an alert to signal to a user an operational state of the wearable device, optionally the alert being either, or both, an audio alert or a visual alert.Clause 10. The wearable device of any previous clause further comprising a safety cut out, wherein the safety cut out prevents emission of near infrared light once a threshold condition is reached, the threshold condition optionally being a usage duration within a set period.Clause 11. The wearable device of any previous clause, further comprising a nasal probe.Clause 12. The wearable device of clause 11, wherein the nasal probe comprises a near infrared emitter arranged to project near infrared light into a nostril of a user.Clause 13. The wearable device of clause 11 or clause 12, wherein the nasal probe further comprises at least one arm to grip a nose of a user, and optionally the septum of a user's nose.Clause 14. The wearable device of clause 13, wherein the at least one arm is biased towards the at least one near infrared emitter of the nasal probe thereby forming a clasp.Clause 15. The wearable device of clause 13, wherein the nasal probe comprises urging means to urge the at least one arm towards another part of the nasal probe, optionally wherein the urging means are complimentary magnetic means.Clause 16. The wearable device of any of clauses 12 to 15 when dependent upon clause 10, wherein the wherein the safety cut out prevents emission of near infrared light from the nasal probe once the threshold condition is reached.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wearable device comprising a body; a head band attached to the body and sized to accommodate the circumference of a user's head and temporarily hold the body against a user's forehead; the body comprising at least one near infrared light emitter arranged to, in use, project near infrared light onto the user's forehead, wherein the wearable device further comprises a nasal probe, the nasal probe comprising a pillar and an arm, the pillar and arm provided with complementary magnetic means.

2. The wearable device of claim 1 wherein the body comprises two near infrared light emitters arranged to respectively deliver near infrared light onto each frontal eminence of the forehead.

3. The wearable device of claim 2 wherein the two near infrared light emitters are at least 60 mm apart from each other.

4. The wearable device of any previous claim wherein the wearable device further comprises a sensor arranged to sense when the wearable device is correctly seated upon a user's forehead.

5. The wearable device of claim 4 wherein near infrared light is only emitted when the sensor provides a signal that the wearable device is correctly seated upon a user.

6. The wearable device of any previous claim wherein the body is further provided with a cushion arranged, in use, between the body and the forehead.

7. The wearable device of any previous claim wherein the at least one near infrared light emitter is protected by a transparent screen, optionally a near infrared transparent screen.

8. The wearable device of any previous claim, further comprising a processor and a memory, the processor arranged to control the at least one near infrared light emitter and record, in the memory, usage data, the usage data optionally including any of the following; week number; usage date; usage time; usage duration.

9. The wearable device of any previous claim further comprising an alert to signal to a user an operational state of the wearable device, optionally the alert being either, or both, an audio alert or a visual alert.

10. The wearable device of any previous claim further comprising a safety cut out, wherein the safety cut out prevents emission of near infrared light once a threshold condition is reached, the threshold condition optionally being a usage duration within a set period.

11. The wearable device of any previous claim, wherein the nasal probe is attachable to a user by the complementary magnetic means alone.

12. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the nasal probe comprises a near infrared emitter arranged to project near infrared light into a nostril of a user.

13. The wearable device of any previous claim, wherein the arm is configured to grip a nose of a user, and optionally the septum of a user's nose.

14. The wearable device of any previous claim, wherein the arm is biased towards the at least one near infrared emitter of the nasal probe thereby forming a clasp.

15. The wearable device of any previous claim, wherein the nasal probe comprises urging means to urge the arm towards another part of the nasal probe.

16. The wearable device of any of claims 12 to 15 when dependent upon claim 10, wherein the wherein the safety cut out prevents emission of near infrared light from the nasal probe once the threshold condition is reached.

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