Optical assembly on a deformable printed circuit board

Abstract

An optical assembly comprising: an optical unit (116L), a deformable printed circuit board (504), the optical unit (116L) being physically mounted and electronically connected to the printed circuit board (504), and a force sensor (502) configured to determine information relating to the deformation of the printed circuit board (504). Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Optical assembly on a deformable printed circuit board technical field

[0001] This description relates to an optical assembly. This optical assembly may include, in particular, an optical sensor.

[0002] This description also relates to portable physiological measurement devices (hereinafter referred to as the measurement device), for example, personal hand-held monitors (PHHMs) incorporating such an optical system. Such devices can be used, for example, for remote monitoring, such as by a physician during a teleconsultation or asynchronous consultations. Previous technique

[0003] Numerous devices for measuring Photoplethysmography (PPG) are known. The sensors can be integrated into a smartwatch, for example. Notable examples include the Withings ScanWatch™, the Apple Watch™, and the Samsung Galaxy™.

[0004] It has also been proposed to combine an optical sensor with a force sensor, particularly to attempt to determine blood pressure. Examples include documents US20180344193A1, US20170119307A1, and US20220175321A1.

[0005] However, these devices have a number of limitations, particularly in terms of ergonomics and compactness, especially with regard to obtaining devices that are easily produced and distributed on a large scale. Description of the invention

[0006] The description relates to optical assemblies enabling improved optical measurement while offering a simpler and more compact architecture.

[0007] For this purpose, the present description relates to an optical assembly comprising: - an optical unit including an optical sensor, - a deformable printed circuit board, with the optical unit being physically mounted and electronically connected to the printed circuit board, and - a force sensor configured to determine information relating to the deformation of the printed circuit board.

[0008] In one embodiment, the optical unit is mobile in translation along a direction orthogonal to the printed circuit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the optical unit is mobile over a range between 0.01 mm and 1 mm.

[0010] In one embodiment, the optical unit includes an interaction surface configured to be in contact with a user and an optical sensor.

[0011] In one embodiment, the optical unit includes a dome that defines the interaction surface, the dome being mounted on the printed circuit board so that the dome absorbs the user's forces towards the printed circuit board.

[0012] In one embodiment, the force sensor is a piezoelectric strain sensor.

[0013] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board comprises a front face and a rear face, the optical unit being mounted on the front face and the force sensor being mounted on the rear face.

[0014] In one embodiment, the force sensor is mounted substantially opposite the optical unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the assembly further includes an electrode comprising a contact surface configured to be in contact with a user, the optical unit being movable relative to the contact surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the contact surface of the electrode defines an opening, the optical unit being mobile in the opening.

[0017] In one embodiment, the electrode is an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode.

[0018] In one embodiment, the electrode is an impedance measurement electrode, IPG.

[0019] In one embodiment, the optical sensor comprises a light source and a light receiver.

[0020] In one embodiment, at least part of the dome has a cylindrical or parallelepiped shape.

[0021] In one embodiment, the optical block comprises a dome defining an internal volume and the interaction surface, the optical sensor being arranged in the internal volume.

[0022] In one embodiment, the interaction surface extends in a plane parallel to a plane tangent to the contact surface.

[0023] In one embodiment, the interaction surface is planar.

[0024] In one embodiment, the interaction surface has a dimension maximum transverse width between 3 mm and 10 mm.

[0025] This description also relates to a device comprising a housing and the optical assembly as defined above, the optical unit being movable relative to the housing between a rest position and a displaced position.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least the interaction surface of the optical unit protruding out of the housing in the rest position.

[0027] In one embodiment, the optical unit protrudes by a length between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0028] In one embodiment, the ECG electrode is fixed relative to the housing.

[0029] In one embodiment, the housing has an elongated shape according to a direction of extension between two extremities.

[0030] In one embodiment, the device includes an optical module configured to generate instructions enabling the emitter to emit light and configured to receive signals from the light receiver, in particular to determine a heart rate or blood oxygen saturation of the user.

[0031] In one embodiment, the device includes a pressure module configured to calculate blood pressure based on signals received by the PPG module and the force sensor.

[0032] In one embodiment, the device includes a second ECG electrode.

[0033] In one embodiment, the device comprises an ECG module connected to the two ECG electrodes and configured to measure an ECG signal.

[0034] In one embodiment, the device includes a second IPG electrode.

[0035] In one embodiment, the device comprises an IPG module connected to two IPG electrodes and configured to perform an impedance measurement.

[0036] In one embodiment, the device includes a wave module configured to calculate a propagation speed of a pulse wave in a user's arm based on signals received from the ECG module and the optical module.

[0037] In one embodiment, the device includes a force module configured to receive signals from the force sensor.

[0038] In one embodiment, the device is configured to provide a user with information representative of the force exerted on the optical unit in the displaced position.

[0039] In one embodiment, the device includes a screen, the screen being configured to display information representative of the signals received by the force module.

[0040] In one embodiment, the device includes a microphone, the microphone being configured to emit information representative of the signals received by the force module.

[0041] In one embodiment, the device includes a vibrator, the vibrator being configured to provide by haptic feedback information representative of the signals received by the force module.

[0042] In one embodiment, the screen displays a recommended range of force exerted on the optical unit.

[0043] In one embodiment, the deformable printed circuit board is fixed at each of its ends to the housing, for example by a clamp. Brief description of the drawings

[0044] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0045] [Fig. 1] This figure presents two perspective views, right and left side, of a measuring device comprising a set of sensors according to one embodiment.

[0046] [Fig.2] This figure presents four projected views of the device of [Fig.1].

[0047] [Fig. 3] This figure shows a view of the device during manipulation in two-handed position.

[0048] [Fig. 4] This figure shows three top views (a), (b), (c) of the assembly of sensors according to three different variants.

[0049] [Fig. 5] This figure shows a top view (a) and a vertical section (b) of the set of sensors integrated into the device.

[0050] [Fig. 6] This figure presents two perspective views (a), (b) of the whole of sensors.

[0051] [Fig.7] This figure shows two side views (a), (b) of the sensor assembly in resting position and compressed position.

[0052] [Fig.8] This figure shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the device, with schematic component.

[0053] [Fig.9] This figure presents a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a unit optics of the sensor assembly.

[0054] [Fig. 10] This figure presents two perspective views of a transparent part of the optical unit of the [Fig.9].

[0055] [Fig. 11] This figure presents two projected views, front and rear, of a measuring device according to another embodiment.

[0056] [Fig. 12] This figure presents a top view and a vertical section of the sensor assembly integrated into the device of [Fig. 11].

[0057] [Fig. 13] This figure presents a schematic view of the device with some components, including electronic ones. Detailed description General overview of the system

[0058] This description will describe several embodiments and variants of sensor assemblies, particularly those integrated into physiological measurement devices. For simplicity, we will refer to them as "devices".

[0059] The device integrates the set of sensors and possibly one or more other physiological sensors to measure physiological characteristics (“physiological measurement”) of a user who is also the manipulator.

[0060] By physiological measurement, it is meant measurements of physiological characteristics of a user (hereafter referred to as user), which reflect a state of health, such as: temperature, heart sounds, lung sounds, heart rate, arrhythmia, etc.

[0061] The device can be portable, meaning it is lightweight and compact. It can therefore be easily grasped with one hand by a user and, for example, easily stored in a drawer, handbag, or trouser pocket. For example, the device weighs less than 250g, or even 150g. For example, the device has a volume of less than 20x10x10 cm, or even 20x5x5 cm, or even 15x5x5 cm.

[0062] Furthermore, the device can be connected, in that it can send data to a third-party device, such as a smartphone or a server. This connectivity allows the device to function as a remote patient-referential (RPM) device, with the user becoming a patient of a remote physician. The teleconsultation can be synchronous, with live or near-live interaction with the physician, or asynchronous. In synchronous mode, the patient uses the device to acquire physiological data, which is transmitted immediately or almost immediately (within seconds). In asynchronous mode, the patient uses the device when available, and the physician consults the physiological data when available, possibly at a different time.

[0063] The device is intended for use in particular for self-measurement. It must therefore be easy for a user to operate so that they can perform measurements on themselves.

[0064] Figures 1 to 3 represent a device 100 according to one embodiment. The housing

[0065] The device 100 comprises an elongated housing 102 that defines an extension direction X. The housing 102 also defines two orthogonal transverse directions X and Z. The terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" are subsequently defined with respect to the extension direction X. The device 100 presents its largest dimension along this extension direction X. The extension direction X is rectilinear in the figures, but a curvature is possible provided that the manipulation of the device would not be significantly altered.

[0066] Along the extension direction X, the housing 102 comprises a first end 102L (L for "Left") and a second end 102R (R for "Right"), opposite the first end 102L. Each end 102L, 102R extends preferentially along the transverse plane YZ, orthogonally to the extension direction X. The first end 102L defines a first edge 104L and the second end 102R defines a second edge 104R. Each edge 104L, 104R defines a closed curve (ovoid in shape in the figures due to the section of the housing 102 at the first end 102L and the second end 102R).

[0067] To allow for easy gripping, each edge 104L, 104R has a length of less than 30cm, or even 15cm.

[0068] In one embodiment, the distance L between the two edges 104L, 104R, along the extension direction X is less than 20 cm, or even 15 cm. This distance L ensures the portability of the device 100.

[0069] The housing 102 can have an essentially cylindrical shape, with a convex cross-section in the YZ plane (i.e., orthogonal to the X extension direction). In one embodiment, this cross-section has two axes of symmetry, for example, the Y and Z axes as shown in the figures. The cross-section is, for example, oblong, as illustrated in the figures, or rectangular (with more or less rounded corners), or circular.

[0070] By essentially cylindrical, it is meant that the section orthogonal to the extension direction X does not exhibit any significant variation in dimension.

[0071] The housing 102 is typically made of plastic material to be lightweight, economical, and electrically insulating. When the user holds the device 100, their hand(s) are primarily in contact with the housing 102. The housing 102 can be formed from several parts assembled together. In Figures 1 and 2, the housing 102 comprises two shells 107, labeled 107a and 107b respectively, which can be assembled at a junction parallel to the extension direction X. Alternatively, the housing 102 is formed from a single shell. Other assembly types are possible.

[0072] At least two faces connecting the two edges 102L, 102R can be defined for the housing 102. In the case of an oblong or rectangular section, a front face 102F (F for "Front"), a rear face 102R (R for "Rear") (opposite the front face), a top face 102T (T for "Top"), and a bottom face 102B (B for "Bottom"), opposite the top face, are defined, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Finally, the two edges 104L, 104R define two lateral surfaces. These face names are defined with respect to the two-handed handling position illustrated in [Fig. 6].

[0073] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], each of the upper face 102T and lower face 102B extends primarily in a longitudinal plane XY. Each of the front face 102F and rear face 102R extends primarily in a longitudinal plane XZ, orthogonal to the XY plane. Each of the two edges 104L, 104R extends primarily in a transverse plane XZ, i.e., the lateral faces are also orthogonal to the extension direction X. Rounded shapes for the front face 102F, rear face 102R, upper 102T and lower 102U can be provided, as illustrated in the figures, so as not to have an edge or thus facilitate gripping.

[0074] The front faces 102F and rear faces 102R have a height (the Z dimension) greater than the depth (the Y dimension) of the lower faces 102B and upper faces 102T. In other words, the housing 102 is taller than it is deep.

[0075] The front face 102F and rear face 102R have a length (X dimension) greater than the height (Z dimension). In other words, the housing 102 is longer than it is tall.

[0076] These size considerations apply similarly to device 100. Device 100 has a length (X dimension) that is greater than a height (Z dimension), which is itself greater than a depth (Y dimension). For example, the length is 3 times greater than the height, and the height is 1.5 times greater than the depth. These dimensions correspond to the aforementioned volumes for the device (in the form X dimension, Y dimensions, Z dimensions).

[0077] The device 100 includes a set of sensors 105 which will be described in more detail later.

[0078] The device 100 further preferably includes one or more additional physiological sensors 106 arranged in different locations of the housing 102 and enabling additional physiological measurements to be carried out which generate physiological data. The display

[0079] The device 100 includes a display 112, for example a screen (illustrated with a dashed line in [Fig. 1] because the screen's outline is invisible to the user, or at least barely visible, in this embodiment), intended to display information and / or measurement results to the user. In one embodiment, the display 112 is configured to display information in a reading direction parallel and / or transverse to the extension direction X. In one embodiment, the device 100 includes a gyroscope configured to determine the device's orientation in space and adapt the reading direction accordingly. Thus, the display 112 can be transverse when the user holds the device with one hand and longitudinal when the user holds the device with two hands.In one embodiment, the display 112 is positioned on the front face 102F of the housing 102, so that the user can easily see the display 112 when handling the device. The physical interface

[0080] The device 100 further comprises a physical interface 114 with the user, which may take the form of a joystick (anglicism for "navigation button" in French), arrow, etc. The physical interface 114 is functionally linked to the display 112 and allows navigation in a menu displayed on the display 112. The physical interface 114 can be positioned on the front face 102F of the housing 102.

[0081] To simplify navigation, the display 112 and the physical interface 114 are positioned side by side, for example on the front face 102F. In the embodiment of [Fig. 1], the physical interface 114 is positioned on the side of the second end 102R. The sensor set

[0082] As previously stated, the device 100 comprises at least one sensor set 105. The sensor set 105 is designed to receive a finger of the user (index finger or thumb, for example). In particular, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the sensor set 105 is positioned under a finger, specifically the index finger 302, in a two-handed gripping position of the device 100.

[0083] The sensor assembly 105 is, for example, positioned on the housing 102 and can be arranged at various locations on the housing 102. The sensor assembly 105 is, in particular, located near an end, specifically the first end 102L. According to one embodiment, "near an end" means "between the edge of the end and strictly half the length L from the edge." According to another embodiment, "near" means "between the first edge 104L and strictly one-quarter of the length L from the first edge 104L." These examples are shown in [Fig. 2], with the distances L / 2 and L / 4 represented.

[0084] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the sensor assembly 105 can be positioned so that the user's index 302L, 302R naturally falls upon it. In this respect, the sensor assembly 105 can be positioned on the upper face 102T.

[0085] According to an embodiment not illustrated, the sensor assembly 105 falls under the thumb. In this respect, the sensor assembly 105 is positioned on the front face 102F.

[0086] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the sensor assembly 105 includes an electrode 110L, also referred to as the first electrode hereafter, an optical unit 116L and a force sensor 502. The first electrode

[0087] The first electrode is a sensor that conducts an electric current from the user's body or injected into the user's body.

[0088] In one embodiment, the first electrode is an electrocardiogram electrode, referred to as the first ECG 110L electrode.

[0089] Alternatively, the first 110L electrode is an impedance analysis electrode, referred to as the first IPG 110L electrode, in particular to determine the user's body composition (muscle mass, fat mass, etc.).

[0090] Alternatively, the first electrode 110L is an electrode that performs both ECG and IPG measurements. The electrode 110L is then connected to a connector that allows switching between measurements.

[0091] The first electrode 110L is preferentially fixed relative to the housing 102.

[0092] The first electrode 110L is made of a conductive material, such as metal (for example, stainless steel or titanium alloy). In the example shown in the figures, the first 110L electrode is in the form of a metallic body. A metallic body is defined as a part with a maximum thickness greater than 0.1 mm. In an alternative, the first 110L electrode can be formed by a conductive coating deposited on a surface (which is itself conductive or non-conductive).

[0093] With reference to Figures 4 to 7, the first electrode 110L includes a contact surface 402. The contact surface 402 is configured to be in contact with a user, in particular the user's finger as illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0094] As can be seen in [Fig. 6], the contact surface 402 may have a convex shape. In other words, the contact surface 402 has a convex shape outwards from the housing 102. In particular, the contact surface 402 extends in line with the housing 102. Thus, there is no surface discontinuity between the housing 102 and the electrode 110L, which allows for a comfortable grip for the user and enables easy contact between the electrode and any part of the body, possibly other than the finger, such as the torso for example.

[0095] Alternatively, as shown in [Fig. 12], the contact surface 402 may have a concave shape relative to the housing 102. In other words, the contact surface 402 is convex inward toward the housing 102 or forms a recess relative to the housing. Thus, the contact surface 402 forms a groove suitable for receiving, in particular, a finger, allowing it to better conform to its shape and stabilize it during the measurement. The contact surface 402 guides the user's finger on the electrode and enables a stable and easy measurement for the user. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the concave shape extends (for example, with the same width) along the housing 102 between the electrode 110L and the edge 102L, in order to further improve finger guidance.

[0096] In an alternative not shown, the contact surface 402 has a substantially flat shape.

[0097] According to embodiments shown in [Fig. 4], the contact surface 402 is elongated. The contact surface 402 extends along a principal direction A. The principal direction A is preferably parallel to the extension direction X of the housing 102. Thus, the electrode 110L extends in the same direction as the housing 102. The contact surface 402 may have an oblong shape as shown in Views (a) and (c) of [Fig. 4]. Alternatively, the contact surface 402 may have a rectangular shape as shown in variant (b) of [Fig. 4]. Other shapes are possible. The contact surface 402 may extend in length from 1 cm to 5 cm along the principal direction A. The contact surface 402 may extend in width (the dimension along the Y direction) from 5 mm to 12 mm (even when the contact surface 402 is slightly convex). The optical unit

[0098] With reference to [Fig. 9], the optical unit 116L comprises an interaction surface 604, configured to be in contact with a user (for example, the index finger), and an optical sensor 906. In one embodiment, the optical unit 116L comprises a dome 902 defining an internal volume 904 within which the optical sensor 906 is arranged. The dome 902 further comprises the interaction surface 604. The structure of the dome 902 will be described in more detail later.

[0099] The optical sensor 906 includes at least one light source 908 and a light receiver 910. The light source 908 is configured to emit light and the light receiver 910 is configured to receive light from the light source 908, including light that has passed through the user, for example their index 302L.

[0100] In one embodiment, the light source 908 and the light receiver 910 are aligned along a direction orthogonal to the principal direction A along which the contact surface 402 extends.

[0101] The optical sensor (in particular the light source 908 and the light receiver 910) can be mounted on a support 504. The support 504 can be a printed circuit board (PCB), hereafter referred to as an optical printed circuit board or optical PCB. In this latter case, the optical sensor is electronically connected to the optical PCB.

[0102] The support 504 is held attached to the housing 102. The support 504 will be described in more detail later.

[0103] The light source 908 may include one or more LEDs, such as a green LED, a red LED, and at least one infrared LED. The light receiver 910 may be a photoreceptor, such as a photodiode. The light source 908 may include a laser.

[0104] The device 100 may include an optical module 612. Generally, the optical module 612 includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The optical module 612 may be mounted on the rear side of the optical printed circuit board 504. The optical module 612 is configured to generate instructions enabling the light source 908 to emit light and configured to receive signals from the receiver 910. The optical module 612 may be configured to determine the user's heart rate and / or blood oxygen saturation based on received optical signals.

[0105] The dome 902 comprises the interaction surface 604 and a lateral surface 606. The interaction surface 604 is configured to be in contact with a user, in particular the user's finger. The lateral surface 606 is configured to be opposite the thickness of the electrode 110L. The lateral surface 606 and a portion of the interaction surface 604 may be one piece. The dome 902 may further comprise a base 909, also one piece with the lateral surface 606.

[0106] As illustrated in [Fig.9], the light source 908 is configured to emit light out of the dome 902 through the interaction surface 604 and the light receiver 910 is configured to receive light from outside the dome 902 through the interaction surface 604. Thus, a main optical path P is defined for the light between the light source 908 and the light receiver 910, passing outside the dome 902.

[0107] The interaction surface 604 is preferably planar. In particular, the interaction surface 604 extends in an XY plane parallel to a plane tangent to the contact surface 604. However, the interaction surface 604 may be slightly convex.

[0108] The interaction surface 604 may have a maximum transverse dimension (along the Z direction) of between 3 mm and 10 mm. In particular, the interaction surface 604 is preferably round. The maximum transverse dimension is then the diameter.

[0109] In one embodiment, the interaction surface 604 has an area twice, advantageously three times, smaller than that of the contact surface 402.

[0110] Longitudinal decentering of the optics in the electrode

[0111] According to embodiments shown in [Fig. 4], the contact surface 402 comprises at least two sections 404, a first section 404a and a second section 404b. The two sections 404a and 404b are electrically connected to form the electrode 110L. The electrode 110L then forms a single electrode. The first section 404a and the second section 404b are arranged along the principal direction A. The interaction surface 604 of the optical unit 116L is positioned along the principal direction A between the first section 404a and the second section 404b. The first section 404a preferably has a length La greater than a length Lb of the second section 404b along the principal direction A. Preferably, the length La of the first section 404a is at least 50% greater, advantageously 100% greater, than the length Lb of the second section 404b.We are talking about longitudinal decentering of the optical unit 116L within the contact surface 402.

[0112] As illustrated in [Fig. 7], this offset of the optical unit 116L maximizes contact between the electrode and the user's finger. The user places the pad of their index finger on the interaction surface 604 of the optical unit 116L. The proximal part of the index finger rests on the first section 404a, and the distal part of the index finger, which is smaller than the proximal part, rests on the second section 404b. Thus, the entire electrode, or at least the majority of it, is covered, resulting in a better electrical signal, particularly ECG, and limiting external interference.

[0113] As shown in view (c) of [Fig. 4], the first section 404a and the second section 404b of the contact surface 402 can be disjoint (e.g., visually separated). The first section 404a and the second section 404b can be two different parts, while being electrically connected, for example by an electrical wire extending between the two sections 404 inside the housing 102, or a single part whose contact surface comprises the two disjoint sections 404a, 404b.

[0114] However, in order for the finger to be in contact with both the interaction surface 604 of the optical unit 116L and the contact surface 402 of the electrode, the interaction surface 604 of the optical unit 116L has a dimension along the Y direction less than or equal to that of the electrode 110L (i.e. the width of the electrode).

[0115] Alternatively, as shown in views (a) and (b) of [Fig. 4], the first section 404a and the second section 404b can be joined. In other words, the two sections 404 form a single piece.

[0116] In this embodiment, the contact surface 402 preferentially surrounds the interaction surface of the optical unit 116L. The contact surface 402 then defines an aperture 602. The aperture 602 is longitudinally offset relative to the contact surface 402 along the principal direction A. By offset, it is understood that the centroid of the contact surface 402 and the centroid of the aperture 602 do not coincide. The optical unit 116L, whose interaction surface 604, is arranged within the aperture 602. In one embodiment, the center of the interaction surface 406 is located between 55% and 95%, preferably between 65% and 85%, of the length of the contact surface 402 along the principal direction A.

[0117] The electrode 110L extends around the opening 602 by at least 1 mm, particularly in a direction transverse to the main direction A (Y direction). For ergonomic reasons and to ensure contact with the electrode, the opening 602 is transversely centered (the same electrode distance on both sides along the Y direction).

[0118] As can be seen in [Fig. 5], the contact surface 402 is located near an end 106L of the device 100 along the extension direction X. The first section 404a being located between said end 106L and the second section 404b along the extension direction X. In other words, in the variant where the two sections 404 are joined, the opening 603 is arranged in the contact surface 402 on the side opposite said end 106L.

[0119] As shown in [Fig. 3], when the user operates the device 100, the proximal phalanges of the index fingers 302L and 302R are aligned with the extension direction X, while the rear face 102R rests on the middle or ring fingers and the thumbs rest on the front face 102F. Thus, during this two-handed manipulation of the device, the index finger 302L naturally rests on the sensor assembly 105, as shown in [Fig. 7]. In particular, the fingertip 702 of the index finger 302L naturally rests on the optical unit 116L to allow for a good quality optical measurement, while ensuring that a significant portion of the contact surface 402 of the electrode 110L is in contact with the finger. Mobile optical unit adjacent to the electrode

[0120] As shown in the figures, the optical unit 116L is adjacent to the contact surface 402 of the electrode 110L. More specifically, the interaction surface 604 of the optical unit 116L is adjacent to the contact surface 402 of the electrode 110L. By adjacent, it is meant that no mechanical part is disposed between the contact surface 402 and the optical unit 116L (in a plane at the level of the contact surface 402). The contact surface 402 may be separated from the optical unit 116L by a gap of less than 1 mm, in particular less than 0.1 mm. Alternatively, the contact surface 402 is in direct contact with the optical unit 116L.

[0121] This arrangement allows for a very compact sensor, which interacts with the same area of ​​the finger and maximizes the contact between the sensor and the finger. Dome structure

[0122] With reference to [Fig. 9], at least a portion of the dome 902 has a frustoconical shape, for example, cylindrical. Its base is circular in the figures. The interaction surface 604 is then a disk and the lateral surface 606 a cylinder. Alternatively, the base may be square or rectangular so as to form a parallelepiped.

[0123] The dome 902 may comprise a plastic material. In particular, the dome may be made entirely of plastic material. Alternatively, the dome may comprise metal and / or glass.

[0124] In one embodiment, the dome 902 comprises an opaque part 905 and a transparent part 907. The transparent part 907 is shown in isolation in [Fig. 10]. The transparent part 907 is configured to allow at least some light to pass through it. Conversely, the opaque part 905 is configured to block the passage of light.

[0125] The opaque part 905 can form the base 909, the lateral surface 606 and part of the interaction surface 604. The dome 902, and in particular the base 909, can be mounted on the support 504. Thus, the opaque part 905 directly transmits the force exerted by the finger on the interaction surface 604 to the support 504.

[0126] Each part 905, 907 is monobloc. In other words, each part 905, 907 is formed from a single block of material. Each part is specifically formed from a single piece of plastic. The two parts 905, 907 are molded together, notably by bi-injection. Bi-injection allows the production of the dome 902 with two successive injections of plastic material. In particular, the production process for the dome 902 includes injecting a transparent plastic material into a first mold to form the transparent part 907. Then the transparent part is placed in a second mold, and an opaque plastic material is injected into the second mold around the transparent part to form the opaque part. Alternatively, the process is carried out with a single mold. The transparent part then remains in the mold, and the second injection is made in this mold. The opaque material overmolds the transparent part to form the dome 902.

[0127] The dome 902 includes, at the interaction surface 604, a respective transparent portion 914 designed to be positioned opposite each light source 908 and each light receiver 910: in the figures, there are thus two transparent portions 914. Thus, the two transparent portions 914 are aligned along a direction orthogonal to the direction along which the contact surface 402 extends. As can be seen in the figures, the interaction surface 604 is formed by a portion of the opaque part 905 and the plurality of transparent portions 914.

[0128] As illustrated in [Fig.9], the light source 908 is configured to emit light out of the dome 902 through the associated transparent part 912 and the light receiver 910 is configured to receive light from outside the dome 902 through the associated transparent part 912.

[0129] As can be seen in [Fig. 10], the transparent parts 914 are connected to each other by at least one connecting piece 1002. The transparent part 907 therefore comprises the plurality of transparent parts 914 and at least one connecting piece 1002. In one embodiment, the transparent part 907 comprises a plurality of transparent parts 914 and a connecting piece 1002 connecting the plurality of transparent parts 912.

[0130] As can be seen in [Fig.9], the transparent parts 914 are preferentially at a distance from the optical sensor 906. In other words, the optical sensor 906 is not in contact with the transparent parts 914.

[0131] As can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, the thickness of the transparent parts 914 along the Z-axis defines a lower plane PI and an upper plane P2. Each part The transparent 914 preferably has a parallelepiped shape. Alternatively, each transparent 908 part may have a cylindrical shape.

[0132] With reference to view (b) of [Fig.10], the connecting piece 1002 extends between the two transparent parts 912 and forms part of a secondary optical path S, called an optical maze, between the light source 908 and the receiver 910. The optical maze S is different from the main optical path P.

[0133] The connecting piece 1002 is designed such that the luminous flux passing through the optical maze S is very low, in particular at least ten times lower, than the luminous flux passing through the main optical path P. Thus, the luminous flux passing through the optical maze S can be considered negligible compared to the luminous flux passing through the main optical path P. Consequently, the luminous flux captured by the light receiver 910 can be considered to be essentially the flux from the main optical path P that has passed through the user's body. Thus, the optical maze S does not interfere with the physiological measurements taken with the optical sensor 906.

[0134] To this end, as can be seen in view (a) of [Fig. 10], the connecting piece 1002 extends for at least a portion entirely outside the area delimited by the lower plane PI and the upper plane P2 (i.e., the area between the lower plane PI and the upper plane P2), so that the maze S extends, for a portion, entirely outside this area. In other words, at least a part of the connecting piece 1002 is not located between the lower plane PI and the upper plane P2. In particular, the transparent piece 907 extends at least partially in a direction not parallel to the interaction surface 604. Thus, the light traveling along the secondary optical path S encounters several changes of direction, which greatly limits the flux through the secondary optical path S.The transparent part 907 preferentially includes variations in cross-section according to the general direction of light flow, so as to further limit the luminous flux in the secondary optical path S. In particular, the transition 1004 between each transparent part 912 and the connecting part 1002 forms a significant narrowing of the cross-section (between the cross-section of the transparent part 912 and the cross-section of the connecting part 1002). The transparent part 907 may also open onto the lateral surface 606.

[0135] The transparent part 907 thus allows for easy production of the dome while significantly limiting the bypass of the secondary optical path S. Indeed, producing the dome 902 with a single transparent part 907, rather than with two separate parts facing the source and receiver respectively, allows for a faster and simpler manufacturing process. In particular, with two separate transparent parts, it would be complicated to form the dome by bi-injection.

[0136] The optical unit 116L further includes a cover 915 disposed within the internal volume 904. The cover 915 is positioned between the light source 908 and the light receiver 910, so that light cannot flow directly from the light source 908 to the light receiver 910 within the internal volume 904. The cover 915 partitions the internal volume 904 into two separate spaces. The light source 908 and the receiver 910 are each disposed within their respective spaces.

[0137] The cover 915 can be made of a compressible material. For example, the cover 915 is made of elastomer. The cover 915 can be compressed during assembly between the dome 902 and the optical sensor 906 to ensure that no gap exists between the two spaces. Movable optical unit

[0138] With reference to [Fig. 7], the optical unit 116L is preferentially mobile relative to the contact surface 402 of the electrode 110L. In particular, the optical unit 116L is translationally mobile along a direction orthogonal to the interaction surface 604 (the Z direction in the figures, since the interaction surface 604 extends essentially along the X and Z directions). The optical unit 116L can be mobile over a range of between 0.01 and 1 mm.

[0139] The optical unit 116L is movable between a rest position, shown in view (a) of [Fig. 7], and a displaced position, shown in view (a) of [Fig. 7]. Conversely, the optical unit 116L is movable between the displaced position and the rest position. The rest position is the position of the optical unit 116L when the user exerts no force on the optical unit 116L, in particular when the user is not in contact with the optical unit 116L. The displaced position is the position of the optical unit 116L when the user exerts a force F on the optical unit 116L.

[0140] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, at least a portion of the optical unit 116L protrudes from the contact surface 402 in the rest position. In particular, the interaction surface 604 protrudes from the contact surface 402 in the rest position. Thus, at least a portion of the optical unit 116L extends beyond the extension of the contact surface 402. In the rest position, the user can therefore feel the roughness created by this protrusion under their finger. The optical unit 116L can protrude by a length of between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0141] It is recalled here that the optical unit 116L is adjacent to the contact surface 402 of the electrode 110L. More specifically, the interaction surface 604 of the optical unit 116L is adjacent to the contact surface 402 of the electrode 110L. The support

[0142] As can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the dome 902 is mounted on the support 504, so as to close the internal volume 904 of the dome 902. Thus, the dome 902, which comprises The interaction surface 604 on which the user presses, directly transmits the force of the finger to the support 504.

[0143] The support 504 comprises a front face 608 and a rear face 610. The optical unit 116L is mounted on the front face 608 of the support 504.

[0144] As explained above, the support 504 can be a printed circuit board, an optical printed circuit board, on which the optical unit 116L is mounted. The optical printed circuit board 504 can be made of a trace metal layer, for example copper, bonded to a dielectric layer, for example polyimide. The device 100 can include a main printed circuit board 802. In particular, the display 112 and the physical interface 114 are connected to and controlled by the main printed circuit board 802. The optical printed circuit board 504 is electrically connected to the main printed circuit board 802.

[0145] In one embodiment and with reference to [Fig. 7], the support 504 is deformable. In particular, the support 504 is deformable by the force of a user's finger exerted on the optical unit 116L when it is mobile relative to the electrode 110L. More precisely, the support 504 is deformable by the optical unit 116L (notably via the dome 902), which itself receives the force from the user's finger.

[0146] As mentioned previously, the support 504 is attached to the housing 102. In order to be deformed, in one embodiment, the support 504 is fixed to the housing 201, in particular at two opposite ends 504a, 504b (for example, opposite along the extension direction X, as illustrated in the figures, insofar as the support 504 has an elongated shape along this extension direction X). As can be seen in view (b) of [Fig. 5], the support 504 is fixed at each of its ends, for example by a clamp 506, to the housing 102. These two clamps 506 make the ends 504a, 504b of the support 504 fixed in the frame of reference of the housing 102, and thus the support 504 deforms between the two fixed ends, as shown in view (b) of [Fig. 7]. The 506 clips allow the 504 support to be held in the direction of movement of the optical unit while allowing simplified assembly of the support in the housing. The force sensor

[0147] As can be seen in the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, the force sensor 502 is a deformation sensor for the support 504. In this respect, the deformation sensor can be mounted on the support 504, for example, on the rear face 610 of the support 504. In particular, the force sensor 502 is mounted on the face opposite the optical unit 116L. The force sensor 502 is preferably mounted substantially opposite the optical unit 116L. However, alternatively, the force sensor 502 can be offset on the support relative to the optical unit 116L.

[0148] The force sensor 502 is preferably a deformation sensor of the deformable support 504. The force sensor 502 is, for example, a deformation sensor piezoelectric. The force sensor 502 is configured to measure the deformation of the support 504. In particular, the force sensor 502 is configured to produce a signal enabling the determination of information relating to the force exerted on the optical unit 116L in the displaced position.

[0149] To this end, the device 100 includes a force module 806 configured to receive signals from the force sensor 502 and to deduce information relating to the force exerted on the optical unit 116L. Generally, the force module 806 includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The force module 806 can be mounted on the main printed circuit board 802 or on the optical printed circuit board 504.

[0150] Integrating the force sensor 502 directly onto the deformable optical printed circuit board 504 results in a simple and compact mechanical and electronic architecture. The optical printed circuit board 504 serves as both a support for the optical unit and a strain gauge, in addition to supporting the printed circuit boards, thus minimizing issues related to size, complexity, assembly, and cost. This integration also eliminates the need for force propagation media and reduces the number of parts, thereby improving the measurement of the force exerted by the finger.

[0151] In one embodiment, the device 100 further includes a pressure module 808 configured to receive data from the optical module 612 and the force module 806 and to deduce the user's blood pressure, in particular based on the analysis of the pulsatility of the finger pressing on the optical unit with a pressure determined by the force module. Generally, the pressure module 808 includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The pressure module 808 can be mounted on the main printed circuit board 802 or on the optical printed circuit board 504. User feedback

[0152] In one embodiment, the device 100 is configured to provide the user with information representative of the signals received by the force module 806.

[0153] In particular, the display 112 can be configured to display information representative of the signals received by the force module 806. The screen displays, for example, a recommended range of force to be exerted by the user on the optical unit 116L, in particular to improve the quality of optical measurements.

[0154] Alternatively or in addition, the device 100 may include a microphone. The microphone is then configured to transmit information representative of the signals received by the force module 806.

[0155] Alternatively or in addition, the device may include a vibrator. The vibrator is then configured to provide haptic feedback representing information about the signals received by the force module 806. The second electrode

[0156] In an embodiment not shown, the device 100 includes a second set of sensors so that, in the two-handed manipulation position shown in [Fig. 3], both sets of sensors are positioned under one of the user's fingers. The second set of sensors may be similar to the sensor set 105 described above. Alternatively, the second set of sensors may be different and, for example, comprise a single sensor.

[0157] In an alternative shown in the figures, the device includes a second electrode 110R positioned near the second end 102R so that in the two-handed handling position shown in [Fig.3], each electrode 110L, 110R is positioned under a finger of the user.

[0158] The structure of the second electrode 110R is similar to that of the first electrode 110L and will not be described again. However, the second electrode 110L may differ from the first electrode 110L, notably due to the absence of an aperture for an optical unit.

[0159] The second electrode 110L can be positioned similarly to the sensor assembly 105 as described previously, i.e., the two electrodes 110R, 110L are on the upper face 102T (positioning symmetry visible on the upper face 102T in [Fig. 2]). More generally, the two electrodes 110L, 110R can be aligned parallel to the extension direction X. This symmetry simplifies measurement taking. Alternatively, the first ECG electrode 110L can be on the upper face 102T and the second electrode 110R can be on the front face 102F or on the second end 102R, as shown in [Fig. 1].

[0160] The second electrode 110L can be an ECG and / or IPG electrode. By simultaneously touching the two ECG electrodes with two different fingers, the user can perform an ECG. Alternatively, or in addition, by simultaneously touching the two IPG electrodes with two different fingers, the user can perform a bioimpedance measurement.

[0161] As seen in [Fig.8], the two electrodes 110L, 110R are connected to the main printed circuit 802, in particular by electrical contacts 804.

[0162] The device 100 may include an ECG module 810 connected to the two ECG electrodes 110L, 110R. Generally, the ECG module 810 includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The ECG module 810 may be mounted on the main printed circuit board 802.

[0163] The ECG 810 module is configured to retrieve electrical signals from the human body via the ECG 110L, 110R electrodes and, after processing, to generate an electrocardiogram.

[0164] In one embodiment, the ECG 810 module is configured to impose a potential on one of the two ECG electrodes and the potential at the other electrode is left free by the ECG 810 module. In this way, the potential of this electrode corresponds to the potential of the user's body (when there is contact) and varies according to, in particular, the heartbeats of the latter.

[0165] The device 100 may include an IPG 811 module connected to the two electrodes IPG 110L, 110R. Generally, the IPG 811 module includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The IPG 811 module may be mounted on the main printed circuit board 802.

[0166] The IPG 811 module is configured to inject an electric current into the human body via the IPG 110L, 11 OR electrodes and to, after treatment, determine for example the user's body composition.

[0167] In one embodiment, the device further includes a wave module 812 configured to calculate the propagation velocity of a pulse wave in a user's arm based on signals received from the ECG module and the optical module. Typically, the wave module 812 includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The wave module 812 can be mounted on the main printed circuit board 802 or on the optical printed circuit board 504.

[0168] Additional physiological sensors at the extremities

[0169] In one embodiment, the device 100 further includes an additional physiological sensor 106L at the first end 102L, which is called the first additional physiological sensor 106L.

[0170] The first additional physiological sensor 106L includes a functional surface 108L. By functional surface 108L, it is meant a surface intended to be positioned facing the user, to interact with the user, with or without contact, for obtaining the physiological measurement by the first physiological sensor 106L.

[0171] For example, the first additional physiological sensor 106L may be an electronic stethoscope, with a piezoelectric sensor and an amplification membrane intended to be positioned on the user. In this case, the functional surface 108L includes the amplification membrane. The amplification membrane is, in particular, the part of the piezoelectric sensor visible to the user.

[0172] For example, the first additional physiological sensor 106L may be a thermometer, with a thermopile-type sensor and a lens. The lens may be surrounded by a cone. In this case, the functional surface 108L includes the lens and, where applicable, the cone. The lens and the cone are, in particular, the parts of the thermometer visible to the user.

[0173] For example, the first additional physiological sensor 106L may be a spirometer with a volume and / or airflow sensor and a mouthpiece. In this case, the functional surface 108L includes the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is, in particular, the part of the spirometer visible to the user.

[0174] The first additional physiological sensor 106L is positioned at the first end 102L and its functional surface 108L is inscribed within the edge 104L. This means that, in a projection along the extension direction X in a transverse plane YZ at the end 102L, the functional surface 108L is positioned inside the edge 104L. Put another way, the projection of the functional surface 108L is contained within the projection of the lateral face.

[0175] Thanks to these features, the gripping of device 100 is not hindered by the physiological sensor 106L. In particular, the user can hold device 100 by one end, with their hand (for example, their palm) in line with the direction of extension. This feature also makes it easy to store device 100, for example, in a pocket or a box.

[0176] In this regard, in one embodiment, the functional surface 108L is positioned within the volume defined by the housing 102 (and therefore by the edge 104L at the end 102L). The sensor 106L is therefore not projecting out of the housing 102. However, for certain sensors, particularly those requiring contact, such as a stethoscope, the functional surface 108L (for example, the diaphragm) may deviate by a maximum of 5 mm from the volume defined by the housing 102 along the principal direction X, or even by a maximum of 2 mm.

[0177] In one embodiment, the device 100 includes a second additional physiological sensor 106R at the second end 102R. This second physiological sensor 106R is defined similarly to the first additional physiological sensor 106L.

[0178] In one embodiment, illustrated in [Fig.1], the first additional physiological sensor 106L is an electronic stethoscope and the second additional physiological sensor 106R is a temperature sensor.

[0179] Alternatively, the first additional physiological sensor 106L is a temperature sensor and the second additional physiological sensor 106R is an electronic stethoscope. Variant of the device

[0180] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a device 1100. This embodiment is similar to device 100, except for a sensor physiological 106L, 106R which is not inscribed in a border as previously described.

[0181] In [Fig. 11], it is the first physiological sensor 1106L which is modified, but it could be the second physiological sensor 1106R.

[0182] In this embodiment, a physiological sensor 1106L includes a functional surface 1108L which is disposed on the front face 102F or the rear face 102R. In the illustrated example, the functional surface 1108L is positioned on the rear face 102R, on the side opposite the display 112 and the mechanical interface 114. In particular, this sensor 1106L is a stethoscope and the functional interface 1108L is a membrane.

[0183] However, the physiological sensor 1106L remains close to the end 1002L, with in particular "close to" meaning within half or a quarter of the length L of the device 1000.

[0184] The user can hold the housing 102 between the physical interface 114 and the second edge 104R to apply the membrane 1108L to the torso.

[0185] As described previously, [Fig. 12] illustrates another embodiment concerning the second electrode 1100R. This embodiment is not directly related to the stethoscope described previously.

[0186] Indeed, the second electrode 1100R can be positioned on all or part of the edge 104R of the end 102R. Thus, the contact is no longer made by the finger but by the palm of the hand, in a two-handed manipulation position.

[0187] The sensor can be made by a metallic deposit on the edge or by adding a metallic part.

[0188] As explained previously, the contact surface 402 here has a concave shape. In other words, the contact surface 402 has a convex shape towards the inside of the housing 102. This embodiment is not directly related to the stethoscope and the second electrode previously described. The device and its environment

[0189] The [Fig. 13] illustrates a diagram of the architecture of a device 100, 1300 (referenced 1300 in this figure) as described and of its environment.

[0190] The device 1300 includes a control unit 1302 with control circuitry 1304 comprising a processor 1306, a memory 1008 and an I / O interface 1310 (“In / Out” in English or “Entrée / Sortie” in French) for communicating with other components.

[0191] Memory 1308 stores programs, instructions, or other data enabling both navigation on device 1300 and the taking of measurements (including algorithms). Memory 1308 is specifically divided into volatile memory 214, of the RAM type, and non-volatile memory, of the flash (or ROM or SSD) type.

[0192] The control unit 1304 is configured to control the ECG module, the optical module, the force module, the pressure module, and / or the wave module. In particular, the control unit 1304 is configured to control the simultaneous measurement of an ECG, via the ECG module, and an optical measurement, via the optical module.

[0193] The control unit 1304 is arranged in particular on the main printed circuit board 802. The control unit 1304 can consist of several subunits, arranged on the main printed circuit board 802 and on the optical circuit 504. The device 1300 includes one or more sensors 1312 (all the sensors described above are schematically represented under a single reference 1312).

[0194] The control unit 1302 typically includes an interface module 1314 interfacing between the sensors 1312 and the I / O interface 1310 of the control circuitry 1304. The interface module 1314 includes, in particular, ADCs, filters, amplifiers, etc.

[0195] The device 1300 further includes the display 112, which communicates with the I / O interface 1310, and the physical interface 114 which communicates with the interface module 1314 for navigation in the menu of the display 112.

[0196] To supply the various components with electrical power, the device 1300 includes a battery 1320, for example a cell or a rechargeable battery. The battery 1320 is configured to power, in particular, the control unit 1304, the display 112, and the sensors 1312.

[0197] Finally, for connectivity, the device 1300 includes a wireless communication module 1322 (Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.), connected to the control circuitry 1302. The module 1322 enables communication, via a communication network 1324, with a mobile terminal 1326 (for example, a smartphone) and / or a remote server 1328. The physiological data thus acquired by the device 1300 can be stored, analyzed, and processed in the server 1328 and displayed by the mobile terminal 1326. The mobile terminal 1326 can also serve as a relay between the device 1300 and the server 1328 (for example, in the case of Bluetooth or BLE communication).

Claims

Demands

1. Device (100) comprising a housing (102) and an optical assembly, the optical assembly comprising: - an optical unit (116L) comprising an optical sensor, - a deformable printed circuit board (504), the optical unit (116L) being physically mounted and electronically connected to the printed circuit board (504), and - a force sensor (502) configured to determine information relating to the deformation of the printed circuit board (504), wherein the optical unit (116L) is movable relative to the housing (102) between a rest position and a displaced position, and wherein the deformable printed circuit board (504) is fixed at each of its ends to the housing (102).

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit (116L) comprises an interaction surface (604) configured to be in contact with a user and an optical sensor (906).

3. Device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the optical unit (116L) comprises a dome (902) which defines the interaction surface (604), the dome (902) being mounted on the printed circuit board (504) so ​​that the dome (902) takes the user's forces towards the printed circuit board (504).

4. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the force sensor (502) is a piezoelectric strain sensor.

5. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board (504) comprises a front face (608) and a rear face (610), the optical unit (116L) being mounted on the front face (608) and the force sensor (502) being mounted on the rear face (610).

6. Device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the force sensor (502) is mounted substantially opposite the optical unit (116L).

7. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electrode (110L) comprising a contact surface (402) configured to be in contact with a user, the optical unit (116L) being movable relative to the contact surface (402).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (102) has an elongated shape along an extension direction (X), wherein the printed circuit board (504) is fixed to the housing (102), at the two opposite ends (504a, 504b) along the extension direction (X).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly is according to claim 2, and wherein at least the interaction surface (604) of the optical unit (116L) protrudes out of the housing (102) in the rest position.

10. Device according to claim any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable printed circuit board (504) is fixed at each of its ends to the housing (102) by a clamp (506).

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