Device and method for penile tumescence monitoring

Abstract

Devices (10), systems, and methods for monitoring penis distension are disclosed. The device comprises a coil (3) positioned around the root of the penis. The coil (3) is composed of two cords, both ends of which are attached to each other. The cord is wound on a reel (1) having a centrally positioned spring (1a). The movement of the reel (1) and the rotation of the magnet (2) indicate the penis diameter and the strength of erection. And the magnetic rotary encoder (5) outputs the acquired digital data to the microprocessor (6). The data is preferably forwarded through a BLE communication module (7) to a mobile application installed on a smart device in communication with a remote computer.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480045241.X (22) Application Date 2024.04.22 (30) Priority Data 23185197.3 2023.07.13 EP (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.12.31 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / EP2024 / 060883 2024.04.22 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2025 / 011792 EN 2025.01.16 (71) Applicant: Adam Sensors Ltd. Address: United Kingdom (72) Inventors: M. Alexandru C. Constantines Vasilakos S. Alexandru S. Vasilios (74) Patent Agency: Beijing Zhucheng Law Firm 11313 Patent Attorneys: Zhang Fan, Wang Mo (51) Int.Cl. A61B 5 / 107 (2006.01) A61B 5 / 00 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: Apparatus and Method for Monitoring Penile Enlargement (57) Abstract: This application discloses an apparatus (10), a system, and a method for monitoring penile enlargement. The apparatus includes a coil (3) positioned around the base of the penis. The coil (3) consists of two cords attached to each other at their ends. The cords are wound on a reel (1) with a centrally positioned spring (1a). Movement of the reel (1) and rotation of the magnet (2) indicate the penile diameter and the strength of the erection. The magnetic rotary encoder (5) outputs the acquired digital data to the microprocessor (6). The data is preferably forwarded to a mobile application installed on a smart device that communicates with a remote computer via a BLE communication module (7).Claims 2 pages, Description 7 pages, Drawings 6 pages, CN 121487688 A 2026.02.06 CN 1 21 48 76 88 A 1. An apparatus (10) for obtaining penile circumference variation data during penile enlargement monitoring, comprising: a housing (11) including holes (15, 16, 17, 18) and a winding reel (1) disposed within the housing (11) and rotatably connected to the housing (11); a spring (1a) disposed in the winding reel (1) and operably connected to the winding reel (1) via one end (26) and operably connected to the housing via the opposite end (25); a magnet (2) centrally positioned on a disc (14) covering the winding reel (1). A printed circuit board 4 (PCB) is arranged in the housing (11) and includes a magnetic rotary encoder (5) and a microprocessor (6). The magnetic rotary encoder (5) is operatively arranged to measure the position of the rotation angle of the magnet (2) and output the measured data to the microprocessor (6) for processing the received data. The magnetic rotary encoder (5) is adjacent to and faces the magnet (2). The PCB (4) further includes a communication module (7) arranged for transmitting data. A coil (3) is formed by two wires (23, 24). The two cords (23, 24) are attached to each other at a fixed point (20) inside the winding reel (1) at one end of each cord, and both cords (23, 24) enter the outer base channel (1b) of the winding reel (1) and are partially wound around the outer base channel (1b) of the winding reel (1). The opposite ends of the cords (23, 24) extend through corresponding holes (15, 16, 17, 18) to the outside of the housing (11), and the cords (23, 24) are attached to each other outside the device (10) to form the coil (3). 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the PCB (4) further includes a memory module configured to store data received from the microprocessor (6). 3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (11) comprises a top (11b) and a bottom (11a), the top (11b) having a protrusion (22).4. The device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the spring (1a) is connected via one end (25) to a protrusion (22) centrally disposed on the inner side of the top (11b) of the housing (11), and the opposite end (26) of the spring (1a) passes through the base channel (1b) of the reel (1) and extends back to the inner side of the reel (1) via a reel hole (21). 5. The device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the protrusion (22) includes a slit (22a) connected to one end (25) of the spring (1a). 6. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic rotary encoder (5) is programmed with an algorithm, the algorithm being an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm. 7. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic rotary encoder (5) includes an integrated Hall sensor. 8. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) includes a power supply unit (80), the power supply unit (80) preferably including a battery (8a) and a micro USB port (8b). 9. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holes (15, 16, 17, 18) are arranged at the top (11b) of the housing (11), the holes (15, 16) being positioned on one side of the top (11b) of the housing (11) to provide passage for the cord (23), and the holes (17, 18) being positioned on the opposite side of the top (11b) of the housing (11) to provide passage for the cord (24). 10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the magnet (5) is preferably between 6 mm and 8 mm, and the height of the magnet is preferably ≥ 2.5 mm, the height being measured from the base of the magnet (2). 11. A system for obtaining penile circumference variation data, the system comprising the device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) is wirelessly connected to a cloud database for recording, storing, and analyzing the received data. 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the device (10) is wirelessly connected to a smart device for storing the data, the smart device being wirelessly connected to a cloud database for recording, storing, and analyzing the received data. 13. Use of the device (10) according to claims 1 to 10 and the system according to claim 11 for automatic penile enlargement monitoring.14. A method of using the apparatus (10) according to claims 1 to 10 and the system according to claim 11, the method comprising the steps of: - positioning the apparatus (10) at the base of the penis; - recording and measuring changes in the angular position of the magnet (2) by means of the magnetic encoder (5); - generating measurement data in digital format by means of the magnetic encoder (5); - transmitting the data from the magnetic encoder (5) to the microprocessor (6); - processing the digital data by the microprocessor (6) by calculating the elongation of the coil based on the degree of rotation of the magnet (2) and the diameter of the outer base channel (1b); - wirelessly transmitting the processed data from the microprocessor (6) to the memory module provided on the PCB of the apparatus (10) or wirelessly transmitting it to a smart device; - storing the processed data; - uploading the stored data to the cloud, such as a cloud database for storing and analyzing the data; - generating a report; - transmitting the generated report to the smart device; and - displaying the report on the smart device. Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 121487688 A Apparatus and Method for Monitoring Penile Erection Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of penile edema monitoring. In addition, the invention relates to the recording of penile rigidity and time intervals of rigidity during an edema event. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a portable wearable device for obtaining nocturnal penile edema data, a system including said device, and a method of using the same. Background Art

[0002] Monitoring of penile edema is known in the art. Devices such as the Rigi Scan Plus monitor are dynamic monitors and data recording devices for measuring and recording penile rigidity and edema. The device is connected via cable to a Windows PC (personal computer), which downloads and processes the data, stores it for viewing, and prints it out upon command. The dynamic monitor—Rigi Scan Plus—uses penile coils at the glans and base, which can be adjusted by slightly tightening at discrete time intervals, allowing for the measurement and recording of penile rigidity and edema. Each coil contains a cable that moves freely within a conduit. Each coil performs a measurement every 15 seconds. The coil is gently tightened with a linear force of 4 ounces (114 g) and then immediately released, allowing the tissue to rebound to its unloaded state, thus enabling a measurement of enlargement. After each enlargement measurement, it is compared to a previous measurement. When a 6 mm increase in enlargement is detected, representing possible erectile activity, the Rigi Scan Plus monitor begins measurements at 30-second intervals. While measuring enlargement, the coil is tightened again around the circumference of the penis with a linear force of 10 ounces (283.5 g).The Rigi Scan Plus monitor measures when this force is applied to record the cross-sectional response to radial compression, which allows for the measurement of stiffness.

[0003] Therefore, Rigi Scan uses two sensors connected to a PC via a cable. Due to its complexity, it requires calibration, extensive training for users, and interpretation of results by physicians. Furthermore, it requires users to spend the night in a supervised environment, such as a bedroom or hospital. Additionally, users may experience discomfort while wearing the device due to the application of two coils and the applied force.

[0004] Document US5782778 discloses an apparatus and method for detecting and monitoring sexual arousal in an individual. The apparatus includes physiological sensors for sensing physiological changes in an individual corresponding to sexual arousal. The generated sensor signals represent physiological changes. The described apparatus further includes a microprocessor coupled to the sensors for receiving the sensor signals, converting the sensor signals into control signals, and storing the control signals. The apparatus further includes a transmitter coupled to and responsive to the microprocessor for transmitting the stored control signals to the apparatus and for analyzing the control signals to monitor the individual's sexual arousal.

[0005] US4848361A relates to a penile rigidity and engorgement monitoring device, which includes a transducer device for providing an output signal indicating penile rigidity and engorgement. The disclosed device further includes a control device for providing control over the transducer device to acquire and store penile rigidity and engorgement data. The transducer device includes an interchangeable coil-like portion adapted to releasably surround the circumference of the penis.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a simple, easy-to-use, and user-friendly automatic method for monitoring and recording data indicating penile engorgement and rigidity. The data can be further used to obtain penile health parameters, which can be performed by the user and does not require the presence of a doctor.

[0007] The system according to the invention operates via wireless, i.e., cableless communication between the components of the system.

[0008] The above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art are solved by the device according to the invention, i.e., by a wearable and non-intrusive device for measuring and monitoring nocturnal penile engorgement under home conditions, without the need to perform the measurement in a supervised environment.

[0009] The device according to the invention includes a housing comprising a reel having two wound cords and a coil formed by the two cords, the cords extending from the housing and attached to each other outside the housing. One end of each cord is fixed in an outer base channel of the reel. Further, both cords are partially wound on the outer base channel of the reel. Opposite ends of each of the two cords extend to the outside of the housing, and these two ends of the two cords are connected outside the device to form a coil to be placed on the base of the penis.

[0010] A system for obtaining penile circumference variation data includes the aforementioned device, wherein the device is wirelessly connected to a smart device, which is further wirelessly connected to a remote computer. The system and device according to the invention are used for collecting penile health data and for penile health monitoring.

[0011] When the user is asleep, the wearable device continuously monitors changes in penile diameter, i.e., penile engorgement. The winding reel has a spring attached to the winding reel and a magnet disposed on a disc arranged on top of the winding reel, the movement (i.e., rotation) of the winding reel indicating penile diameter. The intensity of the erection corresponds to a change in the angular position of the magnet detected by a magnetic encoder. The magnetic encoder further converts analog data into digital form and outputs the digital data to a microprocessor (CPU). The magnetic encoder may be of type AS5048A / AS5048B. The CPU calculates the elongation of the coil based on the received digital data. The calculated data is forwarded from the CPU to a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, i.e., a communication module that wirelessly transmits data to a mobile application installed on a remote BLE-enabled smart device. Optionally, a memory module can be provided on the printed circuit board of the device to store values ​​obtained directly from the CPU, which are further sent via a Bluetooth module to an application installed on the smart device for storage in the smart device's memory. Further, data is downloaded and sent from the mobile application to the cloud (such as a cloud database) for storage, analysis, and calculation of various parameters. Further, the analyzed data is sent to the smart device application for display on the smart device in the form of a report. This report may include the following data: the start and end times of the measurement, the total measurement time, the date of the measurement, and a measurement graph, wherein the graph is a simple cm / time graph showing the change in penile circumference during the measurement time. Additionally, the report may include supplementary data such as the number of effective erection events, total erection time, T-score, and additional penile health parameters. The T-score represents the sum of all measurements exceeding the erection threshold of the baseline measurement.

[0012] When the user wakes up, the measurement should end on the smart device application, the acquired data should be sent to a remote computer, and the device can then be removed.

[0013] Unlike the dynamic monitors disclosed in the prior art, which use two penile coils, namely a glans-end and a base penile coil, which are adjusted by slightly tightening at discrete time intervals to measure and record penile rigidity and enlargement, wherein the coils are gently tightened and then immediately released and the tissue rebounds to its unloaded state, the wearable device according to this application only needs to be placed on the base of the penis under home conditions just before falling asleep in order to obtain information related to enlargement. Changes in penile circumference initiate the elongation of the coils, which causes the winding reel to rotate, and thereby causes a change in the angular position of the magnet.

[0014] Therefore, no doctor's intervention is required.Moreover, no training device is required for the user. The acquired data is automatically analyzed and reported to the user. Data extraction is entirely digital, with wireless communication between the components of the system.

[0015] Furthermore, due to its simplicity and small size, achieved in a miniaturized, one-size-fits-all manner, the user simply places the coil-like device around the penis before going to bed. It is non-intrusive, and after wearing it for a few minutes, the user can barely feel its presence. Therefore, the user's sleep is not affected. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the bottom of the housing.

[0017] Figure 2 shows an internal view of the top of the housing.

[0018] Figure 3 shows an external view of the top of the recessed housing.

[0019] Figure 4 shows a top view of the winding reel.

[0020] Figure 5 shows a side view of the winding reel.

[0021] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of the monitoring system.

[0022] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of the wearable device, i.e., a cross-sectional view.

[0023] Figure 8 shows an internal view of the top and bottom of the housing of the device.

[0024] Figure 9 shows an external view of the top of the housing, which shows the recess and the elongated coil of the cord, with a cover strip covering the attachment point.

[0025] Figure 10 shows an external view of the top of the housing, which shows the recess and the coil of the cord, with a cover strip covering the attachment point. Detailed Description

[0026] A device 10 for measuring and monitoring penile enlargement is shown in Figures 1 through 9. The device 10 according to this application is coiled and can be worn by a user at the base of the penis, preferably just before bedtime. The device 10 is small, compact, and completely unobtrusive in order to provide comfort during use. The overall dimensions of the housing 11 are 32.2 x 25.5 x 31.6 mm. The housing material is preferably selected from biocompatible materials having properties similar to those used in dental care. Preferably, the housing material may be nylon PA2200.

[0027] The device 10 includes a compact and ergonomic housing 11 having a top 11b and a bottom 11a. The device 10 further includes a reel 1 within the housing 11, the reel 1 having a spring 1a positioned at the center of the reel 1. One end 25 of the spring 1a is connected to the inside of the top 11b of the housing 11. This end 25 of the spring 1a is connected to a protrusion 22, preferably to a slit 22a of the protrusion 22, which is centrally located on the inside of the top 11b of the housing 11. The opposite end 26 of the spring 1a passes through a base channel 1b of the reel 1 and protrudes back to the inside of the reel 1 via a reel hole 21, thereby stabilizing the spring to the reel 1. The device 10 further includes a magnet 2 centrally attached to a reel 14, the reel 14 covering the top side 1c of the reel.The device 10 according to the invention further includes a printed circuit board 4 (PCB), a microprocessor 6 (CPU), and a communication module 7 (such as a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module). The PCB 4 has a magnetic rotary encoder 5 disposed on the PCB. Furthermore, the device 10 includes a coil 3 formed by two cords 23 and 24. The two cords 23 and 24 are fixed at one end to a fixing point 20 of a winding reel 1, and the two cords are partially wound around the outer base channel 1b of the winding reel 1. The opposite ends of each cord extend to the outside of the top 11b of the housing 11, and these two ends are attached to each other outside the device 10 to form the coil 3.

[0028] The bottom 11a of the housing 11 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 4. The PCB can be of different shapes, for example, it can be elliptical, square, or circular. The PCB is preferably circular with a diameter of 2.5 cm and has double-sided components, i.e., bottom side 4b and top side 4a components. When the two parts (11a, 11b) of the housing 11 are assembled together, the magnetic rotary encoder 5 is positioned on the top side 4a of the printed circuit board 4, adjacent to and facing the magnet 2. The magnetic rotary encoder 5 is an application-specific integrated circuit (IC) arranged to measure the position of the rotation angle of the magnet 2, i.e., the angular position of the magnet 2. Furthermore, the IC contains an integrated Hall sensor and is placed at the center of the PCB. The IC is programmed using algorithms for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. Based on these algorithms, the IC is arranged to provide precise, high-resolution absolute angular position information in digital format to a microprocessor 6 (CPU) placed on the bottom side 4b of the printed circuit board 4. The microprocessor 6 and a communication module 7 (such as a Bluetooth Low Energy communication module) are arranged on the bottom side 4b of the printed circuit board 4. Additionally, the device 10 has a power supply unit 8, which may include a battery 8a and a micro USB port 8b. The device 10 further includes an on / off switch 12.

[0029] The top 11b of the housing 11 has a recess 13 in the middle of its outer surface (i.e., the surface in contact with the penis) (see Figures 3 and 9). This recess 13 ensures comfortable use when the device 10 is in contact with the user's penis. As previously described, the top 11b of the housing 11 receives a winding reel 1, which is rotatably attached to a protrusion 22 of the housing 11.

[0030] The top 11b of the housing 11 is further provided with holes 15, 17, 18 (Figure 2) and 16 (Figure 3). Holes 15, 16, 17, and 18 are arranged to provide passageways for cords 23 and 24, which exit from the housing 11 and attach to the outside of the housing 11 to form coils 3.Holes 15 and 16 are located on one side of the top 11b of the housing 11, providing passage for the cord 23, and holes 17 and 18 are located on the opposite side of the top 11b of the housing 11, providing passage for the cord 24 (Fig. 2).

[0031] Each of the two cords is secured at fixation point 20 in the outer base channel 1b of the winding reel 1. Both cords are at least partially wound around the outer base channel 1b of the winding reel 1. One cord 23 passes through holes 15 and 16, and the other cord 24 passes through holes 17 and 18, and both cords reach the outside of the top 11b of the housing 11. The cords are attached to their ends on the outside of the housing 11 and are at least partially covered by a covering strip 27 (preferably a silicone tube) to form a coil 3, which will be placed around the penis.

[0032] The cords 23 and 24, and the finally formed coil 3, can have different shapes. The cords 23 and 24 and the resulting coils 3 are preferably tubular and made of a soft material (preferably silicon).

[0033] The two cords 23, 24 are attached to each other at a fixed point 20, for example by knotting. Further, the opposite ends of each cord 23, 24 are partially wound around the reel 1 and then extend to the outside of the top 11b.

[0034] The reel hole 21 (FIG. 4) on the reel 1 can be of different shapes. Preferably, the reel hole 21 is elliptical in shape to stabilize the spring 1a, i.e., the opposite end 26 of the spring 1a, which is opposite to the end 25 of the spring 1a. The term "stabilized" means that the opposite end 26 of the spring 1a rotates together with the reel 1 (it is pulled by the reel), and therefore has no degree of freedom of movement when the reel 1 is not moving.

[0035] The reel 1 of the device 10 has two sides: a top side 1c and a bottom side 1d. The top side 1c of the reel 1 faces the top side 4a of the printed circuit board 4. The top side 1c of the reel 1 has a disc 14 attached thereto, with the magnet 2 centrally positioned on the disc 14, facing the magnetic rotary encoder 5. The diameter of the magnet is preferably between 6 mm and 8 mm, and the height of the magnet is preferably ≥ 2.5 mm, which is measured from the base of the magnet 2.

[0036] Figure 9 shows the top 11b of the housing 11, which shows the recess 13 and the coil 3 of the cords 23 and 24. In this figure, a cover strip 27 is also shown. The cover strip 27 covers the attachment points of the cords 23 and 24, i.e., the points where the two cords are attached, in order to form the coil 3. The cover strip 27 is made of a protective soft material, which protects the soft external tissue of the penis from damage that can be caused by the attachment points of the two cords 23 and 24. The cover strip 27 preferably covers at least the attachment points of the two cords 23 and 24, i.e., only partially covers the coil 3.

[0037] The operation of the device 10 is described below. In order to provide enlargement monitoring, a coil 3 formed by two ropes 23, 24 extending from the housing 11 should be placed around the penis, surrounding the base of the penis.During nocturnal erection, the penile diameter changes, causing the coil 3 formed by two cords 23, 24 extending from the housing 11 to lengthen or shorten. Inside the housing 11, these two cords 23, 24 are partially wound around the outer base channel 1b of the reel 1.

[0038] During penile engorgement, the coil 3 lengthens, that is, the two cords 23, 24 lengthen outside the housing 11, thereby causing the reel 1 to rotate. The cords 23, 24 are wound around the reel 1 in the same direction. During the lengthening of the coil 3, the cords 23, 24 unwind from the outer base channel 1b, and the reel 1 rotates in one direction, while during the retraction of the coil 3, the cords 23, 24 are wound around the outer base channel 1b, and the reel 1 rotates in the opposite direction.

[0039] The rotation of the reel 1 simultaneously causes the reel 14 to rotate, and thus causes the magnet 2 to rotate. As previously described, the magnet 2 is attached to and centrally positioned on the reel 14, which is further attached to the top side 1c of the reel 1. The alternating magnetic field is monitored by a magnetic rotary encoder 5, which is placed on the top side 4a of the printed circuit board 4, adjacent to and facing the magnet 2. The magnetic rotary encoder 5 outputs the corresponding alternating magnetic field data to a microprocessor 6 placed on the bottom side 4b of the printed circuit board 4. The data indicates the time and value of the coil elongation. The received data is then processed by the microprocessor 6, and the elongation of the coil 3 is calculated using an algorithm implemented in the firmware of the microprocessor 6 (i.e., based on the degree of rotation of the magnet 2 and the diameter of the outer base channel 1b). Thus, the device 10 provides information reflecting the change in the circumference of the penis per second in real time.

[0040] To begin monitoring the change in the circumference of the penis, the user should elongate the coil 3 and place the housing 11 together with the coil 3 on the base of the penis, surrounding the base of the penis. The coil 3 surrounds the penis and engages with the spring-loaded reel 1 to hold the device 10 in place.

[0041] Optionally, the device may have a cap to further protect the penis and hold the device 10 in one position.

[0042] The data collected by the device 10 reflects the value of the penis diameter when in a flaccid state and when in an erect state, whereby the value of the diameter further corresponds to the erection strength during an erection. In one aspect, the communication module 7 continuously communicates with the smart device to transmit data processed by the microprocessor 6. That is, data is transmitted per second via the communication module 7 (such as a Bluetooth Low Energy communication module) to the user's smart device (i.e., a smartphone). The smart device contains an application that acquires data from the device 10. The acquired data is stored locally in the memory of the smart device.

[0043] Upon completion of monitoring of changes in penile circumference, the application installed on the smart device uploads all recorded data to a remote computer, such as a cloud database, where the data is analyzed by algorithms.A remote computer can store, calculate, and analyze various parameters and generate various reports to be provided to the user.

[0044] On the other hand, the acquired data is locally stored by a memory module provided in the PCB of the device 10.

[0045] When monitoring changes in penile circumference is completed, the recorded data is uploaded to a cloud database, preferably to a remote computer, where the data is analyzed by an algorithm. The remote computer can store, calculate, and analyze various parameters and generate various reports to be provided to the user.

[0046] The device 10 according to the invention can be used to obtain data on changes in penile circumference. The application method of the device 10 and system includes the following steps:

[0047] – Positioning the device 10 according to the invention at the base of the penis;

[0048] – Detecting and measuring the change in the angular position of the magnet 2 by means of the magnetic encoder 5;

[0049] – Generating measurement data in digital format by means of the magnetic encoder 5;

[0050] – Transmitting the measurement data in digital format from the magnetic encoder 5 to the microprocessor 6;

[0051] – Processing the received data by the microprocessor 6 by calculating the elongation of the coil based on the degree of rotation of the magnet 2 and the diameter of the outer base channel 1b;

[0052] – Wirelessly transmitting the processed data from the microprocessor 6 to a memory module provided on the PCB of the device 10 or wirelessly transmitting it to a smart device;

[0053] – Storing the processed data;

[0054] – Uploading the stored data to the cloud, such as a cloud database, for storage, analysis and calculation of various parameters; Specification 5 / 7 pages 8 CN 121487688 A

[0055] – Generating a report;

[0056] - The generated report is transmitted to the smart device, and

[0057] - The report is displayed on the smart device.

[0058] The device 10 should be placed at the base of the penis, powered on, and connected to the smart device via BLE. The magnetic encoder 5 should measure the change in the angular position of the magnet 2 and generate measurement data in digital format. The digital data should be transmitted from the magnetic encoder 5 to the microprocessor 6, and the data received by the microprocessor 6 should be processed, and the elongation of the coil should be calculated based on the degree of rotation of the magnet 2 and the diameter of the outer base channel 1b. The data can be further stored directly from the CPU in a memory module disposed on the PCB. The calculated data should be wirelessly transmitted from the microprocessor 6 to the smart device, such as a smartphone, and the acquired data should be stored in the memory of the smart device. The stored data should be transmitted to a remote computer for storing, analyzing, and calculating various parameters. The various parameters should be transmitted from the remote computer to the smart device and represented in the form of a report sent to the user.

[0059] Preferably, one sample is acquired per second, that is, 28,800 samples can be acquired during the 8-hour sleep period.Preferably, the first 5 minutes (300 samples) of measurements of the angle position change of the magnet 2 by the magnetic encoder 5 are discarded to avoid coil elongation adjustment errors caused by the user during device positioning.

[0060] The measured minimum and maximum swelling levels are used to determine the erection threshold.

[0061] If the change value of the angle position of the magnet 2 is higher than the erection threshold and persists during a specific time period (which is the first time period, i.e., a valid erection event), a valid erection event is detected. In particular, if the change value of the angle position of the magnet 2 is lower than the erection threshold once or more (depending on the length of the first erection time) during the first time period, which may last for, for example, 5 minutes, and such a value persists for a predetermined time period (i.e., a second time period, for example, 1 minute during the 5-minute-long first time period), the second time period will be omitted from the data analysis. Otherwise, if the change value of the angle position of the magnet 2 falls below the erection threshold for a longer period than the predetermined time period, for example, longer than 1 minute, preferably 2 to 3 minutes, during the first time period, the second time period should not be omitted from the data analysis and should be considered as the end of the first erection event.

[0062] During a night's sleep, most healthy men experience 3 to 5 erectile events. It is important to maintain a healthy erectile mechanism to provide highly oxygenated blood to the erectile tissue. Conversely, impaired nocturnal erections reduce tissue oxygenation and increase penile fibrosis (the formation of scar tissue in the penis), which leads to further deterioration of nocturnal erections. This can lead to progressive erectile dysfunction (ED).

[0063] The device 10 according to this application enables the tracking of an additional marker for erectile health, namely, the total duration of all recorded erectile events. Most men experience a total erection time of at least 45 minutes after a night's sleep (i.e., 7 to 8 hours). The total duration of erection is related to penile condition. Therefore, the device 10 enables the monitoring of the total erection time during a night's sleep.

[0064] This score is used to assess the overall quality of nocturnal erections during the measurement period. Everyone will have a different initial score, so there is no normal range. However, an increase in total erection time will indicate that nocturnal erections are improving. Total erection time is measured as the sum of all measurements exceeding an erection threshold.

[0065] Therefore, this application discloses a monitoring system comprising a device wirelessly connected to a smart device, wherein the smart device is wirelessly connected to a remote computer. The smart device is configured to receive data from the device via BLE, and to perform recording, storage, and transmission of measurement data to the remote computer, and further display a report obtained from the remote computer. The remote computer is configured to store and analyze the received data and calculate penile health parameters.

[0066] Using parameters to measure and track nocturnal erections can determine whether a user has erectile dysfunction or erectile dysfunction-like symptoms or psychological problems. (Instruction manual page 6 / 7 9 CN 121487688 A)

[0067] Reference Numerals

[0068] 1 Reel

[0069] 1a Spring

[0070] 1b Outer Base Channel

[0071] 1c Top Side of Reel

[0072] 1d Bottom Side of Reel

[0073] 2 Magnet

[0074] 3 Coil

[0075] 4 PCB (Printed Circuit Board)

[0076] 4a Top Side of PCB

[0077] 4b Bottom Side of PCB

[0078] 5 Magnetic Rotary Encoder

[0079] 6 Microprocessor (CPU)

[0080] 7 Communication Module (Bluetooth Low Energy Communication Module (BLE))

[0081] 8 Power Supply Unit

[0082] 8a Battery

[0083] 8b Micro USB Charging Port

[0084] 10 Device

[0085] 11 Housing

[0086] 11a Bottom of housing 11

[0087] 11b Top of housing 11

[0088] 12 Start / Stop switch

[0089] 13 Recess

[0090] 14 Disc with magnet

[0091] 15, 16 Holes on one side of the top of housing

[0092] 17, 18 Holes on opposite sides of the top of housing

[0093] 20 Fixing point

[0094] 21 Reel hole

[0095] 22 Protrusion

[0096] 22a Slit

[0097] 23, 24 Rope

[0098] 25, 26 End of spring

[0099] 27 Covering tape Instruction manual 7 / 7 page 10 CN 121487688 A Figure 1 Figure 2 Instruction manual drawings 1 / 6 page 11 CN 121487688 A Figure 3 Figure 4 Appendix to the Instruction Manual, Page 2 / 6 12 CN 121487688 A Figure 5 Figure 6 Appendix to the Instruction Manual, Page 3 / 6 13 CN 121487688 A Figure 7 Appendix to the Instruction Manual, Page 4 / 6 14 CN 121487688 A Figure 8 Appendix to the Instruction Manual, Page 5 / 6 15 CN 121487688 A Figure 9 Figure 10 Appendix to the Instruction Manual, Page 6 / 6 16 CN 121487688 A.

Claims

1. A device (10) for obtaining penile circumference change data during penile enlargement monitoring, comprising: A housing (11) includes holes (15, 16, 17, 18) and a reel (1) arranged inside the housing (11) and rotatably connected to the housing (11). A spring (1a) is arranged in the reel (1) and operably connected to the reel (1) via one end (26) and operably connected to the housing via the opposite end (25). A magnet (2) is centrally positioned on a disc (14) which covers the reel (1). A printed circuit board 4 (PCB) is disposed in the housing (11) and includes a magnetic rotary encoder (5) and a microprocessor (6). The magnetic rotary encoder (5) is operatively arranged to measure the position of the rotation angle of the magnet (2) and output the measured data to the microprocessor (6) for processing the received data. The magnetic rotary encoder (5) is adjacent to and faces the magnet (2). The PCB (4) further includes a communication module (7) arranged for transmitting data. Coil (3), which is formed by two ropes (23, 24), The two ropes (23, 24) are attached to each other at a fixed point (20) inside the winding wheel (1) at one end of each rope. Both ropes (23, 24) enter the outer base channel (1b) of the winding wheel (1) and are partially wound around the outer base channel (1b) of the winding wheel (1). The opposite ends of the ropes (23, 24) extend through the corresponding holes (15, 16, 17, 18) to the outside of the housing (11). The ropes (23, 24) are attached to each other outside the device (10) to form the coil (3).

2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The PCB (4) further includes a memory module configured to store data received from the microprocessor (6).

3. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing (11) includes a top (11b) and a bottom (11a), the top (11b) having a protrusion (22).

4. The apparatus (10) according to claim 3, wherein, The spring (1a) is connected by one end (25) to a protrusion (22) centrally located on the inside of the top (11b) of the housing (11), and the opposite end (26) of the spring (1a) passes through the base channel (1b) of the reel (1) and extends back to the inside of the reel (1) via the reel hole (21).

5. The apparatus (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The protrusion (22) includes a slit (22a) connected to one end (25) of the spring (1a).

6. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The magnetic rotary encoder (5) is programmed with an algorithm, which is an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm.

7. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The magnetic rotary encoder (5) includes an integrated Hall sensor.

8. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device (10) includes a power supply unit (80), which preferably includes a battery (8a) and a micro USB port (8b).

9. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The holes (15, 16, 17, 18) are arranged at the top (11b) of the housing (11), the holes (15, 16) are positioned on one side of the top (11b) of the housing (11) to provide passage for the rope (23), and the holes (17, 18) are positioned on the opposite side of the top (11b) of the housing (11) to provide passage for the rope (24).

10. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The diameter of the magnet (5) is preferably between 6 mm and 8 mm, and the height of the magnet is preferably ≥ 2.5 mm, the height being measured from the base of the magnet (2).

11. A system for obtaining data on changes in penile circumference, the system comprising the means (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device (10) is wirelessly connected to a cloud database for recording, storing and analyzing the received data.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The device (10) is wirelessly connected to a smart device for storing the data, and the smart device is wirelessly connected to a cloud database for recording, storing and analyzing the received data.

13. Use of the device (10) according to claims 1 to 10 and the system according to claim 11 for automatic penile enlargement monitoring.

14. A method of using the apparatus (10) according to claims 1 to 10 and the system according to claim 11, the method comprising the steps of: - Position the device (10) at the base of the penis; - The magnetic encoder (5) records and measures the changes in the angular position of the magnet (2); - The magnetic encoder (5) generates measurement data in digital format; - Transmit data from the magnetic encoder (5) to the microprocessor (6); - The microprocessor (6) processes digital data by calculating the elongation of the coil based on the degree of rotation of the magnet (2) and the diameter of the outer base channel (1b); - The processed data is wirelessly transmitted from the microprocessor (6) to the memory module provided on the PCB of the device (10) or wirelessly transmitted to the smart device; - Store the processed data; - Upload the stored data to the cloud, such as a cloud database used to store and analyze the data; - Generate a report; - Transmit the generated report to the smart device, and - The report is displayed on the smart device.

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