Human body growth measuring device

Abstract

A human growth measuring device (101, 201, 501) for measuring the body dimensions of an infant is provided. The device comprises a base (103, 203, 503) and a digital scale assembly (105, 205, 505) attached to the base and configured to measure the weight of the infant. A digital height measuring assembly (107, 207, 507) is attached to the base and configured to measure the height of the infant. A head circumference measuring assembly (109, 209, 509) is attached to the base and includes an array of distance sensors (111, 211, 511) mounted on a support (113, 213, 513) configured to position the array of distance sensors at a selected distance from the infant's head in use to non-invasively measure head circumference. The device may also be used to determine body composition and gestational age.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to South African provisional patent application number 2021 / 09135, filed on November 17, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a human body growth measuring device, and more particularly to a human body growth measuring device for obtaining human body measurements such as weight, height, head circumference, etc. of a human, particularly an infant, in a minimally invasive manner. [Background technology]

[0003] Anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, head circumference, and leg length of newborns, including preterm infants, are often not accurately measured or recorded correctly in patient folders. Infants being cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may not be measured by medical personnel because they are connected to medical equipment such as nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) machines. Effective growth monitoring and nutritional and clinical prescriptions require accurate anthropometric measurements to properly assess, treat, and manage preterm, sick, or otherwise vulnerable infants, thereby improving their quality of life and reducing hospital stays.

[0004] Existing infant measuring devices can be difficult to use as they require multiple nursing staff to measure and handle the infant. Many devices measure only one or two anthropometric measurements at a time, which can make the measurement procedure complicated and time-consuming. Some devices are invasive, requiring many manipulations of premature or vulnerable infants, or may require the infant to be removed from an open or closed incubator, increasing the risk of infection for the infant.

[0005] Most preterm or newborn infants with respiratory distress require nCPAP therapy for at least several days after birth. The nCPAP fixation devices or masks used to deliver therapy limit access to the infant's head, which can result in missed or inaccurate head circumference measurements.

[0006] Specialized and expensive equipment to obtain anthropometric measurements during critical early stages of treatment may not be available in resource-limited settings. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an anthropometric device and system that alleviates at least some of the above problems.

[0008] The foregoing description of the background of the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be noted that this discussion is not intended as an admission or acknowledgement that any of the referenced material was part of the common general knowledge in the art as of the priority date of the application. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a body growth measuring apparatus for measuring body dimensions of an infant, the apparatus comprising: With the base, a digital scale assembly attached to the base and configured to measure the weight of the infant; a digital height measurement assembly attached to the base and configured to measure the height of the infant; a head circumference measuring assembly attached to a base, the head circumference measuring assembly including an array of distance sensors mounted on a support configured to position the array of distance sensors at a selected distance from the infant's head in use to non-invasively measure the infant's head circumference; It is equipped with:

[0010] The support may extend partially around a circumference of the infant's head in use.The distance sensor may be a light emitting diode (LED) time-of-flight sensor.

[0011] The support for the array of distance sensors may be movable between a stowed state in which it is at least partially contained within a complementary receiving structure defined in the base and an actuated state in which it is operatively positioned above the infant's head in use and extends laterally from the base to surround at least a portion of the infant's head. The support may include at least one curved arm and the distance sensors circumferentially spaced along the curved arm. The support may be pivotally attached to the base such that it is foldable relative to the base.

[0012] The digital height measurement assembly includes a reference board mounted on or near a base and extending laterally from the base in use, and a distance sensor provided at or near an opposite end of the base relative to the reference board, the distance sensor configured to measure a distance between the infant or a target placed next to the infant and the distance sensor when the infant is placed on the reference board, and is used to calculate the infant's height.

[0013] The digital height measurement assembly may be movable between a stored state in which the digital height measurement assembly is folded into or against the base and an operational state in which the assembly extends laterally from the base and is positioned to measure the height of an infant in use. The reference board and distance sensor of the digital height measurement assembly may be pivotally mounted to the base such that they are movable between the stored state and the operational state. The base may have a recess defined therein and configured to receive the reference board and distance sensor in the stored state. The distance sensor may be an LED time-of-flight sensor.

[0014] The digital scale assembly may include a flat weighing platform on which the infant is placed for weight measurement using a weight sensor on the platform.

[0015] The human growth measuring device may further include a digital foot length measuring assembly.

[0016] The body growth measuring device may include a processing module in communication with at least the digital weight, height, and head circumference measuring assemblies to receive signals from the respective assemblies and process the signals to determine the weight, height, and head circumference of the infant. The body growth measuring device may include a display module on the base in communication with the processing module and configured to display the measured weight, height, and head circumference of the infant in use. In some embodiments, the display module may be a touch screen. The processing module may be configured to transmit the weight, height, and head circumference measurements to a processing module of an external computing device for further processing.

[0017] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a human growth measuring device for measuring an infant in an operational state. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an operational state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an operational state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the head circumference measuring assembly of the embodiment of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the head circumference measuring assembly of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the head circumference measuring assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing an exploded window view of the distance sensor module and the ball bearings and magnets at the end of the rotating shaft. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a human growth measuring device for measuring an infant in an operational state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 in an operational state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 in an operational state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 in an actuated state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram of a curved support on which distance sensors are placed for measuring and calculating head circumference. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a rectangular support on which distance sensors are arranged for measuring and calculating head circumference. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of a human growth measuring device for measuring an infant in an operational state. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 in a stored position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 being used to measure weight on an errand. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 in operation being used to measure an infant's weight, height and head circumference. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 being used with targets placed on an infant's feet to measure the infant's height. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] A multi-parameter human growth measuring apparatus or device is provided for measuring the human body dimensions of children, particularly infants. The measuring apparatus is minimally invasive and can be used with prematurely born and other vulnerable infants and children, particularly in resource-limited hospital environments. The multi-functional apparatus takes key measurements, including at least the infant's weight, height, and head circumference, that are fundamental in monitoring the growth and development of the infant. The multi-functional apparatus may also include gestational age measurement means to further track the infant's growth trends and patterns. Most, and preferably all, of the measurements are taken electronically or digitally, which further allows for automatic and accurate recording of the measurements. Proper daily and / or weekly measurement of these growth parameters while the infant is in hospital care allows for correct clinical and nutritional prescriptions to be given, improving the infant's condition and reducing hospital stays. Thus, the apparatus optimizes the monitoring and care of the infant.

[0020] A first embodiment of a human growth measuring device (101) for weighing an infant is shown in Figures 1 to 6. The device (101) comprises a base (103) having attached thereto a digital scale assembly (105) configured to weigh the infant. The digital scale assembly includes a flat, rigid weighing platform (117) on which, in use, the infant is placed to be weighed, and a digital weight sensor is connected to the weighing platform.

[0021] Also mounted on the base (103) is a digital height measurement assembly (107) configured to measure the height of the infant. In this embodiment, the digital height measurement assembly (107) has a distance sensor (129) mounted on the base (103) near a first end (131) of the base (103). The distance sensor (129) is positioned to measure the distance from the sensor to the infant when the infant is positioned against a reference board (125) on the weighing platform (117). The reference board (125) extends laterally or approximately vertically from near an opposite end (127) of the base (103) to the end (131) where the distance sensor (129) is located. It will be appreciated that for measuring height, the infant may be placed on the device with either the head or feet in contact with the reference board. Preferably, the head or top of the head is positioned against the reference board (125) such that the head is adjacent to a head circumference measurement assembly, which will be described in more detail below. Distance measurements obtained using the distance sensor (129) are used to calculate the height of the infant by subtracting the distance of the infant's head or feet from the sensor from a fixed distance between the distance sensor (129) and the reference board (125). In this embodiment, the distance sensor (129) is a light emitting diode (LED) time-of-flight sensor.

[0022] The distance sensor (129) and the reference board (125) are pivotally connected to the base (103) such that they are movable or pivotable between an activated state and a non-activated state. In the activated state, the sensor (129) and the reference board (125) extend laterally from the base and are positioned in a suitable position for measuring the height of an infant using the device. In the stored state, the distance sensor (129) and the reference board (125) are folded relative to the base (103) and received within complementary receiving structures defined therein. The distance sensor (129) rotates until it is received within a distance sensor recess (118) defined therein so as to be flush with the base (103). The reference board (125) is hinged to the base and is flush with the activated top surface (124) of the base when folded within a complementary recess (122) defined therein. The reference board (125) is held in place in the inactive or stowed state via fasteners, such as clips (132) or magnets, mounted on the base (103).

[0023] The head circumference measuring assembly (109) is mounted to the base (103) and includes a head circumference measuring means or device configured to measure the head circumference of the infant in a non-contact manner. The head circumference measuring means is provided on a support (113) configured to position the head circumference measuring means at a selected distance from the infant's head to non-invasively measure the head circumference. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6, the support (113) has two curved arms (145) and the head circumference measuring means is a plurality of distance sensors (111) attached to the arms (145). Four distance sensors (111) are equally spaced circumferentially along each curved arm (145) and are housed within an internal cavity or chamber (147) defined within each curved arm (145), as shown most clearly in Figure 6. The curved arms (145) include a light-transmitting transparent window (149) for a sensor module attached thereto to ensure the passage of light for distance measurement by the distance sensors (111).

[0024] The distance sensor (111) may be an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a light emitting diode (LED) time-of-flight sensor, or a laser sensor. The distance sensor (111) in the embodiment of the device (101) shown in Figures 1-6 is an LED time-of-flight sensor, which is relatively small, has high accuracy, and has a short measurement time. It has been found that having at least eight distance sensors in a curved sensor array provides adequate accuracy in head circumference measurements with a minimal amount of interference between sensors.

[0025] The support (113) for the distance sensor (111) is movable between a stowed state in which it is at least partially housed in a complementary receiving structure (151) defined in the base (103) and an operational state in which it extends laterally from the base (103) in a curved or arched manner above and partially around the operational surface of the baby's head when in use. In the embodiment of Figures 1-6, the receiving structure (151) is a shoulder defined on the outer edge of the base (103) and the height of the shoulder corresponds to the width of the support (113) such that when the support (113) is folded against the shoulder in the stowed state it is flush with the operational upper surface of the base (103). As shown more clearly in Figures 4-6, the curved arm (145) is pivotally connected to the base (103) via a rotating shaft (153) that passes through the base when assembled to the base, the arm being attached to the shaft (153) via a ball bearing (155). The rotating shaft (153) is supported in communication with the base (103) to ensure that both arms pivot at the same angle relative to the base to switch between their activated and retracted states. The support (113) may include a reversible locking structure or stabilizing means (157), which in this embodiment includes a magnet (159) on the shaft (153) that is configured to lock or stabilize the arms (145) in their activated and retracted (non-activated) states, respectively.

[0026] Because the support (113) and distance sensor (111) do not contact the infant during measurement and are moved to the measurement position without contacting the infant, the assembly is minimally invasive and allows measurements of the infant's head circumference to be taken even while the infant is receiving ongoing intensive care with medical equipment. The non-contact sensor assembly allows a medical professional or clinician to measure an infant's head circumference without removing, for example, nCPAP ventilation.

[0027] The height and head circumference measurement assembly is collapsible, allowing the device to be nearly flat for easy sliding under an infant and for more compact storage when not in use.

[0028] The weight sensors of the digital scale assembly (105) and the distance sensors (211, 229) of the height and head circumference measurement assemblies (107, 109) may be configured to communicate with an on-board processing module in the base (103) or a processing module of an external computer that receives and processes the weight, height and head circumference signals from the weight and distance sensors. The on-board processing module may be in communication with a display module (137) mounted on the base configured to display at least the weight, height and head circumference measurements. The infant's weight, height and head circumference measurement data may be transmitted, preferably wirelessly, to an external computer or mobile device installed with computer readable instructions (software) for receiving the measured weight, height and head circumference, recording the measurements and storing the measurements in a database.

[0029] Thus, there is provided a computer-implemented method for tracking an infant's growth, comprising obtaining weight, height and head circumference measurements at specific time intervals (i.e., once a day or once every two days) using a human growth measuring device as described herein, storing the measurements in a database associated with the infant, and comparing the measurements to evidence-based growth standards or growth charts. The comparison data may be displayed in a chart. The method may further include plotting the weight-for-period, length-for-period and head circumference on a period chart using the infant's gestational age at the time the measurements were taken to ensure that the correct growth standards are used. The infant's gestational age may be identified as an input or may be obtained from further anthropometric measurements performed on the human growth measuring device, such as foot length, as described in more detail below. Measurements obtained by the device may be transmitted to an external computing or mobile device configured to perform the further steps of storing the measurements and comparing them to evidence-based growth standards or growth charts.

[0030] Further provided is a computer program product for controlling an anthropometric measuring device and tracking the growth of an infant, the computer program product including a computer readable medium having computer readable program code stored thereon for performing the steps of recording weight, height, and head circumference measured by the anthropometric measuring device, and generating plots or graphs of the measurements, such as weight-by-age, height-by-age, and head circumference-by-age data plots of the infant. Demographic factors such as gestational age, sex, and race of the infant may be provided as inputs for generating the plots. Alternatively, gestational age may be calculated based on measurements made by the device. The measurements and plots may be stored in a database associated with the infant. Calibrating the weight and distance sensors and activating the sensors may also be performed using a computer and computer program product.

[0031] A second embodiment of a human growth measuring device (201) for measuring an infant is shown in Figures 7-11 and comprises a base (203), a digital scale assembly (205) mounted on the base (203) and configured to measure the weight of the infant, and a digital height measuring assembly (207) mounted on the base (203) and configured to measure the height of the infant. A head circumference measuring assembly (209) is also mounted on the base (203) and includes a head circumference measuring means configured to measure the head circumference of the infant in a non-contact manner. The head circumference measuring means is provided on a support (213) configured to position the head circumference measuring means at a selected distance from the infant's head to non-invasively measure the head circumference. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7-11, the head circumference measuring means comprises an array of distance or proximity sensors (211) arranged on an arm or support (213) for the distance sensors (211). The support (213) extends at least partially around and above the circumference of the infant's head in use, and positions the array of distance sensors (211) at a selected distance from the infant's head to non-invasively measure head circumference. The support (213) for the distance sensors (211) may be curved or arc-shaped and extend substantially across the width of the base (203). In the embodiment of Figures 7-11, the distance sensors (211) are ultrasonic sensors, which are robust, easy to calibrate, and cause little interference to readings. For example, compared to IR sensors, the mounting angle of the ultrasonic sensors on the support has less effect on the head circumference reading obtained.

[0032] Six of the eight ultrasonic distance sensors (211) are operatively arranged in a semicircular pattern above the top or front of the baby's head, and two further distance sensors (211) are mounted in the base (203) and below the surface of the base (203) or weighing platform (217) to measure the underside or back of the head. The device, and in particular the weighing platform (217), is provided with a transparent window (214) that allows the distance sensors in the base (203) and below the surface of the platform to transmit and receive light for distance measurement. The number and arrangement of sensors in the array or assembly of distance sensors may of course be optimized depending on the type and specifications of the sensors used.

[0033] The read cycle of the eight ultrasonic sensors is approximately 3 seconds to obtain a consistent and stable head circumference measurement. Including more ultrasonic sensors in the array improves the overall head circumference accuracy, but the read cycle is longer and any movement of the baby during the read cycle affects the accuracy.

[0034] An exemplary array of thirteen distance sensors (311) mounted on a curved semicircular support (313) that extends across the width of the base (303) or platform is shown in Figure 12. The cosine law is used to estimate head circumference by calculating the length of line C in Figure 12. Distances A and B are calculated by dividing the distance readings S1 and S2 from the distance to the base. The angle θ is known and C can be calculated as follows: TIFF2024543856000002.tif1053 The curvature of the baby's head (316) must be estimated, but the more sensors used, the more accurate the measured head circumference. For example, more distance sensors can be attached to the major arc of a curved support, i.e. the sensor support is either completely circular or extends beyond a semicircle at the ends. The baby's head may be elevated above the distance sensors placed at the back of the head for measurement by placing the baby's head on an upright head support attached to the base or platform of the device. However, as mentioned above, the sensors required to measure the back of the head are preferably mounted in a base or weighing platform with one or more windows in the base. In this way, more sensors can be placed around the baby's head, improving accuracy without the need to invasively place the head on an elevated support.

[0035] An alternative sensor array or arrangement is shown in Figure 13, where the sensor support (413) is rectangular and the sensors (411) are arranged in a line on at least three sides (414) of the rectangular support (413) that partially surrounds the infant's head (416). Line C in Figure 13 is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem. Distance A is known since the sensors are attached at fixed locations on the sides of the rectangular support, and B is calculated by dividing the reading S2 from S1. C is calculated as follows: TIFF2024543856000003.tif1133Again, the calculation of line C does not take into account the curvature of the head. The curvature is estimated to obtain a more accurate head circumference measurement, and the more sensors used, the smaller the curve estimate will be and the more accurate the overall head circumference estimate will be.

[0036] In both of the aforementioned distance sensor arrangements or arrays, the head circumference is approximated by probing various points on the infant's head and applying a spline through the probing points. All calculations are performed automatically and the required accuracy is achievable with at least eight sensors in the array.

[0037] In the embodiment of Figures 7-11, the distance sensor (211) is configured to communicate with a processing module (216) of a control panel (215) which receives and processes the head circumference signal from the distance sensor and provides a digital display of the measured head circumference on the control panel (215).

[0038] The digital scale assembly (205) of the device (201) of the embodiment of Figures 7-11 includes a flat, rigid weighing platform (217) on which an infant is placed in use to measure its weight. The platform (217) is provided with a weight sensor (219), which in this embodiment has a plurality of force sensors in the form of load cells (221) attached to the underside of the flat platform (217). More specifically, the weight sensor (219) or scale module has a flat plate, substantially the same size and shape as the platform (217), with a load cell (221) at each corner. The plate with the four load cells (221) is fixed to the underside of the weighing platform (217). The flat platform (217) and weight sensor (219) are housed within a complementary shaped receiving structure (223), in this embodiment a rectangular frame, defined in the base (203), with the load cells disposed between the base (203) and the platform (217). The weight sensor (219) is configured to communicate with a processing module (216) of the control panel (215) which receives and processes the weight signal from the weight sensor to provide a digital display of the measured weight.

[0039] The digital height measurement assembly (207) of the embodiment of Figures 7-11 includes a flat reference board (225) or headboard that, in use, extends at least partially along the width of the base (203) and is transverse or generally perpendicular to the base (203) and is mounted near an end (227) of the base (203) such that, in use, when an upper or lower edge of the infant's body, such as the infant's head or feet, is placed against the reference board, the infant's height can be measured relative to the reference board. A distance sensor (229) is located at or near an opposite end (231) of the reference board (225) from the base (203). The distance sensor (229) is centrally mounted along the width of the base end (231) and is further configured to measure the distance from the distance sensor (229) to the infant, and in particular to the distal end of the infant (the infant's head / feet). In this embodiment, the distance sensor (229) is an ultrasonic sensor.

[0040] The distance sensor (229) is a single ultrasonic sensor with an emitter (233) and a receiver (235). The distance sensor (229) is located on the opposite side of the headboard (225) or at the foot end of the infant in use. In other embodiments, the digital height measurement assembly may include at least two distance sensors located at or near opposite ends of the elongated base such that they are positioned to measure the sensor's distance to targets located at either end of the infant (head end and foot end) or at either end of the infant in use to calculate the infant's height. Thus, two distance sensors, each with an emitter and receiver, are positioned at fixed locations at either end of the elongated base, and the infant's height is calculated by dividing the distance to either end measured by the sensor from the known fixed distance between the two sensors.

[0041] To obtain the required height accuracy, such as within 1 mm accuracy, the embodiment of the anthropometric device (201) of Figures 7-11 includes a high resolution ultrasonic sensor, such as the M5Stack RCWL-9600 sensor. Because ultrasonic sensors are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, a temperature probe may be included in the device for compensation for ambient temperature. This may not be necessary when the device is used in an incubator or in a room with stable temperature.

[0042] The one or more distance sensors of the digital height measurement assembly are configured to communicate with a processing module of the control panel (215), which receives and processes height signals from the one or more distance sensors to digitally display the measured height. In other embodiments, the digital height measurement assembly is either a linear digital ruler or a capacitive caliper. The linear digital ruler or the capacitive caliper is then configured to communicate with a processing module of the control panel (215), which receives and processes height signals from the linear digital ruler or the capacitive caliper to digitally display the measured height.

[0043] The embodiment shown in Figures 7-11 includes a control panel (215) with a processing module (216) or controller and a display module (237) or screen. The processing module communicates with the digital scale, height, and head circumference measuring assemblies (205, 207, 209) to receive signals from the respective assemblies, process the signals, and display at least the measured weight, height, and head circumference on the display module (237), which may be, for example, an LCD screen. The control panel (215) may also include a data entry module. In this embodiment, the data entry module includes control buttons (239) for recording measurements.

[0044] The data entry module may include a keypad for inputting data required to generate plots of the infant's weight-for-age, length-for-age, and head circumference data. Data required to be input into such plots may be the infant's gender and / or gestational age at birth. The software application may be resident on the processing module and executed by the processing module to record the measurements. The processing module may have a clock and a memory or database associated with the infant, the memory or database storing measurements recorded at various times for the infant. The software application may be further configured to calculate, plot, and / or display the measurement data, optionally along with input data from the data entry module.

[0045] The base (203) is configured to house the electronics and circuitry associated with the sensors of the weight, height, and head circumference measurement assemblies (205, 207, 209) and the components of the control panel (215). The embodiment of Figures 7-11 further includes a connection in the form of a USB port (241) for transferring measurement data etc. to an external computer.

[0046] In alternative configurations where the device is not provided with a controller or control panel, the device may be provided with connectors or wireless communication means configured to connect or transfer data or signals from the digital scale, height measurement, and head circumference measurement assemblies to an external processing module or computer where the data or signals are processed and measurements are recorded and stored.

[0047] The device may be provided with a suitable power source (243), which may include a battery to allow it to be used as a portable point-of-care device. Of course, the device may be connectable to an external power source if desired. The device may be configured to be permanently installed in an incubator or the like. The device has a folded, inoperative or stowed state and an ergonomic design so that it can be easily slid into the incubator and underneath the baby prior to use.

[0048] The entire device (201) or various components of the device that may come into contact with the infant during use, such as the platform (217) and reference plate (225), may be made from antimicrobial materials or may have a surface modified and antimicrobial coating to minimize the risk of infection. The device may be specifically constructed and designed to be easily cleaned and disinfected. The platform (217) may be made from insulating or heat retaining materials to minimize heat loss from the infant during measurements. Premature infants, in particular, cannot regulate their body temperature and should not be placed on surfaces that will draw heat away from the body.

[0049] A third embodiment of a human growth measuring device (501) for measuring an infant is shown in Figures 14-18. This embodiment is shown in a fully operational deployed state in Figure 14 and in a stowed or folded state in Figure 15. The support (513) for the head measuring means may be foldable, allowing the device to be easily inserted under the infant in an incubator for minimally invasive measurements. The support (513) for the array of distance sensors (511) may be movable or foldable between a stowed or inoperative state in which it is at least partially contained within a compartment (545) defined in the base (503) and an operative state in which it is curved and extends partially around the circumference of the infant's head or operatively extends above the top of the head, i.e. above the forehead. The length of the curved support (513) is selected to ensure that the support (513) does not contact the head when in the operative state.

[0050] Providing a movable and foldable support (513) for the sensor allows the device (501) to be compact, making it easier to insert into the incubator and slide under the baby before measurements. The support (513) is preferably foldable so that in a folded state it can be stored within an elongated compartment (545) that extends longitudinally along the length of the generally rectangular base (503) and has a shape complementary to the support (513) in the folded state. The support (513) may include a plurality of generally rectangular sensor housings (547) or support elements pivotally attached to one another to form a foldable and bendable arm (557). The support may be pivotally attached to the base so that it can pivot and / or swivel between a stowed state and an active state. The support (513) with the sensor (511) may be hinged or otherwise attached to the base (503) near an end (527) of the base that includes a reference headboard (525) or other markings or targets indicating where the baby's head should be positioned before measuring head circumference. The free end of the support (513) opposite the end attached to the base (503) may include a magnet arranged to maintain the support (513) in an active position for measurement.

[0051] The support (513) in this embodiment is curved in the operative state. Thus, the support arm (513) forms an arc or semicircle that spans approximately the width of the base (503) near the head end (527) of the base (503). The distance sensors (511) are equally spaced circumferentially along the curved or arcuate support arm (513) when in the operative state. At least six distance sensors (511) are mounted on the curved support arm (513) in individual sensor housings (547). As shown in FIG. 17, two additional distance sensors are provided in the base (503) and below the top surface of the base (503) to measure the head circumference behind the baby's head when the baby is lying supine on the device (501). A transparent window (514) is provided in the base (503) of the device (501) for the distance sensor (512) located in the base.

[0052] The height measuring assembly (507) of the third embodiment of Figures 14-18 is movable between a stored state in which the height measuring assembly (507) is folded into or relative to the base (503) and an operational state in which the assembly extends from the base (503) and is configured to measure the height of an infant in use. The reference headboard (525) is pivotally attached to the base by a hinge such that the reference headboard (525) is movable between a stored state in which it is folded relative to the base (503) and / or platform (517) and extends generally parallel to the base (503) and platform (517), and an operational state in which it extends generally perpendicular to the base (503).

[0053] The base (503) of this embodiment has a receptacle (549) defined therein configured to receive a height measuring distance sensor (529) in a stored state. The distance sensor (529) is mounted to an end (531) of the base opposite the end (527) on which the reference board (525) is provided. The distance sensor (529) is within a rectangular sensor housing (551) that is slidably and pivotally mounted to the base (503) such that the distance sensor (529) and sensor housing (551) are slidable and rotatable between a stored state in which the distance sensor (529) and sensor housing (551) are at least partially received within the receptacle (549) and an operational state in which the distance sensor (529) and sensor housing (551) extend laterally or vertically from the base.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 18, a target (553) may be placed at or next to the distal end or foot of the infant, and the distance between the distance sensor (529) and the target (553) may be measured by the distance sensor (529) to calculate the infant's height. The target (553) may include a rectangular board extending laterally from the base (503) or platform (517) of the scale assembly (505) so as to be approximately vertical when in use. The target may be slidably connected to the base (503) or the like. The target (553) or base board, which is placed at the end of the infant's feet for height measurement, may also be configured to be foldable, similar to the reference headboard (525), to make the device (501) more compact when not in use. For example, the base board or target (553) may be pivotable between a stored state extending approximately parallel to the base (503) and platform (517) and an operational state extending laterally from the base (503) or platform (517).

[0055] The device may further comprise a gestational age measuring means. There is a strong correlation between the length of the infant's feet and the gestational age. The gestational age measuring means may be a digital foot length measuring assembly, which may be a linear digital measuring device such as a digital linear tape measure or a capacitive caliper attached to a base. In one embodiment, the gestational age measuring or estimating means is a camera configured to take images of the infant's feet. The camera may be attached to the base or may be a standalone camera or a camera associated with a mobile device. The images taken by the camera are processed by a processing module and the gestational age is estimated by a machine learning process including a convolutional neural network trained to classify the images of the infant's feet into various gestational age classes. The demographic factors, sex, and weight of the infant may affect the estimation of the gestational age. The demographic factors, sex, and weight of a particular infant may be passed or input to the neural network to improve its ability to classify the images. To improve accuracy of gestational age classification using foot photographs or images, the infant's feet may be placed on a transparent plate, such as a clear plastic plate formed from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), during imaging. The plate may include binary square fiducial markers (such as Augmented Reality University of Cordoba (ArUco) markers) that are used to align the plate with the focal plane of the camera. This arrangement ensures consistency between various images. The transparent plate may be attached to the base of the human growth measuring device via a cord and / or inserted into a slot defined in the base configured to accommodate the plate when not in use.

[0056] The digital foot length measurement assembly may be configured to communicate with a processing module of the control panel or an external computer or mobile device that receives and processes the foot length signal or images from the camera to digitally display the measured foot length and / or an estimate of gestational age.

[0057] A target or baseboard used for height measurement, placed at or near the end of the infant's feet, may include a digital foot length measurement assembly. The foot length measurement assembly on the target may include a sliding bar arranged for vertical movement and may include a variable resistor that changes resistance as it is slid. In use, the bar is slid to the tip of the infant's toes and the resistance value at that position is read by the processing module, processed or converted into a foot measurement and displayed on a display module or screen. The foot measurement may be used for further calculation of the infant's estimated gestational age.

[0058] The use of an embodiment of the human growth measuring device is illustrated in Figures 16-18. As shown in Figure 16, the device (501) may be in a folded or stowed state, but when powered on, may be operational for weight measurement. At this stage, neither the height measuring assembly nor the head circumference measuring assembly need to be in the operational position. The infant may be placed in the center of the weighing platform (517). Markings (555) may be provided on the platform (517) to help position the infant properly for a more accurate reading. The weighing function on the control panel (515) or operator interface may be activated by one of the buttons (539) to initiate the measurement and capture of the infant's weight. The captured weight may be displayed on the screen (537).

[0059] To measure the height of the infant, the headboard and height sensor housing are moved to their respective operational states. At this stage, it is not necessary to have the head circumference sensor in place. The height measurement is performed by placing the infant's head against the approximately vertical reference headboard (525) and extending the legs and feet towards the sensors in the sensor housings (551). For the height measurement, the infant must be centered relative to the width of the base. The height measurement function on the control panel (515) may be activated by one of the buttons (539) to measure and capture the infant's height. The captured height may be displayed on the screen (537). It is preferable to use a non-contact distance sensor for the height measurement, as this eliminates the need for handling the height measurement assembly itself, allowing the measurement to be completed by a single caregiver.

[0060] The head circumference measuring assembly (509) may also be moved into its operative state and firmly positioned. The baby's head must be located within the arc defined by the curved support (513). For accurate positioning of the head, appropriate markings may be provided on the base or weighing platform. The head circumference measuring function of the control panel (515) may be activated with one of the buttons (539) to measure and capture the baby's head circumference. The captured head circumference may be displayed on the screen (537).

[0061] The measurement data may capture additional data from the input module, such as the gender of the particular infant, and may be further processed and displayed or executed on the device. Alternatively, the measurement data or biometric data may be transferred for further processing on an external computer, such as a mobile device. A software application resident on the processing module of the device or on the external computer may compare the infant's growth parameters measured by the device to evidence-based growth standards and growth charts, or international normative standards for postnatal growth (such as, but not limited to, those of the World Health Organization or INTERGROWTH-21st, which provide standards for postnatal growth, particularly for preterm infants). In this manner, the device may be used to monitor the infant's health and individualize nutritional and other prescriptions as necessary.

[0062] The three most important biometric measurements for utilizing evidence-based growth standards and growth charts, such as but not limited to the INTERGROWTH-21st standards and tools, include head circumference (within 1 mm accuracy), weight (within 10 g accuracy), and length / height (within 1 mm accuracy). EXAMPLES

[0063] method The accuracy of the devices shown in Figures 7-11 was tested on inanimate objects following the standard operating procedures described below.

[0064] Body weight measurement 1. Switch on the device. 2. Adjust the scale of the surface on which the measurement is to be taken. 3. The display will show a weight reading of zero. 4. Place the object to be weighed in the center of the scale platform. 5. Press the "Weight button" to enable weight measurement. 6. The reading on the display begins to fluctuate. 7. Once the weight reading is stable, press the "Weight Button" to capture the weight. 8. Capture the readings in the test results Excel sheet. 9. Repeat steps 2-6 10 times using a 250g weight, moving the weight on the scale between each reading. 10. Switch off the device. Move the device around. 11. Repeat steps for 500g, 1000g, and 2000g.

[0065] Height (length) measurement 1. Switch on the device. 2. Open the standard headboard. 3. Slide the Ultrasonic Height Sensor onto and off the base of the unit. 4. Place an object known to be 100mm in length on the headboard on the centre line of the unit. 5. Place the target board 100mm in front of the object. 6. Press the "Height button" to enable height measurement. 7. Press the "Height Button" to capture your height. 8. Repeat 10 times using a length measurement of 100 mm. 9. Switch off the device. Move the device around. 10. Repeat steps 250mm and 500mm.

[0066] Head circumference measurement 1. Switch on the device. 2. Pull out the head circumference arm and attach it to the magnet. 3. Press the Head Circumference button to activate the head circumference measurement. 4. Place a test fixture with a diameter of 60 mm in the center. 5. Wait for the read to decide. 6. Press the "Head Circumference Button" to capture head circumference. 7. Repeat 10 times using a 60mm diameter length. 8. Switch off the device. Move the device around. 9. Repeat steps for 90mm and 110mm.

[0067] result Body weight measurement Body weight was measured with 99.42% accuracy and 75% consistency (within a 3 g range) with a mean offset of 2.5 g.

[0068] TIFF2024543856000004.tif47164

[0069] Factors that may affect the readings obtained include: (i) the platform and load cells are not fixed or connected to each other, (ii) the bed itself is flexible, i.e. the material is not stiff enough, and (iii) the pressure points on the load cells themselves are not the same, resulting in inconsistent readings for each load cell and different measurements due to the placement of the weights on the bed.

[0070] Height (length) measurement Height was measured with 99.41% accuracy and 96.7% consistency (within a 2 mm range) with a mean offset of 0.7 mm.

[0071] TIFF2024543856000005.tif45158

[0072] Factors that can affect the readings obtained include: (i) the size of the target - this directly affects the consistency of the readings and is most noticeable when the target is small and far away from the sensor; (ii) the levelness of the platform, which must be stably installed in working condition before measurements are taken; and (iii) when the movable sensor is not in the correct position.

[0073] Head circumference measurement Circumference was measured with 98.64% accuracy and 66.7% consistency (within a 3 mm range) with a mean offset of 0.9 mm.

[0074] TIFF2024543856000006.tif41164

[0075] Factors that may affect the readings obtained include (i) the placement of the object being measured, and (ii) the angle at which the object is placed.

[0076] The device described herein automatically measures multiple parameters more quickly and easily, thereby reducing the nursing workload and increasing the frequency and accuracy of measurements for infants undergoing intensive care in hospitals. This allows timely and appropriate intervention by nutritionists and neonatologists to optimize the growth and development of the infant. The device is easy to use and can accurately measure and record at least three measurement parameters by just one operator. The device may be used in conjunction with nCPAP and measurements are obtained minimally invasively. Preterm infants, i.e. infants born less than 37 weeks gestation, should not be overly handled and therefore require minimally invasive measurement procedures. By making the device or its parts from antibacterial materials or designing the device to be easy to clean and disinfect, the device may be safely used for multiple infants in a neonatal ward. To make the measurement more comfortable, the platform may be made of a heat-retaining material.

[0077] The device is appropriately sized and foldable to operate within existing incubators, eliminating the need to remove the infant from the incubator for anthropometric testing. This reduces the risk of cross contamination and infection. Additionally, the ergonomic slimline design reduces movement and handling of the infant, as there is no need to remove the infant from the incubator and the device can be easily slid under the infant to perform measurements. To further minimize handling, the device may be built into or integrated within the incubator.

[0078] The device allows for integrated capabilities of capturing, processing, and storing infant measurement data, including software and hardware. As a result, comprehensive growth analysis with interpretation of growth in standardized growth charts is possible. Depending on the age of the infant or child and other characteristics of the infant or child, appropriate evidence-based growth standards or growth charts may be adopted. For example, for preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks, the Fenton growth chart or the Intergrowth-21 chart may be used.

[0079] The growth tracking and analysis computer program product used in the device may be in the form of a software application installed on a mobile device. The mobile application, which may be configured to install and operate on mobile operating systems such as iOS® and Android®, connects wirelessly to the human growth measuring device, such as via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). A full-duplex communication protocol with simultaneous transmission and reception of information allows for system control and data acquisition. An operator or user of the mobile application may collect real-time data from the human growth measuring device, such as head circumference, height, and weight measurements. The mobile application may be used to capture images of the infant's feet from the device's camera for use in estimating gestational age. Additionally, data collected by the device may be transmitted by the application to an external server, which stores the collected data in a remote database. This creates a profile of each infant, which the physician can easily access at any stage using his or her mobile device on which the application is installed. Additionally, the application may be capable of providing control commands to the device, including commands such as calibrating or taring the scale. The application may also be used to upgrade the firmware of the anthropometric device via BLE (over-the-air update, OTA), eliminating the need to connect the device to an external computer.

[0080] The foregoing description is presented for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. For example, instead of using a distance sensor, the digital height measurement assembly may include a linear digital ruler. The linear digital ruler may extend longitudinally to an elongated base to measure the height of the infant relative to a reference headboard in use. In yet another embodiment, the height measurement assembly may be a foldable capacitive caliper attached to the base. The linear digital measurement device includes two variable phase-opposed capacitors. As the grid capacitors slide against each other, the capacitance changes linearly, while the signal processing unit counts the grids as the slider moves and performs linear interpolation based on the linear change in capacitance. This tells the device the exact position of the slider. The device may be designed to have an accuracy of less than 1 mm. Similar to the height sensor assembly, the linear digital ruler or the folded capacitive caliper may be configured to communicate with a processing module that receives and processes the height signal from the linear digital ruler or the capacitive caliper to digitally display the measured height.

[0081] Any suitable head positioning means or markings, not necessarily a datum board, may be included as part of the height measurement assembly within the device.

[0082] Another possible contact-based method of measuring body length and foot length is three-dimensional scanning. The device may therefore include a 3D scanner as part of the digital height measurement assembly or foot measurement assembly. The scans are stored as three-dimensional virtual objects, allowing for biometric measurements to be measured, for example, using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The required measurement accuracy is achievable with a 3D scanner, but the high cost of the device makes it unsuitable for resource-limited environments.

[0083] The platform of the digital scale assembly may be of any suitable size and may be sized and configured to be completely separate from the head circumference measurement assembly. The digital scale assembly may include a permanent scale platform including a stable weighing platform with a weight sensor having a force transducer or sensor as described above, or a removable scale module may be used. This configuration may be useful when the device is configured to be permanently installed in an incubator. Rather than permanently attaching a scale module including a weight sensor to the device, a removable scale module may be used to take measurements after sliding the module under a stable mattress platform. The mattress platform is then mechanically lowered onto the scale module to measure the weight. The device may include a mechanical cam lifting system, such as a cam lifting arm, arranged to lower the platform and infant onto the scale module when the scale module is in place on the device. Measurement signals and data may be captured as described above.

[0084] The device described herein automatically and conveniently provides multiple measurement data including, but not limited to, the weight, height, leg length, and head circumference of the infant. Additional measurement assemblies such as a body temperature sensor may also be incorporated into the device. The device may include a body composition measurement means capable of measuring muscle mass and / or fat mass in the infant's body. Suitable sensors may be used to measure body composition, including ultrasound, or ultrasound sensors and ultrasound probes, and / or bioelectrical impedance measurement analyzers. Alternatively, the head circumference measurement means or device, and its support, may be movable along the length of the base or platform and adapted to measure the circumference of the infant's body at various different positions along the length of the body. These measurements may be used to calculate circumference ratios of specific body parts to estimate body composition. Body composition measurements are also important for tracking the development of an infant. Measurements of circumference of body parts, including, but not limited to, head circumference and mid-upper arm circumference, combined with the weight and height of the infant may be used to estimate the gestational age of the infant.

[0085] The gestational age of an infant may be estimated using a combination of as many measurements as possible, such as weight, head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, heel length, hip length, foot length, hand length, etc. It will be appreciated that hip length may be measured using the height measurement assembly of the device described herein by lifting the infant's legs and extending them approximately perpendicular to the base or weighing platform while the infant is lying on the platform. Foot length and hand length may be measured using digital calipers, digital calipers, digital rulers, or digital tape measures attached to the base, or by taking images of the hands and feet with a camera, optionally attached to the base, and using image processing and machine learning classification techniques described herein.

[0086] It will be appreciated that the size of the device may be adapted so that it is configured for use in pediatric anthropometry to measure the body dimensions of premature infants, newborns, infants, toddlers, or even children up to about 13 years of age. In the case of toddlers and older children, the device may also be used to obtain anthropometric measurements of disabled, injured, or otherwise infirm children who are unable to stand upright for an anthropometric measurement.

[0087] The language used herein has been selected primarily for ease of reading and explanation, and may not have been selected to delineate or limit the subject matter of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but rather by the claims that will be issued on an application based thereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0088] Finally, throughout this specification and the appended claims, unless the context indicates otherwise, the word "comprises" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprises" are understood to mean the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of other integers or groups of integers.

Claims

1. A human growth measuring device (101, 201, 501) for measuring the body dimensions of an infant, Base (103, 203, 503) and a digital scale assembly (105, 205, 505) attached to the base and configured to measure the weight of the infant; a digital height measurement assembly (107, 207, 507) attached to the base and configured to measure the height of the infant; a head circumference measuring assembly (109, 209, 509) attached to the base, the head circumference measuring assembly including an array of distance sensors (111, 211, 511) mounted on a support (113, 213, 513) configured to position the array of distance sensors at a selected distance from the infant's head in use to non-invasively measure the infant's head circumference; It is equipped with The support (113, 213, 513) for the array of distance sensors (111, 211, 511) is movable relative to the base (103, 203, 503).

2. the support (113, 213, 513) for the array of distance sensors (111, 211, 511) is movable between a stowed state in which it is at least partially received within a complementary receiving structure (151, 545) defined in the base (103, 203, 503) and an activated state in which it extends laterally from the base so as to be operatively positioned above and at least partially extend around the infant's head in use; The human body growth measuring device according to claim 1.

3. the support (113, 213, 513) includes at least one curved arm (145, 557) having the distance sensors (111, 211, 511), the distance sensors (111, 211, 511) being circumferentially spaced equally along the curved arm (145, 557); 3. The human body growth measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the support (113, 213, 513) is pivotally attached to the base (103, 203, 503) so as to be foldable relative to the base; The human body growth measuring device according to claim 1.

5. The support (113) for the array of distance sensors (111) includes two curved arms (145) pivotally attached to the base (103). The human body growth measuring device according to claim 1.

6. the digital height measurement assembly (107, 207, 507) includes a reference board (125, 225, 525) mounted at or near an end (127, 227, 527) of the base (103, 203, 505) and extending laterally therefrom in use, and a distance sensor (129, 229, 529) at or near an opposite end (131, 231, 531) of the base, the distance sensor configured to measure a distance from the distance sensor of the infant or a target (553) placed on or next to the infant for use in calculating the infant's height; The human body growth measuring device according to claim 1.

7. the digital height measurement assembly (107, 207, 507) is movable between a storage state in which the height measurement assembly is folded into or against the base (103, 203, 503) and an operational state in which the assembly extends laterally from the base and is configured to measure the height of an infant in use; The human body growth measuring device according to claim 1.

8. the reference board (125, 225, 525) and the distance sensor (129, 229, 529) of the digital height measurement assembly (107, 207, 507) are pivotally mounted to the base (103, 203, 503) so as to be movable between the stored state and the operating state; 8. The human body growth measuring device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. the base (103, 203, 503) has a recess (118, 122) defined and configured to receive the reference board and the distance sensor in the stored state; 7. The human body growth measuring device according to claim 6.

10. The digital scale assembly (105, 205, 505) includes a flat weighing platform (117, 217, 517) on which an infant is placed for weight measurement using a weight sensor (219) on the platform. The human body growth measuring device according to claim 1.

11. further comprising a digital foot length measurement assembly; The human body growth measuring device according to claim 1.

12. the device includes a processing module (216) in communication with the digital weight measurement assembly, the digital height measurement assembly, and the digital head circumference measurement assembly (105, 205, 505, 107, 207, 507, 109, 209, 509) to receive signals from each of said assemblies and process the signals to measure the weight, height, and head circumference of the infant; The human body growth measuring device according to claim 1.

13. a display module (137, 237, 537) on said base configured to communicate with said processing module (216) and to display the weight, height, and head circumference of the infant in use; The human body growth measuring device according to claim 12.

14. the processing module (216) is configured to transmit the measurements to a processing module of an external computing device for further processing.

14. The human body growth measuring device according to claim 12 or 13.

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