Biosignal monitoring system with detachable electronics and wireless rechargeable battery

Abstract

To provide systems and methods for sensing and processing biosignals.SOLUTION: An example system can include a first device configured to sense at least one biosignal and a second device. The second device can receive the at least one biosignal from the first device. The second device can receive power via a first wireless interface. The second device can charge a rechargeable battery using the received power. The second device can receive a signal via the first wireless interface, wherein the signal encodes credentials of a user. The second device can demodulate the signal to decode the user credentials. The second device can authenticate the user credentials. The second device can, in response to authentication of the user credentials, communicate the at least one biosignal to a user device via a second wireless interface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 585,270, filed September 26, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and devices for implementing vital sign monitoring systems, such as continuous glucose monitoring systems, with removable electronics and wireless rechargeable batteries. [Background technology]

[0003] A vital sign monitoring system may include sensors and various electronic devices for measuring vital signs. An example of a vital sign monitoring system may be a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system for continuously monitoring blood glucose levels. Measuring and monitoring vital signs, such as glucose levels, is essential for users with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes. A continuous vital sign monitoring system may provide non-invasive, autonomous, and continuous monitoring without the user having to perform invasive measures, such as manually taking a blood sample from the user. Some continuous vital sign monitors may be embedded in or placed on the patient's skin, for example on the upper arm, and may pierce the skin with electrodes. Such continuous vital sign monitors may need to be removed periodically, such as every two weeks, and completely disposed of, including the electronic devices within the vital sign monitor. Disposal of vital sign monitors, including their electronic devices, may involve significant costs and may increase environmental pollution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a device for sensing and processing a biosignal is generally described. The device may include an analog front end configured to receive at least one biosignal from one or more biosignal sensors. The device may further include a wireless communication receiver including a first wireless interface. The wireless communication receiver may be configured to receive power via the first wireless interface. The wireless communication receiver may be further configured to charge a rechargeable battery using the received power. The wireless communication receiver may be further configured to receive a signal via the first wireless interface, where the signal encodes a user's credentials. The device may further include a second wireless interface. The device may further include one or more controllers configured to demodulate the signal and decode the user's credentials. The one or more controllers may be further configured to authenticate the user's credentials. The one or more controllers may be further configured to communicate the at least one biosignal from the analog front end to a user device via the second wireless interface in response to authenticating the user's credentials.

[0005] In one embodiment, a system for sensing and processing a biosignal is generally described. The system may include a first device configured to sense at least one biosignal. The system may further include a second device configured to receive the at least one biosignal from the first device. The second device may be further configured to receive power via a first wireless interface. The second device may be further configured to charge a rechargeable battery using the received power. The second device may be further configured to receive a signal via the first wireless interface. Wherein the signal encodes a user's credentials. The second device may be further configured to demodulate the signal to decode the user's credentials. The second device may be further configured to authenticate the user's credentials. The second device may be further configured to communicate the at least one biosignal to a user device via the second wireless interface in response to authenticating the user's credentials.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for operating a vital sign monitoring system is generally described. The method may include receiving at least one vital sign from a vital sign sensor. The method may further include receiving power via a first wireless interface. The method may further include charging a rechargeable battery using the received power. The method may further include receiving a signal via the first wireless interface, where the signal encodes user credentials. The method may further include demodulating the signal to decode the user credentials. The method may further include authenticating the user credentials. The method may further include communicating the at least one vital sign to a user device via a second wireless interface in response to authenticating the user credentials. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] Further features, structure, and operation of various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional biosignal monitoring system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vital sign monitoring system with removable electronics and a wirelessly rechargeable battery in one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an implementation of a vital sign monitoring system with removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery in one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example implementation of a biosignal monitoring system with removable electronics and a wirelessly rechargeable battery using biosignal sensors, user devices, and peripherals in one embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a secure credential and / or security key exchange between a vital sign monitor and a user device using a short-range wireless interface when implementing a vital sign monitoring system having removable electronics and a wirelessly rechargeable battery. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a secure credential and / or security key exchange between a peripheral device and a user device using a short-range wireless interface when implementing a vital sign monitoring system having removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery. [Figure 5C] FIG. 1 illustrates the exchange of encrypted data between a vital sign monitor, peripherals, and a user device using a long-range wireless interface when implementing a vital sign monitoring system with removable electronics and a wirelessly rechargeable battery in one embodiment. [Figure 6A]FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a biosignal monitoring system having removable electronics and a wirelessly rechargeable battery, in which credentials and / or security keys are exchanged between the biosignal monitor and peripheral devices using a short-range wireless interface. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 illustrates the exchange of data between a vital sign monitor and peripheral devices using a long-range wireless interface when implementing a vital sign monitoring system having removable electronics and a wirelessly rechargeable battery in one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates another implementation of a vital sign monitoring system with removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery in one embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 illustrates wireless battery charging using a short-range wireless interface in implementing a vital sign monitoring system having removable electronics and a wirelessly rechargeable battery in one embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 illustrates wireless battery charging using a short-range wireless interface when implementing a vital sign monitoring system having removable electronics and a wirelessly rechargeable battery in a peripheral device in one embodiment. [Figure 8C] FIG. 1 illustrates wired battery charging when implementing a vital sign monitoring system with removable electronics and a wirelessly rechargeable battery in a peripheral device in one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a process for implementing a vital sign monitoring system with removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, including specific structures, components, materials, dimensions, processing steps, and techniques, to facilitate an understanding of various embodiments of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various embodiments of the present application may be realized without these specific details. In some cases, details of known structures or processing steps are omitted in order not to obscure the present application.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional biosignal monitoring system. The conventional biosignal monitoring system illustrated in FIG. 1 may be a CGM system including electrodes that can be attached to the skin of a patient, an analog front end (AFE), a microcontroller (MCU), an optional user interface including components such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and buttons, a non-rechargeable battery, a power rail, and a communication interface such as a radio frequency (RF) communication interface for communicating with a user device such as a mobile phone or an insulin pump. The conventional CGM system illustrated in FIG. 1 becomes non-reusable and is discarded after a certain time, such as when the sensing electrodes are sealed by a human immune response and / or the non-rechargeable battery is fully discharged.

[0010] As shown in the conventional CGM system of FIG. 1, in addition to high cost, every new CGM must be paired with an end user application, typically via a smartphone or portable device (e.g., the user device shown in FIG. 1). Pairing can be accomplished using various authentication schemes, such as a personal identification number (PIN) code. The need to periodically pair new CGM sensors to the user device can be cumbersome and can increase cybersecurity risks, such as increasing the risk that the user device will be compromised by a nearby Bluetooth sniffer or other hack. As described in more detail below, the systems and devices described herein can provide reduced waste, reduced costs, improved user convenience, and enhanced authentication, security, and privacy.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of a biosignal monitoring system with removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery in one embodiment. The biosignal monitoring system 200 ("system 200") shown in FIG. 2 may be configured as a CGM system including removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery. Also, the biosignal monitoring system 200 may be configured to monitor various types of biosignals, such as glucose levels, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, electromyogram (EMG) signals, heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), or other biosignals. The system 200 may include a reusable part and a disposable part. The disposable part may include a biosignal sensor including one or more electrodes 202 that may be attached (e.g., implanted) to the skin of a user or patient 220 to obtain a biosignal (e.g., glucose level). The reusable part may include electronic components such as an AFE 204, an MCU or controller 206, a user interface 208 optionally including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and / or buttons and / or capacitive touch, a rechargeable battery 212, a wireless communication device 214, a power source 216, a first wireless communication interface 218 ("NF-RF 218") and a second wireless communication interface 210 ("FF-RF 210"). The first wireless communication interface 218 may be a short-range (NF) wireless communication interface such as NFC or Qi. The second wireless communication interface 210 may be a long-range (FF) wireless communication interface such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or LTE (Long-Term Evolution), e.g., low-power LTE-M or NB-IoT. The first wireless communication interface 218 may be used to facilitate authentication, exchange user credentials and / or encryption / decryption keys, and / or communicate low-speed data with a user device such as a mobile phone or insulin pump. The electrodes 202 may be removable from the AFE 204, and the rechargeable battery 212 may be charged by the wireless communication device 214 via the first wireless communication interface 218.In one embodiment, the wireless communication device 214 may include a wireless power receiver configured to receive power from a wireless power transmitter. The wireless communication device 214 may use the wirelessly received power to charge the rechargeable battery 212. Because the electrodes 202 are detachable from the AFE 204 and because the system 200 includes the rechargeable battery 212 and the wireless communication device 214, the AFE 204, the MCU 206, the user interface 208, the rechargeable battery 212, the wireless communication device 214, the power source 216, and the first wireless communication interface 218 may not need to be disposed of and may be reused multiple times. The electrodes 202 may be removed and disposed of, and a new set of electrodes 202 may be attached to various electronic devices including the AFE 204. Furthermore, by utilizing the wireless communication device 214 and the first wireless communication interface 218, the system 200 may communicate with a user device, such as the user device 222, and exchange and / or obtain sensitive information from the security-enhanced user device. For example, the wireless communication device 214 may be a wireless power transmitter operating under the Near Field Communication (NFC-WLC) protocol or the Qi protocol to reduce the risk of cybersecurity attacks such as man-in-the-middle attacks and Bluetooth sniffing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electrode 202 may be part of a first device. Here, the first device may be a disposable biosignal sensor. Reusable parts of the system 200, such as at least the AFE 204, the MCU 206, the user interface 208, the rechargeable battery 212, the wireless communication device 214, the power source 216, and the first wireless communication interface 218, may form a reusable second device. The first device having disposable parts (e.g., the electrode 202) and the second device having reusable parts may be removably attached to each other using at least one mechanical fastener 230. The electrode 202 may be removably attached to a reusable electronic part of the system 200, such as the AFE 204, using the mechanical fastener 230. When the first device and the second device are attached using the mechanical fastener 230, the electrical contacts of the first device and the second device are brought into contact. The electrical contacts may be used to determine and / or measure a biosignal, such as a glucose value, obtained by the electrode 202 via the AFE 204. As an example, if a user 220 needs to replace the electrodes 202, they can remove the electrodes 202 from a reusable electronic component of the system 200, such as the AFE 204, discard the electrodes 202, and attach a new set of electrodes, which may be identical to the electrodes 202, to a reusable electronic component of the system 200, such as the AFE 204.

[0013] The system 200 can provide cost savings for the biosignal monitoring system since the electronics such as the AFE 204, the MCU 206, the user interface 208, the rechargeable battery 212, the wireless communication device 214, the power source 216, and the first wireless communication interface 218 can be reused, while in one or more embodiments, the electrodes 202 can be the only components that need to be disposed of and replaced. Furthermore, the system 200 can have a positive impact on the environment since the electronics and the battery do not need to be disposed of and can be reused for a significant amount of time. Furthermore, the reusable electronics can also be sealed as a package that does not include the electrodes to improve the reusability of the reusable part (e.g., waterproof and dustproof packaging). Furthermore, the option of wirelessly charging the rechargeable battery 212 can provide improved electrical safety over wired charging. In one embodiment, the system 200 can be implemented in a peripheral device, such as an insulin pump. When the system 200 is implemented in a peripheral device, in addition to wireless charging, the rechargeable battery 212 located in the peripheral device may also be charged using a wired connection. Exemplary wired connections that may be used for wired charging may include, for example, various types of Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocols. In embodiments in which wired charging is implemented in a peripheral device, the peripheral device may include a power interface, such as a USB interface or socket.

[0014] Utilizing the wireless communication device 214 for receiving user credentials and / or keys allows the MCU 206 to authenticate the user and obtain the credentials and / or encryption keys before the biosignals, such as glucose values, obtained from the electrodes 202 are transferred to the user device using long-range wireless communication via the second wireless communication interface 210. This can reduce cybersecurity risks by using a second physical medium. The wireless communication device 214 can also improve the security and ease of use of the system 200. Because the electronics of the CGM system 200 are reusable, wireless pairing with a user device 222, such as a smartphone and / or peripherals, can be maintained without the need to re-pair every time the electrodes 202 are replaced.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an example implementation of a biosignal monitoring system 300 having a removable electronic device and a wireless rechargeable battery in one embodiment. The description of FIG. 3 may refer to the components illustrated in FIG. 2. The implementation of the system 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be an example implementation of the system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. The system 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be a biosignal monitoring system including at least a controller 310, a memory 340, an AFE 320, a coil 302, a wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304, a rechargeable battery 306, a power source 308, a wireless communication device 312, an antenna 314, one or more indicators 316, a user input 318, and a biosignal sensor 322. The controller 310 may be a microcontroller. The coil 302 and the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 may be parts of the wireless communication device 214 illustrated in FIG. 2. The wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 may be configured to operate and communicate using a short-range wireless communication protocol such as NFC or Qi. The wireless communication device 312 may be configured to operate and communicate using a long-range wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or LTE (e.g., low-power LTE-M or NB-IoT). In one embodiment, the wireless communication interface 312, the antenna 314, and the controller 310 may be separate components. The memory 340 may be configured to store a set of instructions including source code and / or executable code, and the controller 310 may execute the set of instructions stored in the memory 340 to execute algorithms and / or applications that perform the processes, methods, calculations, operations, and / or functions described herein. In another embodiment, the wireless communication device 312 and / or the antenna 314 may be integrated within the controller 310. In one embodiment, the coil 302, the first short-range wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304, and the rechargeable battery 306 may be provided outside the controller 310 as shown in FIG. 3. In another embodiment, the coil 302, the first short-range wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304, and the rechargeable battery 306 may be integrated into the controller 310 as a battery module 330.The rechargeable battery 306 may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery having a relatively small size, such as the size of a button.

[0016] The wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 may include a wireless power receiver including a first radio interface (e.g., short range) and may operate under different wireless power protocols, such as near field communication (NFC), Qi, or other wireless power protocols. In an embodiment where the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 is external to the controller 310, the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 may include its own controller. In an embodiment where the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 is part of the controller 310, the controller 310 may be configured to operate the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304. As an example, when the wireless power transmitter coil is within a certain distance from the coil 302, the wireless power transmitter coil and the coil 302 form a transformer that facilitates power delivery from the wireless power transmitter to the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304. The limited communication range of the near field wireless communication protocol may reduce the risk of security breaches or potential hacking attacks. Additionally, an analog signal, such as an Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) signal, may be transmitted from the wireless power transmitter to the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 via the coil 302, or vice versa. A battery charger in the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 may use the wirelessly received power to charge a rechargeable battery 306.

[0017] The power supply 308 can provide power to various components in the system 300. In one embodiment, the power supply 308 can include a voltage regulator configured to step up or step down a voltage to different components in the system 300, such as a DC-DC buck-boost regulator. The voltage regulator can also ensure that a constant voltage is provided to all components in the system 300 as long as the rechargeable battery 306 has sufficient charge. The indicator 316 can include, for example, different colored LEDs that can inform the user about different types of conditions of the system 300. As an example, the indicator 316 can include an LED that lights up or blinks when the rechargeable battery 306 needs to be charged. In another example, the indicator 316 can include another LED that can light up when the biosignal sensor 322 needs to be removed and replaced. In another example, the indicator can include an LED that lights up a first color when the rechargeable battery 306 needs to be charged and a second color when the biosignal sensor 322 needs to be removed and replaced. In another example, the LED may indicate success or failure of data communication and / or power delivery between the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304, the rechargeable battery 306, and / or an external battery charger or transmitter, such as the wireless charging and near field communication device 214 shown in FIG. 2.

[0018] The user input 318 may include switches and / or buttons and / or capacitive touch elements for controlling different components and operations of the system 300. As an example, the user input 318 may include a button for turning the system 300 on or off. When the system 300 is turned off, the power source 308 and / or the rechargeable battery 212 may be disconnected from the controller 310 and the AFE 320. This allows the user to safely remove the biosignal sensor 322 without risk of erroneous measurements. The user input 318 may include various other mechanical inputs for changing optional display elements of the system 300 and / or for notifications regarding optional display elements of the system 300.

[0019] The wireless communication device 312 may include a second wireless interface (e.g., long range) different from the first wireless interface of the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304. The wireless communication device 312 may operate under a wireless protocol and / or air interface different from the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or LTE (e.g., low power LTE-M or NB-IoT). As an example, the wireless communication device 312 may be a radio transceiver operating under a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or LTE (e.g., low power LTE-M or NB-IoT). The wireless communication device 312 may be configured to communicate with user devices outside the system 300 via an antenna 314. The wireless communication device 312 and / or antenna may be separate from the controller 310 or may be part of the controller 310. Additionally, the wireless communication device 312 may have its own integrated microcontroller and / or memory to handle the wireless protocol and tasks offloaded from the main controller 310.

[0020] In one embodiment, the biosignal sensor 322 may be a glucose monitor including a plurality of electrodes 324. The electrodes 324 may include a working electrode (WE), a reference electrode (RE), and a counter electrode (CE). The electrodes 324 may be attached (e.g., implanted) to the patient's skin to obtain glucose values. In one embodiment, the biosignal sensor 322 may be detachable from the AFE 320 and the remaining electronics of the system 300. In one embodiment, one or more mechanical fasteners 328 may be used to connect the biosignal sensor 322 to the electronics of the system 300 including the AFE 320. In one embodiment, the mechanical fastener 328 may be a magnet, such as, for example, a neodymium magnet. In one embodiment, the mechanical fastener 328 may be a separable, stable plastic catch with a locking or releasing lever. The electrodes 324 may be electrically connected to the AFE 320 via a plurality of contacts 326. In one embodiment, the contacts 326 may be conductive contacts, such as gold-plated contacts. The biosignal sensor 322 may be detachable from the AFE 320. When the bio-signal sensor 322 is removed, the electrodes 324 are also removed, as are the mechanical fixations 328 on the bio-signal sensor 322 and the AFE 320.

[0021] Because the biosignal sensor 322 is removable and includes a rechargeable battery 306 and a wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 for short-range wireless communication and power supply, the electronic components of the system 300 can be reused without being discarded. The biosignal sensor 322 can be removed and discarded, and a new biosignal sensor 322 can be attached to the AFE 320. In one embodiment, the AFE 320 can be configured to detect whether the biosignal sensor 322 is attached to the AFE 320 or removed from the AFE 320. If the biosignal sensor 322 is attached to the AFE 320, the AFE 320 can receive the biosignal measured by the electrodes 324 via the contacts 326. The AFE 320 can measure, evaluate, and / or communicate the received biosignal to the controller 310. In one embodiment, the reusable components of the system 300 can be sealed as a package such that the reusable components can be waterproof and dustproof.

[0022] In one embodiment, when the coil 302 is in proximity (e.g., within range of a wireless power standard such as the NFC or Qi standard) with a user device including a transmitting coil, the magnetic field between the transmitting coil and the coil 302 can cause the user device to transmit a signal to the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 and vice versa. The wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 can transmit and receive user credentials and / or keys, including but not limited to authentication data such as a username, password, personal identification number (PIN), encryption keys for authorization or authentication, to the user device to enable the wireless communication device 312 to communicate with the user device. The wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 can communicate the user credentials and / or keys and / or authentication data to the controller 310. The controller 310 can authenticate the user credentials using various authentication methods. In one embodiment, the user device can transmit a signal (e.g., amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation) encoding the user credentials, and the controller 310 can be configured to decode the signal to obtain the user credentials for authentication.

[0023] If the controller 310 fails to authenticate the user's credentials or if the user's credentials are incorrect, the controller 310 may not communicate the biometric signal from the AFE 320 to the user device. If the controller 310 authenticates the user's credentials or if the user's credentials are correct, the controller 310 may pair the system 300 with the user device and transfer data via the wireless communication device 312. The controller 310 may communicate the biometric signal from the AFE 320 to the paired user device and / or peripheral device via the wireless communication device 312 and antenna 314. In one embodiment, the controller 310 may store the biometric signal from the AFE 320 in the memory 340 of the controller 310 regardless of whether the user's credentials are authenticated. Some examples of user devices that may be paired with the system 300 include, but are not limited to, a smartphone, an insulin pump, a tablet, a laptop, a wearable device, a personal computer, or other user devices. The wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 can be utilized to obtain user credentials, provide energy transfer for charging the rechargeable battery 306, and provide a secure coupling between the user device and the system 300 for communicating sensitive information such as biosignal readings.

[0024] The controller 310 may be configured to control various aspects of the system 300, such as by executing instructions stored in the memory 340. In one embodiment, the controller 310 may be configured to execute an application that controls the AFE 320 to acquire bio-signals from the bio-signal sensor 322. Additionally, the controller 310 may be configured to store credentials and / or encryption keys, etc. of already authenticated users such that the user devices can remain paired even if the bio-signal sensor 322 is removed and replaced with a new bio-signal sensor.

[0025] Advantageously, the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 in the system 300 can be utilized to securely transmit sensitive information such as user credentials. As an example, the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 can be based on Near Field Communication (NFC) or Qi protocols and a suitable physical interface, so that the risk of cybersecurity attacks such as man-in-the-middle attacks and Bluetooth sniffing can be reduced. The system 300 can provide other advantages similar to those described for the system 200 shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates an example implementation of a biosignal monitoring system with removable electronics and wirelessly rechargeable battery using a biosignal sensor, a user device, and peripherals in one embodiment. The systems 200 and 300 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, respectively, may be implemented as a biosignal monitor 402. Different wireless interfaces utilized in the biosignal monitor 402 (or systems 200, 300) may communicate with a user device 404 (e.g., a smartphone) and peripherals (e.g., an insulin pump) in one embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the biosignal monitor 402 may communicate with the user device 404 and peripherals 406 using a first wireless interface operating within a short-range range, such as NFC or Qi. The biosignal monitor 402 may also communicate protected and / or encrypted data with the user device 404 and peripherals 406 using a second wireless interface operating within a long-range range, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or LTE (e.g., low-power LTE-M or NB-IoT). Additionally, the user device 404 may use the first and second wireless interfaces to communicate with the peripherals 406. The ability of the vital sign monitor 402 to use both the first and second wireless interfaces may enhance communication and security between the vital sign monitor 402, the user device 404, and the peripherals 406. For example, the first wireless interface may be an NFC interface, allowing the vital sign monitor 402 to perform handshaking with the user device 404 and the peripherals 406 before communicating sensitive information, such as vital signs, from the vital sign monitor 402 to the user device 404 and the peripherals 406. Additionally, visualization data and / or control information may be exchanged between the user device 404, the vital sign monitor 402, and / or the peripherals 406.

[0027] FIG. 5A illustrates an exchange of secure credentials and / or security keys between a vital sign monitor and a user device using a short-range wireless interface in implementing a vital sign monitoring system having a removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery in one embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, a vital sign monitor 502 can implement the systems 200, 300 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. The vital sign monitor 502 can exchange credentials with a user device 504, which can be a smartphone or the like having a graphical user interface (GUI). In one embodiment, the vital sign monitor 502 and the user device 504 can exchange credentials and / or encryption keys using a short-range wireless communication interface, such as NFC or Qi. The exchanged credentials can be authenticated internally to the vital sign monitor 502 and the user device 504. If both the vital sign monitor 502 and the user device 504 authenticate the exchanged credentials, the vital sign monitor 502 and the user device 504 can be paired. In response to the vital sign monitor 502 and the user device 504 being paired, the vital sign monitor 502 and the user device 504 can establish a data communication link and exchange data using a long-range wireless communication interface, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or LTE (e.g., low-power LTE-M or NB-IoT). In one embodiment, data communication using the long-range wireless communication interface can be secured and / or encrypted using an encryption key obtained via the short-range wireless communication interface. Utilizing two physical wireless communication devices under two different wireless communication protocols, one short-range for low-speed data (e.g., credentials and / or security keys) and the other long-range for high-speed data (e.g., digital data representing vital signs), can reduce the risk of cyber attacks because sensitive information is exchanged using short-range range over different mediums or wireless channels under a relatively short time frame.In one embodiment, to pair the vital sign monitor 502 and the user device 504, the short-range wireless communication protocol used by the vital sign monitor 502 and the user device 504 must be the same. For example, if the vital sign monitor 502 uses NFC, then the user device 504 must use NFC to perform the pairing. Furthermore, the pairing occurs before a data communication link is established using the long-range wireless communication interface.

[0028] FIG. 5B illustrates an exchange of secure credentials and / or security keys between a peripheral device and a user device using a short-range wireless interface in implementing a vital sign monitoring system with removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery in one embodiment. A peripheral device 506, such as an insulin pump, can also exchange credentials with a user device 504, such as a smartphone with a GUI. In one embodiment, the peripheral device 506 and the user device 504 can exchange credentials using a short-range wireless communication interface, such as NFC or Qi. The exchanged credentials can be authenticated internally to the peripheral device 506 and the user device 504. If both the peripheral device 506 and the user device 504 authenticate the exchanged credentials, the peripheral device 506 and the user device 504 can be paired. In response to the peripheral device 506 and the user device 504 being paired, the peripheral device 506 and the user device 504 can establish a data communication link and exchange protected and / or encrypted data using a long-range wireless communication interface, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or LTE (e.g., low power LTE-M or NB-IoT). In one embodiment, data communications using the established communications link may be secured and / or encrypted using an encryption key obtained via the near field communication interface. In one embodiment, to pair the peripheral device 506 and the user device 504, the near field communication protocol used by the peripheral device 506 and the user device 504 must be the same. For example, if the peripheral device 506 uses NFC, the user device 504 must use NFC to perform pairing. Furthermore, pairing occurs before a data communications link is established using the long field communication interface.

[0029] FIG. 5C illustrates an exchange of encrypted data between a vital signal monitor, a peripheral device, and a user device using a long-range wireless interface in implementing a vital signal monitoring system having a removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the vital signal monitor 502 and the peripheral device 506 can be paired in response to the vital signal monitor 502 and the user device 504 being paired and the peripheral device 506 and the user device 504 being paired. A secure data communication link using the long-range wireless communication interface can be established between the vital signal monitor 502, the user device 504, and the peripheral device 506. In one embodiment, data communication using the established communication link can be protected and / or encrypted using an encryption key obtained via the short-range wireless communication interface. The established communication link can be used to communicate data, such as a vital signal sensed by the vital signal monitor 502, from the vital signal monitor 502 to the user device 504 and the peripheral device 506. In one embodiment, the vital signal provided to the peripheral device 506 can provide parameters that may be required to operate the peripheral device 506. As an example, if the peripheral device 506 is an insulin pump, the biosignal provided to the peripheral device 506 may control the amount of insulin injected by the peripheral device 506. This injection may need to be approved by the patient using the user device 504 (e.g., in accordance with medical regulations).

[0030] FIG. 6A illustrates an exchange of credentials and / or security keys between a vital sign monitor and a peripheral device using a short-range wireless interface in implementing a vital sign monitoring system having a removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery in one embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, a vital sign monitor 602 can implement the systems 200, 300 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. The vital sign monitor 602 can exchange credentials with a peripheral device 604, which can be an insulin pump. In one embodiment, the vital sign monitor 602 and the peripheral device 604 can exchange credentials and / or keys using a short-range wireless communication interface, such as NFC or Qi. The exchanged credentials can be authenticated internally to the vital sign monitor 602 and the peripheral device 604. If both the vital sign monitor 602 and the peripheral device 604 authenticate the exchanged credentials, the vital sign monitor 602 and the peripheral device 604 can be paired. In response to the vital signal monitor 602 and the peripheral device 604 being paired, the vital signal monitor 602 and the peripheral device 604 can establish a data communication link and exchange data using a long-range wireless communication interface, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or LTE (e.g., low-power LTE-M or NB-IoT). In one embodiment, to pair the vital signal monitor 602 and the peripheral device 604, the short-range wireless communication protocol used by the vital signal monitor 602 and the peripheral device 604 must be the same. For example, if the vital signal monitor 602 uses NFC as the short-range wireless communication technology, the peripheral device 604 must use NFC to perform pairing. Furthermore, pairing occurs before the data communication link is established using the long-range wireless communication interface.

[0031] FIG. 6B illustrates an exchange of data between a vital sign monitor and a peripheral device using a long-range wireless interface in implementing a vital sign monitoring system having removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery in one embodiment. In one embodiment, in response to the vital sign monitor 602 and the peripheral device 604 being paired, a secure (e.g., protected, encrypted, and / or authenticated) data communication link using the long-range wireless communication interface may be established between the vital sign monitor 602 and the peripheral device 604. The established communication link may be used to communicate data, such as vital signs sensed by the vital sign monitor 602, from the vital sign monitor 602 to the peripheral device 604. In one embodiment, the vital sign provided to the peripheral device 604 may provide parameters that may be required to operate the peripheral device 604. As an example, if the peripheral device 604 is an insulin pump, the vital sign provided to the peripheral device 604 may control the amount of insulin infused by the peripheral device 604.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates another implementation of a biosignal monitoring system with a removable electronic device and a wireless rechargeable battery, according to an embodiment. The implementation of the system 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 is also applicable to the systems 200 and 300 illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, respectively. The system 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be a biosignal monitoring system including at least a controller 710, a coil 702, a wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 704, a rechargeable battery, a power source 708, a wireless communication device 712, an antenna 714, a user input 718, a biosignal sensor 722, a power switch 706, a load switch 730, one or more sensors 732 (e.g., temperature, humidity), a transimpedance amplifier 734, an instrumentation amplifier 736, and an instrumentation amplifier 738. In an embodiment, the sensor 732, the transimpedance amplifier 734, the instrumentation amplifier 736, and the instrumentation amplifier 738 may form an AFE, such as the AFE 204 and the AFE 320 illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, respectively.

[0033] The controller 710 may operate similarly to the MCU 206 and the controller 310 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, respectively. The coil 702 may be similar to the coil 302 shown in FIG. 3. The wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 704 may operate similarly to the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 304 shown in FIG. 3. The rechargeable battery labeled Li-ion in FIG. 7 may be similar to the rechargeable batteries 212 and 306 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, respectively. The power source 708 may operate similarly to the power source 308 shown in FIG. 3. The wireless communication device 712 may operate similarly to the wireless communication device 210 and the wireless communication device 312 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, respectively. Also, in one embodiment, the wireless communication device 712 may be part of the controller 710. The antenna 714 may be similar to the antenna 314 shown in FIG. 3. The user input 718 may be similar to the user input 318 shown in FIG. 3. The bio-signal sensor 722 may be similar to the bio-signal sensor 322 shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] The transimpedance amplifier 734 may be an amplifier configured to convert an input current to an output voltage. The instrumentation amplifiers 736, 738 may be precision differential voltage amplifiers that are not susceptible to common voltages on their inputs. The sensors 732 may include temperature and / or humidity sensors. These may be required to improve the calculation of the vital sign sensor 722 signal and / or vital signs measured by other medical evaluations.

[0035] The controller 710 may be configured to control the power switch 706 to connect or disconnect the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 704, such as by executing instructions stored in the memory 340, as shown in FIG. 3. The controller 710 may further be configured to control the load switch 730 to connect or disconnect the AFE, including the sensor 732, the transimpedance amplifier 734, the instrumentation amplifier 736, and the instrumentation amplifier 738. In one embodiment, the controller 710 may turn off or open the load switch 730 in response to a failure to authenticate the user's credentials received by the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 704. The controller 710 may turn on or close the load switch 730 in response to an authentication of the user's credentials received by the wireless communication and wireless power receiving device 704.

[0036] FIG. 8A illustrates wireless battery charging using a short-range wireless interface in implementing a vital sign monitoring system having a removable electronic device and a wireless rechargeable battery in one embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, a vital sign monitor 802 can implement the systems 200, 300 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, respectively. The vital sign monitor 802 can include a rechargeable battery, a short-range wireless communication interface, and a long-range wireless communication interface. To charge the rechargeable battery of the vital sign monitor 802, a charger 804 can receive main power from a power source, such as an external battery or a power source. The charger 804 can include a wireless power transmitter and a short-range wireless communication interface. The short-range wireless communication interfaces of the vital sign monitor 802 and the charger 804 are the same and can operate under a short-range wireless communication protocol, such as NFC or Qi. When the charger 804 enters within a certain short-range range, such as a distance conforming to the NFC or Qi protocol, the charger 804 can provide power wirelessly to charge the rechargeable battery in the vital sign monitor 802. In one embodiment, while the vital sign monitor 802 is being charged by the charger 804, the AFE and controller of the vital sign monitor 802 can detect whether the vital sign sensors (e.g., electrodes) of the vital sign monitor 802 are attached to a user.

[0037] FIG. 8B illustrates wireless battery charging using a short-range wireless interface in an embodiment of a peripheral device implementing a vital sign monitoring system with removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery. As shown in FIGS. 5C, 6A, and 6B, a peripheral device 806, such as an insulin pump, can be used simultaneously with a vital sign monitor. The peripheral device 806 can include a rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery of the peripheral device 806 can be charged using a higher power short-range protocol, such as the Qi protocol (compared to NFC). In one aspect, the higher power short-range wireless charging can power a rechargeable battery in the peripheral device 806, which may be larger and require more power, when compared to the vital sign monitor 802, which may have a much smaller rechargeable battery. The charger 804 can receive primary power from a power source, such as an external battery or power source. When the charger 804 enters a certain distance, such as a distance that complies with the Qi protocol, the charger 804 can provide power to charge the rechargeable battery in the peripheral device 806.

[0038] FIG. 8C illustrates wired battery charging when implementing a peripheral device in a biosignal monitoring system having removable electronics and a wirelessly rechargeable battery in an embodiment. In an embodiment, in addition to wireless charging, the rechargeable battery in the peripheral device 806 may also be charged using a wired connection. Exemplary wired connections that may be used for wired charging may include, for example, various types of Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocols. In an embodiment in which wired charging is implemented, the peripheral device 806 may include a power interface, such as a USB interface or socket. A power source 808, which may be a battery or another device, such as a smartphone, laptop, personal computer, etc., may directly provide main power to the rechargeable battery in the biosignal monitor 802 using a wired connection. In an embodiment, the USB interface (I / F) shown in FIG. 8C operates under the USB Type-C Power Delivery (USB-C-PD) protocol and may rapidly charge the rechargeable battery in the peripheral device 806 (e.g., an insulin pump) in order to keep charging time short in situations where the user cannot leave the power source 808. To ensure personal health and safety, the USB connection in one embodiment may be physical through the use of magnets and spring-loaded (e.g., gold) contacts, which will automatically disconnect without harming the user if the user moves more than the charging cable allows.

[0039] Figure 9 is a flow diagram of a process for implementing a biosignal monitoring system with removable electronics and a wireless rechargeable battery, in one embodiment. The process 900 shown in Figure 9 may include one or more operations, acts, or functions illustrated by one or more blocks 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, and / or 914. Although illustrated in the diagram as separate blocks, various blocks may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, omitted, performed in a different order, or performed in parallel, depending on the desired application.

[0040] The process 900 may be performed by a reusable device (e.g., the reusable portion shown in FIG. 2) connected to a disposable bio-signal sensor. The process 900 may begin at block 902. In block 902, the device may receive and / or evaluate at least one bio-signal from a bio-signal sensor (e.g., a disposable bio-signal sensor). In one embodiment, the at least one bio-signal may include a glucose value. The process 900 may proceed from block 902 to block 904. In block 904, the device may receive power via a first wireless interface. The process 900 may proceed from block 904 to block 906. In block 906, the device may use the received power to charge a rechargeable battery. The process 900 may proceed from block 906 to block 908. In block 908, the device may receive a signal via the first wireless interface. The signal may encode user credentials. The process 900 may proceed from block 908 to block 910. In block 910, the device may demodulate the signal to decode the user's credentials.

[0041] The process 900 may proceed from block 910 to block 912. In block 912, the device may authenticate the user's credentials. The process 900 may proceed from block 912 to block 914. In block 914, the device may communicate at least one biometric signal to the user device via a second wireless interface in response to authenticating the user's credentials. In one embodiment, the first wireless interface may be a short-range wireless interface and the second wireless interface may be a long-range wireless interface. In one embodiment, the first wireless interface may be one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface and a Qi wireless power interface. The second wireless interface may be a Bluetooth interface or a Wi-Fi interface or an LTE interface (e.g., low-power LTE-M or NB-IoT).

[0042] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion thereof of instructions that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions shown in the blocks may occur out of the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be implemented substantially simultaneously or may even be implemented in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, as well as combinations of those blocks, may be implemented by a special purpose hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or operations or a combination of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0043] The terms used in this specification are used only to describe certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Terms used in this specification that denote the singular are also intended to include the plural unless otherwise specified. It should also be noted that the term "comprises" used in this specification defines the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0044] The corresponding structures, materials, operations, and equivalents of all means or steps and functional elements recited in the appended claims are intended to encompass any structures, materials, or operations for achieving a function in combination with other elements specifically described. The description of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed forms. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be applied without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The above-described embodiments have been selected and described in order to best explain the principles and practical applications of the invention and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention in various embodiments with various modifications as appropriate for the particular applications contemplated.

Claims

1. an analog front end configured to receive at least one bio-signal from one or more bio-signal sensors; 1. A wireless communication receiver including a first wireless interface, receiving power via the first wireless interface; Charging a rechargeable battery using the received power; configured to receive, via the first wireless interface, a signal encoding user credentials; A wireless communication receiver; a second wireless interface; One or more controllers, demodulating the signal to decode the user's credentials; Authenticating the user's credentials; configured to communicate at least one of the biometric signals from the analog front end to a user device via the second wireless interface in response to authentication of the user's credentials. One or more controllers; Including, the device.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first wireless interface is a short-range wireless interface and the second wireless interface is a long-range wireless interface.

3. the first wireless interface is one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface and a Qi wireless power supply interface; The second wireless interface is one of a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface, and a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) interface; The device of claim 1 .

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the analog front end is detachable from the bio-signal sensor.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the analog front end is attached to the bio-signal sensor via at least one mechanical fixation.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the vital signs comprises a glucose value.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the biometric signal further encodes at least one of an encryption key and authentication information.

8. The one or more controllers: encrypting at least one of the biometric signals in response to authenticating the user's credentials; and further configured to communicate the encrypted biometric signal to the user device via the second wireless interface. The device of claim 1 .

9. a first device configured to sense at least one biological signal; a second device, receiving at least one said biosignal from said first device; receiving power via a first wireless interface; Charging a rechargeable battery using the received power; receiving a signal over the first wireless interface encoding user credentials; demodulating the signal to decode the user's credentials; Authenticating the user's credentials; configured to communicate at least one of the biometric signals to a user device via a second wireless interface in response to authentication of the user's credentials. A second device; and Including, the system.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first wireless interface is a short-range wireless interface and the second wireless interface is a long-range wireless interface.

11. the first wireless interface is one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface and a Qi wireless power supply interface; The second wireless interface is one of a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface, and a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) interface; The system of claim 9.

12. The system of claim 9 , wherein the second device is detachable from the first device.

13. The system of claim 9 , wherein the second device is attached to the first device via at least one mechanical fastener.

14. The system of claim 9 , wherein at least one of the vital signs comprises a glucose value.

15. The system of claim 9 , wherein the biometric signal further encodes at least one of an encryption key and authentication information.

16. The second device is encrypting at least one of the biometric signals in response to authenticating the user's credentials; and further configured to communicate the encrypted biometric signal to the user device via the second wireless interface. The system of claim 9.

17. 1. A method for operating a vital sign monitoring system, comprising: receiving at least one bio-signal from a bio-signal sensor; receiving power over a first wireless interface; charging a rechargeable battery using the received power; receiving, via the first wireless interface, a signal encoding user credentials; demodulating the signal to decode the user's credentials; authenticating the user's credentials; in response to authenticating the user's credentials, communicating at least one of the biometric signals to a user device via a second wireless interface; A method comprising:

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first wireless interface is a short-range wireless interface and the second wireless interface is a long-range wireless interface.

19. the first wireless interface is one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface and a Qi wireless power supply interface; The second wireless interface is one of a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface, and a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) interface; 20. The method of claim 17.

20. The method of claim 17 , wherein at least one of the vital signs comprises a glucose value.

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