Wearable biosensing device

Abstract

To provide a portable biological monitoring device that can be charged in a state of being mounted.SOLUTION: A portable biological monitoring device includes a central pod, a sensor electrode, and a wearable band. The central pod can be removably joined to the wearable band. The sensor electrode can transmit data to a circuit on a printed circuit board (PCB) in the central pod. The circuit can be stored in the central pod and is configured to process the data transmitted from the sensor electrode. While the wearable band is joined to the central pod, the central pod can be electrically connected to the sensor electrode through one or more conductive wires. In some embodiments, the central pod can be electronically insulated from the sensor electrode while the wearable band is not joined to the central pod. Also, a second device can be included, which is configured to be removable joined to a plurality of pins.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 937,046, filed on November 18, 2019. The entire disclosure of the same is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments described herein generally relate to portable biometric monitoring devices.

Background Art

[0003] Background

[0003] The embodiments described herein generally relate to portable biometric monitoring devices. Biometric monitoring devices include activity monitors, smartwatches, and other monitoring devices. Biometric monitoring devices can assist in tracking fitness - related metrics such as walking or running distance, calorie consumption, heart rate, and other metrics. Biometric monitoring devices can track and share important biometric information, but these often have to be removed for charging and / or data download / upload.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Summary

[0004] Embodiments described herein generally relate to a portable biometric monitoring device having a central pod, sensor electrodes, and a wearable band. In some embodiments, the sensor electrodes can include a skin electroactivity (EDA) sensor electrode, an electromyogram (EMG) sensor electrode, an electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor electrode, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor electrode, a microfluidic sensor electrode, a pH sensor electrode, a glucose sensor electrode, a DNA sensor electrode, a phosphate sensor electrode, or any combination thereof. The central pod can be removably coupled to the wearable band. The sensor electrodes can transmit data to a circuit on a printed circuit board (PCB) within the central pod. The circuit can be housed within the central pod and can be configured to process data transmitted from the sensor electrodes. While the wearable band is coupled to the central pod, the central pod can be electrically connected to the sensor electrodes via one or more conductive wires. In some embodiments, when the wearable band is not coupled to the central pod, the central pod can be electronically insulated from the sensor electrodes. In some embodiments, one or more conductive wires are substantially housed within the wearable band. In some embodiments, the portable biometric monitoring device includes a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor having a PPG sensor surface configured to be coupled to either the ventral or dorsal side of a user's wrist. In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device can include a plurality of pins located on a surface different from the PPG sensor surface. In some embodiments, the plurality of pins can be used to transmit (i.e., charge) electrical energy to the central pod (e.g., by current) and / or to transmit data. The plurality of pins can be located on a surface orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the PPG sensor surface. In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device can include a second device configured to be removably coupled to the plurality of pins.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1

[0005] Schematic diagram of a biological monitoring device according to an embodiment.

Figure 2A

[0006] Perspective view of a biological monitoring device according to an embodiment.

Figure 2B

[0006] Perspective view of a biological monitoring device according to an embodiment.

Figure 3A

[0007] Perspective view of the central pod of a biological monitoring device according to an embodiment.

Figure 3B

[0007] Perspective view of the central pod of a biological monitoring device according to an embodiment.

Figure 4A

[0008] Perspective view of a wearable band according to an embodiment.

Figure 4B

[0008] Perspective view of a wearable band according to an embodiment.

Figure 4C

[0008] Perspective view of a wearable band according to an embodiment.

Figure 4D

[0008] Perspective view of a wearable band according to an embodiment.

Figure 5A

[0009] Perspective view of a second device according to an embodiment.

Figure 5B

[0009] Perspective view of a second device according to an embodiment.

Figure 6A

[0010] Perspective view of a biological monitoring device according to an embodiment.

Figure 6B

[0010] Perspective view of a biological monitoring device according to an embodiment.

Figure 7

[0011] Shows a view of the central pod of a biological monitoring device according to an embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0006] Detailed description

[0012] Embodiments described in this specification generally relate to a portable biometric monitoring device including a central pod, sensor electrodes, and a wearable band, and the portable biometric monitoring device can be wrist-worn. The biometric monitoring device is a device that converts an individual's biometric characteristics (e.g., pulse, blood pressure) into an electrical signal. The biometric monitoring device often includes a semiconductor device that processes data on an individual's physical characteristics using a series of algorithms. The biometric monitoring device is often worn to track an individual's fitness metrics, but can also be used to monitor health conditions such as high blood pressure, and for early detection of conditions and / or diseases such as respiratory diseases including COVID-19. In addition to biometric characteristics, the biometric monitoring device can also be configured to track an individual's activities and the intensity level of physical activity, such as walking distance or running distance. Further, the biometric monitoring device often includes a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensing device.

[0007]

[0013] In some embodiments, the sensor electrodes can include an EDA sensor electrode, an EMG sensor electrode, an EKG sensor electrode, an EEG sensor electrode, a microfluidic sensor electrode, a pH sensor electrode, a glucose sensor electrode, a DNA sensor electrode, a phosphate sensor electrode, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the portable biometric monitoring device described herein can be disposed around the user's wrist, chest, shoulder, waist, thigh, calf, knee, ankle, foot, toe, hand, neck, finger, forearm, upper arm, head, or any other body part where measurement is desired.

[0008]

[0014] Portable biometric monitoring devices often include an accelerometer and a gyroscope in addition to a PPG module. Therefore, these devices can continuously detect the movement of the human body with a three-axis accelerometer. Movement data is recorded while the device is worn, enabling the device to track whether the user is walking, running, or stationary. In addition to movement data, PPG data can be used to measure pulse, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular parameters. The movement data and PPG data can then be stored for further processing. The movement data and PPG data are generally provided to a software program housed within the device, or the movement data is sent to an external machine (e.g., a smartphone, computer, etc.) for further processing. Taking into account the user's personal information (e.g., height, weight, etc.), the software can determine what the received data suggests and create appropriate statistics. The software can classify movement into different activities (e.g., walking, running, cycling) based on the speed of movement and heart rate, and then generate more information based on these details. The information can be in the form of the user's average number of steps per day, resting heart rate, or overall physical fitness level. The information can be provided to the user via an application on either a computer, smartphone, or the portable biometric monitoring device itself.

[0009]

[0015] PPG is an optically obtained dataset that can be used to detect changes in blood volume in the microvascular bed of the user's tissue. PPG is often obtained by using a series of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that illuminate the user's skin to measure changes in light absorption. The collection of the PPG module and PPG data is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,285,602, entitled "Device, system and method for detection and processing of heartbeat signals" ("the '602 patent"). The entire disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

[0010]

[0016] Further, some embodiments described herein relate to a portable biometric monitoring device including an EDA sensor. EDA is a property of the human body that causes continuous changes in the electrical properties of the skin. EDA and devices for collecting EDA are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0316229, entitled “Apparatus for electrodermal activity measurement with current compensation” (the “‘229 publication”). The entire disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

[0011]

[0017] Biometric monitoring devices often require removal of the device during charging. In other words, the user cannot always wear the device. This can be particularly problematic for users monitoring their health and / or third parties (e.g., clinicians monitoring patients located remotely). This problem can be overcome by the development of a biometric monitoring device that can be charged in a predetermined position while being worn.

[0012]

[0018] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a member” means a single member or a combination of members, and the term “a material” means one or more materials or combinations thereof.

[0013]

[0019] When used with terms such as "cylindrical", "linear", and / or other geometric relationships, the term "substantially" is intended to convey that the structure so defined is nominally cylindrical, linear, etc. As an example, a portion of a support member described as "substantially linear" is intended to convey that linearity of this portion is desired, but that some non-linearity may occur in the "substantially linear" portion. Such non-linearity can be caused by manufacturing tolerances or other practical matters (e.g., pressure or force applied to the support member). Thus, a geometric structure modified by the term "substantially" includes such geometric characteristics within plus or minus 5% of the described geometric structure. For example, a "substantially linear" portion is a portion that defines an axis or centerline within plus or minus 5% of linearity.

[0014]

[0020] As used herein, the terms "set" and "plurality" may refer to a single feature having a plurality of features or a plurality of components.

[0015]

[0021] As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately" mean plus or minus 10% of the stated value. For example, about 250 μm includes 225 μm to 275 μm, and about 1,000 μm includes 900 μm to 1,100 μm.

[0016]

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a biological monitoring device 100 according to an embodiment. The biological monitoring device 100 includes a central pod 110, sensor electrodes 130, and a wearable band 150. The central pod 110 can be removably coupled to the wearable band 150. In some embodiments, the biological monitoring device 100 may include a second device 180 configured to be removably coupled to the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the central pod 110, the sensor electrodes 130, the wearable band 150, and the second device 180 may be highly water-resistant so that a user can wear the biological monitoring device 100 during showering or swimming.

[0017]

[0023] In some embodiments, the central pod 110 may include a PPG module, a gyroscope, a Bluetooth antenna, and / or an accelerometer housed within the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device 100 may include a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor may be added to and / or housed within the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the PPG module may have any of the features described in the '602 patent. In some embodiments, the PPG module can measure oxygen saturation (SpO2). In some embodiments, the PPG module can measure heart rate variability (HRV). In some embodiments, the PPG module can remove noise from signals input to the PPG module (e.g., raw data measured by the PPG module). The PPG module can illuminate the user's skin through the transparent PPG module surface. In some embodiments, the central pod 110 may include a charging port (not shown), and the charging port includes a plurality of charging pins (not shown). In some embodiments, the charging port may be on a surface different from the PPG module surface. In some embodiments, the charging port may be on a surface oriented substantially orthogonal to the PPG module surface. When the charging port is on a surface different from the PPG module surface, the second device 180 may be attached to the charging port to charge the biometric monitoring device 100 when the biometric monitoring device 100 is being worn by the user. This can enable the biometric monitoring device to be worn at all times. In some embodiments, the charging pins may be configured to enable the transmission of electrical energy and / or data (e.g., by current). In some embodiments, the central pod 110 may include a display screen and one or more buttons that a user can press to adjust the settings and / or the information presented on the display screen.

[0018]

[0024] The sensor electrode 130 is electronically connected to the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 130 may include an EDA sensor electrode, an EMG sensor electrode, an EKG sensor electrode, an EEG sensor electrode, a microfluidic sensor electrode, a pH sensor electrode, a glucose sensor electrode, a DNA sensor electrode, a phosphate sensor electrode, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 130 may be configured to physically contact the ventral side of the user's wrist. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 130 may have any of the features described in the '229 publication. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 130 may include two or more electrodes. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 130 may be electronically connected to the central pod 110 via a conductive element or channel, such as a conductive wire (not shown). In some embodiments, the conductive wire may be housed and / or incorporated within the wearable band 150. In other words, for example, the conductive wire may extend inside the wearable band 150 such that the conductive wire is isolated or substantially isolated from contact with the user's skin and the atmosphere. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 130 may be coupled to the central pod 110 via a flexible circuit including one or more conductive paths. The flexible circuit may be incorporated within the wearable band 150, housed within the wearable band 150, and / or otherwise supported by the wearable band 150. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 130 may be at least partially housed within the wearable band 150. For example, the sensor electrode 130 may be disposed within the wearable band 150 such that a portion of the sensor electrode 130 is covered by the wearable band 150 and isolated or insulated from external signals. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 130 may be configured to measure EDA. In some embodiments, the biological monitoring device 100 may include additional electrodes (not shown). In some embodiments, the additional electrodes may be configured to collect electrocardiogram (EKG), peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), or other biological data.

[0019]

[0025] In some embodiments, the wearable band 150 can be configured to maintain or hold the central pod 110 and / or the sensor electrodes 130 against the user's skin. In some embodiments, the wearable band 150 can be configured to fit around the user's wrist, ankle, and / or other appendages. In some embodiments, the wearable band 150 can be made of or include a material that forms a high friction or resistance against the skin (e.g., a high friction material) such that the wearable band 150 can reduce or prevent movement of the central pod 110 and / or the sensor electrodes 130 when the wearable band 150 is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the wearable band 150 can include anti-slip ridges as further described with reference to FIGS. 2A-5B. In some embodiments, the wearable band 150 can be made of or include an insulating or non-conductive material such that the wearable band 150 can be configured to isolate one or more conductive wires and / or the sensor electrodes 130 from each other. In some embodiments, the wearable band 150 can be configured to support and / or partially house the sensor electrodes 130 and / or the conductive wires coupled to the sensor electrodes 130. In some embodiments, the wearable band 150 can be made of or include a sterilizable material, a medical material (e.g., a biocompatible material), a stretchable material, a polymer, a plastic, a silicone, or any combination thereof.

[0020]

[0026] In some embodiments, the central pod 110 and the wearable band 150 can be removably coupled by magnetic coupling. The magnetic coupling between the central pod 110 and the wearable band 150 can help facilitate cleaning of each component. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 130 can be electronically connected to the central pod 110 when the wearable band 150 is coupled to the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 130 can be electronically insulated from the central pod 110 while the wearable band 150 is removed from the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the wearable band 150 can be adjustable such that the fit of the biometric monitoring device 100 is configured to suit the user's preference. In some embodiments, the wearable band 150 can be adjustable such that the electrodes of the sensor electrode 130 are in a desired position relative to the ventral side of the user's wrist. In some embodiments, the wearable band 150 can include anti-slip ridges. In some embodiments, the wearable band 150 can include a PPG module. In some embodiments, the PPG module can be housed within the wearable band 150. In some embodiments, the PPG module can be attached to the wearable band 150.

[0021]

[0027] The second device 180 may have one or more functions. In some embodiments, the second device 180 may be removably coupled to the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the second device 180 may be removably coupled to the central pod 110 by magnetic coupling. In some embodiments, the second device 180 may include a charging device. The second device 180 may include a battery or other energy storage device that can be charged using a conventional cable or dock, and then that energy storage device discharges when connected to the central pod 110, thereby charging the central pod 110. This removable second device 180 allows the biosensing device 100 to be continuously worn so that it can be charged without removing it from the user's wrist. This feature can be particularly important for users with medical conditions (e.g., epilepsy) where continuous monitoring is desirable. In some embodiments, the second device 180 may include software similar to the software found in the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the second device 180 may be configured to extract physiological data from the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the second device 180 may include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and / or cellular communication. In some embodiments, the second device 180 may have a second antenna or range extender to improve the connection range of the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the second device 180 may be configured to upload data extracted by the second device 180 from the central pod 110 to an external location such as a mobile phone, computer, and / or server (i.e., the "cloud"). In some embodiments, the second device 180 may be able to collect additional physiological data not collected by the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the second device 180 may be able to collect EKG data, EMG data, EDA data, EEG data, microfluidic data, pH data, glucose sensor electrodes, DNA sensor electrodes, phosphate sensor electrodes.In some embodiments, the second device 180 can collect physiological data similar to the physiological data collected by the central pod 110. This can be for backup or redundancy. This can also function as a means to improve the quality of the data collected by the central pod 110 (e.g., removal of motion artifact data).

[0022]

[0028] In some embodiments, the second device 180 can collect context data including, but not limited to, audio data, ambient light data, and / or weather data. In some embodiments, the second device 180 can transmit any collected data directly to the central pod 110 via wired transmission or wireless communication. In some embodiments, the second device 180 can transmit the data to an external device (e.g., a computer, a mobile phone, a server, etc.) that can process and / or analyze the data, and then the data can be transmitted to the central pod 110. The central pod 110 can use the processed data to enhance the performance of its algorithms. In some embodiments, the second device 180 can have a data collection sensor configured to communicate data to the central pod 110. The data communicated to the central pod 110 can then be transmitted to an external device. In some embodiments, the second device 180 can be larger than the central pod 110 to have more space for a data transfer port (e.g., a USB port) or a charging port.

[0023]

[0029] In some embodiments, the second device 180 may include an LED, an electronic paper display, and / or a matrix LED display. The LED and / or the electronic paper display may be used to convey any value regarding its current state, including but not limited to any information conveyed via the display unit on the central pod 110. In some embodiments, the second device 180 may include one or more buttons, a capacitive touch screen, and / or a resistive touch screen that may be used to query any status value of the second device 180 and / or the central pod 110. The one or more buttons, the capacitive touch screen, and / or the resistive touch screen may also be used to change any settings of the central pod 110 and / or the second device 180. In some embodiments, the second device 180 may have gesture recognition capabilities such that the second device 180 can learn to associate various gestures or motions of the user with user requests to query any status value of the second device 180 and / or the central pod 110. The various gestures described above may also be used to change any settings of the central pod 110 and / or the second device 180. In some embodiments, the second device 180 can perform the functions of the central pod 110 when the battery life of the central pod 110 is running out, there are communication problems, or it otherwise does not perform all of its desired functions. In some embodiments, the central pod 110 and the second device 180 may each include a magnetic sensor such that the central pod 110 and the second device 180 can detect the presence of each other.

[0024]

[0030] In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device 100 may include components such as a communication module, a processing module, etc., which are described in, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0316229, titled "Apparatus for electrodermal activity measurement with current compensation", filed on March 17, 2014, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0327787, titled "Device, system and method for detection and processing of heartbeat signals", filed on July 24, 2015, and U.S. Patent No. 8,140,143, titled "Washable wearable biosensor", filed on April 16, 2009, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0025]

[0031] Figures 2A - 5B show a plurality of perspective views of a biological monitoring device 200 and components of the biological monitoring device 200 according to various embodiments. The biological monitoring device 200 may include components that are structurally and / or functionally similar to those of other biological monitoring devices described herein (e.g., the biological monitoring device 100). As shown, the biological monitoring device 200 includes a central pod 210, conductive wires 220a, 220b (collectively referred to as conductive wire 220), sensor electrodes 230a, 230b (collectively referred to as sensor electrode 230), a wearable band 250, and a second device 280. The central pod 210 includes a coupling surface 211, a PPG module surface 212, pins 214a, 214b, 214c, and 214d (collectively referred to as pin 214), pogo pin contacts 215a, 215b (collectively referred to as pogo pin contact 215), a display screen 216, and buttons 218a, 218b (collectively referred to as button 218). As shown, the wearable band 250 includes a band coupling surface 251, anti - slip ridges 254, pogo pins 255a, 255b (collectively referred to as pogo pin 255), a buckle 256, and Velcro surfaces 258a, 258b (collectively referred to as Velcro surface 258). As shown, the second device 280 includes pin contacts 284a, 284b, 284c, 284c (collectively referred to as pin contact 284), a bottom surface 286, and a top surface 288.

[0026]

[0032] In some embodiments, the central pod 210 may have any of the same performance as the central pod 110 described above with reference to FIG. 1. As shown, the central pod 210 may be removably coupled to the wearable band 250. The coupling between the central pod 210 and the wearable band 250 may be achieved by joining the central pod coupling surface 211 and the wearable band coupling surface 251. In some embodiments, the central pod coupling surface 211 and the wearable band coupling surface 251 may be magnetically joined. While the central pod 210 is coupled to the wearable band 250, the pogo pins 255 are in physical contact with the pogo pin contacts 215.

[0027]

[0033] When the central pod 210 is coupled to the wearable band 250, the central pod 210 is electronically connected to the sensor electrode 230 via the conductive wire 220. The conductive wire 220 physically contacts the pogo pin 255 and the sensor electrode 230. In some embodiments, the conductive wire 220 can be housed within the wearable band 250. In other words, the conductive wire 220 can be joined to the pogo pin 255 and the sensor electrode 230 via a channel inside the wearable band 250. In some embodiments, the conductive wire 220 can be composed of copper, copper-coated steel, high-strength copper alloy, aluminum, or any other conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive wire 220 can be coupled to the pogo pin 255 and / or the sensor electrode 230 by soldering, welding, brazing, or any other joining process. In some embodiments, the conductive wire 220 can be coated with an insulating material to enhance its electrical insulation from the atmosphere and the user's skin. In some embodiments, the conductive wire 220 can be coated with an insulating material. In some embodiments, the conductive wire 220 can be coated with Teflon. In some embodiments, the pogo pin 255 can be composed of copper, copper-coated steel, high-strength copper alloy, aluminum, or any other conductive material. In some embodiments, the pogo pin 255 can be plated with a corrosion-resistant material such as gold or silver. In some embodiments, the pogo pin 255 can be composed of a corrosion-resistant material such as gold or silver. In some embodiments, the pogo pin contact 215 can be composed of copper, copper-coated steel, high-strength copper alloy, aluminum, or any other conductive material. In some embodiments, the pogo pin contact 215 can be plated with a corrosion-resistant material such as gold or silver. In some embodiments, the pogo pin contact 215 can be composed of a corrosion-resistant material such as gold or silver. As illustrated, the biometric monitoring device 200 includes two of each of the sensor electrode 230, the conductive wire 220, the pogo pin 255, and the pogo pin contact 215. In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device 200 can include three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more of each of the sensor electrode 230, the conductive wire 220, the pogo pin 255, and the pogo pin contact 215.

[0028]

[0034] As shown, the central pod 210 includes a PPG module. In some embodiments, the PPG module may function by LEDs that illuminate the user's skin by radiating through the PPG module surface 212. During use, the PPG module surface 212 may be coupled to the user's skin.

[0029]

[0035] As shown, the second device 280 can be removably coupled to the central pod 210. In some embodiments, the second device 280 can have any of the same performance as the second device 180 described above with reference to FIG. 1. The central pod pin 214 can physically contact the pin contact 284. In some embodiments, the central pod pin 214 can be composed of copper, copper-coated steel, high-strength copper alloy, aluminum, or any other conductive material. In some embodiments, the central pod pin 214 can be plated with a corrosion-resistant material such as gold or silver. In some embodiments, the central pod pin 214 can be composed of a corrosion-resistant material such as gold or silver. In some embodiments, the pin contact 284 can be composed of copper, copper-coated steel, high-strength copper alloy, aluminum, or any other conductive material. In some embodiments, the pin contact 284 can be plated with a corrosion-resistant material such as gold or silver. In some embodiments, the pin contact 284 can be composed of a corrosion-resistant material such as gold or silver. As shown, the biological monitoring device 200 includes four central pod pins 214 and pin contacts 284 respectively. In some embodiments, the biological monitoring device can include three, five, six, seven, eight or more central pod pins 214 and pin contacts 284 respectively. In some embodiments, charging can be performed by contact between the central pod pin 214 and the pin contact 284. In some embodiments, data can be shared by contact between the central pod pin 214 and the pin contact 284. As shown, the central pod pin 214 is on a surface different from the PPG module surface 212. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, this enables the user to attach the charging device (i.e., the second device 280) and charge the biological monitoring device 200 while the PPG module and the sensor electrode 230 are still collecting data. As shown, the central pod pin 214 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the PPG module surface 212.

[0030]

[0036] The display screen 216 and the buttons 218 may have characteristics similar to those of one or more of the buttons and display screens described above with reference to FIG. 1. As shown, the biometric monitoring device 200 includes two buttons. In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device 200 may include one, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more buttons. In some embodiments, the display screen 216 may be a capacitive touch screen and / or a resistive touch screen.

[0031]

[0037] Additional components of the wearable band 250 include anti-slip ridges 254, a buckle 256, and a Velcro surface 258. The anti-slip ridges 254 can prevent the wearable band 250 from rotating around the user's wrist while worn. This can be important for holding the sensor electrode 230 in the appropriate position on the ventral side of the user's wrist and also for reducing motion artifacts in the data collected by the sensor electrode 230. The distal side of the wearable band 250 relative to the buckle 256 can be passed through the buckle 256 and adjusted to the desired fit and fastened by the Velcro surface 258. As shown, the wearable band 250 can be fastened by Velcro. In some embodiments, the wearable band 250 can be fastened by prongs and holes or any other fastening mechanism.

[0032]

[0038] In some embodiments, the second device 280 may have any of the same performance as the second device 180 described above with reference to FIG. 1. Additional components of the second device 280 include a bottom surface 286 and a top surface 288. In some embodiments, when the second device 280 is coupled to the central pod 210, the bottom surface 286 may be coupled to the display screen 216. In some embodiments, the top surface 288 may include an additional screen that can display information while the second device 280 is coupled to the central pod 210. In some embodiments, the top surface 288 may include buttons. In some embodiments, the top surface 288 may include a capacitive touch screen and / or a resistive touch screen.

[0033]

[0039] FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views of a biological monitoring device 300 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6A shows the inside of the monitoring device 300 configured to contact a user's body, and FIG. 6B shows the side of the monitoring device 300 configured as shown. The biological monitoring device 300 may include components that are structurally and / or functionally similar to the components of other biological monitoring devices described herein (e.g., biological monitoring devices 100, 200).

[0034]

[0040] As shown, the biometric monitoring device 300 includes a central pod 310, sensor electrodes 330a, 330b (collectively referred to as sensor electrodes 330), and a wearable band 350. The central pod 310 includes a PPG module surface 312, an LED 313, a photodiode (PD) 317, pins 314a, 314b, 314c, and 314d (collectively referred to as pins 314), a display screen 316, and buttons 318a, 318b (collectively referred to as buttons 318). As shown, the wearable band 350 includes adjustment holes 351, adjustment pegs 352, and a buckle 356. In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device 300 may include a conductive wire or a conductive channel (e.g., printed on a flexible printed circuit board) (not shown) and / or a second device (not shown). In some embodiments, the conductive wire and the second device may be the same as or substantially similar to the conductive wire 220 and the second device 280 as described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-5B. In some embodiments, the conductive wire can connect the central pod 310 to the sensor electrodes 330. In some embodiments, the central pod 310, the PPG module surface 312, the pins 314, the display screen 316, the buttons 318, the sensor electrodes 330, the wearable band 350, the adjustment holes 351, the adjustment pegs 352, and the buckle 356 may be the same as or substantially similar to the central pod 210, the PPG module surface 212, the pins 214, the display screen 216, the buttons 218, the sensor electrodes 230, the wearable band 250, the adjustment holes 251, the adjustment pegs 252, and the buckle 256 as described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-5B. Accordingly, specific aspects of the central pod 310, the PPG module surface 312, the pins 314, the display screen 316, the buttons 318, the sensor electrodes 330, the wearable band 350, the adjustment holes 351, the adjustment pegs 352, and the buckle 356 are not described in further detail herein.

[0035]

[0041] In some embodiments, the central pod 310 may be removable from the wearable band 350. In some embodiments, the conductive wire extends within the wearable band 350 and contacts the sensor electrode 330. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 330 may be configured to contact the ventral side of the user's wrist. In some embodiments, the sensor electrode 330 may be configured to contact the dorsal side of the user's wrist. In some embodiments, the LED 313 and / or the PD 317 may be configured to have certain operating parameters or characteristics (e.g., light intensity, wavelength, or color, etc.) and / or to be particularly arranged based on the measurements performed (e.g., EKG, EDA). In some embodiments, the LED 313 and the PD 317 may be optically separated by an optical barrier to avoid crosstalk between the LED and the PD 317. In some embodiments, the central pod 310 may include at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10 LEDs 313. In one embodiment, the central pod 310 may include 3 LEDs, for example, including LEDs that emit light of different wavelengths (e.g., green, red, infrared). In some embodiments, each LED 313 or a subset of the LEDs 313 may be individually driven by a circuit via different channels. In some embodiments, one or more of the LEDs 313 may be covered by a lens (e.g., a special lens) to enhance the light emission efficiency. In some embodiments, the central pod 310 may include at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10 PDs 317. In some embodiments, the signals generated by the PD 317 may be individually acquired by a circuit via different channels. In some embodiments, each PD 317 may be arranged at an asymmetric distance from the LED 313 to optimize the opportunity to obtain high-quality signals for a greater portion of the potential user. FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a central pod 410 having an exemplary arrangement of the PD 417 at an asymmetric distance from the LED 413.With such an arrangement, it is possible to select a plurality of configurations for light to travel through different skin volumes (e.g., distances D1, D2, D3).

[0036]

[0042] In some embodiments, the wearable band 350 can be composed of a sterilizable material, a medical material, a stretchable material, a polymer, a plastic, a silicone, or any combination thereof. As shown, the side of the wearable strap 350 including the adjustment peg 352 can be passed through the buckle 356, and the adjustment peg 352 can be inserted into the adjustment hole 351 at a desired size. In some embodiments, the buckle 356 can be shaped such that the opening created by the buckle 356 is larger at the location where the adjustment peg 352 passes through the buckle 356. For example, if the wearable strap 350 includes two adjustment pegs 352, the buckle 356 can include an opening with two enlarged portions for accommodating the adjustment pegs 352 inserted into the buckle 356. Such a design can facilitate the adjustment of the size or tightness of the wearable band 350.

[0037]

[0043] The biological monitoring devices disclosed in this specification (e.g., 100, 200, 300) may include a processor, a memory, and input / output devices (e.g., a display, a communication module, etc.). Although not specifically described above in the biological monitoring device, the central pod of the biological monitoring device may include a display that provides the user with specific information, such as information representing or summarizing measured physiological data (e.g., EDA data, heart rate, SpO2, etc.), information representing or summarizing context data (e.g., weather data, time and date, location, etc.), remaining battery life, wireless connection status, reminders, notifications, etc. The display may be disposed on the surface of the central pod opposite to the surface including one or more sensors (e.g., the surface of the PPG module). In some embodiments, the biological monitoring device (e.g., 100, 200, 300) may be wirelessly connected to one or more external devices, such as user devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers, computers, etc. In some embodiments, the biological monitoring device (e.g., 100, 200, 300) may include a user input interface including a touch screen, buttons, etc.

[0038]

[0044] Some embodiments and / or methods described herein may be implemented by software (executed on hardware), hardware, or a combination thereof. Examples of hardware modules may include, for example, general-purpose processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Software modules (executed on hardware) may be represented in various software languages (e.g., computer code) including C, C++, Java™, Ruby, Visual Basic™, and / or other object-oriented, procedural, or other programming languages and development tools. Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, microcode or microinstructions, such as machine instructions generated by a compiler, code used to create web services, and files containing higher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, embodiments may be implemented using imperative programming languages (e.g., C, Fortran, etc.), functional programming languages (Haskell, Erlang, etc.), logic programming languages (e.g., Prolog), object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Java, C++, etc.) or other suitable programming languages and / or development tools. Further examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encryption code, and compression code.

[0039]

[0045] Various concepts can be embodied in one or more ways, and at least one example of such is provided. The acts performed as part of a method may be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, even if shown as sequential acts in an exemplary embodiment, embodiments may be created in which the acts are performed in an order different from that shown (which may include performing some acts simultaneously). In other words, such features need not necessarily be limited to a particular execution order, but rather, any number of threads, processes, services, servers, etc. may be understood to execute continuously, asynchronously, simultaneously, in parallel, concurrently, synchronously, etc. in a manner consistent with the present disclosure. Thus, some of these features may be mutually contradictory in that they cannot coexist in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features may be applicable to one aspect of the present innovation and not to others.

[0040]

[0046] Further, the present disclosure may include other innovations not described herein. The Applicant reserves all rights in such innovations, including the right to file embodiments of such innovations, its additional applications, continuation applications, partial continuation applications, divisional applications, etc. Thus, it should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, logic, operations, organizations, structures, forms, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be regarded as limitations on the present disclosure as defined by the embodiments or limitations on the equivalents of the embodiments. Depending on the specific desires and / or characteristics of individual and / or corporate users, database configurations and / or relational models, data types, data transmissions, and / or network frameworks, syntax structures, etc., various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be implemented in a manner that allows for great flexibility and customization as described herein.

[0041]

[0047] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to govern the dictionary definition, the definition of the document incorporated by reference, and / or the ordinary meaning of the term being defined.

[0042]

[0048] As used herein, in certain embodiments, the terms "about" or "approximately" when preceding a numerical value indicate plus or minus within a range of 10% of that value. When a range of values is provided, unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of that range, to one tenth of the unit of the lower limit, and any other indicated or intermediate value within the indicated range are understood to be included within the present disclosure. It is also included within the present disclosure that the upper and lower limits of these narrower ranges may be independently included in the narrower ranges, and are subject to any specifically excluded limit values within the indicated range. When the indicated range includes one or both of the limit values, ranges excluding either or both of these included limit values are also included in the present disclosure.

[0043]

[0049] As used in this specification and the embodiments, unless otherwise clearly indicated, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" should be understood to mean "at least one".

[0044]

[0050] As used in this specification and the embodiments, the phrase "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements thus combined, i.e., elements that exist conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. A plurality of elements listed with "and / or" should likewise be construed as "one or more" of the elements thus combined. Elements other than those specifically identified by the "and / or" clause may optionally be present, whether or not they are related to the specifically identified elements. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, when used with an open-ended term such as "comprising", a reference to "A and / or B" may, in one embodiment, refer to only A (optionally including elements other than B), in another embodiment, to only B (optionally including elements other than A), and in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements), etc.

[0045]

[0051] As used in this specification and the embodiments, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when classifying items in a list, "or" or "and / or" is inclusive, i.e., it is interpreted to include at least one of several or a series of elements, as well as two or more, and optionally, additional items not in the list. Only terms with no specific explicit indication such as "only one of" or "merely one of", or "consisting of" when used in an embodiment, refer to including only one element out of several or a series of elements. Generally, as used in this specification, the term "or" is interpreted to indicate an exclusive alternative (i.e., "either one or the other but not both") when preceded by exclusive terms such as "any one of", "only one of", "only one of them", or "merely one of them". "Consisting essentially of" shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law when used in an embodiment.

[0046]

[0052] As used in this specification and the embodiments, when referring to a list of one or more elements, the phrase "at least one" should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements. However, it does not necessarily include at least one of all the elements specifically listed in the list of elements, nor does it exclude any combination of the elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those specifically shown in the list of elements referred to by the phrase "at least one", whether or not they are related to the specifically shown elements. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may, in one embodiment, mean A without B (optionally including elements other than A and B), optionally including at least one, two or more; in another embodiment, it may mean B without A (optionally including elements other than B and A), optionally including at least one, two or more; in yet another embodiment, it may mean A, and optionally including at least one, two or more Bs (and optionally including other elements), etc.

[0047]

[0053] In the above embodiments and the specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "composed of", etc. should be understood to be open-ended, i.e., meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are considered to be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as shown in Section 2111.03 of the United States Patent Examination Handbook.

[0048]

[0054] Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been outlined above, many alternative, modified, and variant forms will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not intended to be limiting. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. If the above-described methods and steps indicate specific events occurring in a specific order, those skilled in the art having the advantages of the present disclosure will be able to change the order of the specific steps and will understand that such changes follow a variant form of the invention. Further, the specific steps may not only be carried out sequentially as described above, but also, where possible, may be carried out simultaneously in a parallel process. Although embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes can be made in form and detail.

Claims

1. A central pod; a wearable band removably connectable to the central pod, the wearable band being configured to be worn on a subject's anatomy; and a plurality of sensor electrodes attached to the wearable band, the wearable band configured to maintain the plurality of sensor electrodes in contact with skin of the subject when the wearable band is worn on the body structure, the plurality of sensor electrodes configured to measure physiological data of the subject; one or more conductive channels configured to provide electronic contact between the central pod and the plurality of sensor electrodes when the wearable band is coupled to the central pod, the one or more conductive channels being encased within and extending along at least a portion of the wearable band; 1. A portable biometric monitoring device comprising:

2. 2. The portable biomonitoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes include at least one of an EDA sensor electrode, an electromyogram (EMG) sensor electrode, an electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor electrode, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor electrode, a microfluidic sensor electrode, a pH sensor electrode, a glucose sensor electrode, a DNA sensor electrode, and a phosphate sensor electrode.

3. The portable biometric monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the central pod is electrically isolated from the plurality of sensor electrodes when the wearable band is not coupled to the central pod.

4. the body structure of the subject is a wrist of the subject; the central pod includes a photoplethysmogram (PPG) module and a PPG module surface, the PPG module surface configured to contact either a ventral side or a dorsal side of the wrist when the wearable band is worn around the wrist; A portable biological monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The PPG module measures oxygen saturation (spO ２ 5. The portable biometric monitoring device of claim 4, configured to measure at least one of: blood pressure, heart rate, or heart rate variability (HRV).

6. The portable biometric monitoring device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the PPG module is configured to remove noise from the signal measured by the PPG module.

7. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the central pod includes a plurality of pins, the plurality of pins configured to transmit at least one of electrical energy or data between the central pod and a second device coupled to the central pod.

8. The portable biometric monitoring device of claim 7 , wherein the pins are located on a surface substantially perpendicular to the PPG module surface.

9. 9. The portable biometric monitoring device of claim 7 or 8, further comprising a second device, the second device being removably coupleable to the plurality of pins, the second device being configured to transmit at least one of the electrical energy or the data to the central pod.

10. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the central pod includes a temperature sensor.

11. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the central pod includes an accelerometer.

12. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the wearable band is constructed from at least one of a biocompatible material, a stretchable material, a sterilizable material, an insulating material, or a high friction material.

13. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the wearable band is constructed from a polymer.

14. The portable biomonitoring device of claim 13 , wherein the polymer is silicone.

15. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensor electrodes is at least partially contained within the wearable band.

16. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the one or more conductive channels are disposed on a flexible printed circuit board.

17. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the central pod is configured to receive signals representative of the physiological data measured by the plurality of sensor electrodes and transmit the signals to a computing device separate from the portable biometric monitoring device.

18. A central pod; a wearable band removably connectable to the central pod, the wearable band being configured to be worn on a subject's anatomy; and a plurality of sensor electrodes attached to the wearable band, the wearable band configured to maintain the plurality of sensor electrodes in contact with the subject's skin when the wearable band is worn on the body structure, the plurality of sensor electrodes being electrically connected to the central pod when the wearable band is coupled to the central pod; a second device removably coupleable to the central pod, the second device configured to transmit at least one of electrical energy or data between the central pod and the second device; 1. A portable biometric monitoring device comprising:

19. 20. The portable biological monitoring device of claim 18, wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes include at least one of an EDA sensor electrode, an electromyogram (EMG) sensor electrode, an electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor electrode, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor electrode, a microfluidic sensor electrode, a pH sensor electrode, a glucose sensor electrode, a DNA sensor electrode, or a phosphate sensor electrode.

20. 20. The portable biometric monitoring device of claim 18, further comprising one or more conductive channels electrically connecting the plurality of sensor electrodes to the central pod when the wearable band is coupled to the central pod.

21. 20. The portable biometric monitoring device of claim 18, wherein the central pod is electrically isolated from the plurality of sensor electrodes when the wearable band is not coupled to the central pod.

22. the body structure of the subject is a wrist of the subject; the central pod includes a photoplethysmogram (PPG) module and a PPG module surface, the PPG module surface configured to contact either a ventral side or a dorsal side of the wrist when the wearable band is worn around the wrist; A portable biometric monitoring device according to any one of claims 18 to 21.

23. The PPG module measures oxygen saturation (spO ２ 23. The portable biometric monitoring device of claim 22 configured to measure at least one of: blood pressure, heart rate, or heart rate variability (HRV).

24. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes are configured to measure physiological data of the subject, and the central pod is configured to receive a signal representative of the physiological data measured by the plurality of sensor electrodes and transmit the signal to a computing device separate from the portable biometric monitoring device.

25. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the second device includes an energy storage device that discharges to transfer the electrical energy to the central pod when the second device is coupled to the central pod.

26. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes are configured to measure physiological data of the subject, and the second device is configured to acquire the physiological data measured by the plurality of sensor electrodes via the central pod when the second device is coupled to the central pod.

27. The portable biometric monitoring device of any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the second device is configured to transmit contextual data to the central pod when the second device is coupled to the central pod, and the contextual data includes at least one of sound data, ambient light data, or weather data.

28. A central pod; a plurality of sensor electrodes configured to measure physiological data of the subject; one or more conductive channels extending between the central pod and the plurality of sensor electrodes, the one or more conductive wires configured to electrically connect the central pod to the plurality of sensor electrodes such that the physiological data measured by the plurality of sensor electrodes can be transmitted to the central pod; a second device removably coupleable to the central pod, the second device configured to transmit at least one of electrical energy or data between the central pod and the second device; Including, 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is positioned on the subject's anatomy; Portable biometric monitoring devices.

29. 30. The portable biological monitoring device of claim 28, wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes comprises at least one of an EDA sensor electrode, an electromyogram (EMG) sensor electrode, an electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor electrode, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor electrode, a microfluidic sensor electrode, a pH sensor electrode, a glucose sensor electrode, a DNA sensor electrode, or a phosphate sensor electrode.

30. 30. The portable biometric monitoring device of claim 28, wherein the central pod includes a photoplethysmogram (PPG) module and a PPG module surface, the PPG module surface configured to contact the body structure of the subject.

31. Measuring physiological data of the subject using a plurality of sensor electrodes of a portable biometric monitoring device, the plurality of sensor electrodes being attached to a wearable band of the portable biometric monitoring device such that the plurality of sensor electrodes are in contact with the subject's skin when the portable biometric monitoring device is worn on a body part of the subject; and transmitting a signal representative of the physiological data measured by the plurality of sensor electrodes to a central pod of the portable biological monitoring device via one or more conductive channels of the portable biological monitoring device, the one or more conductive channels being disposed within the wearable band and extending along the wearable band from the plurality of sensor electrodes to the central pod, the central pod being removably coupled to the wearable band; transmitting, via the central pod, the signals representative of the physiological data measured by the plurality of sensor electrodes to a second device removably coupled to the central pod; A method comprising:

32. 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising transmitting electrical energy from the second device to the central pod such that the central pod is charged for use.

33. 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising transmitting contextual data from the second device to the central pod, the contextual data comprising at least one of sound data, ambient light data, or weather data.

34. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes comprises at least one of an EDA sensor electrode, an electromyogram (EMG) sensor electrode, an electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor electrode, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor electrode, a microfluidic sensor electrode, a pH sensor electrode, a glucose sensor electrode, a DNA sensor electrode, or a phosphate sensor electrode.

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