Device for detecting vital parameters of a human ear and method for measuring vital parameters of a human

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for detecting at least two vital parameters. The device is an optical sensor device (2) for detecting at least one vital parameter of an organism (4), the optical sensor device (2) comprising a radiation source (6) for emitting radiation (7) and a radiation detector (8) for detecting the radiation (7), the radiation source (6) and the radiation detector (8) being arranged adjacent to each other, and an elongated insertion part (12) for positioning the optical sensor device (2) within a portion (16) of the ear canal (14) surrounded by bone when inserted into the ear canal (14), the optical sensor device (2) being arranged on the elongated insertion part (12) or being a component thereof, a temperature sensor (18) for detecting deep body temperature being arranged on the elongated insertion part (12) or being part thereof, and an evaluation unit (20) engaged with the insertion part (12), in particular detachably engaged, the evaluation unit (20) and the optical sensor device (2) being connected to each other at least temporarily, in particular in the engaged state, with respect to signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] According to claim 1, the present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting vital parameters of a human ear, and according to claim 12, it relates to a method for measuring vital parameters of a human.

Background Art

[0002] For example, European Patent Application Publication No. 3020327 discloses an ear thermometer that has already been proposed in the external auditory canal to seal the external auditory canal against the surrounding area and has already produced favorable results in creating a favorable environment in the sealed area. Nevertheless, it is desirable to obtain more accurate and diverse information about the health status of a suffering person. Further apparatuses for detecting vital parameters of the ear are disclosed in International Publication No. 2017 / 015661, International Publication No. 99 / 23941, German Patent Application Publication No. 102017007040 and International Publication No. 2017 / 203251.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable more accurate detection of the health condition of a person in distress, particularly a hypothermic person.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] The aforementioned object is solved by an apparatus for detecting at least one, preferably two or at least two vital parameters according to claim 1. Such an apparatus preferably comprises at least an optical sensor device for detecting at least one vital parameter of an organism, the optical sensor device comprising a radiation source for emitting radiation and a radiation detector for detecting radiation, the radiation source and the radiation detector being adjacent to each other, particularly arranged on one PCB. In this context, "adjacent" means that the radiation source and the radiation detector are preferably arranged on the same plane, particularly in the same direction. Further, the apparatus preferably comprises an elongated insertion part for inserting into the external auditory canal and positioning the optical sensor device in the part of the external auditory canal surrounded by bone. In this context, the term "elongated" preferably means that the longitudinal range of the insertion part is many times larger than the extension range in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insertion part, particularly at least 3 times as long, at least 5 times as long, at least 10 times as long, for example, up to 20 times or up to 50 times as long. The optical sensor device is particularly preferably arranged on the elongated insertion part or a part thereof, and the temperature sensor for detecting the deep body temperature is arranged on the elongated insertion part or is a part thereof. Further, an evaluation part engaged with the insertion part, particularly detachably engaged, is provided, and the evaluation part and the optical sensor device are connected to each other with respect to signals, at least temporarily, particularly in an engaged state.

[0006] This solution is advantageous because the arrangement of the radiation source adjacent to the radiation detector enables a very compact design, thereby allowing the optical sensor device to be arranged very deep in the external auditory canal. Arrangement in the region of the eardrum has the advantage that the vital parameters can be detected very accurately.

[0007] The device or probe is preferably suitable for use in adults and adolescents (> 14 years old). Their dimensions are particularly preferably designed for the cranio - metric skeleton corresponding to the majority of white / Asian people at the time of filing of the present application, in particular for the external auditory canal defined as being at least 12 mm and at most 25 mm in length.

[0008] A more preferred embodiment of the present invention is the subject of the following description and / or the dependent claims.

[0009] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radiation source is arranged or designed on the front side of the substrate that emits radiation in the direction of the eardrum, particularly in the extending direction of the insertion part, and the radiation detector is also particularly preferably arranged or formed on the front surface of the substrate for detecting radiation from the direction of the eardrum, particularly in the extending direction of the insertion part. The substrate is particularly preferably a printed circuit board (PCB), and the PCB is preferably connectable or connected to the evaluation unit by lines for transmitting the detected signal and / or signals, particularly flexible lines such as cables. Preferably, a radiation barrier is formed between the radiation source and the radiation detector, and the radiation source is formed as at least two light - emitting means for emitting radiation of different wavelengths, particularly a first LED or OLED and a second LED or OLED. In the context of the present invention, the radiation barrier is understood to be a device that prevents direct irradiation of the radiation detector by the radiation from the radiation source. The radiation barrier is particularly preferably formed as a wall - like device or a ridge between the radiation source and the radiation detector. Preferably, the radiation barrier is made of, for example, silicon. This embodiment is advantageous because the radiation emitted by the radiation source is very well reflected by the eardrum and subsequent structures, so that vital parameters can be detected very accurately.

[0010] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated insertion part is designed to position the optical sensor device at a distance of 7 mm or less, in particular at a distance of 7 mm to 3 mm, from the eardrum of the defined external auditory canal. Additionally or alternatively, the elongated insertion part can have a length of 12 mm to 25 mm, in particular 14 mm to 23 mm, particularly preferably 16 mm to 21 mm, most preferably 18 mm or substantially 18 mm or about 18 mm or exactly 18 mm. Both embodiments or definitions of the insertion part are advantageous for advantageously specifying the distance between the optical sensor device and the eardrum.

[0011] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radiation source is arranged or formed on the upper surface of the substrate to emit radiation in the direction of the external auditory canal wall, in particular in the radial direction of the insertion part, and the radiation detector is also preferably arranged or formed on the upper surface of the substrate to detect radiation from the direction of the external auditory canal wall, in particular in the radial direction of the insertion part. The radiation source and the radiation detector are preferably oriented in the same direction, in particular such that the radiation emitted from the radiation source is detected by the radiation detector as a result of reflection. The substrate is particularly preferably a printed circuit board (PCB), and the PCB is preferably connectable or connected to the evaluation unit by wiring means for transmitting the detected signal and / or the detected signal, in particular flexible wiring such as a cable. A radiation barrier is preferably formed between the radiation source and the radiation detector. The radiation barrier is particularly preferably formed as a wall-like device or ridge between the radiation source and the radiation detector. The radiation barrier preferably consists of, for example, silicon. The radiation source is preferably formed as at least two light-emitting means emitting radiation of different wavelengths, in particular a first LED or OLED and a second LED or OLED. This embodiment is advantageous because the radiation source and the radiation detector are aligned very close to the eardrum in the direction of the external auditory canal wall, thereby enabling very accurate detection of vital parameters.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated insertion part is designed to position the optical sensor device in a part of the ear canal surrounded by bone and / or at the eardrum, in particular at a distance of 12 mm or less, particularly 7 mm to 3 mm, from the eardrum of the defined ear canal. Additionally or alternatively, the elongated insertion part has a length of 12 mm to 25 mm, particularly 14 mm to 23 mm, particularly preferably 16 mm to 21 mm, most preferably 18 mm or substantially 18 mm or about 18 mm or exactly 18 mm. Since the positioning of the optical sensor device is preferably planned to be very close to the eardrum, both the embodiment and the definition of the insertion part are advantageous.

[0013] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting means or the first light-emitting means of the radiation source is adapted to emit radiation having a wavelength in the range of 860 nm to 900 nm, particularly in the range of 875 nm to 885 nm, preferably 880 nm. Additionally or alternatively, radiation having a wavelength in the range of 620 nm to 700 nm, particularly in the range of 655 nm to 665 nm, preferably 660 nm, is emitted by the respective light-emitting means of the radiation or by another light-emitting means or a further light-emitting means. Additionally or alternatively, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radiation source comprises a light-emitting means or respective further light-emitting means or respective third light-emitting means, and the third light-emitting means can emit radiation in the range of 480 nm to 580 nm, preferably in the range of 510 nm to 545 nm, particularly in the range of 520 to 535 nm. The radiation detector is particularly preferably configured to detect radiation from the light-emitting means, from other light-emitting means, and from the third light-emitting means. This embodiment is advantageous because a defined vital parameter, particularly oxygen saturation, can be detected by means of the radiation from the first light-emitting means and / or the radiation from the second light-emitting means. This embodiment is also advantageous because, additionally or alternatively, the pulse rate can be detected by means of the respective means of the light-emitting means or the third light-emitting means.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radiation source and / or the radiation detector is surrounded, in particular embedded, by an elastically deformable material, in particular a polymer material, which transmits the radiation of the radiation source. This embodiment is advantageous because the elastically deformable material protects very fragile components of the external auditory canal. Furthermore, a transparent material enables optical detection of vital parameters.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substrate is mostly surrounded by an elastically deformable material, in particular a polymer material, the deformable material forms at least one recess, and the radiation source and / or the radiation detector is arranged in the recess. This embodiment is advantageous because no requirement for transparency of the deformable material is given, and in particular can be selected more cost-effectively when the deformable material need not be transparent for some wavelength ranges.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the radiation source capable of emitting radiation from the radiation source is arranged at a first distance from the substrate, and the outer surface of the deformable material has a second distance from the substrate, at least in the region surrounding the recess, and the second distance is the same as or greater than the first distance. This embodiment is advantageous for defining the minimum distance between the sensor device and the surface of the external auditory canal.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated insertion part insertable into the external auditory canal forms its longitudinal inner end, and the elongated insertion part comprises or forms one or at least one sealing element for closing the external auditory canal, and a temperature sensor is arranged or formed between the inner end and the sealing element. This embodiment is advantageous because the temperature sensor can be arranged in a region where it can detect the deep body temperature.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor for measuring the deep body temperature is arranged at a distance of 9 mm to 2 mm from the eardrum, or at a distance of less than 9 mm, in particular, less than 7 mm, or between 7 mm and 2 mm, and / or at a distance of at least 0.1 mm so that the temperature sensor can be arranged, and the temperature sensor is arranged to measure the temperature of the air volume existing between the sealing element and the inner end. This embodiment is advantageous because the sealing element separates the area of the external auditory canal from the surroundings, and the air existing in this area can be heated very quickly to the level of the deep body temperature. As a result, very accurate temperature measurement is possible in a short time.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation unit and the temperature sensor are connected to each other at least temporarily, in particular in an engaged state, with respect to the signal. The temperature sensor is preferably a sensor other than an optical sensor. The temperature sensor is particularly preferably a thermistor, and the temperature sensor is preferably arranged or formed on the back side of the substrate or PCB. The back side is preferably parallel to the upper side or partially parallel. This solution is advantageous because when using a very small PCB, several functional groups can be arranged very close to the eardrum or very deep in the external auditory canal, in particular inside the external auditory canal surrounded by bone.

[0020] The above problem is also solved by the method according to claim 12 for measuring human vital parameters. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of providing a device for detecting at least two vital parameters, in particular a device according to the invention; introducing an elongated insertion part into the external auditory canal of a human; positioning an optical sensor device at a distance of 7 mm or less from the eardrum; positioning a temperature sensor at a distance of 16 mm or less from the eardrum; separating a volume part of the external auditory canal containing air from the environment by a sealing element of the elongated insertion part and generating temperature data, in particular deep body temperature data, the temperature data indicating the temperature of the air located in the separated volume part after a defined minimum period after the volume part has been separated from the environment, the temperature data generated by the temperature sensor after measuring the temperature of the air located in the separated volume part or the temperature data derived from the analog sensor signal of the temperature sensor; generating vital parameters, the vital parameter data being generated by the optical sensor device or derived from the analog sensor signal data of the optical sensor device, the vital parameter data representing at least one vital parameter of a human, the optical sensor device detecting at least one vital parameter; and operating a display according to the temperature data and / or the vital parameter data. This solution is advantageous because by arranging the sensor device in the immediate vicinity of the eardrum, one vital parameter or a plurality of vital parameters can be recorded very accurately.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical sensor device is arranged at a distance of 6 mm or less from the eardrum, the temperature sensor is preferably arranged at a distance of 16 mm or less from the eardrum, and the evaluation unit and the elongated insertion part are preferably connected to each other via a plug connection in order to establish a data connection, in particular a data and energy connection. The optical sensor device transmits vital parameter data or a vital parameter signal to the evaluation unit, and the temperature sensor transmits temperature data or a temperature signal to the evaluation unit. Additionally or alternatively, a device for detecting at least two vital parameters, in particular oxygen saturation and heart rate, can be connected to a cover for completely covering the ear, preferably for at least partially, preferably completely covering the mastoid process. The cover is provided with display means, in particular a display, and the display means is controlled in accordance with vital parameter data and / or deep body temperature data. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation unit can be provided with a communication interface for wireless data exchange, and a data connection is established between the communication interface and a mobile terminal for transmitting vital parameter data and / or temperature data, or evaluation data generated by the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is generated from vital parameter data and / or temperature data.

[0022] Each or all of the individual representations of the figures described below should preferably be regarded as design drawings, i.e., dimensions, ratios, functional relationships and / or arrangements resulting from the figures, and should preferably correspond exactly, or preferably essentially, to each device, product, system according to the present invention, and should essentially or exactly visualize the method or method steps according to the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1a

Figure 1b

Figure 1c

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 2c

Figure 3

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] FIG. 1a shows an example of the device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 according to the invention is preferably formed to detect one or more vital parameters. Deep body temperature, blood oxygen saturation, or pulse rate, for example, can be considered vital parameters. Thus, the device 1 can be represented as a device for detecting vital parameters, or as a pulse rate detection device, or as an oxygen saturation detection device, or as a deep body temperature detection device. The device 1 preferably comprises several parts that can be detachably engaged with each other, namely, an elongated insertion part 12 and a cover 62. The elongated insertion part 12 can preferably be connected to each other by an engagement device 60, in particular by a plug connection, through which signals and / or data and / or electricity can preferably be transmitted. However, alternatively, it is also possible to connect the elongated insertion part 12 and the cover to each other in a non-detachable manner.

[0025] The elongated insertion part 12 is designed to be inserted into a living being 4 (see Fig. 1c), in particular into the external auditory canal of a human, and comprises at least one sensor device, in particular an optical sensor device 2 and / or a temperature sensor 18. The optical sensor device 2 is preferably arranged or formed on the front face 22 (see Fig. 1b) of the elongated insertion part 12. The front face 22 is preferably aligned essentially at right angles to the longitudinal direction L of the elongated insertion part 12. The front face 22 preferably forms at least a part or a majority or the whole of one end 48 (see Fig. 1b) of the elongated insertion part 12. In order to form or represent the part of the elongated insertion part 12 that can be inserted furthest in the longitudinal direction L into the external auditory canal 14 of the ear 17 (see Fig. 1c) of the living being 4 (Fig. 1c), the end formed by the front face 22 is also referred to as the inner end 48. The optical sensor device 2 preferably comprises a radiation source 6 and a radiation detector 8 for detecting the radiation 7 emitted by the radiation source 6. The radiation source 6 and the radiation detector 8 are particularly preferably arranged adjacent to each other, in particular at a distance of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 4 mm, particularly preferably less than 3 mm from each other. Here, it is possible to provide or form a radiation barrier 26 between the radiation source 6 and the radiation detector 8. The radiation barrier can be composed of, for example, the same material as the substrate 10 (see Fig. 1b). However, the radiation barrier 26 is not permeable to at least the radiation from the radiation source 6.

[0026] The optical sensor device 2 preferably includes at least one light emitting means 28, preferably two or more light emitting means 28, 30, and particularly preferably three or more light emitting means 28, 30, 31 (see Fig. 1b). Preferably, the first light emitting means 28 of the radiation source 6 can emit radiation having a wavelength in the range of 860 nm to 900 nm, particularly in the range of 875 nm to 885 nm, preferably 880 nm. Another second light emitting means 30 of the radiation source 6 is preferably designed to emit radiation having a wavelength in the range of 620 nm to 700 nm, particularly in the range of 655 nm to 665 nm, preferably 660 nm. The radiation source 6 preferably includes at least one third light emitting means 31, and the third light emitting means 31 is adapted to emit radiation in the range of 480 nm to 580 nm, preferably in the range of 510 nm to 545 nm, particularly preferably in the range of 520 to 535 nm. Of course, depending on the necessary vital parameters, it is also possible to understand that the light emitting means designated as the third light emitting means 31 is the first light emitting means or the second light emitting means. Similarly, the same applies to the second light emitting means 30, which can also be understood as the first or third light emitting means. Therefore, the first light emitting means 29 can also be understood as the second or third light emitting means.

[0027] Therefore, the radiation detector 8 that detects the radiation 7 from the radiation source 6 is configured to detect the radiation from the first light emitting means 28, the second light emitting means 30, and the third light emitting means 31 and convert it into data or an analog signal.

[0028] The temperature sensor 18 is preferably disposed or formed on the surface of the elongated insertion portion 12 that is inclined with respect to the front surface 22 (see Fig. 1b). Further, a capacitor 66 for supplying electrical energy to the radiation source 6 and / or the radiation detector 8 and / or the temperature sensor 18 is disposed or formed on the substrate.

[0029] Furthermore, the elongated insertion portion 12 preferably includes a seal element 50 for sealing the external auditory canal 14 (see Fig. 1c). The seal element 50 is preferably disposed permanently or replaceably on the elongated insertion portion 12.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the position of the sealing element 50 is adjustable or movable in the longitudinal direction L of the elongated insertion part 12. However, alternatively, it is also possible to fixedly arrange the sealing element 50 at a predetermined position (but preferably replaceable).

[0031] Reference numeral 68 denotes a connection element that is connected to an evaluation unit 20 having at least one microprocessor 21 for processing vital parameter data and / or for controlling the sensor device 2 and / or the temperature sensor 18, preferably by means of an engagement device 60, in particular a detachable plug-in connection or a detachable magnetic connection.

[0032] Signals and / or data and / or electrical energy can be conducted between the sensor device 2 and / or the temperature sensor 18 and the evaluation unit 20 by means of one or more conductive elements (not shown). The conductive element or conductive elements preferably pass through the interior of the elongated insertion part 12 and the interior of the connection element 68. The elongated insertion part 12 and the connection element 68 can alternatively be designed as a continuous device or as a device with a common housing or enclosure, in particular as an elongated insertion part with an outer connection part 12 Reference numeral 58 denotes a display device for displaying information, in particular the results of vital parameters, or changes in vital parameters, or operating instructions. Furthermore, input means (not shown), in particular buttons and switches, can also be provided for inputting control commands. The display device 58 is preferably designed as a touch screen and thus enables the selection or activation of functions in addition to the optical output of information. Furthermore, the device 1 can be provided with an acoustic output device (not shown) for acoustically outputting information, in particular the results of vital parameters, changes in vital parameters, or operating instructions. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 20 preferably comprises a communication means or communication device 64, in particular for wireless data exchange, in particular a communication device for data exchange via wireless transmission such as NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, or 3G, 4G, 5G, or 6G, or such a communication device 64 is connected thereto.

[0033] Figure 1b shows an enlarged view of a portion of the device 1 that can be arranged in the region of the eardrum 24 (see Figure 1c). It can be seen that the elastically deformable material 34 preferably has or forms a recess, and the radiation 7 emitted by the light-emitting means 28, 30, 31 is introduced into the organism 4 through the eardrum 24, and the reflected radiation 7 can reach the radiation detector 8 without the radiation passing through the non-biological material. The reference numeral 36 characterizes the recess, i.e., the region within the beam path of the radiation 7 that is not filled by the elastic material 34. Alternatively, the elastically deformable material 34 can completely surround the sensor device 2, in which case the elastically deformable material must be permeable to the radiation 7 emitted by at least one light-emitting means and preferably the light-emitting means.

[0034] Figure 1c schematically shows the device 1 according to the invention, with the elongated insertion part 12 being inserted into the ear canal 14 of the organism 4. The elastically deformable part 34 contacts the ear canal wall 15 and, for example, prevents the sharp part of the elongated part 12 from contacting the very sensitive ear canal wall 15.

[0035] In the illustrated arrangement, the sensor device 2 is arranged at a distance A of less than 7 mm from the eardrum 24.

[0036] The sealing element 50 is preferably arranged to be located within the portion 161 of the ear canal 14 surrounded by tissue. Alternatively, the sealing element 50 can also be arranged to be located within the portion 16 of the ear canal 14 surrounded by bone. As a result of the positioning of the sealing element 50, the volume 52 of air located between the sealing element 50 and the eardrum 24 is separated from the environment 56.

[0037] Figures 2a - 2c show a further example of the device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 shown in Figures 2a - 2c is basically the same as the device 1 shown in Figures 1a - 1c, except only for the arrangement of the sensor device 2 and / or the temperature sensor 18. The same reference numerals are used for the same components, and the foregoing description applies equally.

[0038] For example, in FIG. 2b, it can be seen that the radiation source 6 is arranged or designed on the upper surface 32 of the substrate 10 to emit radiation 7 in the direction of the outer ear canal wall 15 (see FIG. 2c), particularly in the radial direction of the insertion portion 12. The radiation detector 8 is also arranged or designed on the upper surface 32 of the substrate 10 to detect the radiation 7 from the direction of the outer ear canal wall 15 (see FIG. 2c), particularly from the radial direction of the insertion portion 12. The substrate 10 is preferably designed as a PCB, and it is particularly preferable that a radiation barrier 26 is formed between the radiation source 6 and the radiation detector 8. The radiation source 6 can be formed of at least two light-emitting means 28, 30 that emit radiation 7 of different wavelengths, particularly a first LED or OLED and a second LED or OLED. The elongated insertion portion 12 is preferably designed such that the optical sensor device 2 is located within the portion 16 of the outer ear canal 14 surrounded by bone and / or at a distance of 12 mm or less from the eardrum 24, particularly the eardrum 24 of the defined outer ear canal 14 (see FIG. 2c), particularly at a distance (B) of 7 mm to 3 mm from the eardrum 24. (See FIG. 2c).

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a further example of the sensor head 70. The sensor head 70 is formed by at least a part of the elongated insertion portion 12 and the connecting element 68. The reference numeral 38 indicates a surface spaced apart from the substrate 10 through which the radiation 7 is emitted. The surface 38 is separated by a distance 40 from the closest substrate surface portion. The reference numeral 34 indicates an elastic material provided to protect the outer ear canal 14 (see FIG. 1c or FIG. 2c). The elastic material includes a region particularly adjacent to the radiation source 6, particularly directly adjacent to the radiation source 6, and is separated by a distance 46 from the closest substrate surface portion. The distance 46 is equal to the distance 40 or preferably the distance 46 is greater than the distance 40.

[0040] Accordingly, the present invention generally relates to an apparatus 1 for detecting at least two vital parameters, the apparatus 1 comprising an optical sensor device 2, an elongated insertion part 12, and an evaluation unit 20. The optical sensor device 2 is preferably used to detect at least one vital parameter of a living being 4, in particular a human. The optical sensor device 2 comprises a radiation source 6 for emitting radiation 7 and a radiation detector 8 for detecting the radiation 7. The radiation source 6 and the radiation detector 8 are particularly preferably arranged adjacent to each other. The elongated insertion part 12 is preferably used for insertion into the external auditory canal 14 and for positioning the optical sensor device 2 in a portion 16 surrounded by the bone of the external auditory canal 14. The optical sensor device 2 is preferably arranged on the elongated insertion part 12 or is part thereof. A temperature sensor 18 for detecting deep body temperature is preferably arranged on the elongated insertion part 12 or is part thereof. The evaluation unit 20 is preferably engaged with the insertion part 12, particularly detachably engaged. The evaluation unit 20 and the optical sensor device 2 are connected to each other with respect to signals, at least temporarily, particularly in an engaged state. Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 2b that the temperature sensor 18 and / or the capacitor 66 are arranged or formed on the rear surface 54 opposite to the upper surface 32. However, alternatively, it is also possible to arrange or form the temperature sensor 18 and / or the capacitor 66 on the same side, i.e., on the upper surface 32 where, for example, the sensor device 2 is also arranged or formed.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0041] 1 Apparatus for detecting at least one vital parameter, preferably at least two vital parameters 2 Optical sensor device 4 Living being 6 Radiation source 7 Radiation 8 Radiation detector 10 Substrate 12 Elongated insertion part 14 External auditory canal 15 External auditory canal wall 16 Portion surrounded by bone 17 Ear 18 Temperature sensor 20 Evaluation Unit 22 Front 24 Eardrum 26 Radiation Barrier 28 First Light Emitting Means 30 Second Light Emitting Means 31 Third Light Emitting Means 32 Top Surface 34 Elastically Deformable Material 36 Recess 38 Surface 40 First Distance 42 Outer Surface 44 Surrounding Region 46 Second Distance 48 Inner End 50 Seal Element 52 Air Volume 54 Rear 56 Environment 58 Display Device 60 Plug Connection 62 Cover 64 Communication Interface 66 Capacitor 68 Connection Element 70 Sensor Head 161 Portion Surrounded by Tissue A Distance between the eardrum and the sensor device arranged on the front B Distance between the eardrum and the sensor device arranged on the upper part L Longitudinal Direction of the Elongated Insertion Portion

Claims

1. An optical sensor device (2) for detecting at least one vital parameter of a living being (4), the optical sensor device (2) comprising a radiation source (6) for emitting radiation (7) and a radiation detector (8) for detecting the radiation (7), the radiation source (6) and the radiation detector (8) being arranged adjacent to each other, the optical sensor device (2); An elongated insertion part (12) for inserting into the external auditory canal (14) and positioning the optical sensor device (2) in a part (16) of the external auditory canal (14) surrounded by bone, the optical sensor device (2) being arranged on the elongated insertion part (12) or being a component thereof, and a temperature sensor (18) for detecting deep body temperature being arranged on the elongated insertion part (12) or being a component thereof, the elongated insertion part (12); An evaluation unit (20) engaged with the introduction part (12), in particular detachably engaged, the evaluation unit (20) and the optical sensor device (2) being connected to each other at least temporarily, in particular in the engaged state, with respect to signals, the evaluation unit (20). The radiation source (6) is arranged or formed on the front surface (22) of the substrate (10) for emitting radiation (7) in the direction of the eardrum (24) in the longitudinal direction of the insertion part (12). The radiation detector (8) is arranged or formed on the front surface (22) of the substrate (10) for detecting radiation (7) from the direction of the eardrum (24) in the longitudinal direction of the insertion part (12). The substrate (10) is a PCB. A radiation barrier (26) is formed between the radiation source (6) and the radiation detector (8). The radiation source (6) comprises at least two light-emitting means (28, 30) for emitting radiation (7) of different wavelengths, in particular formed as a first LED or OLED and a second LED or OLED. The elongate insertion part (12) that can be inserted into the external auditory canal (14) forms an inner end part (48) in its longitudinal direction (L), and the elongate insertion part (12) comprises or forms at least one sealing element for closing the external auditory canal (14), and a device (1) for recording at least two vital parameters, wherein the temperature sensor (18) is arranged or formed between the inner end part (48) and the sealing element (50). Claim 2 The elongate insertion part (12) is designed to position the optical sensor device (2) at a distance of 7 mm or less, in particular at a distance between 7 mm and 3 mm, from the tympanic membrane (24) of the externally defined external auditory canal (14), and / or The elongate insertion part (12) has a length between 12 mm and 25 mm, and the device according to claim 1 is characterized by this. Claim 3 The radiation source (6) is arranged or formed on the upper surface (32) of the substrate (10) for emitting the radiation (7) in the direction of the external auditory canal wall (15), in particular in the radial direction of the insertion part (12), and The radiation detector (8) is arranged or formed on the upper surface (32) of the substrate (10) for detecting the radiation (7) from the radial direction of the insertion part (12) in the direction of the external auditory canal wall (15), The substrate (10) is a PCB, A radiation barrier (26) is formed between the radiation source (6) and the radiation detector (8), The radiation source (6) is formed by at least two light-emitting means (28, 30), in particular a first LED or OLED and a second LED or OLED, for emitting the radiation (7) of different wavelengths, and the device according to claim 1 is characterized by this. Claim 4 The elongated insertion part (12) is designed to position the optical sensor device (2) at a distance (B) of 12 mm or less, particularly at a distance of 7 mm to 3 mm from the eardrum (24), from the eardrum (24) of the defined ear canal (14), and / or at a part (16) of the ear canal (14) surrounded by bone, and / or The elongated insertion part (12) has a length between 12 mm and 25 mm, and the device according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

5. Radiation having a wavelength in the range of 860 nm to 900 nm, particularly in the range of 875 nm to 885 nm, preferably 880 nm, is emitted by the light-emitting means (28) of the radiation source (6), and Another light-emitting means (30) of the radiation source (6) is applied to emit radiation having a wavelength in the range of 620 nm to 700 nm, particularly in the range of 655 nm to 665 nm, preferably 660 nm, and the device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is characterized by this.

6. The radiation source (6) comprises at least one third light-emitting means (31), and radiation in the range of 480 nm to 580 nm, preferably in the range of 510 nm to 545 nm, particularly preferably in the range of 520 to 535 nm, is emitted by the third light-emitting means (31), The radiation detector (8) is configured to detect the radiation (7) from the light-emitting means (28), the another light-emitting means (30), and the third light-emitting means (31), and the device according to claim 5 is characterized by this.

7. The radiation source (6) and / or the radiation detector (8) is elastically deformable and is surrounded by a material (34) that is transparent to the radiation (7) of the radiation source (6), and is particularly embedded, and the device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is characterized by this.

8. The substrate (10) is mostly surrounded by an elastically deformable material (34), the elastically deformable material (34) forms at least one recess (36), and the radiation source (6) and / or the radiation detector (8) are arranged in the recess (36). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that.

9. The surface (38) of the radiation source (6) capable of emitting radiation (7) of the radiation source (6) is arranged at a first distance (40) from the substrate (10), and the outer surface (42) of the elastically deformable material (34) has a second distance (46) from the substrate (10) at least in a region (44) surrounding the recess (36). The second distance (46) is the same size as or longer than the first distance (40). The device according to claim 8, characterized in that.

10. The arrangement of the temperature sensor (18) for measuring deep body temperature is such that the temperature sensor (18) is arranged at a distance of 9 mm to 2 mm from the eardrum (18), or less than 9 mm, in particular less than 7 mm, or 7 mm to 2 mm, and / or at least 0.1 mm. The temperature sensor (18) is set to measure the air temperature of the air volume (52) existing between the seal element (50) and the inner end (48). The device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

11. The evaluation unit (20) and the temperature sensor (18) are at least temporarily connected to each other, particularly in an engaged state, with respect to signals. The temperature sensor (18) is a sensor different from the optical sensor. The temperature sensor (18) is a thermistor. The temperature sensor is preferably arranged or formed on the rear surface (54) of the substrate (10). The rear surface (54) is preferably parallel to the upper surface (32), or preferably formed in a portion parallel to the upper surface (32). The device according to claim 10, characterized in that.

12. Providing a device (1) for detecting at least two vital parameters according to any one of claims 1 to 5; Inserting the elongated insertion part (12) into the external auditory canal (14) of the human (4); Positioning the optical sensor device (2) at a distance of 7 mm or less from the tympanic membrane (24); Positioning the temperature sensor (18) at a distance of 16 mm or less from the tympanic membrane (24); Separating a volume part (52) of the external auditory canal (14) containing air from the environment (56) by means of a sealing element (50) of the elongated insertion part (12); Generating temperature data, in particular deep body temperature data, the temperature data representing the temperature of the air located within the separated volume part (52) after a predetermined minimum period after the volume part (52) has been separated from the environment (56), the temperature data being generated by the temperature sensor (18) or derived from an analog sensor signal of the temperature sensor (18) after the temperature sensor (18) has detected the temperature of the air within the defined volume part; Generating vital parameter data, the vital parameter data being generated by the optical sensor device (2) or derived from analog sensor signal data of the optical sensor device (2), the vital parameter data representing at least one vital parameter of the human (4), and the optical sensor device (2) detecting the at least one vital parameter; A method (4) for measuring vital parameters of a human, comprising at least operating a display device (58) in response to the temperature data and / or the vital parameter data. **Claim 13** The optical sensor device (2) is positioned at a distance of 6 mm or less from the tympanic membrane (24), and The temperature sensor (18) is positioned at a distance of 16 mm or less from the tympanic membrane (24), and The evaluation unit (20) and the elongated insertion part (12) are connected to each other via a plug connection (60) in order to form a data connection, in particular a data and energy connection. The optical sensor device transmits vital parameter data or a vital parameter signal to the evaluation unit (20), the temperature sensor (18) transmits the temperature data or temperature signal to the evaluation unit (20), and The device (1) for detecting at least two vital parameters, in particular oxygen saturation and pulse rate, is connected to a cover (62) for completely covering the ear (17), preferably at least partially, preferably completely covering the mastoid process. The cover (62) comprises a display device (58), in particular a display (58), and the display device (58) is controlled in accordance with the vital parameter data and / or the deep temperature data, and The evaluation unit (20) comprises a communication interface (64) for wireless data exchange. A data connection (68) for transmitting the vital parameter data and / or the temperature data, or for transmitting evaluation data generated by the evaluation unit (20), is established between the communication interface (64) and a mobile terminal (66). The evaluation data is generated from the vital parameter data and / or the temperature data. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that

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