(12) United States Patent
`LeBoeuf etal.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,923,941 B2
`*Dec. 30, 2014
`
`US008923941B2
`
`(54)
`
`(71)
`
`(72)
`
`METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR
`GENERATING DATA OUTPUT CONTAINING
`PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOTION-RELATED
`INFORMATION
`
`Applicant: Valencell, Inc., Raleigh, NC (US)
`
`Inventors: Steven Francis LeBoeuf, Raleigh, NC
`(US); Jesse Berkley Tucker, Knightdale,
`NC (US); Michael Edward Aumer,
`Raleigh, NC (US)
`
`(73)
`
`(*)
`
`Assignee:
`Notice:
`
`Valencell, Inc., Raleigh, NC (US)
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the termofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21)
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`Appl. No.: 14/184,396
`Filed:
`Feb. 19, 2014
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2014/0171755 Al
`
`Jun. 19, 2014
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 12/691,388, filed on
`Jan, 21, 2010, now Pat. No. 8,700,111.
`
`Provisional application No. 61/208,567, filed on Feb.
`25, 2009, provisional application No. 61/208,574,
`filed on Feb. 25, 2009, provisional application No.
`61/212,444,
`filed on Apr. 13, 2009, provisional
`application No. 61/274,191, filed on Aug. 14, 2009.
`Int. Cl.
`AGIB 5/00
`HOAR 1/10
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(Continued)
`
`U.S. CL.
`CPC voces. AGLB 5/4812 (2013.01): AGIB 5/00
`(2013.01); A61B 5/6815 (2013.01);
`
`(Continued)
`Field of Classification Search
`seeeeess 600/310
`USPC)
`resicsiazs
`See application file for complete searchhistory.
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`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
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`Notification of Transmittal ofthe International Search Report and the
`Written Opinion ofthe International Searching Authority, or the
`Declaration corresponding to International Application No. PCT/
`US2013/070271; Date of Mailing: Feb. 26, 2014;
`International
`Search Report; Written Opinion of the International Searching
`Authority; 13 pages.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Rodney Fuller
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Myers Bigel Sibley &
`Sajovec
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A method ofgeneratinga data string containing physiological
`and motion-related information includes sensing physical
`activity of a subject via at least one motionsensor attached to
`the subject, sensing physiological information from the sub-
`ject via at least one photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor
`attached to the subject, and processing signals from the at
`least one motionsensorandsignals fromthe at least one PPG
`sensorinto a serial data string of physiological information
`and motion-related information. A plurality of subject physi-
`ological parameters can be extracted from the physiological
`information, and a plurality of subject physical activity
`parameters can be extracted from the motion-related infor-
`mation. The serial data string is parsed out suchthat an appli-
`cation-specific interface can utilize the physiological infor-
`mation and motion-related information for anapplicationthat
`generates statistical relationships between subject physi-
`ological parameters and subject physical activity parameters
`in the physiological information and motion-related informa-
`tion.
`
`21 Claims, 21 Drawing Sheets
`
`0001
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1066
`U.S. Patent No. 8,652,040
`
`0001
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1066
`U.S. Patent No. 8,652,040
`
`

`

`US 8,923,941 B2
` Page 2
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`(2006.01)
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`8/2012 LeBoeufetal.
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`Int. Cl.
`8/2013. LeBoeufetal.
`8.512.242 B2
`6/2003. Uchida et al.
`2003/0109030 Al
`AGL SUAS
`2/2004. Kimball
`2004/0034293 Al
`A6IB 5/11
`3/2004. Schulz et al.
`2004/0054291 Al
`AGIB 5/1455
`11/2004 Baeet al.
`2004/0225207 Al
`AGIB 5/0476
`2/2005. Diabetal.
`2005/0043600 Al
`AGIB 5/16
`8/2005 Beaumont
`2005/0177034 Al
`52) US.Cl
`9/2005 Fraden
`2005/0209516 Al
`U.S.
`Cl.
`(52)
`10/2005 Banet
`2005/0228299 Al
`CPC ooeeceeeeene AGIB 5/6838 (2013.01); HO4R 1/1097
`1/2006 Finarov etal.
`2006/0009685 Al
`(2013.01); A61B 5/02055 (2013.01); A6IB
`3/2008 Doroguskeretal.
`2008/0076972 Al
`5/6803 (2013.01); HOAR 1/105 (2013.01);
`4/2008 Riley etal.
`2008/0096726 Al
`AG1B 5/1118 (2013.01); A6IB 5/1455
`7/2008 Schwartz
`2008/0165017 Al
`7/2008 Baeet al.
`2008/0177162 Al
`(2013.01); A6IB 5/721 (2013.01); A6IB
`5/0082 (2013.01); A6IB 5/0059 (2013.01):
`1/2009 Yangetal.
`2009/0030350 Al
`2/2009 Jonnalagaddaetal.
`2009/0054752 Al
`AG61B 5/0476 (2013.01); A6IB 5/14551
`2009/0105556 Al=4/2009 Fricke etal.
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`2009/0270698 Al
`10/2009 Shioi et al.
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`2009/0287067 Al* 11/2009 Doroguskeret al.
`2010/0168531 Al
`7/2010 Shaltis etal.
`A61B 5/0013 (2013.01); A61B 5/0084
`2010/0217103 Al
`8/2010 Abdul-Hafiz et al.
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`2010/0298653 Al
`11/2010 McCombieetal.
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`2012/0179011 Al
`7/2012 Moon et al.
`2012/0197093 Al
`8/2012 LeBoeufet al.
`2560/0242 (2013.01)
`seereees 600/310
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`5/2013 LeBoeufetal.
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`......... 600/300
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`Fitrainer “The Only Trainer You Need”; http://itami.com: Down-
`loaded Feb. 26, 2010; © 2008 FiTrianier™; 2 pages.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`0002
`
`0002
`
`

`

`Sheet 1 of 21
`
`US8,923,941 B2
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 30, 2014
`
`
`
`0003
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 30, 2014
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 30, 2014
`
`Sheet 3 of 21
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`US 8,923,941 B2
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 30, 2014
`
`Sheet 4 of 21
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 30, 2014
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`Sheet 5 of 21
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`Dec. 30, 2014
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`Dec. 30, 2014
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`Dec. 30, 2014
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 30, 2014
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`Sheet 14 of 21
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`US 8,923,941 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 30, 2014
`
`Sheet15 of 21
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`US 8,923,941 B2
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`5020
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`

`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 30, 2014
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`Sheet16 of 21
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`US 8,923,941 B2
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`400
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`

`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 30, 2014
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`Sheet 17 of 21
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`US 8,923,941 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 30, 2014
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`Sheet18 of 21
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`Dec. 30, 2014
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`US 8,923,941 B2
`
`1
`METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR
`GENERATING DATA OUTPUT CONTAINING
`PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOTION-RELATED
`INFORMATION
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`2
`headset at one or more predetermined locationsandto collect
`light external to the earbud housing and deliver the collected
`light to the optical detector. The optical emitter, via the light-
`guiding cover, directs optical energy towards a particular
`region ofear andtheoptical detector detects secondary opti-
`cal energy emanating fromthe ear region. In some embodi-
`ments, the optical detector may include an optical filter con-
`figured to pass secondary optical energy at
`selective
`wavelengths. In some embodiments, the light transmissive
`material of the cover may be configured, for example via the
`use of cladding and/or light reflective material, such that the
`cover servesas a light guide that is coupled in parallel to the
`optical emitter and detector. In some embodiments, the light
`transmissive material of the cover may be configured, for
`example via the use ofcladding and/orlight reflective mate-
`rial, such that the cover serves as a light guide that 1s coupled
`perpendicular to the optical emitter and detector.
`In some embodiments, the headset may include various
`electronic components secured to the base. For example, the
`headset may include one or more environmental sensors con-
`figured to detect and/or measure environmental conditionsin
`a vicinity ofthe headset. The headset may include a signal
`processor configured toreceive and process signals produced
`by the optical detector. For example, in some embodiments,a
`signal processor may be configured to extract secondary opti-
`cal energy and remove optical noise or environmental noise.
`The headset may include a signal processor configured to
`There is growing market demand for personal health and
`receive and process signals produced by the one or more
`environmental monitors, for example, for gauging overall
`environmental sensors. In addition, the headset may include a
`health and metabolismduring exercise, athletic training, diet-
`transmitter configured to transmit signals processed by the
`ing, daily life activities, sickness, and physical therapy. How-
`ever, traditional health monitors and environmental monitors
`signal processor to a remote device in real time. Headsets
`according to embodiments ofthe present invention may ut-
`may be bulky, rigid, and uncomfortable—generally not suit-
`lize, for example, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other wire-
`able for use during daily physical activity. Thereis also grow-
`less transmitters.
`ing interest in generating and comparing health and environ-
`In some embodiments, a housing is secured to and overlies
`mental exposurestatistics of the general public and particular
`the base so as to enclose and protect the speaker, optical
`demographic groups. For example, collective statistics may
`emitter and optical detector, as well as other electronic com-
`enable the healthcare industry and medical community to
`ponents secured to the base (e.g., sensors, processor, trans-
`direct healthcare resources to where they are most highly
`mitter etc.).
`valued. However, methods of collecting these statistics may
`The earbud housing is in acoustical communication with
`be expensive and laborious, often utilizing human-based
`the speaker and hasatleast one aperture through which sound
`recording/analysis steps at multiple sites.
`fromthe speaker can pass. The light-guiding cover surround-
`As such, improved ways of collecting, storing and analyz-
`ing the earbud housing also includes at least one aperture
`ing physiological
`information are needed.
`In addition,
`through which sound from the speaker can pass. The cover
`improved ways of seamlessly extracting physiological infor-
`45
`may be formed fromasoft, resilient material, such as silicone
`mation from a person during everyday life activities, espe-
`which deforms wheninserted within anear canal ofa subject.
`cially during high activity levels, may be important for
`In some embodiments, the cover includes an alignment mem-
`enhancing fitness training and healthcare quality, promoting
`ber that facilitates alignment of the earbud housing within an
`and facilitating prevention, and reducing healthcare costs.
`ear canal of a subject.
`Light directed into the ear of a subject from a light emitter
`and the subsequent collection oflight at a light detector,
`according to embodiments of the present invention, may be
`utilized for detecting and/or measuring, among other things,
`body temperature, skin temperature, blood gas levels, muscle
`tension, heart rate, blood flow, cardiopulmonary functions,
`etc.
`
`It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to
`introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the
`concepts being further described below in the Detailed
`Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key
`features or essential features of this disclosure, nor is it
`In some embodiments of the present invention, the light-
`intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.
`According to some embodimentsofthe presentinvention,
`guiding cover may includealens that is in optical communi-
`a headset configured to be attached to the ear of a person
`cation with the optical emitter and/or optical detector. The
`includes a base, an earbud housing extending outwardly from
`lens may be configured to focus light emitted by the optical
`the base that is configured to be positioned within an ear of a
`emitter and/or to focus collected light toward the optical
`subject, and a cover surrounding the earbud housing. The base
`detector.
`In some embodiments, multiple lenses may be
`includes a speaker, an optical emitter, and an optical detector.
`incorporated into a light-guiding cover.
`The coverincludes light transmissive material thatis in opti-
`In some embodiments, the light-guiding cover may include
`cal communication with the optical emitter and the optical
`a light diffusion region in optical communication with the
`detector and serves as a light guide to deliver light from the
`light transmissive material that diffuses light emitted by the
`optical emitter into the ear canal of the subject wearing the
`optical detector.
`
`This application is a continuation application of U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 12/691,388, filed Jan. 21, 2010,
`now U.S. Pat. No. 8,700,111, which claims the benefit of and
`priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/208,
`567 filed Feb. 25, 2009, U.S. Provisional Patent Application
`No. 61/208,574 filed Feb. 25, 2009, U.S. Provisional Patent
`Application No. 61/212.444 filed Apr. 13, 2009, and US.
`Provisional Patent Application No. 61/274,191 filed Aug. 14,
`2009, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
`reference as if set forth in their entireties.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to physiological
`monitoring and, more particularly, to physiological monitor-
`ing apparatus.
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`SUMMARY
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`US 8,923,941 B2
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`related noise from a subject activity such as running may be
`In some embodiments,the light-guiding cover may include
`removed from the physiological plus noise signal generated
`a luminescence-generating region, such as a phosphor-con-
`by a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for measuring
`taining region, thatis in optical communication with the light
`blood constituent levels or blood flowproperties, such as
`transmissive material. The luminescence-generating region
`blood oxygenlevel, VO,, or heart rate.
`may be embedded withinthe light-guiding cover and/or on a
`surface ofthe light-guiding cover. The luminescence-gener-
`In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the noise
`source input of an adaptive filter may include a “blocked
`ating region is configured to receive light emitted by the
`channel” ofoptical energy, an inertial sensor, or environmen-
`optical emitter and convert at least a portion ofthe received
`tal energy. In some embodiments, the environmental energy
`light to light having a different wavelength fromthat ofthe
`may be unwanted ambient optical noise.
`received light.
`Insome embodimentsof the presentinvention, a processor/
`In some embodiments, the light-guiding cover includes
`multiplexor processes physiological signals and noise signals
`one or more grooves formed therein. Each grooveis config-
`into a data string. This data string may contain information
`ured to direct external light to the optical detector.
`relating to physiological
`information and motion-related
`In some embodiments, the light transmissive material of
`the light-guiding cover is configured to direct light from the
`information. The processing method mayinclude signal pro-
`cessing techniques suchas pre-adaptive signal conditioning,
`optical enutter to a plurality oflocationsat an outer surface of
`adaptive filtering, and parameter extraction.
`the cover for delivery into an ear canal ofa subject.
`In some embodiments, an earbud includes one or more
`In some embodiments, the light transmissive material of
`sensor modules that includes one or more sensorsfor sensing
`the light-guiding coveris a translucent material or includes
`translucent material in selected locations.
`physiological
`information and environmental information,
`such as noise, for example. As such, the earbud may function
`In some embodiments, a light reflective material is on at
`least a portion of oneor bothofthe inner andouter surfaces of
`as a physiological monitor as well as an environmental moni-
`tor. In some embodiments, the earbud may include a micro-
`the light-guiding cover.
`processor that is in electrical communication with the sensor
`According to some embodimentsofthe present invention,
`module(s). For example, a microprocessor incorporated into
`a light-guiding earbud for a headset includes light transmis-
`an earbud may be configured to execute an adaptive filter
`sive material that is in optical communication with an optical
`algorithmto remove noise from at least one signal generated
`emitter and optical detector associated with the headset. The
`by a sensor modulein the earbud., A microprocessor mayalso
`light transmissive material is configured to deliverlight from
`be configured to process information from the one or more
`the optical emitter into the ear canal ofa subject at one or more
`sensors to generate a digital output string, wherein the digital
`predetermined locations and to collect light external to the
`output string includes a plurality of physiological and
`earbud housing and deliver the collected light to the optical
`motion-related information.
`detector. In some embodiments, the light emitter and light
`Physiological sensors that may be incorporated into head-
`detector may be integral with the earbud. For example, in
`sets and/or earbuds, according to some embodiments ofthe
`some embodiments, a flexible optical emitter is incorporated
`present invention, may be configured to detect and/or mea-
`within the earbud andis in optical communication with the
`sure one or more ofthe following types of physiological
`light transmissive material.
`In some embodiments, an earbud includes atleast one lens
`information: heart rate, pulse rate, breathing rate, blood flow,
`VO.,, VO.,max, heartbeat
`signatures, cardio-pulmonary
`in optical communication with the light transmissive mate-
`health, organ health, metabolism, electrolyte type and/or con-
`rial. Each lens may be configured to focus light from the
`centration, physical activity, caloric intake, caloric metabo-
`optical emitter onto one or more predetermined locations in
`lism, blood metabolite levels or ratios, blood pH level, physi-
`the ear of a subject and/or to focus collected external light
`cal and/or psychological stress levels and/or stress level
`onto the optical detector.
`In some embodiments ofthe present invention, an earbud
`indicators, drug dosage and/or dosimetry, physiological drug
`reactions, drug chemistry, biochemistry, position and/or bal-
`may include luminescent material. Luminescentlight is gen-
`ance, body strain, neurological functioning, brainactivity,
`erated fromoptical excitation of the luminescent material by
`brain waves, blood pressure, cranial pressure, hydration level.
`an optical emitter.
`auscultatory information, auscultatory signals associated
`In some embodiments ofthe present invention, an earbud
`with pregnancy, physiological responseto infection, skin and/
`may integrate a sensor module containing a plurality of sensor
`or core body temperature, eye muscle movement, blood vol-
`elements for measuring physiological information and at
`ume, inhaled and/or exhaled breath volume, physical exer-
`least one noise source for measuring noise information. A 4
`“noise source”, as used herein,refers to a sensor, such as an
`tion, exhaled breath physical and/or chemical composition,
`the presence and/or identity and/or concentration of viruses
`optical sensor, inertial sensor, electrically conductive sensor,
`capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, etc., and derives it name
`and/or bacteria, foreign matter in the body, internal toxins,
`
`from the fact that it is a source of inputtoafilter, such as an heavy metals in the body, anxiety, fertility, ovulation, sex
`55
`adaptivefilter described below.
`hormones, psychological mood, sleep patterns, hunger and/or
`The physiological sensors of the sensor module may gen-
`thirst, hormone type and/or concentration, cholesterol, lipids,
`erate a signal that includes physiological information plus
`blood panel, bone density, organ and/or body weight, reflex
`noise information. The noise may be removed by combining
`response, sexual arousal, mental and/or physical alertness,
`the physiological information and noise information from the
`sleepiness, auscultatory information, response to external
`sensor module with noise information fromthe noise source
`stimuli, swallowing volume, swallowing rate, sickness, voice
`ofthe sensor module via an electronicfiltering method, such
`characteristics, voice tone, voice pitch, voice volume, vital
`as a signal processing technique. Specific examples of such
`signs, head tilt, allergic reactions,
`inflammation response,
`signal processing techniques include FIR (Finite Impulse
`auto-immune response, mutagenic response, DNA, proteins,
`Response), HR (Infinite Impulse Response),
`informatics,
`protein levels in the blood, water content of the blood, phero-
`machine learning, and adaptivefilter methods. The output of
`mones, internal body sounds, digestive system functioning,
`the adaptive filter may be a physiological signal that is wholly
`cellular regeneration response, healing response, stem cell
`or partially free of noise. In some embodiments, motion-
`regeneration response,etc.
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`Environmental sensors that may be incorporated into head-
`sets and/or earbuds, according to some embodiments ofthe
`present invention, may be configured to detect and/or mea-
`sure one or more of the following types of environmental
`information: climate, humidity, temperature, pressure, baro-
`metric pressure, soot density, airborne particle density, air-
`borneparticle size, airborne particle shape, airborne particle
`identity, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), hydrocarbons,
`polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carcinogens, tox-
`ins, electromagnetic energy, optical
`radiation, X-rays,
`gamma rays, microwaveradiation, terahertz radiation, ultra-
`violet radiation,
`infrared radiation,
`radio waves, atomic
`energy alpha particles, atomic energy beta-particles, gravity,
`light
`intensity,
`light
`frequency,
`light
`flicker,
`light phase,
`ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, sul-
`fides, airborne pollution, foreign material inthe air, viruses,
`bacteria, signatures from chemical weapons, wind,air turbu-
`lence, sound and/or acoustical energy, ultrasonic energy,
`noise pollution, human voices, animal sounds, diseases
`expelled from others, exhaled breath and/or breath constitu-
`ents ofothers, toxins from others, pheromones from others,
`industrial and/or transportation sounds, allergens, animal
`hair, pollen, exhaust from engines, vapors and/or fumes, fuel,
`signatures for mineral deposits and/or oil deposits, snow,rain,
`thermal energy,hot surfaces, hotgases, solar energy,hail, ice,
`vibrations, traffic, the number of people ina vicinity of the
`person, coughing and/or sneezing sounds frompeople in the
`vicinity of the person,
`loudness and/or pitch from those
`speaking in the vicinity ofthe person.
`According to some embodimentsofthe present invention,
`earbuds for headsets may include a chipset havingatleast one
`sensor element, noise source element, signal processor, input/
`output line, digital control, and power regulator.
`Light-guiding earbuds according to the various embodi-
`ments of the present invention may be utilized with mono
`headsets (i.e., headsets having one earbud) as well as stereo
`headsets (i.e., headsets having two earbuds). Additionally, the
`light-guiding regionofearbuds, according to embodiments of
`the present invention, may be integrated not only into an
`earbud cover and earbud housing, but also into each or all
`components of an earbud. Moreover, light-guiding earbuds
`according to the various embodiments of the present inven-
`tion may be utilized with hearing aids, body jewelry, or any
`other attachmentthat can be placed near the head region, such
`as eye glasses or shades, a headband, a cap, helmet, visor, or
`the like.
`According to some embodiments of the present invention,
`a monitoring device includes a circular band capableofencir-
`cling a finger ofa subject, and a base having anoptical emitter
`and an optical detector attached to the circular band. The
`circular band includes light transmissive material in optical
`communication with the optical emitter and optical detector
`that is configured to deliver light from the optical emitter to
`one or more portionsofthe finger of the subject and to collect
`light from one or more portionsofthe finger of the subject and
`deliver the collected light to the optical detector. In some
`embodiments, the circular band includes first and second
`concentric bodyportions.
`In some embodiments, the circular band includes a lens
`region in optical communication with the optical emitter that
`focuses light emitted by the optical emitter and/or that col-
`lects light reflected from a finger. In some embodiments the
`circular band includes a phosphor-containing region in opti-
`cal communication with the light
`transmissive material,
`wherein the phosphor-containing region receives light emit-
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`ted by the optical emitter and converts at least a portion ofthe
`received light to light having a different wavelength from the
`received light.
`In some embodiments, the light transmissive material of
`the circular band has an outer surface and an inner surface,
`and a cladding material, such as light reflective material, is on
`(or near)at least a portionofone or both of the inner and outer
`surfaces.
`In some embodiments,the base includes one or more ofthe
`following: a signal processor configured to receive and pro-
`cess signals produced by the optical detector, a transmitter
`configured to transmit signals processed by the signal proces-
`sor to a remote device.
`According to some embodiments of the present invention,
`a monitoring device configured to be attached to the body of
`a subject includes a base having an optical emitter and an
`optical detector, and light transmissive material attached to
`the base. The light transmissive material is in optical commu-
`nication with the optical emitter and optical detector and is
`configured to deliver light fromthe optical emitter to one or
`more portions of the body of the subjectand to collect light
`from one or more portions of the body of the subject and
`deliver the collected light to the optical detector. The light
`transmissive material may include adhesive material in one or
`more locations that is configured to adhesively secure the
`device to the body of the subject.
`In some embodiments, anouter body portionis attached to
`the base andto the light transmissive material. The outer body
`portion may include adhesive material in one or more loca-
`tions that is configured to adhesively secure the device to the
`body of the subject.
`transmissive material
`the light
`In some embodiments,
`includes a lens region that is in optical communication with
`the optical emitter and thatfocuseslight emitted by the optical
`emitter and/or that collects light reflected from a finger. In
`some embodiments, the light transmissive material includes a
`phosphor-containing regionthat receives light emitted by the
`optical emitter and converts at least a portion of the received
`light to light having a different wavelength fromthe received
`light. In some embodiments, the light transmissive material
`has an outer surface and aninner surface, and a light reflective
`material is disposed onor near at least a portion ofone or both
`ofthe inner and outer surfaces.
`In some embodiments,the base includes one or more ofthe
`following: a signal processor configured to receive and pro-
`cess signals produced by the optical detector, a transmitter
`configured to transmit signals processed by thesignal proces-
`sor to a remote device.
`It is noted that aspects of the invention described with
`respect to one embodiment may be incorporated ina different
`embodiment although not specifically described relative
`thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any
`embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combina-
`tion. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally
`filed claimor file any new claim accordingly, including the
`right to be able to amendanyoriginally filed claim to depend
`from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim
`although not originally claimed in that manner. These and
`other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are
`explained in detail below.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The accompanying drawings, which form a part of the
`specification, illustrate various embodiments of the present
`invention. The drawings and description together serve to
`fully explain embodiments of the present invention.
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`7
`FIG, 1 is an exploded perspective view ofa headset witha
`light-guiding earbud, according to some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`FIG, 2 is a perspective view ofa stereo headset incorporat-
`ing light-guiding earbuds, according to some embodiments of
`the presentinvention.
`FIG, 3 is a side section viewof a light-guiding earbud fora
`headset, according to some embodiments of the present
`invention.
`
`FIGS. 4A-4Dare side section views of light-guiding ear-
`buds for a headset, according to some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a side section viewof a light-guiding earbud fora
`headset, according to some embodiments of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 6 is a side section view ofa light-guiding earbud fora
`headset, according to some embodiments of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 7A is a side section view ofa light-guiding earbud for
`