ao) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication (o) Pub. No.: US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`(43) Pub. Date: Feb. 26, 2004
`Stivoric et al.
`
`US 20040039254A 1
`
`(54) APPARATUS FOR DETECTING HUMAN
`PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CONTEXTUAL
`INFORMATION
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: John M.Stivoric, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
`Scott K. Boehmke,Pittsburgh, PA
`(US); Eric Teller, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
`Christopher D. Kasabach, Pittsburgh,
`PA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Philip E. Levy, Esq.
`Metz Lewis LLC
`18th Floor
`Ll Stanwix Street
`Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No:
`
`-10/227,575
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 22, 2002
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(SL) Unt, Cdn? occcccccceeecscssssssneeessssuseseccsssseseceeeeeee A61B 5/00
`(52)
`UNS. Ce.
`cecccccssssssssssssscssssscsssssssssssssessesnssnansnsvsuecses 600/300
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An apparatus for detecting human physiological or contex-
`tual
`information includes a flexible section(s), a housing
`
`removably attached thereto, one or more sensors and a
`processor. The apparatus may include one of several struc-
`tures for removably attaching the housing to the flexible
`section(s) and may have adjustable operating parameters. An
`allernale apparatus measures heat flux and includes a hous-
`ing, a knownresistivity base member, a processing unit and
`two temperature measuring devices attached to the base
`member, one in thermal communication with the body
`through a thermal energy communicator and the other in
`thermal communication with the ambient environment. A
`
`further alternate apparatus includes a housing having an
`adhesive material on a surface thereof for removably attach-
`ing the housing to the body. A further alternate apparatus
`includes a housing having an inner surface having a concave
`shape in a first direction and convex shape in a second
`direction substantially perpendicular thereto. An apparatus
`for detecting heart related parameters of the wearer includes
`an acoustic-based non-ECG heart parameter sensor and one
`or more filtering sensors for generating a signal related to the
`non-heart related motion of the body,
`the second signal
`being used to subtract an acoustic component generated
`from non-heart related motion of the body from the non-
`ECG heart parameter sensor's signal
`to generate a third
`signal used to generate the heart related parameters ofthe
`wearer.
`
`
`
`c_
`
`User Lo dado
`
`£citraf
`Moar G
`Unit
`
`
`0001
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1049
`U.S. Patent No. 8,652,040
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1049
`U.S. Patent No. 8,652,040
`
`0001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 1 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`ly
`
`=}
`”
`;
`9
`S
`te
`sT7
`¢
`oe
`
`= l-;es
`8
`y
`—
`
`320
`
`EE a
`Ss =
`
` go
`Ses >
`
`
`F
` UserLoCatom
`
`0002
`
`0002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 2 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`—
`
`—
`
`Zt
`
`liedfewotJe-|
`Salameaemeneq¥
`
`
`
`0003
`
`0003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 3 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`SPORPWN
`
`I24IIS
`
`Jervey
`
`JPAIIS
`
`weorapp
`
`
`
`ol
`
`0004
`
`0004
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 4 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`PrFE
`
`werapty
`
`9%)
`
`JAWD\EY
`
`pre)
`
`os
`
`Au
`
`aL
`
`|+apney
`
`pase
`
` FUSS
`
`0005
`
`0005
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 5 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`f
`—
`
`
`150
`
`(37
`
`DailyDose
`
`SN
`
`4
`
`|
`Ss ena@aa
`isaggagen
`SIDIPELLLEDLE Laie
`Your Health Masaec
`a |
`Your Heath Tadex
`{
`|
`Te j
`y
`7RS oO
`L
`17 Ait
`th——_4
`ie a7
`Sac”
`Meiutalne: eteer|
` SESSO
`
`
`yoo
`
`0006
`
`0006
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 6 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`160
`
` ST aan Mhwwe re
`
`a ~
`
`> @0908g0e4
`
`vijjZZLELEZELDLLLLLLOLOLOLTP
`WN
`Your Healthsane r
`
`SSSSS
`
`4
`
`Ke GB ovo NY SASSAAMRR
`IIIESSASSA a Ne
`
`igo & a
`
`~
`
`g
`
`0007
`
`0007
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 7 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`Loo
`
`aee
`we
`
`aoao@g04
`
`fi
`
`|i
`
`ry vs
`[LLLELLLELELLLPALLETHh
`Your Health Meany rc
`
`
`
`OSSRRSMASSSSSSSSSASAN
`
`TBOTLLLLILLTLTLL ALLL£1
`
`ay |
`
`<=1100 =1%00
`
`7600 = 145
`
`SSS
`QOMQMMMAMASSA NsQ
`
`
`
`0008
`
`0008
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 8 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`we0
`
`; CT wre oe
`
`eeee
`< => @na@genona
`——
`
`ir
`
`V/ZZLILLLLIDLOLLLLLLLLLIL
`Your Health Meanae la
`
`4
`
` SN
`SSAASS
`REAEMMEEEMASSA
`SAREEEERSSSEGES
`
`
`
`TALELAL/if Shi :
`
`252— en ae
`Oe 38a. To Nes Oop mH
`GS RigasaSaadACSaagoemHA cn
`i
`Hoh |
`nie
`
`
`
`a
`
`ry)
`
`rTOw
`a?s
`
`ac
`
`a
`
`2bS
`
`AY]
`
`“1°
`
`20
`
`0009
`
`0009
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 9 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`140
`
`1
`
`wee
`
`je <<——
`we oe
`wee A
`eS > @ Oo?Ageoea
`
`SS
`
`REESE
`
`ffEAETELTELLLLLALLELEELELH
`eHealth Mensa
`
`ra
`
`\\
`
`MEAN RODHAM
`
`
`
`0010
`
`0010
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 10 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`330
`
`vs & q D © oO Lay
`
`4
`
`|F
`TILEDOIILILILILLLLLLLLLLLOLODAE“7
`Ysa Health Meonne
`
`a
`
`
`
`TRIASSESSSSESSSSAAN5py
`
`
`
`MQQSSSASSSSAREASN
`
`|ileTatoyeyets
`
`PteLE TLET?
`
`RAN
`
`NASA
`
`; SSISanaes
`TELIAasedif Floss
`
`
`A |
`
`
`
`0011
`
`0011
`
`

`

`
`
`Patent Application Publication=©=6©US. 2004/0039254 AlFeb. 26,2004 Sheet 11 of 36
`
`
`
`3F°
`
`> enaeasa
`
`}
`y)
`
`ee/,
`Your Health Meeeaer
`7
`4
`
`’ HEMPILILILLLD y
`|
`Wo pawn enn|Y
`y)
`& Sleee
`jab at Wel
`THaMsS
`FRI
`seq
`suN
`y
`y
`é dotohen | 1
`“er m7 TaeIS)
`Junie
`Z
`A
`ee Ve Vee Ue Y
`A tat VEE AV Y
`a
`VE EVEL EVEVeve
`l VEE BE
`y
`A pend §
`Z a Cl feplefels
`|
`
`
`
`
`
`4 AF|
`
`ie \\
`
`0012
`
`0012
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 12 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`0013
`
`0013
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 13 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`0014
`
`0014
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 14 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`qoS
`
`400
`
`So
`
`0015
`
`0015
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 15 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`42
`
`Fig. "]
`
`0016
`
`0016
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 16 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`= 0
`
`017
`
`0017
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb, 26
`
`> 2004 Sheet 17 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`
`
`4
`
`.|
`SO|
`
`F794d
`HtpoSe1.
`
`ww
`
`AV1aA
`
`~
`
`greOL.
`
`0018
`
`iJM»7IS0CAL
`==oS
`
`0018
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 18 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`seh
`
`
`
`098‘THOOVSIXV
`
`Sthe
`
`OF
`
`SIXV7
`
`ecees
`
`i
`
`LasSsiO/dNY
`
`et
`L
`Lb
`
`=|
`
`Sub
`
`aa
`
` OLS|anv|WAATOSNVULTa”“a49Les.jy)°2°[aatsonrjy§5+
`
`
`
`angepnl/0444XN'ldLVGH$3Ons3ors
`5i5-[_waonntpe|xoLvuaia|WATE
`
`
`
`515GOINONRIVE
`wane|-nes
`
`4$5-]HOLIMS(HOLY
`awH8v14
`fuPRDar}
`
`
`yyn|.bYOLYTIIOSO
`wWaania|ob?
`peas|oy
`reprinting
`FOVLIOA
`AWSLLVE
`
`-O19
`
`519
`
`lt
`
`0019
`
`0019
`
`
`€
`
`
`
`

`

`Gurprdoy!:VvDyeftTapigret>
`
`
`
`OshLecland pa2Mae
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`ea:z>"oth,
`
`0020
`
`4pdbywL(oyeew
`
`sin
`
`
`
`> |(
`
`CrFGI}trene?on
`
`37225%q—6|
`
`
`
`“I
`
`
`
`preyedSOL
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 19 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`SV
`Lt
`
`o7L
`
`%st
`
`
`
`vanyoaauty|anyt|santDFDOTPD.A2CLPPHsh
`
`0020
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 20 of 36
`
`Sit
`
`0021
`
`0021
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 21 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`
`
`
`
`0022
`
`0022
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 22 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`
`
`5
`
`
`
`a 6, 2G
`
`0023
`
`0023
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 23 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`43Vous
`
`job
`
`SLb-"
`
`o/1sn
`
`
`
`Stdmth=
`
`SaepFarsOyIaj[tqss@qMOT
`
`Jojz2uu0suld>S0EJISIL]A@Sf)
`S4bJoyoAtaneg
`
`Jaoipsuely MUI]SSaTaItAyJOpallAyPeeper|\5.08!puns}an
`
`
`
`siosuagpunos/iqaryjstquy
`eye
`lajsuolapz20ycSlyniSik
`
`SVai~sdaV0oO1
`Racers)a]Zex<=1O}ZTTIOSO
`00bgo
`
`
`
`50b
`
`St
`
`6%
`
`obo
`
`
`
`losuasaouepsduy
`
`Josuas994
`
`gqoel
`
`OL
`
`
`
`JosuagAyurxoig
`
`opal
`
`Bed
`
`aBElOIg
`
`woo"
`
`
`
`JouAod!T|ResAaueg
`
`lncl
`2
`
`MDAL’
`
`oeeIOA
`
`loye(ndey
`
`Og
`
`ast
`
`sb
`
`0024
`
`0024
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 24 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`g00 1920
`
`0025
`
`0025
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 25 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`
`
`
`
`Jo!{LUITKO.
`
`70%,aneoah7ComJajawWoisjs39y
`
`
`S66auG18009$sol
`zuro1dry[STPSMLPOSFY)sau|so)
`
`
`‘spp—|suespunogygryquarqury
`casyou|_emi
`JasrO/14957)sqaVado
`
`
`aonovatoak,
`“sRSspeau]
`
`sny-JOUUOTAYAlNeg
`alt§ANWUTXOIg£,oa)
`YUL]SSOPDITMJOPAILA,|aoujzarat|
`S96ne)
`
`
`ogelese+y)ANNI1as3y
`
`O1POW[ysonpsuel
`
`ssJosuasssueped
`sibaieNEDhe]
`raging
`
`
`ICRaa704
`
`SiOl
`
`$20)
`
`0026
`
`0026
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 26 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`oles
`
`\960
`
`Fig 30
`
`0027
`
`0027
`
`

`

`
`
`Patent Application Publication Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 27 of 36~—US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`joGe
`
`00
`
`jOLS
`
`0028
`
`0028
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 28 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`|oo0
`
`0029
`
`0029
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`Feb. 26, 2004
`Sheet 29 of 36=US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`se%%
`
`—
`eemt wit
`
`iesLe) ce eyRy
`
`
`GEcoryifms$y
`weerte;
`
`
`ts
`
`he,
`a
`
`os
`
`T"
`t2Toy
`eid a
`ita
`ane
`=
`er ab
`Amen Shinesareeei
`oy peee se
`a
`oe
`~
`ae!
`tae
`Se
`
`niea
`
`io, af
`
`0030
`
`0030
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 30 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`
`
`C error art)
`
`
`
`
`
`Fg. 29 F
`
`
`
`0031
`
`0031
`
`

`

`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`
`
`
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 31 of 36
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`0032
`
`0032
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 32 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`a
`
`as
`
`mane
`
`5
`
`eV
`
`yee ‘fl
`7 4g
`
`SK
`
`|
`7
`7 i
`
`ry. 37
`
`0033
`
`0033
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 33 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`0034
`
`0034
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26, 2004 Sheet 34 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`WsO
`
`gos
`
`
`Fre. 29A
`
`we
`
`nse
`
`qos
`
`0035
`
`0035
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 35 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`Wo?
`
`fos” Fra, 37D
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 39, F
`
`\1 608
`
`W353
`
`0036
`
`0036
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 26,2004 Sheet 36 of 36
`
`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`on
`
`q05
`
`55
`
`(92
`
`0037
`
`0037
`
`

`

`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`Feb. 26, 2004
`
`APPARATUS FOR DETECTING HUMAN
`PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CONTEXTUAL
`INFORMATION
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention also relates to a number of
`embodiments of an apparatus which includes one or more
`sensors for collecting and storing data relating to an indi-
`vidual’s physiological state and various contextual param-
`eters.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] Research has shownthat a large number of the top
`health problems in society are either caused in whole or in
`part by an unhealthy lifestyle. More and more, our society
`requires people to lead fast-paced, achievement-oriented
`lifestyles that often result in poor eating habits, high stress
`levels, lack of exercise, poor sleep habits and the inability to
`find the time to center the mind and relax. Recognizing this
`fact, people are becoming increasingly interested in estab-
`lishing a healthier lifestyle.
`
`[0003] Traditional medicine, embodied in the form ofan
`HMOorsimilar organizations, does not have the time, the
`training, or the reimbursement mechanism to address the
`needs ofthose individuals interested in a healthierlifestyle.
`There have been several attempts to meet the needs of these
`individuals, including a perfusion of fitness programs and
`exercise equipment, dietary plans, self-help books, alterna-
`tive therapies, and most recently, a plethora of health infor-
`mation web sites on the Internet. Each of these attempts are
`targeted to empower the individual to take charge and get
`healthy. Each of these attempts, however, addresses only
`part ofthe needs of individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle
`and ignores many of the real barriers that most individuals
`face when trying to adopt a healthierlifestyle. These barriers
`include the fact that the individual is often left to himself or
`herself to find motivation, to implement a plan for achieving
`a healthierlifestyle, to monitor progress, and to brainstorm
`solutions when problems arise; the fact that existing pro-
`grams are directed to only certain aspects of a healthier
`lifestyle, and rarely come as a complete package; and the
`fact
`that recommendations are often not
`targeted to the
`unique characteristics of the individual or his life cireum-
`stances.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0004] An apparatus is disclosed for detecting human
`physiological or contextual information from the body ofan
`individual wearing the apparatus. The apparatus includes a
`flexible section that
`is adapted to engage a portion of the
`wearer's body, and a housing that is removably attached to
`the flexible section. The housing supports one or more
`physiological and/or contextual sensors and a processor in
`electrical communication with the sensors. According to one
`embodiment, the apparatus may include multiple flexible
`sections that may be selectively attached to the housing. The
`apparatus may also have operating parameters that are
`adjustable depending on the particular flexible section that is
`attached to the housing at a particular time. The operating
`parameters, for example, may be adjusted throughthe inter-
`action of a switch or switches provided on or in the housing
`and a switch activator or switch activators provided on or in
`
`each of the flexible sections. Various structures for remov-
`ably attaching the housing to the flexible section are
`described, including, but no limited to, tongues and grooves,
`adhesives, magnets, and clastic bands. The apparatus may
`also include a wireless transceiver for transmitting informa-
`lion to and receiving information from a computing device.
`[0005] Also described is an apparatus that is adapted to
`measure heat flux between the body of the wearer and the
`ambient environment. The apparatus includes a housing and
`a base member having a preselected, knownresistivity
`mounted within the housing. The base member may com-
`prise a printed circuit board. A first temperature measuring
`device is attached to a first side of the base member and a
`second temperature measuring deviceis attached to a second
`side of the base member. The temperature measuring devices
`may comprise, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, or
`a thermopile. The apparatus further includes a thermal
`energy communicator mounted between a portion of the
`body of the wearer and the first
`temperature measuring
`device. The thermal energy communicator may include one
`or more of a heat conduit, a thermally conductive interface
`material or materials, and a thermally conductive interface
`component in various combinations. The second lempera-
`ture measuring device is in thermal communication with the
`ambient environment. The apparatus may include a thermal
`interface material and/or a thermally conductive interface
`component for providing thermal communication between
`the ambient environment and the second temperature mea-
`suring device. A processing unit is provided in the housing
`and is in electrical communication with the temperature
`measuring devices. The apparatus may further include a
`flexible section attached to the housing adapted to engage a
`portion of the body ofthe wearer, or a plurality of flexible
`sections adapted to be selectively attached to the housing.
`According to one embodiment, the apparatus has operating
`parameters that may be adjusted depending on the particular
`flexible section that is attached to the housing.
`[0006] An apparatus for detecting, monitoring and report-
`ing at
`least one of human physiological and contextual
`information from the body of a wearer is also described. The
`apparatus includes a housing having an adhesive material on
`at least a portion of an external surface thereof thal enables
`the housing to be removably attached to a portion of the
`body of the wearer. At least two physiological and/or con-
`textual sensors are supported by the housing. The physi-
`ological sensors are adapted to facilitate the generation of
`data indicative of one or more physiological parameters of
`the wearer and the contextual sensors are adapted to facili-
`tate the generation of data indicative of one or more con-
`textual parameters of the wearer. A processor
`is also
`included and is an electrical communication with the sen-
`sors. The processor generates: (1) derived data from at least
`one of at least a portion of the data indicative of physiologi-
`cal parameters and at least a portion ofthe data indicative of
`contextual parameters; and (ii) analytical status data from at
`least a portion of at
`least one of the data indicative of
`physiological parameters, the data indicative of contextual
`parameters, the derived data and the analytical status data.
`The apparatus further includes an electronic memory for
`retrievably storing al
`least one of the data indicative of
`physiological parameters, the data indicative of contextual
`parameters, the derived data and the analytical status data.
`The apparatus is adapted to transmit to the wearer at least
`one of the data indicative of physiological parameters, the
`
`0038
`
`0038
`
`

`

`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`Feb. 26, 2004
`
`ers heart and a second acoustic component generated from
`non-heart related motion of the body of the wearer, such as,
`for example, from footfalls. The apparatus also includes one
`or more filtering sensors, such as an accelerometer,
`for
`generating a secondsignal related to the non-heart related
`motion ofthe body. The second signal is used to subtract the
`second acoustic component from thefirst signal lo generate
`a third signal, with the third signal being used to generate the
`heart related parameters. The first signal may alsoinclude an
`acoustic component generated from ambient noise, and the
`apparatus may include an ambient noise sensor. In this
`configuration, the signal form the ambient noise sensor is
`used to subtract out the acoustic component generated from
`ambient noise from the signal that is used to generate the
`heart related parameters.
`
`data indicative of contextual parameters, the derived data
`and the analytical status data. The housing may be made of
`a rigid material or a flexible material, such as a flexible
`plastic film. The apparatus may include a numberofdisplays
`for transmitting information, including, but not limitedto, an
`LED or an electrochemical display. The apparatus may
`further include a wireless transceiver for receiving informa-
`lion from and transmitting information to a computing
`device. The processor of the apparatus and the computing
`device may be adapted to engage in shared computing.
`Furthermore, a computing device may be included in the
`apparatus for transmitting information to the wearer. The
`computing device may be coupled to the processor, and the
`processor may be adapted to cause the computing device to
`trigger an event upon detection of one or more physiological
`conditions of the individual. The apparatus may further
`In addition, a method is disclosed for detecting
`[0008]
`include variousstructures for manually entering information
`from the body of a wearer parameters relating to the heart of
`into the apparatus, such as a button or a touch pad or
`the wearer. The method comprises steps of generating a first
`keyboard provided on the apparatus or on a computing
`acoustic signal including a first acoustic component gener-
`device coupled to the processor. According to one embodi-
`ated from the motion of the wearer’s heart and a second
`ment, the apparatus monitors the degree to which the wearer
`acouslic component generated from non-heart
`related
`has followed a predetermined routine. In this embodiment,
`motion of the body of the wearer, generating a second signal
`the analytical status data comprises feedback to the indi-
`related to the non-heart related motion of the body, gener-
`vidual relating to the degree to which the individual has
`ating a third signal by using the second signal to subtractthe
`followed the predetermined routine, with the feedback being
`second acoustic component from the first signal, and gen-
`generated from at least a portion of at least one of the data
`erating the heart related parameters from the third signal.
`indicative of one or more physiological parameters of the
`Thefirst acoustic signal may further include a third acoustic
`individual, the derived data, and manually entered data. Also
`component generated from ambient noise and the method
`described is an apparatus for detecting human physiological
`may further comprise generating a fourth signal related to
`or contextual information from the body of an individual
`the ambient noise with the step of generating the third signal
`wearing the apparatus that
`includes a housing having an
`further comprising using the fourth signal to subtract the
`inner surface for mounting adjacent the body and an outer
`third acoustic component from thefirst signal.
`surface opposite the inner surface. The inner surface
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`includes a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, with the
`inner surface being generally concaveinafirst direction and
`[0009]
`Further features and advantages of the present
`having an axis of concavity coincident with the longitudinal
`invention will be apparent upon consideration of the fol-
`axis and generally convex in a second direction perpendicu-
`lowing detailed description of the present invention, taken in
`lar to the first direction and having an axis of concavity
`conjunction with the following drawings,
`in which like
`coincident with the transverse axis. The inner surface may
`reference characters refer to like parts, and in which:
`havefirst and second lateral ends at opposite ends of the axis
`of concavity, and the housing may have a first radiused
`portion adjacent to and including the first lateral end and a
`second radiusedportion adjacent to and including the second
`lateral end. The inner surface may also have third and fourth
`lateral ends at opposite ends of the axis of convexity, and the
`housing may have a third radiused portion adjacent to and
`including the third lateral end and a fourth radiused portion
`[0012] FIG.3 isa block diagram of an embodimentof the
`adjacent to and including the fourth lateral end. Further, the
`central monitoring unit shown in FIG. 1;
`outer surface of the housing may have a convex shape
`[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an alternate embodi-
`betweenafirst lateral side and a second lateral side of the
`ment of the central monitoring unit shown in FIG, 1;
`outer surface. According to one embodiment, the housing
`includes a width dimension as measured between a first
`[0014] FIG.5is a representation of a preferred embodi-
`lateral side and a secondlateral side of the housing, with at
`mentof the Health Manager web page accordingto an aspect
`least a portion ofthe first lateral side and secondlateral side
`of the present invention;
`each having a taper such that the width dimension generally
`decreases in a direction from the inner surface to the outer
`surface. The apparatus may include a Hexible section
`attached to the housing that engages the body ofthe wearer
`and has a generally convex outer surface.
`
`[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system
`for monitoring physiological data and lifestyle over an
`electronic network according to the present invention;
`
`[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodimentof the
`sensor device shown in FIG. 1;
`
`[0015] FIG. 6 is a representation of a preferred embodi-
`mentofthe nutrition web page according to an aspect of the
`present invention;
`[0016] FIG. 7 is a representation of a preferred embodi-
`ment of the activity level web page according to an aspect
`of the present invention;
`
`[0017] FIG. 8 is a representation of a preferred embodi-
`ment of the mind centering web page according to an aspect
`of the present invention;
`
`[0007] Also described is an apparatus for detecting from
`the body of a wearer parameters relating to the heart of the
`wearer including an acoustic-based non-ECG heart param-
`eter sensor that generates a first signal including a first
`acoustic component generated from the motion of the wear-
`
`0039
`
`0039
`
`

`

`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`Feb. 26, 2004
`
`[0018] FIG. 9 is a representation of a preferred embodi-
`ment of the sleep web page according to an aspect of the
`present invention;
`
`[0019] FIG. 10 is a representation of a preferred embodi-
`ment of the daily activities web page according to an aspect
`of the present invention;
`
`(0020] FIG. 11 is a representation of a preferred embodi-
`ment of the Health Index web page according to an aspect
`ofthe present invention;
`
`[0021] FIG. 12 is a front view of a specific embodiment
`of the sensor device shownin FIG.1;
`
`[0022] FIG. 13 is a back view ofa specific embodiment of
`the sensor device shown in FIG, 1;
`
`[0023] FIG. 14 is a side view of a specific embodimentof
`the sensor device shown in FIG. 1;
`
`[0024] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a specific embodiment
`of the sensor device shown in FIG, 1;
`
`(0025] FIGS. 16 and 17 are front perspective views ofa
`specific embodiment of the sensor device shown in FIG. 1;
`
`[0026] FIG. 18 is an exploded side perspective view of a
`specific embodimentofthe sensor device shown in FIG.1;
`
`[0027] FIG. 19 is a side view of the sensor device shown
`in FIGS. 12 through 18 inserted into a battery recharger
`unit;
`
`(0028] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating all of the
`components either mounted on or coupled to the printed
`circuit board forming a part of the sensor device shown in
`FIGS. 12 through 18; and
`
`(0029] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an apparatus for
`monitoring health, wellness and fitness according to an
`alternate embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[0030] FIG. 22is a front view ofan alternate embodiment
`of a sensor device according to the present invention;
`
`[0031] FIG. 23 is a back view ofan alternate embodiment
`of a sensor device according to the present invention;
`
`[0032] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor
`device shown in FIG, 22 taken along lines A-A;
`
`[0033] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor
`device shown in FIG, 22 taken along lines B-B;
`
`[0034] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor
`device shown in FIG, 22 taken along lines A-A showing the
`internal components of the housing of the sensor device;
`
`(0035] FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating the com-
`ponents mounted on or coupled to the printed circuit board
`forming a part of an embodimentof the sensor device shown
`in FIGS. 22 through 26;
`
`[0036] FIG. 28 is a front viewofan alternate embodiment
`of a sensor device according to the present invention includ-
`ing an LCD;
`
`[0037] FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating the com-
`ponents mounted on or coupled to the printed circuit board
`forming a part of an alternate embodiment of the sensor
`device shown in FIGS. 22 through 26;
`
`[0038] FIGS. 30 and 31 are isometric views of an alter-
`nate embodiment of a sensor device according to the present
`invention having a housing adapted to be removably
`attached to a Hexible section;
`
`[0039] FIG, 32 is an isometric view of a further alternate
`embodiment of a sensor device according to the present
`invention having a housing adapted to be removably
`attached to a flexible section;
`
`[0040] FIG. 33 is an isometric view of an embodiment of
`a sensor device having adjustable operating parameters
`according to an aspect of the present invention;
`[0041] FIG. 34 is an isometric view of an alternate
`embodiment of a sensor device according to the present
`invention having a housing having an adhesive material on
`an external surface thereof for removably attaching the
`housing to the body;
`[0042] FIGS. 35A and B are cross-sectional views of a
`housing for a prior art sensor device;
`[0043] FIGS. 36C through H are cross-sectional views of
`various embodiments of a housing for a sensor device
`according to an aspect of the present invention taken along
`lines C-C in FIG. 23;
`
`FIG.36Ais a cross-sectional view of a housing for
`[0044]
`a prior art sensor device;
`
`[0045] FIGS. 36B through H are cross-sectional views of
`various embodiments of a housing for a sensor device
`according to an aspect of the present invention taken along,
`lines D-D in FIG. 23;
`
`[0046] FIG. 37 is an isometric view of an embodiment of
`a housing for a sensor device according to the present
`invention having a bottom or inner surface having a con-
`cavity in one direction and a convexity in another direction;
`
`[0047] FIGS. 38A through D are cross-sectional views of
`a housing for a sensor device having a flat top surface and
`fiat lateral ends;
`
`[0048] FIGS. 39A through Fare cross-sectional views of
`various embodiments of a housing for a sensor device
`having surfaces designed to deflect objects and prevent
`movement of the housing; and
`
`[0049] FIG. 39G is a cross-sectional view of the housing
`shown in FIG. 39E attached to a flexible section.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`In general, according to the present invention, data
`[0050]
`relating to the physiological state, the lifestyle and certain
`contextual parameters of an individual
`is collected and
`transmitted, either subsequently or in real-time, to a site,
`preferably remote from the individual, where it is stored for
`later manipulation and presentation to a recipient, preferably
`over an electronic network such as the Internet. Contextual
`parameters as used herein means parameters relating to the
`environment, surroundings and location of the individual,
`including, but not
`limited to, air quality, sound quality,
`ambient temperature, global positioning and the like. Refer-
`ring to FIG. 1, located at user location 5 is sensor device 10
`adapted to be placed in proximity with at least a portion of
`the human body. Sensor device 10 is preferably worn by an
`
`0040
`
`0040
`
`

`

`US 2004/0039254 Al
`
`Feb. 26, 2004
`
`4
`
`individual user on his or her body, for example as part of a
`garmentsuch as a form fitting shirt, or as part of an arm band
`or the like. Sensor device 10, includes one or more sensors,
`which are adapted to generate signals in response to physi-
`ological characteristics of an individual, and a microproces-
`sor. Proximity as used herein means that
`the sensors of
`sensor device 10 are separated from the individual's body by
`a material or the like, or a distance such that the capabilities
`of the sensors are not impeded.
`
`the signal or signals generated by the one or more sensors.
`Methods for generating data indicative of various physi-
`ological parameters and sensors to be used therefor are well
`known, Table 1 provides several examples of such well
`known methods and shows the parameter in question, the
`method used, the sensor device used, and the signal that is
`generated. Table | also provides an indication as to whether
`further processing based on the generated signal is required
`to generate the data.
`
`TABLE 1
`
`
`Further
`
`Parameter
`Method
`Sensor
`Signal
`Processing
`
`ERG
`BYP
`
`Heart Rate
`
`2 Electrodes
`LED Emitter and
`Optical Sensor
`2 Electrodes
`
`3-10 Electrodes
`
`Strain Gauge
`
`Thermistors
`
`Skin Surface
`Potentials
`Chest Volume
`Change
`Surface
`‘Temperature
`Probe
`Esophageal or
`Rectal Probe
`Thermopile
`Heat Flux
`Skin Conductance 2 Electrodes
`
`Thermistors
`
`Yes
`DC Voltage
`Change in Resistance Yes
`
`DC Voltage
`
`DC Voltage
`
`Yes
`
`No
`
`Change in Resistance Yes
`
`Change in Resistance Yes
`
`Yes
`
`Change
`in Resistance
`Yes
`DC Voltage
`Change in Resistance No
`
`Skin Surface
`Potentials
`Skin Surface
`Potentials
`Eye Movement
`
`3 Electrodes
`
`DC Voltage
`
`Multiple Electrodes DC Voltage
`
`DCVoltage
`
`Change in Resistance
`
`Thin Film
`Piezoelectric
`Sensors
`Electronic
`Non-Invasive
`Korotkuff Sounds Sphygromarometer
`Body Impedance
`2 Active Electrodes Change in Impedance
`Body Movement Accelerometer
`DC Voltage,
`Capacitance Changes
`
`No
`
`Yes
`
`Yes
`
`“Yes
`
`‘Yes
`Yes
`
`Heart Rate
`Pulse Rate
`
`Beat-to-Beat
`Variability
`EKG
`
`Respiration Rate
`
`Skin Temperature
`
`Core Temperature
`
`Heat Flow
`Galvanic Skin
`Response
`EMG
`
`EEG
`
`BOG
`
`Blood Pressure
`
`Oxygen Oxygen Uptake—Eleetro-chemical DCVoltage Change Yes
`
`
`
`Electro-chemical
`Mercury Switch
`Array
`
`DC Vollage Change
`DC Voltage Change
`
`Yes
`Yes
`
`Body Fat
`Activity in
`Interpreted G
`Shocks per Minute
`
`
`Consumption
`Non-Invasive
`Glucose Level
`Body Position (e.g. N/A
`supine, erect,
`silting)
`Muscle Pressure
`
`N/A
`
`Thin Film
`Piezoelectric
`Sensors
`Yes
`UV Sensitive Photo DC Voltage Change
`N/A
`UV Radiation
`Cells
`Absorption
`
`DC Voltage Change
`
`Yes
`
`(0051] Sensor device 10 generates data indicative of vari-
`ous physiological parameters of an individual, such as the
`individual’s heart rate, pulse rate, beat-to-beat heart vari-
`ability, EKG or ECG, respiration rate, skin temperature, core
`body temperature, heat flow off the body, galvanic skin
`response or GSR, EMG, EEG, EOG, blood pressure, body
`fat, hydration level, activity level, oxygen consumption,
`glucose or blood sugar level, body position, pressure on
`muscles or bones, and UV radiation exposure and absorp-
`tion. In certain cases,
`the data indicative of the various
`physiological parameters is the signal or signals themselves
`generated by the one or more sensors and in certain other
`cases the data is calculated by the microprocessor based on
`
`[0052] The types of data listed in Table | are intended to
`be examples of the types of data that can be generated by
`sensor device 1). It is to be und