ao) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 1c) Pub. No.: US 2017/0325744 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Nov. 16, 2017
`
`ALLEC etal.
`
`US 20170325744A1
`
`(54)
`
`SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
`INCREASING LOCALIZED PRESSURE TO
`IMPROVE PPG MOTION PERFORMANCE
`
`(71)
`
`Applicant: Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventors: Nicholas Paul Toseph ALELEC, Menlo
`Park, CA (US); Paul D.
`MANNITETMER, Los Altos, CA (US);
`Tobias J. TARRISON-NGONAN,San
`Francisco, CA (US); Ueyn L. BLOCK,
`Menlo Park, CA (US), Vivek
`VENUGOPAL,San Jose. CA (US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 15/592,020
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`May 10, 2017
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 62/397,791, filed on Sep.
`21, 2016, provisional application No. 62/334,363,
`filed on May10, 2016.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`AGIB 5/00
`AGIB 5/024
`AGIB 5/00
`AGIB 5/00
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`DEVICE
`200
`
`¢
`
`LIGHT
`SENSOR
`204
`
`LIGHT
`
`EMITTER
`206
`
`(52)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`G02B 27/30
`G02B 3/08
`US. Cl
`CPC veescceee AGIB 5/6843 (2013.01); AGIB 5/681
`(2013.01); AGIB 5/6898 (2013.01); AGIB
`502427 (2013.01); A6IB 2562/146 (2013.01);
`AGIB 2562/0238 (2013.01); AGIB 2562/0219
`(2013.01); AGLB 2562/185 (2013.01); GO2B
`3/08 (2013.01), GO2B 27/30 (2013.01); 461B
`2562/046 (2013.01)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(57)
`Therelates to a back surface ofthe device including one or
`more protrusions configured to create the localized pressure.
`In some examples, the protrusion(s) can be located between
`the optical components and one or more edges of the back
`plate. In some examples, the protrusion(s) can include a
`surface that can be raised relative to the back plate of the
`device. In some examples, one or more protrusions can
`include one or more recessed regions. In some examples, the
`cover structure disposed over each of the openings may
`itself be a protrusion that can apply local regions of higher
`pressure. The protrusion(s) can be capable of applying
`localized pressure to multiple spatially separated regions of
`the skin. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusion(s) can
`be capable of applying different amounts oflocalized pres-
`sure. Examples of the disclosure can include the Fresnel
`lens(es) and/or optical
`isolation optically coupled to the
`protrusion.
`
`EMITTER
`216
`
`LIGHT
`SENSOR
`214
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054864
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
` LIGHT
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`AIAVUVAMOp
`dVULset
`
`
`HONOL
`
`NaaUOS
`
`HONOL
`
`NaaYOS
`
`pel
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16, 2017 Sheet 1 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`AOIAIAaTtgOW
`erANOHdITAL
`
`OTDLTGfOlTVIOt
`
`9CI
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054865
`
`MASIMO2019
`<_
`
`oO=EQ«“AA=aF=a2HBe
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`
`

`

`204
`
`209
`
`FIG, 24
`
`PEO
`
`SIGNAL
`SIGNAL ACCELEROMETER
`250
`02
`CONTROLLER 255
`2
`
`LIGHT
`SENSOR
`204 ~
`
`BLoop
`OPENING
`
`VESSEL
`
`
`
`FIG. 2B
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 2 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`DEVICE
`200
`
`é
`
`LIGHT
`SENSOR
`
`LIGHT
`EMITTER
`206
`
`LIGHT
`EMITTER
`™~216
`
`LIGHT
`SENSOR.
`214
`
`LIGHT
`EMITTER
`206
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054866
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 3 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`BACK SURFACE
`
`OPENING OPENING
`301
`301
`OPENING
`301
`
`
`
`
`PROTRUSION
`302
`BACK PLATE
`306
`OPENING
`301
`
`FIG. 3A
`
`BACK
`PLATE
`OPENING
`306
`OPENING
`301
`301
`
`
`
`308
`
`SKIN
`
`floxessure
`
`320
`
`meessure\V320
`
`FIG. 3B
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054867
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 4 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`BACK SURFACE
`410
`
`OPENING
`
`2
`
`41
`
`OPENING BACK PLATE
`
`406
`
`FIG. 4A
`
`OPENING
`401
`
`oprninc
`401
`
`BACK
`PEATE
`
`\
`
` fePRESSURE422
`
`SEES
`
`PRESSURE
`420
`
`FIG. 4B
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054868
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 5 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`BACK
`SURFACE
`510
`
`¢
`
`PROTRUSION
`
`502
`
`OPENING
`
`RECESS
`-503
`
`516
`
`STRUCTURE
`BACK SURFACE
`_
`BACK PLATE
`7 PROTRUSION
`
`a
`OPENING
`02
`
`
`
`PRESSUREAl
`
`
`
`PRESSURE
`5
`
`520
`
`FIG. 5B
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054869
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 6 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`BACK
`SURFACE
`331
`
`¢
`
`PROTRUSION
`$12
`OPENING
`501
`
`RECESS
`
`BACK
`SURFACE
`610
`
`PROTRUSION
`602
`
`604
`
`oo
`COVER
`
`607
`
`PROTRUSION
`602
`
`BACK PLATE
`606
`
`
`¢ PROTRUSION
`STRUCTURE
`
`
`608
`
`FIG, 6A
`
`3
`OPENING
`
`BACK
`PLATE
`Zon
`
`PROTRUSION
`PRESSURE
`622
`
`PROTRUSION
`-
`
`FIG. 6B
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054870
`
`MASIMO2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 7 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`PROCESS
`650
`
`¢
`
`ONE OR MORE PROTRUSIONS CAN APPLY LOCALIZED
`PRESSURE TO THE SKIN AT ONE OR MORE SKIN REGIONS
`
`ro 63a
`
`ONE OR MORE LIGHT EMITTERS CAN EMIT LIGHT
`TOWARDS THE SKIN
`
`ONE OR MORE COVER STRUCTURES CAN ALLOW
`THE EMITTED LIGHT TO PASS THROUGHTO THE SKIN
`
`~
`
`17 A
`
`on 656
`
`
`
`
`LIGHT CAN INTERACT WITH SOMEOR ALL OF THE ONE OR 7 GER
`MORE SKIN REGIONS
`
`ONE OR MORE COVER STRUCTURES CAN ALLOW REFLECTED
`AND/OR SCATTERED LIGHTTO PASS THROUGH TO ONE
`
`56)
`Aes
`
`OR MORE LIGHT SENSORS
`ONE OR MORE SKIN REGIONS
`
`ONE OR MORE LIGHT SENSORS CAN DETECT AT LEAST A
`PORTION OF THE LIGHT THAT HAS INTERACTED WITH THE
`
`THE USER’S PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS CAN BE DETERMINED 7°
`
`FIG. 6C
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054871
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 8 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`BACK
`OPENING PLATE
`601
`606
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PRESSURE
`622
`
`COVER
`STRUCTURE
`607
`
`COVER
`STRUCTURE
`609
`
`
`
`FIG. 6D
`
`PROTRUSION
`702
`
`COVER
`STRUCTURE
`707
`HEIGHT
`
`WIDTH
`713
`
`CAVITY
`705
`
`:
`
`FIG. 7A
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054872
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 9 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`PROTRUSION
`COSMETIC7°?
`ZONE
`732
`
`SURFACE
`709
`TIOUSING
`703
`
`
`
`
`
`COVER
`STROCTURE
` FRESNEL’9?
`
`CENTfyv
`734
`
`LIGHT
`:
`SENSOR
`
`LIGHT
`~.
`opmitTpr ©A¥tY
`706
`
`FIG. 7B
`
`COVER
`STRUCTURE pRoTRUSION
`FRESNEL
`702
`LENS
`OPENING
`701
`
`HOUSING
`703
`
`ne
`
`LIGHT
`LIGHT cavity
`AGI
`
`SENSOR EMITTER~~795
`706
`
`FIG, 7C
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054873
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 10 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`PROTRUSION
`802
`COVER
`STRUCTURE
`
`ISOLATION
`CAVITY 81425
`805
`
`OPENING
`sOl
`
`807
`
`LIGHT
`SENSOR
`.
`
`LIGHT
`EMITTER
`806
`
`FIG. 8A
`
`PROTRUSION
`802
`
`?
`4
`
`COVER
`STRUCTURE
`\"
`
`ISOLATION
`814
`CAVITY
`
`805
`
`OPENING
`S01
`
`PRESNEL
`
`FIG. 8B
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054874
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 11 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`PROTRUSION
`902
`
`CONTR
`934A
`
`COVER
`
`
`STRUCTURE
`“OPTICAL 907
`
`
`
`FRESNEL
`LENS
`912
`
`
`
`
`LIGHT
`/
`.-/
`LIGHT EMITTER,
`EMITTER 9068_LIGHT
`906A
`EMITTER
`906C
`
`FIG. 9A
`
`LIGHT
`
`SENSOR
`904
`
`COVER ISOLATION
`STRUCTURE
`=)’
`y
`
`FRESNEL
`LENS
`
`912
`
`
`
`OPTICAL
`
`L CENTER
`
`OPTICAL
`CENTER
`934B
`
`OPTICAL
`CENTER
`934C
`
`FIG. 9B
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054875
`
`MASIMO2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 12 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`ISOLATION
`
`LENS
`912
`
`914 FRESNEL
`
`FIG. 9C
`
`PATTERN
`923
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054876
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 13 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`PROCESS
`950
`
`¢
`TO THE SKIN AT ONE GR MORE SKIN REGIONS
`
`ONE OR MORE PROTRUSIONS CAN APPLY LOCALIZED PRESSURE
`
`ONE OR MORE LIGHT EMITTERS CAN EMIT LIGHT
`TOWARDS THE SKIN
`
`THE EMITTED LIGHT TO PASS THROUGHTOTHE SKIN
`
`ONE OR MORE FRESNEL LENSES CAN COLLIMATE AND
`ONE OR MORE COVER STRUCTURES CAN ALLOW
`
`LIGHT CAN INTERACT WITH SOME OR ALL OF THE ONE 7 58
`
`OR MORE SKIN REGIONS
`OR MORE LIGHT SENSORS
`ONE OR MORE SKIN REGIONS
`
`ONE OR MORE COVER STRUCTURES CAN ALLOWREFLECTED
`AND/OR SCATTERED LIGHT TO PASS THROUGH TO ONE
`
`ONE OR MORE LIGHT SENSORS CAN DETECT AT LEAST A
`PORTION OFTHE LIGHT THAD HAS INTERACTED WITH THE
`
`965
`we
`
` THE USER’S PHYSIOLOGICALSIGNALS CAN BE DETERMINED
`
`£IG, YD
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054877
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16,2017 Sheet 14 0f 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`COVER
`STRUCTURE COVER
`W017
`STRUCTURE
`1007
`
`L006
`
`BACK
`PLATE
`
`FIG. 10A
`
`BACK
`SURFACE
`1016
`¢
`
`
`
`SIKEN
`1008
`
`BACK
`PLATE
`1006
`
`OPENING
`
`
`
`1001
`
`
`SAMARASEEEEEEmSé
`
`
`REGION
`(oul
`
`REGION
`1013
`
`COVER
`STRUCTURE
`1007
`
`£IG. 10B
`
`COVER
`STRUCTURE COVER
`1009
`STRUCTURE
`1007
`
`1006
`
`BACK
`PLATE
`
`FIG. 10€
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054878
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 16, 2017 Sheet 15 of 15
`
`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`TALI
`
`att
`avi—WaT
`xSIC‘
`
`LHO'I
`
`
`
`NUSLHOTT
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`OctUOSNAS
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`coll:VHO_
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`AV1dSIC
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`SyAV1dSIC
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`DNISN&S
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054879
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`
`
`
`

`

`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`Nov. 16, 2017
`
`SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
`INCREASING LOCALIZED PRESSURE TO
`IMPROVE PPG MOTION PERFORMANCE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claimspriority to U.S. Provisional
`Patent Application Ser. No. 62/397,791 filed on Sep. 21,
`2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
`62/334,363 filed on May 10, 2016, which are herebyincor-
`porated by reference in their entirety.
`
`FIELD
`
`[0002] This relates to architectures for PPG systems, and
`more specifically, to PPG systems configured to inereasing
`localized pressure for improving PPG motion performance
`and methods for operation thereof.
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`[8003] An individual’s physiological signals (e.g., pulse
`rate or arterial oxygen saturation) can be determined by
`photoplethysmogram (PPG) systems. In a basic form, PPG
`systems can employ one or more light sources that can
`illuminate an individual’s tissue and one or more light
`detectors that can receive light that enters and probes a
`subsurface volumeoftissue. The received light can include
`light with an amplitude that can be modulated in lime as a
`result ofinteraction with pulsatile blood flow and parasitic,
`non-signal light that can indirectly sample pulsatile tissue
`volumes with an amplitude that can be modulated (ie.,
`“noise” or “artifacts’”) and/or unmodulated (i.e., DC).
`
`SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`[0004] This relates to systems and methods for increasing
`localized pressure to one or more skin regions of an indi-
`vidual. Applying localized pressure to the individual’s skin,
`can lead to increased pulsatile signal, reduced local venaus
`blood volume, and decreased venous contributions to
`motion artifacts for improved measurement accuracyof the
`individual’s physiological information. ‘The back surface of
`the device can include one or more protrusions configured to
`create the localized pressure. In some examples, the protru-
`sion(s) can be located betweenthe optical components(e.g.,
`light sensors and/or light emitters) and one or more edges of
`the back plate. In some examples,
`the protrusion(s) can
`include a surface that can be raised (e.g., forming a plateau
`surface) relative to the back plate of the device. In some
`examples, once or more protrusions can include one or more
`recessed. regions. In some examples,
`the cover structure
`disposed over each of the openings mayitself be a protrusion
`that can applylocal regions ofhigher pressure directly to the
`skin regions located in the optical path(s) of the light
`emitter(s) and/or light sensor(s). ‘he protrusion(s) can be
`capable ofapplying localized pressure to multiple (e.g., two)
`spatially separated regions ofthe individual’s skin. Addi-
`tionally or alternatively, the protrusion(s) can be capable of
`applying different amounts of localized pressure. Examples
`of the disclosure can include the Fresnel
`lens(es) and/or
`optical isolation optically coupled to the protrusion.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate systems in which examples
`[0005]
`ofthe disclosure can be implemented
`[6006]
`FIG. 2A illustrates a top view, and FIG. 2B illns-
`trates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic
`device including light sensors and light emitters for mea-
`suring an individual’s physiological signal according to
`examples of the disclosure.
`[6007]
`FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate perspective and cross-sec-
`tional views of an exemplary back surface of a device
`including a protrusion located between the optical compo-
`nents and one or more edges ofthe back plate according to
`examples of the disclosure.
`[9008]
`FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate perspective and cross-sec-
`tional views of au exemplary back surface of a device
`including a protrusion having a plateau according to
`examples ofthe disclosure.
`[6009]
`FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate perspective and cross-sec-
`tional views of an exemplary back surface including a recess
`associated with each cavity and opening of the device
`according to examples of the disclosure.
`[6016]
`FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of an exem-
`plary back surface of a device including a protrusion having
`multiple recesses associated with each cavity according to
`examples of the disclosure.
`[0011]
`FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate perspective and cross-sec-
`tional views of an exemplary back surface of a device
`including cover structures that form the protrusions accord-
`ing to examples of the disclosure.
`[0012]
`FIG. 6Cillustrates an exemplary method of apply-
`ing localized pressure to one or more skin regions of the
`individual according to examples of the disclosure.
`[0013]
`FIG. 6Dillustrates a cross-sectional view of an
`exemplary back surface of a device including cover struc-
`tures that include protrusions and cover structures that do
`not include protrusions according to examples ofthe dis-
`closure.
`FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an
`[6014]
`exemplary protrusion according to examples ofthe disclo-
`sure.
`
`FIGS. 7B-7C illustrate cross-sectional views of
`[0015]
`exemplary protrusions including a Fresnel
`lens located
`between the protrusion and cover structure according to
`examples of the disclosure.
`[9016]
`FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a cross-sectional view of
`exemplary protrusions including an isolation according to
`examples ofthe disclosure.
`[9017] TIGS. 9A-9B ilfustrate cross-sectional and top
`views of an exemplary coverstructure optically coupled to
`a plurality of light emitters, an isolation, and a Fresnel lens
`having multiple optical centers according to examples ofthe
`disclosure.
`[0018]
`FIG. 9C illustrates a top view of an exemplary
`cover structure optically coupled to a plurality of light
`emitters, an isolation, and a patterned Fresnel lens according
`to examples of the disclosure.
`[0019]
`IG. 9Dillustrates an exemplary method of apply-
`ing localized pressure to one or more skin regions of the
`individual using a device including one or more Fresnel
`lenses according to examples ofthe disclosure.
`[9020]
`FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate perspective and cross-
`sectional views of an exemplary back surface of a device
`including a monolithic
`cover
`structure according to
`examples of the disclosure.
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054880
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`Nov. 16, 2017
`
`bo
`
`FIG. 10Cillustrates a perspective view of an exem-
`(6621]
`plary back surface of a device including a monolithic cover
`structure that includes protrusions and non-monothilic cover
`structures that do not
`include protrusions according to
`examples ofthe disclosure.
`[0022]
`FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of
`a computing system comprising back of cover touch sensor
`configurations according to cxamples ofthe disclosure.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`In the following description of examples, reference
`[0023]
`is made to the accompanying drawings in which it is shown
`by way of illustration specific examples that can be prac-
`ticed. It is to be understood that other examples can be used
`and structural changes can be made without departing from
`the scope ofthe various examples.
`[0024] Various techniques and process flow steps will be
`described in detail with reference to examples asillustrated
`in the accompanying drawings. In the following description,
`numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
`thorough understanding of one or more aspects and/or
`features described or referenced herein. It will be apparent,
`however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more aspects
`and/or features described or referenced herein maybe prac-
`ticed without some or all of these specific details. In other
`instances, well-knownprocess steps and/or structures have
`not been described in detail in order to not obscure some of
`the aspects and/or [eatures described or referenced herein.
`[0025]
`Further, although process steps or method steps can
`be described in a sequential order, such processes and
`methods can be configured to work in any suitable order. In
`other words, any sequence or order of steps that can be
`describedin the disclosure does not, in and ofitself, indicate
`a requirement that the steps be performed in that order.
`Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously
`despite being described or implied as occurring non-simul-
`taneously (e.p., because one step is described after the other
`step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction
`in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is
`exclusive of other variations and modification thereto, does
`not implythat the illustrated process or any of its steps are
`necessary to one or more of the examples, and does not
`implythat the illustrated process is preferred.
`[0026] This relates to systems and methods for increasing
`localized pressure to one or more skin regions of an indi-
`vidual. Applying localized pressure to the individual’s skin,
`can lead to increased pulsatile signal, reduced local venous
`blood volume, and decreased venous contributions to
`motionartifacts for improved measurement accuracyof the
`individual’s physiological information. The back surface of
`the device can include one or moreprotrusions configured to
`create the localized pressure. In some examples, the protru-
`sion(s) can be located between the optical components(c.g.,
`light sensors and/or light emitters) and one or more edges of
`the back plate. In some examples,
`the protrusion(s) can
`include a surface that can be raised (e.g., forming a plateau
`surface) relative to the back plate of the device. In some
`examples, one or more protrusions can include one or more
`recessed regions. In some examples,
`the cover structure
`disposed over each ofthe openings mayitself be a protrusion
`that can apply local regions ofhigher pressure directlyto the
`skin regions located in the optical path(s) of the light
`emitter(s) and/or light sensor(s). The protrusion(s) can be
`capable of applying localized pressure to multiple (e.g., two)
`
`spatially separated regions of the individual’s skin. Addi-
`tionally or alternatively, the protrusion(s) can be capable of
`applying different amounts oflocalized pressure. Examples
`of the disclosure can include the Fresnel lens(es) and/or
`optical isolation optically coupled to the protrusion.
`[0027] A user’s physiological signals (¢.g., pulse rate and
`arterial blood oxygen saturation) can be determined by
`measurements using pulse oximetry systems. Such pulse
`oximetry systems can be designed to be sensitive to changes
`in the red blood celi number, concentration, volume, or
`blood oxygen state inchided in the sample or a user’s
`vasculature.
`In a basic form, pulse oximetry systems can
`employa light source that injects light into the uscr’s tissue
`and a light detector to receive light that reflects and/or
`scatters and exits the tissue. In some examples, at least a
`portion of the photon path length interacts with tissue
`subsurface structures. Pulse oximetry systems can include,
`but are not limited to, PPG systems and SpO2 systems. PPG
`and SpO2 systems can determine signals based on the
`allenuation of light over time. Attenuation can due to absorp-
`tion, and/or scattering resulting from physiological/me-
`chanical changes. Physiological/mechanical changes can
`include, but are not
`limited to, red blood cell number,
`cell/blood volume, red blood cell orientation, red blood
`ecll/blood velocity, shear force, location/spatial distribution,
`or a combination thereof.
`
`FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate systems in which examples
`[0028]
`of the disclosure can be implemented. FIG. 1Aillustrates an
`exemplary mobile telephone 136 that can include a touch
`sercen 124. FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary media player
`140 that can include a touch screen 126. FIG. 1C illustrates
`an exemplary wearable device 144 that can includea touch
`screen 128 and can be attached to an individual using a strap
`146, ‘The systems of FIGS. 1A-1C can include systems and
`methods for increasing localized pressure, as will be dis-
`closed.
`
`IG. 2Aillustrates a top view, and ['1G. 2B ilhus-
`[0029]
`trates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic
`device including light sensors and light emitters for mea-
`suring an individual’s physiological signal according to
`examples ofthe disclosure. The top viewin FIG. 2A can be
`viewed us the underside of a wearable device (e.g., wearable
`device 144 of FIG. 1C). Device 200 can include light sensor
`204, light sensor 214, light emitter 206, and light emitter
`216. Light sensor 204 can be optically coupled to light
`emitter 206 and light emitter 216. Light sensor 214 can be
`optically coupled to light emitter 206 and light cmitter 216.
`Device 200 can be situated such that light sensor 204, light
`sensor 214,
`light emitter 206, and light emitter 216 are
`proximate to the skin 220 of an individual. For example,
`device 200 can be held in an individual’s hand or strapped
`to an individual’s wrist, among other possibilities.
`[0030] Light emitter 206 can be configured to emit light
`(e.g., light 222), included in one or more light rays, through
`opening 201. A portion of the one or more light rays can be
`absorbed by one or more blood vessels 242, and a portion of
`the one or more light paths can reflect back through opening
`201 to be detected by a light sensor. For example, as
`illustrated in FIG. 2B, a portionoflight 222 (emitted bylight
`emiller 206) can be absorbed by blood vessel 242, and a
`portion oflight(e.g., light 223) canreflect back for detection
`by light sensor 204. Light emitter 206 can also be configured
`to emit light, and a portion of light can reflect back for
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054881
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`Nov. 16, 2017
`
`detection by light sensor 214. Similarly, light emitter 216
`can be configured to emit light towards light sensor 204 and
`light sensor 214.
`[0031] Light sensor 204 can be configured to generate
`signal 250. Signal 250 can include the measuredtotal signal
`(e.g., sum ofthe measured modulated light and unmodulated
`light) detected by the light sensor(e.g., light sensor 204). In
`some examples, the device or system can include an accel-
`erometer 202. Accelerometer 202 can be any type ofsensor
`capable of measuring acceleration and can be configured to
`generate signal 255 indicative of the measured acceleration.
`Device 200 can include a processor or controller 209 con-
`figured to determine the individual’s physiological signal
`from signal 250 and signal 255. The individual’s physiologi-
`cal signal can be determined using any numberof algorithms
`or simple mathematical functions including. but not limited
`to, subtracting, multiplying, and/or scaling.
`[6032]
`In some instances, the signal (e.g., signal 256) can
`include noise due to motion artifacts, for example. As the
`individual moves, internal motion (e.g., the skin, vascula-
`ture, and other parts of the body expanding and contracting)
`can contribute to the motion artifacts. To improve motion
`performance, localized pressure can be created at the indi-
`vidual’s skin by the one or more protrusions of the device.
`The one or more protrusions can be, for example, one or
`more rigid structures. In some examples, the applied pres-
`sure can. be directly situated in the optical path (formed by
`the light emitter(s) and light sensor(s)). By applying, local-
`ized pressure to the individual’s skin, the pressure gradient
`across arterial walls can be reduced, which can lead to an
`increase in pulsatile (AC) signal. Additionally, the localized
`pressure can allow blood to mobilize out of the high-
`pressure region(s), which can reduce the Jocal venous vol-
`ume. Venous blood can be non-pulsatile blood that can
`absorb light,
`leading to reduced signal
`levels. In some
`instances, the DC signal measured by the light sensor(s) can
`increase, and the venous contributions to motion artifacts
`can be reduced. With increased pulsatile (DC) signal levels,
`the measured signal can include less noise, and signal-to-
`noise ratios can increase. Further, with increased pulsatile
`signal
`levels. the power consumption of the device can
`decrease without compromising measurement accuracy.
`[0033] The device can include a back plate located on the
`back surface of the device.he back plate can include one
`or more structures (e.g., rigid structures) configuredto create
`localized pressure (i.e., pressure in one or more regions of
`the individual’s skin, where the area of the pressurized
`region can be smaller than the area of the back surface
`and/or back plate ofthe device). The one or more structures
`can include one or more protrusions having area(s) smaller
`than the area of the back plate. The one or more protrusions
`can be, for example, one or more rigid structures. In some
`examples, the one or more structures can include one or
`more protrusions located between the optical components
`(e.g., light sensors and/or light emitters) and one or more
`edges of the back plate. FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate perspective
`and cross-sectional views of an exemplary back surface of a
`device including a protrusion located between the optical
`components and one or more edges of the back plate
`according to examplesof the disclosure. Back surface 316 of
`the device can include back plate 306 and protrusion 302.
`Protrusion 302 can be configured to create pressure to skin
`308. Protrusion 302 can apply a greater amount of pressure
`
`320 in a surrounding, region (e.g., circular region) than the
`pressure created at other regions(¢.g., region under openings
`301) ofskin 368.
`[8034]
`Protrusion 302 canat least partially surround open-
`ings 301. In some examples, openings 301 can be configured
`to allow light emitted froma light emitter (e.g., light emitter
`206 illustrated in FIG. 2A) to pass throughto skin 308 and/or
`can allow light reflected from skin 308 to pass through to a
`light sensor (e.g., light sensor 204 illustrated in FIG. 2A).
`One or more optical components (e.g., light emitter(s), light
`sensor(s), or a combination thereof) can be located within
`the housing of the device and can be aligned with an opening
`301 ofa corresponding cavity. A transparent or translucent
`cover structure can he disposed over or within cach of the
`openings 301 or cavities
`[0035]
`In some examples, protrusion 302 can be the same
`shape as back plate 306. For example, protrusion can be
`ring-shaped, which can include an open or closedring (c.g.,
`located around all edges of the device). In some cxamples,
`the protrusion can be arc-shaped. In some examples, pro-
`trusion 302 can surround all of openings 301 and corre-
`sponding cavities. Alternatively, back surface 310 can
`include a first protrusion that can surround a first set of
`cavities and a second protrusion that can surround a second
`set of cavities. In some examples, the protrusion may not
`surroundor enclose anyofthe cavities, but instead can span
`a length or width of back surface 310 (not shown)(e.g., a
`rectangular protrusion parallel to one or more edges of the
`device).
`Protrusion 302 can be disposed back plate 306.
`[0036]
`Protrusion 302 can protrude out from back surface 310
`and/or back plate 306 such that pressure 320 can be created
`at skin 308 in one or more regions surrounding protrusion
`302. Back plate 306 can be, for example, one or morerigid
`structures. In some examples, protrusion 302 can be con-
`figured to create localized pressure 320 to multiple (c.g.,
`two) spatially separated regions of skin 308, as illustrated in
`TIG. 33; wherein multiple optical components and/or the
`optical paths can be located betweenthe spatially separated.
`regions. In some examples, back plate 306 can have a
`convex curvature (as illustrated in FIG. 3B) or a concave
`curvature (not shown). In some examples, back plate 306
`may nol have any curves and muy be substantially flat. In
`some examples, protrusion 302 can be embedded or dis-
`posed on back plate 306. In some examples, protrusion 302
`can be a separate structure that can be adhered (e.g., using
`an adhesive) to back plate 306 and/or can protrude from
`back plate 306.
`[0037]
`In some examples, pressure can be applied closer
`to the optical paths ofthe optical components and/or over a
`larger region(s) of the individual’s skin. FIGS. 4A-4B illus-
`trate perspective and cross-sectional views of an exemplary
`back surface of a device capable of creating multiple levels
`of localized pressure using a back plate according to
`examples of the disclosure. Back surface 410 can include
`back plate 406 and a plurality of openings 401. The plurality
`of openings 401 can be configured to allow light emitted
`froma light emitter (e.g., light emitter 206 illustrated in FIG.
`2A) to pass through to skin 408 and/or can allow light
`reflected from skin 408 to pass throughto a light sensor (e.2.,
`light sensor 204 illustrated in FIG. 2A). One or more optical
`components (e.g., light emitter(s), light sensor(s), or a com-
`bination thereof) can be located within the housing of the
`device and can aligned with an opening 401 of a corre-
`
`APL_MAS_ITC_00054882
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`MASIMO 2019
`Apple v. Masimo
`IPR2022-01291
`
`

`

`US 2017/0325744 Al
`
`Nov. 16, 2017
`
`sponding cavity. A transparent or translucent cover structure
`(e.2., window) can be disposed over or within each ofthe
`openings 401 or cavities.
`[0038] Back plate 406 can include a plurality of sections
`that extend from back surface 410, where the plurality of
`sections can have different heights. In some examples, the
`surface of back plate 406 can be flat
`(G.e., without any
`curvature or curves) (not shown). In some examples, the
`surface of back plate 406 can have a convex curvature, as
`illustrated in FIG. 4B. The curvature can create the different
`heights such that multiple levels of localized pressure (e.g.,
`pressure 420 and pressure 422) can be created. The cover
`structures (e.g., windows) disposed over or within openings
`401 and can be flush with the surface of back plate 406
`where back plate 406 joins (or forms) the cover structures.
`In some examples, the cover structures can protrude even
`further from the surface of back plate 406.
`In some
`examples, one or more coverstructures can be separate and
`distinct from the back plate, and an adhesive, for example,
`can be used to adhere the cover structure(s) to the back plate
`and/or back surface. In some examples, one or more cover
`structure(s) can be integrated into the back plate.
`[0039] Although FIG. 4Aillustrates back plate 406 as
`having a circular shape, examples of the disclosure can
`include a back plate with any shape (e.g., ellipse, oval,
`rectangle, etc.). In some examples, back surface 410 can
`include two or more raised regions or protrusions that can be
`co-located with openings 401. or example, a back surface
`can include a first semi-circular protrusion that can extend
`over portions of the back surface that include a subset of one
`or more cavities and/or corresponding openings. The back
`surface can also include another subset of one or more
`cavities and/or corresponding openings. Examples of the
`disclosure can further inchide one or more cover structures
`that inchide an isolation, as discussed below.
`{8040]
`‘The cavities (including light emitter(s) and/orlight
`sensor(s) and corresponding openings) can be located at
`least partially on back plate 406. For example, back plate
`406 can form a plateau that can extend fr