WEARABLE ELASTIC BIO-SENSORS FOR IMPROVED EMERGENCY CARE

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and tools for improving training regimes and optimizing exercise effects. It is ideally suited for rehabilitation services, sports medicine, gym workouts, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and training setups including especially arduous endeavors or occupations, such as military personnel, fighter pilots, astronauts, law enforcement, intense athletes, etc. This invention provides enhanced biofeedback towards a complete and comprehensive understanding of the body's real-time metabolic status and capabilities. Specialists, such as cardiologists and vascular surgeons, will find the simultaneous feedback from separate quadrants of the body especially useful in predicting future events. A series of wearable wireless nanosensor appliances on the body and/or in handlebars, grips, gloves, etc., monitors biomolecules emitted from hands, ankles, fingers, head, torso, etc. The analytical system assesses real-time metabolic status of the individual. Both small and large molecules can be analyzed, e.g., to indicate the fuels being used (e.g., proteins, sugars, fats), tissue breakdown products (including, but not limited to skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, ketones, fat cells, etc.), hormones, liver and lung metabolites, etc. Devices of the invention use highly sensitive compound selective nanosensing elements to produce real-time status and summary reports immediately available to the practicing individual, coach, manager, teammate, therapist, and/or other selected party of interest.

Claims

1. A device to augment and optimize physical performance, training and therapeutic outcomes, said device comprising: i) a sensor device comprising a nanosensing module sensitive to volatile organic compounds (VOCs); said nanosensing module comprising: a nanosensing element comprising a substrate supporting an electronic circuit comprising a) single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) connecting the input and out of said circuit, said SWNTs functionalized with a biomolecule species, b) a microprocessor for receiving, processing and transmitting said data, c) a communicator for accessing said processed data and communicating said processed data to a receiver; ii) a fixture containing said nanosensing module; and iii) a connection to at least one power source that when activated energizes said sensing module.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a second nanosensing module, said second nanosensing module comprising nanosensing element comprising a substrate supporting a second electronic circuit comprising a) an essentially flat graphene layer connecting the input and out of said second circuit, said essentially flat graphene functionalized with a biomolecule species, b) a microprocessor for receiving, processing and transmitting said data, c) a communicator for accessing said processed data and communicating said processed data to a receiver; ii) a surface containing said nanosensing module; and iii) a connection to at least one power source that when activated energizes said second sensing module.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said receiver produces output communication display accessible by an individual in contact with said sensor device.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said display is selected from the group consisting of: a screen, a vibrating object, a tightening band, a light, a sound, and a temperature change.

5. The device of claim 2 comprising graphene wherein the graphene has a curved or corrugated structure.

6. The device of claim 2 wherein said graphene has a crumpled or irregular structure.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a heating element.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein said heating element receives power from harnessing kinetic action inputted by an individual supplying VOCs to said device.

9. The device of claim 1 further comprising a module that provides a virtual reality environment to said individual.

10. A method for improving therapy or training, said method comprising: z) providing an individual with a device of claim 1; y) activating said device at an activity station to produce biometric data; x) processing said biometric data through an artificial intelligence (Al) engine to form a session report; and w) transmitting said report to a data receiver selected from the group consisting of: said individual, a person controlling, managing, or advising said individual, a device in use or planned for use by said individual, and a database.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of said device is installed as a hand grip on an exercise machine.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said exercise machine comprises a bicycle and said at least one hand grip comprises at least one communication port, said at least one communication port capable of communicating with at least one device of at least one teammate or captain.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said communicating devices apply an artificial intelligence engine to recommend one teammate or captain to front the team.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said communicating devices accessing changed real-time date recommend a second teammate or captain to front the team.

15. The method of claim 10 further comprising x.sub.2) wherein said Al engine processes data relating to at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: circadian rhythm, time of day, season, time elapsed since latest meal, contents of latest meal, time elapsed since latest awakening from sleep, time elapsed since the initiation of latest menstrual cycle, normal menstrual cycle interval for said individual, pharmaceutical supplements used by said individual, and medical history of said individual.

16. The method of claim 10 further comprising repeating z), and y); v) accessing in a database said reported biometric data associated with said individual; u) combining said biometric data from said repeated y) with said reported biometric data associated with said individual; t) processing said combined data through an Al engine to form a second report; and s) reporting said second report to a data receiver selected from the group consisting of: said individual, a person controlling, managing, or advising said individual, a device in use or planned for use by said individual, and a database.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein at least two session reports are processed in t) to form said second report said second report.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said second report processes data combined from session reports in the same time period selected from the group consisting of: a day, a week, a fortnight, a month, a quarter, a preselected number of days, and a year.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein said second report compares session reports from at least a first and a second session.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said individual suffers an injury between said first session and said second session.

Description

DEVICE EXAMPLES

[0045] Devices may incorporate sensing elements in accordance with the present invention or be responsive to data contributed by one or more such sensing elements. A wristband, bike handle grip, watchband, ring, bracelet, glove, shoe insert, or similar accessory may collect and process VOC and larger molecule data relating to sweat, VOCs evaporated from sweat and/or VOCs emitted through the skin. Accessory sensors may be incorporated to provide additional data for analysis. For example, temperature of an extremity as well as ambient temperatures may be an important factors for analyzing VOC data. Evaporation of different VOCs will differ by temperature. Ambient temperature may change the body's sweat response. Ratios between different VOCs is expected to vary with temperature as partial pressures of different VOCs may be different, temperature may affect metabolism underneath the skin, and/or temperature may affect delivery of VOCs to the region (e.g., circulation). Other data, for example, blood oxygenation, pulse, etc., may be factors that the algorithms apply during data analysis.

[0046] Embodiments can include gloves, grips, bands, etc., that incorporate a heating element. Such heating element may be provided for comfort, e.g., for outdoor workout sessions, but can also serve to increase evaporation (emissions) from the heated body area. For example, bicycle hand grip may be installed in a stationary cycling machine (as common in an occupational or physical therapy clinic). The grips are comfortably warm to the touch and encourage circulation to the palms and fingers. The warmth also enhances VOC emissions for the sensing modules to analyze. The heaters can be powered by any available source of choice. A clinic setup may simply draw power through the programming and display common to such machines; an independent power source such as a battery pack may be selected; the handlebars on a bicycle can house inserts that power the sensors and/or heating elements; a generator, e.g., a wind powered fan or fitting on a front or back wheel; etc. A battery power pack is preferably rechargeable.

[0047] In a clinic or other location such as an individual's home, an individual receives their prescription or instruction from a therapist. The individual approaches the equipment, in some circumstances dons a band, fingerlet, or glove, and begins following the prescribed routine. When the equipment is outfitted with the sensor devices and optional accessories, the individual can simply go to the machine and begin training. A therapist present in the clinic, or a therapist at a remote location can monitor the individuals progress on the accessed equipment. Guidance to modify the exercise can be delivered during a session or in prescriptions for subsequent sessions. Guidance may rely solely on the therapists understanding of the individual's performance data (including metabolic performance) or be based on advice from artificial intelligence derived advice relevant to the individual, individuals with similar profiles, the exercise equipment, etc. Most physical/occupational/rehabilitation therapy routines in can benefit from using the present devices. For example, a subject may simply grip a palm sized bar in on or both hands; hand weights can include sensing devices in their grips; equipment using grip bars, e.g., triangle bars, treadmills, resistance machines, etc. Can have their bars outfitted; and subjects can always wear their own or assigned gloves, bands, etc. All exercises, including, but not limited to: cycling, rope pulls, treadmills, lunges, balance ball, grip dynamometer, cuff weights, dumbbells, horizontal and vertical bars, resistance grip, etc., can benefit from analysis of the large and small molecule metabolites and the advisory reports. Many types of clinics or programs can benefit, for example, stroke assessment and recovery, rehabilitation, occupational, and physical therapy; sports training, recovery from micro gravity environment, disability management, etc.

[0048] Output from VOC sensing elements is processed to categorize, characterize, quantify and/or identify VOCs. Patterns associated with various stresses, such as dehydration, low blood sugar, muscle fatigue or breakdown, hypo or hyperthermia, oxygen stress, etc., are reported to the individual and/or interested party, such as a coach. Reports may incorporate non-VOC data such as heart rate, blood oxygenation, temperature, breathing rate, perspiration, nearby humans or objects, time spent in activity, distance covered, calories consumed, etc.

[0049] Devices of the invention may be secured by any fixture or securing means known in the art, for example, hook and pile like fasteners, tie straps, elastic bands, magnets, adhesives, elastics, etc. As with these devices in general, such equipment mounted devices may be configured for VOC analyses, liquid based analysis and/or any other desired chemical or physical factor.

[0050] A coat, a jacket, a partial or full body suit may be configured to incorporate as many of the advantages from more specifically localized accessories as desired.

[0051] Fabric or substrate for sensor mounting on a body part may comprise an expandable electro-flexible polymer with sensors spread throughout a large coverage area. Sensors may be disposed in discreet pods or modules interconnected to one another by wired and or wireless circuitry. Individual sensors or pods of sensors may report movement of underlying or associated body parts by being responsive to interactions with neighbor associated sensors or pods.

[0052] Inward and outward facing chips report body derived and ambient VOCs, respectively. Ambient temperature and body temperature may be assessed using nano-sensors mounted on a chip. But when desired, ambient temperature may be measured using more conventional methods, e.g., resistance, thermocouple, black body radiation, expansion, temperature sensitive chemicals, expansion interferometry, etc. Photometry, focused inward may report temperature for reading black body radiation, blood oxygenation, skin coloration, pulse oxygenation, etc. An aneroid or other style barometer may report ambient pressure. 3-D or 3-axis accelerometers and/or gyroscopes may be incorporated at one or a plurality of locations to report gravitational and non-gravitational movement and acceleration. Magnetometers, preferably 3-dimensional magnetometers, may be incorporated to report orientations with respect to magnetic fields, e.g., the earth's magnetic polarity.

[0053] Temperature, especially temperature difference from ambient temperature or an analogous body part, is indicative of blood flow to the area and may be especially of concern in the extremities where cold may slow circulation and lead to or be indicative of injuries relating to blood flow. Skin coloration is one factor that may be measured with accessory sensors for measuring oxygenation and levels of blood supply to the area monitored.

[0054] Each of these devices may incorporate a dedicated microcontroller be connected to a microcontroller connected to other sensing types.

[0055] Microcontrollers may operate independently, but preferably communicate with other accessory devices and controllers. A central controller may be independent of the sensing devices but participate in analysis and reporting. Reporting is preferably instantaneous, i.e., real-time. Data from one or more microcontrollers may be stored for later processing or dissemination, e.g., for look-back analysis, or as reference standards for ongoing analyses. Advisory data obtained from devices of the invention may be communicated or displayed to the individual using any conventional means. Light, sound, vibration, squeezing, loosening or tightening a band, electric shock, temperature change, etc., may be instructive to the individual. The signal may be generated by a single device or from processing data from a plurality of devices on that individual or a plurality of individuals. Historical data from the same individual or from a group of similar individuals may be involved in processing the data and reporting outputs.

[0056] Algorithms associating stress with VOC profile patterns may be produced using several different protocols, either each independently or in combination. A pattern teaching group can be monitored during daily activities. Changed VOC readings are correlated with stressful situations as they normally occur. Similar data is collected using a confirmation group.

[0057] A second protocol involves following persons with stressful activities, e.g., a steel worker, a coal miner, a distance runner, cyclers, skaters, mountaineers, all amateur and professional athletes, any active individual, etc. Specific activity related stresses may be distinct from normal encountered stresses. Accordingly, separate algorithms may be developed to make the reports more relevant to the identified activity and its specific stresses. An a crossover algorithm may recognize both. Stress profiles and/or signatures may be obtained for any stress of interest including, but not limited to physical stress (such as stretch, impact, fatigue, sleep deprivation, nutrient shortage, dehydration, blood loss, head impact, pain, etc.), emotional stress, pain stress, wobbly gait, etc.

Prototype Examples

[0058] A 256 channel NanoArray sensor outputs currents collected by a single chip 256 channel 24 bit analog to digital converter (ADC). This incorporates a very low current signal conditioning with drive electronics for 256 nano-FETs. The chip is controlled by and outputs to a field programmable gate array (FPGA) connected to a high-speed bus connected to e.g., an A10 micro-computer. A wide variety of environment and biophysical sensors are deployable. Each incorporates a specialized chip to convert analog signals directly to digital form for transmission over the high-speed bus.

[0059] A foam-like hand grip is placed left and right on a bicycle handlebar. The ‘grips can each operate independently to provide analysis and reporting when only one hand rests on the handlebar. The grips can communicate wirelessly when both are handled to increase the data available for analysis and reporting. In a gym or in a fixed cycling machine, the connection between grips may be hardwired and each cycle may have wired or wireless connection to a central processor that may collate data from all participants. In an example of a team application, e.g., in a bicycle race, each teammate has both handle grips outfitted with a device of the present invention. Each has a receiver accessory that can receive instructions from at least one other unit. In one example format, a captain has a device that receives inputs from all teammates; the captain device may display: a selected relevant factors, a selected series of scrolling factors; and/or multiple factors relevant to a selected team member or team members. The captain, with knowledge of his team members capacities and abilities to push limits, signals the point or front person to allow a new point team member and signals the new point from apparently more rested team members. The system may operate in an automated manner where the system Al analyzes inputs from each member and, e.g., sensing thresholds predicting decreasing performance from a point, signals devices associated with relevant participants for a point change; the fatiguing point maintains a strong effort then drops into the pack when the new point takes over. Embodiments may signal the whole group, just the participants involved in a change, the participants plus a captain, and potentially a support crew. When the system includes historical experience, additional sensors, including, but not limited to: altimeters, anemometers, speedometers, course map, etc., may assist in analyzing the metabolic effort with respect to conditions or expected conditions. Such analysis may be corroborated or performed through comparison to current data from other team members. If a participant is working harder than historical data for the conditions suggests, or harder than peers, the participant and/or support team receive notification to exchange the bike, to favor that teammate, to advise dropping from the pack, to advise leading one last push before dropping back, or to perform maintenance. An optional embodiment includes an enhanced reality visual display showing a full body image of the subject with current status of part shown each body part shown. VOC outputs of body zones may be overlaid on, e.g., local temperature, pO.sub.2, etc. The display might be integral to the device or transmitted to a personal electronic device such as a tablet, smart phone, watch, etc. The device may include an accessory display that could appear as a mirror image, e.g., a full size body image visible to the subject allowing the subject to concentrate on improving specific limbs, muscles, etc.

[0060] In place of handle grips, gloves, wristbands, headbands, ankle bands, etc., can serve the same packaging service for the sensor devices. Each sensing device has an analysis component, and preferably a transmitter and receiver. A receiver can be remote from the sensing package, e.g., a screen or earpiece or integrated within. The receiver can be hardwired or wirelessly connected. Receivers may be positioned at select locations on a course, such as hydration station, mile marker, top or bottom of hill, etc. Sensors with short range transmitting capacities, in some embodiments including antenna to provide receive and transmit power, may be placed in ID tags, such as the number tags used to identify participants in a race. The race coordinator can receive alerts when a race participant passes the receiver and transmits data indicating extreme fatigue or a large increase in fatigue when compared to previous checkpoints. Golfers, batsmen, tennis players, etc., with additional sensors to detect speed and change of speed resulting from impact can receive advisories of improved or compromised performance and nutrition suggestions to improve performance. A steering wheel, control stick or other control in contact with the operator can include molecular sensing apparatus. Race drivers, truck drivers, astronauts, etc., (anyone whose occupation may seriously impact safety of themselves or others), can thus be advised to request or to take a rest interval, to refuel, to supplement, etc.

[0061] In an exemplary device, oxygen saturation (SpO.sub.2) is measured using a photoplethysmography (PPG) chip (e.g., model ADPD144RI) with red and IR LEDs. Cardiac activity is measured using a pulse pressure detector, or the PPG. This chip also allows respiration measurement. Skin electrical impedance spectra are also measured (up to 200 kHz) are measured. A GPS receiver reports location, speed and altitude. A hygrometer reports humidity. Thermometers report ambient temperature, temperature at the sensor module(s), and/or other location of interest. The graphene-based sensors report larger molecule data. The SWNT sensors report VOC data. A chip stores historical data for that course or route and the individual or similarly profiled individuals. These real-time data are consolidated and compared to the individual's starting data, individual's or course progress data, and historical data from either, to apprise the individual and or other interested parties of health and performance and reserve status. A participant can use the information, e.g., to increase or decrease effort, to seek water, to consume nutrition and/or nutritional supplement. In a cardiology lab, or other highly intensive data gathering environment, the device is applicable to many machine formats, including, but not limited to: treadmill stationary cycle, hand cycle, etc. The cardiology technician and/or cardiologist not only receives the conventional data, e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, pO.sub.2, EKG, but can also monitor metabolism, fuels consumed, cardiac and voluntary muscle derived VOCs, imminent fatigue, etc. During the sensing module derived real-time analysis of the metabolic compounds, an option exists for the associated artificial intelligence engine to incorporate these accessory data in real-time status and final reports. When so applied, these additional data can provide a more complete picture to assess cardiac health and involvement of coronary artery disease. A preferred embodiment includes algorithms that advise the subject, manager, therapist, and/or coach concerning health related background conditions. When the device recognizes VOC patterns associated with a disease or condition or a factor relevant to a condition the subject can be advised to seek appropriate medical counseling. As non-limiting examples, the algorithm(s) might flag cardiac or circulatory stress, e.g., atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, etc., signatures associated with diabetes, cholesterol levels, etc.

[0062] A virtual reality mode can include a mask or headgear, be immersive in an enclosure or cube. Virtual reality solutions may incorporate various accessories, such as sensory gloves, pressure cuffs, full body suit, etc., for simulating real-life or stress situations. Individual response times and compensating activities can be monitored with reference to particular induced stresses. The inclusion of virtual reality also allows practices where individuals facing similar stress inducing situations are trained to respond in manners to modulate the stress response. Observers (human or incorporated Al) overseeing the encounter monitor responses to stresses in real-time to select or control ongoing inputs and analyses during the current or a subsequent session. The subject can in real-time observe responses to stressful situations. With this real-time feedback, the subject can learn accommodative responses. Alternatively, virtual reality can help identify, for a specific individual, expected stress responses and thus to calibrate training management or coaching. A supervisor can use this VR induced information to determine stress situations and understanding maximal stresses specific to an individual. For high stress occupations, monitoring the individual's responses in a virtual reality setting may suggest sub-occupations best avoided. Many variations are conceived for this invention. In general, devices are designed to optimize to augment outcomes relating to one or more therapies or training sessions to result with improving physical performance. The device features a nano-sensing module to detect and monitor volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The module includes a nanosensing element built with a substrate base for an electronic circuit where SWNTs sit between source and drain electrodes disposed upon a dielectric underlayment. The SWNTs carry a current that varies depending on precise intermolecular interactions when a molecule is closely proximate to the sensing surface. Different sensitivities specific to the VOC molecular structures are induced by treating or functionalizing the sensor surface with biomolecules that fix upon the SWNTs and differentially interact with proximal ambient molecules. Nucleic acids are convenient biomolecules for such purpose given their ease of synthesis and the availability of different sequences and lengths. The sensor(s) are served by a microprocessor that collects electronic outputs from the sensor(s) for processing and transmission to an interface that reports the sensed results to one or more devices or human recipients. The VOC status results in a live-time/current health status or may be collated to monitor progression from therapy and/or training. The sensing apparatus is surrounded by a box, band, strap, or other fixture for holding the sensing module and supporting its connections. The device may contain an integral power source, may generate local power, e.g., by mechanical stimulation, and/or may be powered by electromagnetic radiation, a magnetically induced current, etc.

[0063] A device may be configured with a plurality of sensing modules. Two or more modules may be activated as determined by an operator. A single module may be adapted or set to a specific function, e.g., fatigue, percent capacity, oxygen, or water stresses, etc. A plurality of modules may be disposed at different locations on the body. For example, separate modules may be set at dispersed zones, maybe the torso, neck, finger, forehead, forearm, wrist, hand, waist, leg, ankle, etc. Each of such multiple device modules may be configured to sense one or more physical status of interest. A module may monitor different situations at different times. Excitement, readiness for activity, may be indicated prior to or at activity onset. Fatigue may be more closely monitored as therapy/training progresses.

[0064] Preferred sensor device may be a band, a patch, a ring, a belt, or a grip. Fixtures may be stiff or flexible, such as bendable or elastic. The fixture may be soft and malleable, e.g., sponge like. The sensors may be stand alone, e.g., with wireless communications, may be incorporated into larger devices, such as a cycle grip or other machine handle that may wirelessly or physically connected to the device or a remote consolidator. The grip may be fitted in a stationary bar, e.g. vertically or horizontally secured in a facility, a portable bar such as a walking stick, an exercise bar or stick, etc. The remote consolidation may be in the same room or building or at a distant location. The distant location may, for example be a therapist who provides live advice to the subject or may control the therapeutic machines. Then “therapist” may be a live person, may be an electronic advisor under control an algorithm, preferably being continually updated using artificial intelligence protocols. Remote access may be in a group setting, e.g., remote to other machines that may be located in the same facility as the subject machine, or remote in distant location(s).