BANDAGE MEMBER

Abstract

A bandage sensory member for monitoring temperature differences is disclosed. The bandage sensory member comprises a sensory layer having a plurality of temperature sensors disposed thereon, and a chip unit directly or indirectly electrically connected to the temperature sensors. The chip unit is configured to detect the temperature of each of the temperature sensors and send a wireless signal to an external receiver. The wireless signal contains information about the temperature difference and/or maximum temperature difference between the temperature sensors.

Claims

1. A bandage sensory member comprising a sensory layer having a plurality of temperature sensors (8) disposed thereon, and a chip unit directly or indirectly electrically connected to the temperature sensors, wherein the chip unit is configured to detect the temperature of each of the temperature sensors and send a wireless signal to an external receiver, wherein the wireless signal contains information about temperature difference (T) and/or maximum temperature difference (T.sub.max) between the temperature sensors.

2. The bandage sensory member according to claim 1, characterised in that the bandage sensory member further comprises one or more additional layers.

3. The bandage sensory member according to claim 2, wherein the sensory layer is arranged between two additional layers.

4. The bandage sensory member according to claim 3, characterised in that the sensory layer (3) and the one or more additional layers are joined by heat treatment.

5. The bandage sensory member according to claim 2, characterised in that each of the one or more additional layers is a foam, a textile, a plastic material, or a polymeric material.

6. The bandage sensory member according to claim 2, characterised in that the sensory layer and the one or more additional layers form a plurality of apertures.

7. The bandage sensor member according to claim 1, characterised in that the sensory layer forms a plurality of apertures.

8. The bandage member according to claim 1, characterised in that the sensory layer is a foil, a plastic material, or a paper material.

9. The bandage sensory member according to claim 8, characterised in that the sensory layer further includes an adhesive.

10. The bandage sensory member according to claim 1, characterised in that the temperature sensors (8) are analogue temperature sensors.

11. The bandage sensory member according to claim 1, characterised in that a coil member is integrated in the bandage sensory member, wherein the coil member is configured to generate electrical power by means of induction upon interaction with the external receiver arranged in proximity to the bandage sensory member, wherein the coil member is configured to send the wireless signal to the external receiver.

12. The bandage sensory member according to claim 11, characterised in that the coil member surrounds the temperature sensors.

13. The bandage sensory member according to claim 1, characterised in that the bandage sensory member comprises a temperature sensor arranged and configured to detect the ambient temperature.

14. The bandage sensory member according to claim 1, characterised in that the chip unit is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip unit, wherein an adapter/controller is electrically connected to the RFID chip unit and adapted to receive a plurality of electrical connections and combine electrical signals from these different electrical connections to a single entry of the RFID chip unit.

15. The bandage sensory member according to claim 1, characterised in that the chip unit is configured to generate an alert upon occurrence of one or both of (a) no scanning of the temperature sensors has been conducted within a predefined time period (e.g. two or eight hours), and (b) the maximum temperature difference (T.sub.max) between the temperature sensors exceeds a predefined value.

16. The bandage sensory member according to claim 1, characterised in that all temperature sensors are electrically connected.

17. The bandage sensory member according to claim 1, characterised in that all temperature sensors are arranged in a matrix configuration.

18. A bandage, characterised in that it comprises a bandage sensory member according to claim 1.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0059] FIG. 1 A shows a schematic top view of a sensory layer of a bandage sensory member according to the invention;

[0060] FIG. 1 B shows a schematic top view of a sensory layer of a bandage sensory member according to the invention;

[0061] FIG. 1 C shows a schematic top view of a sensory layer of a bandage sensory member according to the invention;

[0062] FIG. 1 D shows a schematic top view of a sensory layer of a bandage sensory member according to the invention;

[0063] FIG. 2 A shows a schematic top view of a sensory layer of a bandage sensory member according to the invention;

[0064] FIG. 2 B shows a cross-sectional view of the sensory layer with an additional layer of the bandage sensory member shown in FIG. 2(A);

[0065] FIG. 2 C shows a perspective view of a sensory layer with an additional layer of a bandage sensory member according to the invention;

[0066] FIG. 2 D shows a close-up view of a portion of the sensory layer with additional layer of the bandage member shown in FIG. 2(B);

[0067] FIG. 3 A shows a schematic top view of a bandage sensory member according to the invention;

[0068] FIG. 3 B shows a bottom view of the sensory layer of the bandage sensory member shown in FIG. 3(A);

[0069] FIG. 3 C shows a perspective bottom view of the sensory layer bandage member shown in FIG. 3(A) and in FIG. 3(B);

[0070] FIG. 3 D shows a cross-sectional view of the bandage sensory member shown FIG. 3(A-C);

[0071] FIG. 4 A shows a perspective view of a patient wearing a bandage with a bandage sensory member according to the invention and a health care person activating the sensors of the bandage sensory member by means of a smartphone;

[0072] FIG. 4 B shows a cross-sectional view of wounded tissue of a patient;

[0073] FIG. 4 C shows a top view of a sensory layer of a bandage sensory member according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0074] FIG. 4 D shows a bandage sensory member according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0075] FIG. 5 A shows an exploded view of the bandage sensory member shown in FIG. 2(B);

[0076] FIG. 5 B shows a close-up view of a sensor of the bandage sensory member shown in FIG. 5(A);

[0077] FIG. 5 C shows a schematic view of a bandage sensory member according to the invention covering wounded tissue;

[0078] FIG. 6 A shows a cross-sectional view of a bandage sensory member according to the invention;

[0079] FIG. 6 B shows an exploded view of the bandage sensory member shown in FIG. 6(A) and

[0080] FIG. 6 C shows a close-up view of a sensor of the bandage sensory member shown in FIG. 6(A) and FIG. 6(B).

[0081] FIG. 7 A shows the temperature curve of the prior art temperature sensors capable of measuring precise temperatures (relative to an absolute zero temperature).

[0082] FIG. 7 B shows the arbitrary temperature calibration of the temperature sensors applied in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0083] Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a bandage member 2 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1(A). Only the sensory layer 3 is shown. Any additional layers 4 are not shown. The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a sensory layer 3 provided with a plurality of first temperature sensors 8 arranged and configured to detect the reference temperature of non-wounded tissue. The sensory layer 3 additionally comprises an additional temperature sensor 8 arranged and configured to detect the temperature of wounded tissue.

[0084] In principle, any of the temperature sensors 8 may measure the reference temperature of non-wounded tissue. Likewise, any of the temperature sensors 8 may measure the reference temperature of a wounded tissue.

[0085] A first aperture 14 and a second aperture 14 are provided in the bandage sensory member 2. The apertures 14, 14 ensure sufficient ventilation to a wound in case a resulting bandage 5 is used to monitor a wound.

[0086] The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a chip unit 16 in the sensory layer 3 electrically connected to the temperature sensors 8 by means of a wire member 12.

[0087] The chip unit 16 is electrically connected to a coil member 6 surrounding the temperature sensors 8. The coil member 6 is configured to generate and deliver electrical energy to the chip unit 16 by means of induction when an external receiver formed as a smartphone 20 is brought in proximity to the bandage sensory member 2 or a resulting bandage 5 (the latter not shown).

[0088] When a smartphone 20 is brought in proximity to the bandage sensory member 2 or a resulting bandage 5, electrical power is generated in the coil member 6, and this electric power is transferred to the chip unit 16 through the coil member 6. The chip unit 16 comprises a processor that reads the temperatures of the temperature sensors 8 and/or the temperature difference between any of temperature sensors 8. Accordingly, the maximum temperature difference T.sub.max is detected either by the chip unit 16 or by an external receiver 20 (e.g. a smartphone).

T.sub.max=max{T.sub.iT.sub.j}, where T.sub.i and T.sub.j is the temperature of the i.sup.th the and the j.sup.th sensor, respectively.(1)

[0089] In one embodiment of the invention, the chip unit 16 is configured to send the detected T.sub.max to the smartphone 20 as a wireless signal 22. In another embodiment of the invention, the chip unit 16 is configured to send the detected temperatures T.sub.1, T.sub.2, . . . , T.sub.N (where N is the number of temperature sensors) to the smartphone 20 as a wireless signal 22.

[0090] The smartphone 20 forwards the information to the internet 26 as a wireless signal 24. Hereby, the smartphone 20 is capable of alerting relevant people (healthcare persons or relatives) in case a special treatment is needed.

[0091] In one embodiment of the invention, the smartphone 20 is configured to send an alert in case no scanning of the temperature sensors 8 has been conducted within a predefined time period (e.g. two or eight hours).

[0092] The bandage sensory member 2 shown in FIG. 1(A) comprises nine temperature sensors 8; however, the number N of temperature sensors 8 may be varied. It is important though that the bandage sensory member 2 comprises at least one temperature sensor 8 adapted to be arranged near wounded tissue, and that the bandage sensory member 2 comprises at least one temperature sensor 8 adapted to be arranged in non-wounded tissue, so that the difference between the wounded tissue and the non-wounded tissue can be detected.

[0093] In one embodiment of the bandage sensory member 2 according to the invention, the bandage sensory member 2 is configured to detect the largest temperature difference T.sub.max between any of the temperature sensors 8 and to send a wireless signal 22 when the T.sub.max exceeds a predefined value.

[0094] In another preferred embodiment of the bandage sensory member 2 according to the invention, the bandage sensory member 2 is configured to send all detected temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 8 as a wireless signal 22 to the smartphone 20. Accordingly, the smartphone 20 may be configured to calculate the largest temperature difference T.sub.max between any of the temperature sensors 8 and to determine if T.sub.max exceeds a predefined value.

[0095] The predefined level may preferably be within the range of from 2.1 C. to 2.5 C. In a preferred embodiment, the predefined level can be changed in either the chip unit 16, the smartphone 20 or in a database. It is preferred that the predefined level can be changed in the smartphone 20 or in a database.

[0096] It may be beneficial that the bandage sensory member 2 is configured to generate an alert in case the T.sub.max exceeds a predefined value.

[0097] It may be a major advantage that the smartphone 20 comprises software or an application enabling the smartphone 20 to generate an alert in case the T.sub.max exceeds a predefined value. Hereby, it is possibly to apply a simple and cheap chip unit 16 that is only capable of detecting the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 8 and sending these temperatures to the smartphone 20. The smartphone 20 may preferably be configured to calculate the largest temperature difference T.sub.max between any of the temperature sensors 8 and determine if T.sub.max exceeds a predefined value.

[0098] In one embodiment, the smartphone 20 comprises a near field communication (NFC) device adapted to communicate by using a short-range, low-power communications protocol between the smartphone 20 and the bandage sensory member 2. The smartphone 20 uses magnetic induction to create a radio-wave field that the coil member 6 of the bandage sensory member 2 can detect and access, allowing small amounts of data to be transferred wirelessly. The bandage sensory member 2 may have a unique identification. The smartphone 20 may be configured to read the unique identification of the bandage sensory member 2 together with the sensor temperature differences {T.sub.iT.sub.j}, where T.sub.i and T.sub.j are the temperatures of the i.sup.th and the j.sup.th temperature sensors, respectively.

[0099] By using a bandage sensory member 2 according to the invention incorporated into a bandage 5, it is possible to monitor a wound in a simple and reliable manner. In fact, the patient may conduct the monitoring himself by using a smartphone 20. No battery is needed in the bandage sensory member 2. Accordingly, a low-priced bandage sensory member 2 can be achieved.

[0100] FIG. 1(B) illustrates a schematic top view of a sensory layer 3 of a bandage sensory member 2 according to the invention. Additional layers 4 are not shown. The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a sensory layer 3 comprising eight peripherally-arranged temperature sensors 8 arranged along the periphery of the sensory layer 3. The eight peripheral temperature sensors 8 are electrically connected by an electric wire member 12 and surrounded by a coil member 6.

[0101] A centrally arranged temperature sensor 8 (at the centre of the sensory layer) is electrically connected to the remaining temperature sensors 8 by the wire member 12. The centrally arranged temperature sensor 8 is configured to be arranged to measure the temperature of wounded tissue (or non-wounded tissue), while the remaining eight peripheral temperature sensors 8 are configured to detect the temperature in non-wounded tissue surrounding wounded tissue (or alternatively wounded tissue).

[0102] An adapter/controller 18 is electrically connected to the chip unit 16. The adapter/controller 18 makes it possible to connect a plurality of electrical connections to the adapter/controller 18 and combine electrical signals from different electrical connections to a single entry of the chip unit 16. Hereby, it is possible to apply a simple (and low-cost) chip unit 16 having only a single electrical entry (or few electrical entries). The chip unit 16 and the adapter/controller 18 are electrically connected to the wire member 12 and the coil member 6. However, the coil member 6 does not need to be electrically connected to the adapter/controller 18 if it is electrically connected to the chip unit 16 (as illustrated in FIG. 1(C)).

[0103] Four separated apertures 14, 14 formed as square openings are provided in the sensory layer 3 of the bandage sensory member 2. The apertures 14, 14 ensure sufficient ventilation to a wound as well as absorption of fluids in case the resulting bandage 5 is used to monitor a wound. The bandage sensory member 2 may in some embodiments also comprise one or more apertures 14, 14, optionally corresponding to the apertures 14, 14 of the sensory layer 3.

[0104] FIG. 1(C) illustrates a schematic top view of a bandage sensory member 2 according to the invention. Additional layers 4 are not shown. Whereas the bandage sensory members 2 shown in FIG. 1(A) and in FIG. 1(B) have a square periphery, the bandage sensory member 2 illustrated in FIG. 1(C) has a rectangular periphery. The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a sensory layer 3 comprising ten peripherally arranged temperature sensors 8 arranged along the periphery of the sensory layer 3. The ten peripheral temperature sensors 8 are electrically connected by an electric wire member 12 and surrounded by a coil member 6. Two centrally arranged temperature sensors 8 (the sensors between the apertures 14, 14) are electrically connected to the remaining temperature sensors 8 by the wire member 12. The centrally arranged temperature sensors 8 are configured to be arranged to measure the temperature of wounded tissue. The remaining ten peripheral temperature sensors 8 are, however, configured to detect the temperature in the non-wounded tissue surrounding the wounded tissue.

[0105] A chip unit 16 is electrically connected to a coil member 6 surrounding the ten peripheral temperature sensors 8. The coil member 6 is configured to generate and deliver electrical energy to the chip unit 16 by means of induction when an external receiver such as a smartphone 20 is brought in proximity to the bandage sensory member 2 or a resulting bandage 5. The chip unit 16 is electrically connected to an adapter/controller 18 that is electrically connected to all temperature sensors 8.

[0106] Six separated apertures 14, 14 formed as square openings are provided in the sensory layer 3 and/or the bandage sensory member 2. The apertures 14, 14 ensure sufficient ventilation to a wound in case the resulting bandage 5 is used to monitor a wound.

[0107] FIG. 1(D) illustrates a schematic top view of a bandage sensory member 2 according to the invention. Additional layers are not shown. The bandage sensory member 2 is rectangular and comprises a rectangular sensory layer 3 comprising ten peripherally arranged temperature sensors 8 arranged along the periphery of the sensory layer 3 like the bandage sensory member shown in FIG. 1(C). The ten peripheral temperature sensors 8 are electrically connected by an electric wire member 12 and surrounded by a coil member 6, and two centrally arranged temperature sensors 8 (between the apertures 14, 14) are electrically connected to the remaining temperature sensors 8 by the wire member 12. While the centrally arranged temperature sensors 8 are configured to be arranged to measure the temperature of wounded tissue, the remaining ten peripheral temperature sensors 8 are configured to detect the temperature in the non-wounded tissue surrounding the wounded tissue. However, all temperature sensors 8 may detect the temperature of both wounded tissue and non-wounded tissue.

[0108] An adapter/controller 18 is electrically connected to the wire member 12. A chip unit 16 is electrically connected to the adapter/controller 18 and a coil member 6 surrounding the ten peripheral temperature sensors 8, 8, 8. The adapter/controller 18 is electrically connected to the chip unit 16 in order to connect a plurality of electrical connections to the adapter/controller 18 and combine electrical signals from different electrical connections to a single entry of the chip unit 16. The coil member 6 is configured to generate and deliver electrical energy to the chip unit 16 by means of induction when an external receiver such as a smartphone 20 is brought in proximity to the bandage sensory member 2 or a resulting bandage 5.

[0109] Two separated apertures 14, 14 formed as rectangular openings are provided in the sensory layer 3 and/or the bandage sensory member 2. The apertures 14, 14 ensure sufficient ventilation to a wound in case a resulting bandage 5 is used to monitor a wound.

[0110] FIG. 2(A) illustrates a schematic top view of a bandage sensory member 2 according to the invention. Additional layers 4 are not shown. The bandage sensory member 2 basically corresponds to the one shown in FIG. 1(A). The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a sensory layer 3 provided with a plurality of first temperature sensors 8 arranged along the square periphery of the sensory layer 3. These temperature sensors 8 are configured to detect the reference temperature of non-wounded tissue.

[0111] The sensory layer 3 additionally comprises a centrally arranged additional temperature sensor 8 arranged at the centre of the sensory layer 3 and configured to detect the temperature of wounded tissue. A first aperture 14 and a second aperture 14 are provided in the sensory layer 3 and/or the bandage sensory member 2. The apertures 14, 14 ensure sufficient ventilation to a wound as well as absorption of fluids in case a resulting bandage 5 is used to monitor a wound.

[0112] The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a chip unit 16 arranged at the sensory layer 3 and electrically connected to an adapter/controller 18 that is electrically connected to the temperature sensors 8 by means of a wire member 12. The chip unit 16 is electrically connected to a coil member 6 surrounding the temperature sensors 8. The coil member 6 is configured to generate and deliver electrical energy to the chip unit 16 by means of induction when an external receiver such as a smartphone 20 is brought in proximity to the bandage sensory member 2 or a resulting bandage 5.

[0113] When a smartphone 20 is brought in proximity to the bandage sensory member 2 or a resulting bandage 5, electrical power is generated in the coil member 6, and this electric power is transferred to the chip unit 16 through the coil member 6. The chip unit 16 comprises a processor that reads the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 8. The chip unit 16 is configured to send the detected temperatures to the smartphone 20 wirelessly by means of the coil member 6.

[0114] In one embodiment, the chip unit 16 is configured to calculate the differences between all temperature sensors 8 and detect the maximum temperature difference T.sub.max. The chip unit 16 is configured to send the maximum temperature difference T.sub.max to the smartphone 20 wirelessly by means of the coil member 6. In another embodiment, the chip unit 16 is configured to calculate only the temperature difference between the sensors 8.

[0115] FIG. 2(B) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bandage sensory member 2 shown in FIG. 2(A). It can be seen that the bandage sensory member 2 comprises an additional layer 4 in the form of an absorbing layer 36 arranged above a plurality of temperature sensors 8 and a wire member 12. The temperature sensors 8 and the wire member 12 are encased by the coating 28, 28. The coating 28, 28 is joint to provide a hermetically sealed coating 28, 28 (another example of an additional layer 4) preventing water and fluid from getting access to the temperature sensors 8 and the wire member 12 that is electrically connecting the temperature sensors 8.

[0116] The absorbing layer 36 (example of additional layer 4) and the sensor arrangement (the temperature sensors 8 and the wire member 12) are arranged in a sleeve 46. The bottom surface of the bandage sensory member 2 is intended to be arranged directly on the skin of a person. The sensor arrangement (the temperature sensors 8 and the wire member 12) may be provided as a one-piece member.

[0117] FIG. 2(C) illustrates a perspective view of a bandage sensory member 2 according to the invention. The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a sensory layer 3 comprising ten peripherally arranged temperature sensors 8 arranged along the periphery of the sensory layer 3. The ten peripheral temperature sensors 8 are electrically connected by an electric wire member 12 and surrounded by a coil member 6. Two centrally arranged temperature sensors 8 are electrically connected to the remaining temperature sensors 8 by the wire member 12. The centrally arranged temperature sensors 8 are adapted to be arranged in a position in which they can measure the temperature of wounded tissue, while the remaining ten peripheral temperature sensors 8 are configured to be arranged in positions in which they can detect the temperature of the non-wounded tissue surrounding the wounded tissue. All temperature sensors 8 may, however, detect the temperature of both wounded tissue and non-wounded tissue.

[0118] The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a chip unit 16 disposed onto the sensory layer 3 and electrically connected to the coil member 6. The chip unit 16 is electrically connected to an adapter/controller 18 that is electrically connected to the wire member 12. The chip unit 16 is configured to receive electrical inputs from the temperature sensors 8 via the adapter/controller 18 when current is induced in the coil member 6.

[0119] Two separated apertures 14, 14 formed as square openings are provided in the sensory layer 3 and/or the bandage sensory member 2. The apertures 14, 14 ensure sufficient ventilation to a wound in case a resulting bandage 5 is used to monitor a wound.

[0120] FIG. 2(D) illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the bandage sensory member 2 shown in FIG. 2(B). The bandage sensory member 2 comprises an absorbing layer 36 (example of an additional layer 4) arranged above a temperature sensor 8 and a wire member 12. The temperature sensor 8 is sealed and encased by a coating 28, whereas the wire member 12 is sealed and encased by the coating 28. The coating 28, 28 is joint to provide a hermetically sealed coating 28, 28 preventing water and fluid from getting access to the temperature sensor 8 and the wire member 12. As apparent, the absorbing layer 36 (additional layer 4) and the sensor arrangement (the sensor 8 and the wire member 12) are provided within a sleeve 46. The sleeve 46 is thinner than both the absorbing layer 36 and the sensor 8.

[0121] FIG. 3(A) illustrates a schematic top view of a bandage sensory member 2 according to the invention. Seen from the top, the temperature sensors are not visible. However, dotted line indications 38, 38 are provided at the top surface 39 in order to guide the user when arranging the bandage sensory member 2 or a resulting bandage 5 (the bandage 5 may also be provided with corresponding dotted line indications 38, 38). Accordingly, the dotted line indications 38, 38 indicate the positions in which the temperature sensors are provided.

[0122] FIG. 3(B) illustrates a bottom view of the bandage sensory member 2 shown in FIG. 3(A). Any additional layers 4 are not shown. The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a rectangular sensory layer 3 comprising ten peripherally arrange temperature sensors 8 arranged along the periphery of the sensory layer 3. The ten peripheral temperature sensors 8 are electrically connected by an electric wire member 12 and surrounded by a coil member 6, and two centrally arranged temperature sensors 8 (between the apertures 14, 14) are electrically connected to the remaining temperature sensors 8 by the wire member 12. The centrally arranged temperature sensors 8 are configured to be arranged to measure the temperature of wounded tissue. The remaining ten peripheral temperature sensors 8 are configured to detect the temperature of the non-wounded tissue surrounding the wounded tissue.

[0123] A chip unit (not shown) is electrically (directly or indirectly via an adapter) connected to the wire member 12 and a coil member 6 surrounding the ten peripheral temperature sensors 8. The coil member 6 is configured to generate and deliver electrical energy to the chip unit by means of induction when an external receiver such as a smartphone 20 is brought in proximity to the bandage sensory member 2 or a resulting bandage 5. Two separated apertures 14, 14 formed as rectangular openings are provided in the sensory layer 3 and/or the bandage sensory member 2. The apertures 14, 14 ensure sufficient ventilation to a wound in case a resulting bandage 5 is used to monitor a wound.

[0124] FIG. 3(C) illustrates a perspective bottom view of the bandage sensory member 2 shown in FIG. 3(A) and in FIG. 3(B). The bandage sensory member 2 constitutes a flat structure configured to be arranged directly on the skin of a patient. The bandage sensory member 2 is intended to be arranged with the centrally arranged temperature sensors 8 in the wounded tissue, whereas the remaining temperature sensors 8 are configured to be arranged to measure the temperature of non-wounded tissue surrounding the wounded tissue. All temperature sensors 8 can, however, be used to detect the temperature of wounded tissue and non-wounded tissue.

[0125] FIG. 3(D) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bandage sensory member 2 shown in FIG. 3(A), FIG. 3(B) and FIG. 3(C). It can be seen that the bandage sensory member 2 comprises an absorbing layer 36 (example of an additional layer 4) arranged above the temperature sensors 8 and the wire member 12 connecting the temperature sensors 8. The absorbing layer 36 as well as the sensor arrangement (the temperature sensors 8 and the wire member 12 connecting the temperature sensors 8, 8, 8) are arranged in a sleeve 46. The bottom side of the bandage sensory member 2 is intended to be place on the skin of a person. However, the bandage sensory member 2 may also be incorporated into a bandage 5.

[0126] FIG. 4(A) illustrates a perspective view of a patient 30 wearing a bandage 5, and a health care person activating the temperature sensors 8 of the bandage sensory member 2 by means of a smartphone 20. It is important to underline that the patient himself may activate the temperature sensors of the bandage sensory member 2, simply by bringing the smartphone 20 close to (e.g. above) the bandage 5.

[0127] The bandage 5 is attached to the patient's 30 leg 44. The health care person holds a smartphone 20 in her hand 40. When bringing the smartphone 20 into a position above the bandage 5 in close distance to the coil member of the bandage sensory member 2, current is generated in the coil member of the bandage sensory member 2. The electrical energy generated is used by the bandage sensory member 2 to perform temperature measurements and to send information to the smartphone 20.

[0128] The smartphone 20 can forward information 24 to the Internet 26 so that a database or an external receiver may have access to the measurements made by the temperature sensors 8 of the bandage sensory member 2. Moreover, the smartphone 20 may preferably be configured to generate an alert in case the T.sub.max exceeds a predefined value (e.g. 2 C.).

[0129] In one embodiment of the invention, the bandage sensory member 2 is configured to detect the highest temperature difference between the temperatures of the temperature sensors 8.

[0130] FIG. 4(B) illustrates a cross-sectional view of wounded tissue 34 of a patient. A bandage sensory member 2 is attached to the skin 42 of the patient. This illustrates the embodiment where the bandage sensory member 2 is used without being incorporated into a bandage 5. The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a sensory layer 3 having centrally arranged temperature sensors 8 that is arranged in a position in which they can measure the temperature of the wounded tissue 34. The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a sensory layer 3 with a peripherally arranged temperature sensor 8 and a second peripherally arranged temperature sensor 8 arranged in positions in which they can measure the temperature of the non-wounded tissue 32, 32 surrounding the wounded tissue 34.

[0131] Accordingly, the bandage sensory member 2 can measure the temperatures of the temperature sensors 8. These temperatures can be sent to an external receiver such as a smartphone 20, which can calculate the maximum temperature difference, T.sub.max, between the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 8 and detect if the T.sub.max exceeds a predefined value (e.g. 2.5 C.).

[0132] In another embodiment of the invention, the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 8 can be processed by the chip unit 16 in a manner in which the chip unit 16 determines the maximum temperature difference, T.sub.max, between the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 8 and detect if the T.sub.max exceeds a predefined value (e.g. 2.5 C.). Accordingly, both the detected temperatures as well as the maximum temperature difference, T.sub.max, between the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 8 may be sent wirelessly to the external receiver.

[0133] FIG. 4(C) illustrates a top view of a bandage sensory member 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. Additional layers 4 are not shown. The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a sensory layer 3 comprising four peripherally arranged temperature sensors 8 arranged along the periphery of the sensory layer 3. The four peripheral temperature sensors 8 are electrically connected by an electric wire member 12 and surrounded by a coil member 6. A centrally arranged temperature sensor 8 (arranged at the centre of the sensory layer 3) is electrically connected to the remaining temperature sensors 8 by the wire member 12. The centrally arranged temperature sensor 8 is configured to be arranged to measure the temperature of wounded tissue, while the remaining eight peripheral temperature sensors 8 are configured to detect the temperature in the non-wounded tissue surrounding the wounded tissue. However, all temperature sensors 8 are configured to detect the temperature of both wounded tissue and non-wounded tissue. Accordingly, the position of the sensors 8 determines if the sensors 8 measure the temperature of wounded tissue or the temperature of non-wounded tissue.

[0134] A chip unit 16 and an adapter/controller 18 are electrically. The adapter/controller 18 makes it possible to connect a plurality of electrical connections to the adapter/controller 18 and combine electrical signals from different electrical connections to a single entry of the chip unit 16. Hereby, it is possible to apply a simple (and low-cost) chip unit 16 having only a single electrical entry. The chip unit 16 and the adapter/controller 18 are electrically connected to the wire member 12 and the coil member 6.

[0135] Two separated apertures 14, 14 formed as square openings are provided in the sensory layer 3 and/or bandage sensory member 2. The apertures 14, 14 ensure sufficient ventilation to a wound in case the bandage sensory member 2 or a resulting bandage 5 is used to monitor a wound.

[0136] FIG. 4(D) illustrates a bandage sensory member 2 according to another embodiment of the invention. Additional layers 4 are not shown. The bandage member 2 comprises a sensory layer 3 comprising four peripheral temperature sensors 8 arranged in a square formation provided in one end of the elongated rectangular bandage sensory member 2. The four temperature sensors 8 are electrically connected by an electric wire member 12 and surrounded by a coil member 6. A centrally arranged temperature sensor 8 (between the apertures 14, 14) is electrically connected to the remaining temperature sensors 8 by the wire member 12. The central temperature sensor 8 is arranged in the opposite end to the four peripheral temperature sensors 8. The central temperature sensor 8 is configured to be arranged to measure the temperature of wounded tissue, while the remaining eight peripheral temperature sensors 8 are configured to detect the temperature in non-wounded tissue arranged in a distance from the wounded tissue.

[0137] A chip unit 16 and an adapter/controller 18 are electrically connected. The adapter/controller 18 makes it possible to connect a plurality of electrical connections to the adapter/controller 18 and combine electrical signals from different electrical connections to a single entry of the chip unit 16. Accordingly, it is possible to apply a simple (and low-cost) chip unit 16 having only a single electrical entry. The chip unit 16 and the adapter/controller 18 are electrically connected to the wire member 12 and the coil member 6.

[0138] Two separated apertures 14, 14 formed as square openings are provided in the sensory layer 3 and/or the bandage sensory member 2. The apertures 14, 14 ensure sufficient ventilation to a wound in case the bandage sensory member 2 or a resulting bandage 5 is used to monitor a wound.

[0139] FIG. 5(A) illustrates an exploded view of the bandage sensory member 2 shown in FIG. 2(B). The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a sleeve 46 (an example of an additional layer 4) defining a space 48 adapted to receive an absorbing layer 36 (example of an additional layer 4) and a sensor arrangement consisting of a plurality of temperature sensors 8 and a wire member 12 connecting the temperature sensors 8.

[0140] The temperature sensors 8 and the wire member 12 are encased by the coating 28, 28 (example of additional layer 4). The coating 28, 28 is joint to provide a hermetically sealed coating 28, 28 preventing water and fluid from getting access to the temperature sensors 8 and the wire member 12 that is electrically connecting the temperature sensors 8.

[0141] The absorbing layer 36 and the sensor arrangement (the temperature sensors 8 and the wire member 12) are configured to be inserted into the sleeve 46 as shown in FIG. 2(B). The sensor arrangement (the temperature sensors 8 and the wire member 12) may be provided as a one-piece member.

[0142] FIG. 5(B) illustrates a close-up view of a temperature sensor 8 of the bandage sensory member 2 shown in FIG. 5(A). The temperature sensor 8 has a basically rectangular cross-sectional area and is encased by a coating 28 (example of additional layer 4). A wire member 12 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 8. The wire member 12 is encased by a coating 28. The coating 28, 28 is joint to provide a hermetically sealed coating 28, 28 preventing water and fluid from getting access to the temperature sensor 8 and the wire member 12.

[0143] FIG. 5(C) illustrates a schematic top view of a bandage sensory member 2 according to the invention covering wounded tissue 34, 34. The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a sensory layer 3 provided with a plurality of peripherally arranged temperature sensors 8 arranged along the square periphery of the sensory layer 3. The temperature sensors 8 are configured to detect the reference temperature of non-wounded tissue. The temperature sensors 8 may, however, detect the temperature of any tissue (including wounded tissue).

[0144] The sensory layer 3 additionally comprises a centrally arranged additional temperature sensor 8 (at the centre of the sensory layer 3) arranged and configured to detect the temperature of wounded tissue. The central temperature sensor 8 may, however, detect the temperature of any tissue (including non-wounded tissue). A first aperture 14 and a second aperture 14 are provided in the sensory layer 3 and/or the bandage sensory member 2. The apertures 14, 14 ensure sufficient ventilation to a wound in case the bandage sensory member 2 or a bandage 5 is used to monitor wounded tissue 34, 34.

[0145] The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a chip unit 16 electrically connected to an adapter/controller 18 that is electrically connected to the temperature sensors 8 by means of a wire member 12. The chip unit 16 is electrically connected to a coil member 6 surrounding the temperature sensors 8. The coil member 6 is configured to generate and deliver electrical energy to the chip unit 16 by means of induction when an external receiver such as a smartphone 20 is brought in proximity to the bandage sensory member 2.

[0146] It can be seen that the bandage sensory member 2 covers some first wounded tissue 34 and some second wounded tissue 34. The central temperature sensor 8 is arranged to detect the temperature of the wounded tissue 34, whereas the peripheral temperature sensors 8 are arranged in a distance from the wounded tissue 34, 34. Accordingly, the peripheral temperature sensors 8 are arranged and configured to detect the temperature of non-wounded tissue (the reference temperature).

[0147] FIG. 6(A) illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bandage sensory member 2 according to the invention. The bandage sensory member 2 comprises an absorbing layer 36 (example of additional layer 4) arranged above a plurality of temperature sensors 8, 50 and a wire member 12 connecting the temperature sensors 8, 50. The temperature sensor 50 is arranged in the additional layer 4 exemplified by the absorbing layer 36. The absorbing layer 36 as well as the sensor arrangement (the temperature sensors 8, 50 and the wire member 12 connecting the temperature sensors 8, 50) are arranged in a sleeve 46 (see FIG. 6(B)). The bottom side of the bandage sensory member 2 is intended to be placed on the skin of a person. However, the bandage sensory member 2 may also be incorporated into a bandage 5.

[0148] The bandage sensory member 2 comprises a temperature sensor 50 arranged and configured to detect the ambient temperature. The temperature sensor 50 is arranged in the top portion of the absorbing layer 36.

[0149] Hereby, the bandage sensory member 2 may use the ambient temperature to compensate for the ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature is low (e.g. lower than 15 C.), cooling of the bandage sensory member 2 may be expected, and thus lower temperature measurements of the temperature sensors 8 may be achieved.

[0150] However, if the ambient temperature is high (e.g. above 30 C.), heating of the bandage sensory member 2 may be expected, and thus higher temperature measurements of the temperature sensors 8 may be achieved. Accordingly, by detecting the ambient temperature, it is possible to adjust for the ambient temperature so that the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 8 are adjusted according to the ambient temperature. An external receiver (e.g. a smartphone 20) may be configured to adjust the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 8 on the basis of the detected ambient temperature. The bandage sensory member 2 may comprise a chip unit configured to adjust the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 8 on the basis of the detected ambient temperature.

[0151] FIG. 6(B) illustrates an exploded view of the bandage sensory member 2 shown in FIG. 6(A). It can be seen that the sleeve 46 comprises a space 48 adapted to receive the absorbing layer 36 and the sensor arrangement consisting of a plurality of temperature sensors 8, 50 and the wire members 12, 12 connecting the temperature sensors 8, 50.

[0152] The temperature sensors 8, 50 and the wire members 12, 12 are encased by a coating 28, 28. The coating 28, 28 provides a hermetically sealed coating 28, 28 preventing water and fluid from getting access to the temperature sensors 8, 50 and the wire member 12, 12 that is electrically connecting the temperature sensors 8, 50.

[0153] The absorbing layer 36 is provided with a recess 52 and a bore 54. The recess 52 is configured to receive and contain the temperature sensor 50, whereas the bore 54 is adapted to contain the wire member 12.

[0154] FIG. 6(C) illustrates a close-up view of a sensor 8 of the bandage sensory member 2 shown in FIG. 6(A) and FIG. 6(B). The temperature sensor 8 has an essentially rectangular cross-section and is encased by a coating 28. A wire member 12 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 8. The wire member 12 is encased by a coating 28. The coating 28, 28 is joint to provide a hermetically sealed coating 28, 28 preventing water and fluid from getting access to the temperature sensor 8 and the wire member 12.

[0155] FIG. 7(A) illustrates the calibration curve of the prior art temperature sensors. The sensors are precision sensors capable of measuring the exact and actual temperature. Thus, the prior art temperature sensors are calibrated to a zero point actually being 0 C.

[0156] FIG. 7(B) illustrates the calibration curve of the temperature sensors used in accordance with the present invention. As can be seen, the temperature sensors may be calibrated to an arbitrary zero point (indicated by ). may be any value as the exact zero point needs not be known for application of the temperature sensors in the present invention. Using a suitable application (such as software or an app), the zero point is designated to the temperature sensors.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0157] 2 Bandage sensory member [0158] 3 Sensory layer of bandage sensory member [0159] 4 Additional layer of bandage sensory member [0160] 5 Bandage with bandage sensory member [0161] 6 Coil member [0162] 8 Temperature sensor(s) [0163] 12, 12 Wire member [0164] 14, 14 Aperture [0165] 16 Chip unit [0166] 18 Adapter/controller [0167] 20 External receiver (e.g. a smartphone) [0168] 22 Signal [0169] 24 Signal [0170] 26 Internet [0171] 28, 28, 28 Coating [0172] 30 Patient [0173] 32, 32 Non-wounded tissue [0174] 34, 34 Wounded tissue [0175] 36 Layer (absorbing) [0176] 38, 38 Dotted line [0177] 39 Top surface [0178] 40 Hand [0179] 42 Skin [0180] 44 Leg [0181] 46 Sleeve [0182] 48 Space [0183] 50 Temperature sensor(s) [0184] 52 Recess [0185] 54 Bore [0186] T Temperature difference [0187] T.sub.max Maximum temperature difference