Methods and apparatus for detecting motion noise and for removing motion noise from physiological signals

A motion noise sensor configured to be attached to a body of a subject, the motion noise sensor comprising:

• at least one optical emitter;
• at least one optical detector;
• and
• a light regulating region configured to block light from the at least one optical emitter at one or more selected wavelengths from reaching the body of the subject, wherein the light regulating region is configured to move in response to subject motion;
• wherein the at least one optical detector is configured to detect light scattered by the light regulating region.

A wearable apparatus, comprising:

• a physiological sensor comprising at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector;
• and
• a light regulating region configured to block light from the at least one optical emitter at one or more selected wavelengths from reaching the body of the subject,
• wherein the at least one optical detector is configured to detect light from the at least one optical emitter that is scattered by a body of a subject wearing the wearable apparatus and to produce a physiological information signal therefrom, and
• wherein the at least one optical detector is configured to detect light from the at least one optical emitter that is scattered by the light regulating region as a result of movement of the wearable apparatus and to produce a motion noise information signal therefrom.