Physiological parameter sensing systems and methods

An apparatus for sensing a physiological parameter of a subject, the apparatus comprising:

• a force sensor having a force sensing surface, wherein the force sensor is configured to generate a first signal representing force displacement of an organ of the subject;
• a displacement sensor associated with the force sensor, the displacement sensor having a displacement sensing surface, wherein the displacement sensor is configured to generate a second signal representing displacement velocity of the organ of the subject;
• and
• a coupler arranged on one of the force sensor and the displacement sensor, the coupler configured to mechanically couple the force sensor and the displacement sensor with the organ;
• and
• wherein the displacement sensing surface is congruent or smaller in size relative to the force sensing surface;
• and
• wherein the coupler is configured as a first conductive electrode and is electrically coupled to processing circuitry configured to measure a biopotential when the coupler is arranged against the subject.

An apparatus for sensing a physiological parameter of a subject, the apparatus comprising:

• a force sensor configured to generate a first signal representing force displacement of an organ of the subject;
• at least one optical sensor configured to generate a second signal representing volumetric changes of blood in circulation of the subject;
• and
• a coupler arranged on the force sensor, the coupler configured to mechanically couple the force sensor with the organ;
• and
• a second force sensor configured to measure a force applied to an operatively rear surface of the apparatus, and wherein the second force sensor is a force-sensing resistor.

A method of measuring a physiological parameter of a subject, the method comprising:

• receiving a first signal from a first force sensor mechanically coupled to a first location on the subject;
• receiving a second signal from a second force sensor mechanically coupled to a second location on the subject, the second location being separated from the first location;
• and
• determining the physiological parameter based on a comparison of the first and second signals.