US 8,929,966 B2 · Physiological monitoring methods

Abstract

A method of monitoring a subject includes positioning an earbud within an ear of the subject, wherein the earbud housing encloses at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector, and wherein light transmissive material is external to the housing and in optical communication with the at least one optical emitter and detector via at least one window in the housing. Light is delivered from the at least one optical emitter through the at least one window and into an ear region of the subject via the light transmissive material, and light external to the housing is collected and delivered through the at least one window to the at least one optical detector via the light transmissive material. Motion of the subject is measured via a motion sensor, and signals produced by the at least one optical detector are processed to selectively remove effects from subject motion.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A method of monitoring a subject via a headset, wherein the headset includes an earbud housing that encloses at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector, and light transmissive material external to the earbud housing that is in optical communication with the at least one optical emitter and the at least one optical detector via at least one window in the earbud housing, the method comprising:

positioning the earbud housing within an ear of the subject such that the light transmissive material engages a portion of the ear between the anti tragus and concha;
delivering light from the at least one optical emitter through the at least one window and into an ear region of the subject between the anti tragus and concha via the light transmissive material;
and
collecting light external to the earbud housing and delivering the collected light through the at least one window to the at least one optical detector via the light transmissive material.

1 more element

A method of monitoring a subject via a monitoring device, the method comprising:

encircling a portion of the body of the subject with a band having an outer body portion and an inner body portion secured together in substantially concentric relationship, wherein the band includes at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector, wherein the inner body portion includes light transmissive material and has outer and inner surfaces, wherein a layer of cladding material is positioned near the inner body portion inner surface, and wherein at least one window is formed in the cladding material;
delivering light from the at least one optical emitter via the light transmissive material and the at least one window to one or more locations of the body of the subject;
and
collecting light from one or more locations of the body of the subject via the at least one window and delivering the collected light to the at least one optical detector via the light transmissive material.

1 more element

A method of monitoring a subject via a monitoring device, wherein the monitoring device includes a base having at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector, a layer of light transmissive material attached to the base and having outer and inner surfaces, a layer of cladding material at the outer surface of the layer of light transmissive material, and at least one window formed in the layer of cladding material, the method comprising:

adhesively securing the monitoring device to a body of the subject;
delivering light from the at least one optical emitter via the light transmissive material and the at least one window to one or more locations of the body of the subject;
and
collecting light from one or more locations of the body of the subject via the at least one window and delivering the collected light to the at least one optical detector via the light transmissive material.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Physiological monitoring methods

Life of this patent

Physiological monitoring methods

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21