WEARABLE DEVICE WITH MULTIMODAL DIAGNOSTICS
Systems and methods to non-invasively measure sub-cutaneous processes in a patient are disclosed. Examples of systems may optically detect biological fluid properties. The optical detection techniques described herein may be incorporated into a wearable monitoring system. Examples of wearable monitoring systems may simultaneously measure a plurality of sensory modalities. Systems of the present disclosure may be mounted on the skin of a patient.
1 . A method for monitoring subcutaneous processes in a patient comprising:
sensing a plurality of sensory modalities using a sensor assembly comprising one or more sensors mounted on a wearable patch, the one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of an acoustic sensor, a strain gauge, an optical sensor, a conductivity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a chemical sensor, where the sensory modalities are received as electrical signals representing the sensory modalities;
converting the electrical signals to a plurality of corresponding sensor data signals; and
transmitting the one or a plurality of sensor data signals to a sensor data processing system.
2 . The method of claim 1 where the step of sensing the plurality of sensory modalities comprises any one or more of:
sensing sound using an acoustic sensor;
sensing movement or orientation of a patient body part using an accelerometer;
sensing temperature using a temperature sensor;
sensing a stretch or compression of the wearable patch using a strain gauge;
sensing electromagnetic signals using an optical sensor;
sensing moisture using a moisture sensor;
sensing conductivity using a conductivity sensor;
sensing pressure using a pressure sensor; and
sensing a chemical using a chemical sensor.
3 . The method of claim 1 where the step of sensing the plurality of sensory modalities comprises sensing a differential measurement of skin temperature from two temperature sensors.
4 . The method of claim 1 where the step of transmitting the one or a plurality of sensor data signals to the sensor data processing system comprises:
transmitting the one or a plurality of sensor data signals to a local hub, where the local hub transmits the sensor data signal to a remote sensor data processor for processing of the one or a plurality of sensor data signals.
5 . The method of claim 1 where the device can be placed into a shelf mode where power is either disconnected or placed into a low power mode.
6 . The method of claim 5 where shelf mode is either invoked by a microcontroller device or automatically entered, based on readings from any one or more of:
magnetic sensors or switches;
optical sensors;
motion, acceleration or tilt sensors;
temperature sensors;
capacitive proximity sensors; and
mechanical switches.
7 . The method of claim 5 where shelf mode can invoked by a microcontroller device and exited based on readings from any one or more of:
magnetic sensors or switches;
optical sensors;
motion, acceleration or tilt sensors;
temperature sensors;
capacitive proximity sensors; and
mechanical switches.
8 . The method of claims 6 where the above sensors interact with product packaging or an adhesive backing liner in order to exit shelf mode when the patch is removed from the product packaging.