Multi-sensor patch and system
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for remote sensing and/or monitoring utilizing a sensing device, such as may be implemented in a patch that can be placed on or affixed to a subject, where the sensing device includes multiple sensors. For example, one embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless human temperature skin patch providing accurate measurement of human temperature from a sensing device applied to the skin and even in the presence of differing ambient temperature. In such an embodiment, the patch can include, for example, a flexible, breathable bandage or adhesive strip or pad to affix the sensing device to a patient. The sensing device can include multiple sensors such as two or more temperature sensors that can be used to accurately determine the patient's core body temperature from the measured temperature at the skin.
1. A system for measuring a temperature of a subject, the system comprising:
a patch including a sensing device with a microcontroller, a wireless transmitter, and a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors comprising at least a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor;
a support system comprising a memory, a processor, and a wireless receiver communicatively coupled with the transmitter of the sensing device, wherein the memory comprises a series of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the support system:
to receive sensor data from a sensing device, the sensor data including data from each of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor;
to compare the received sensor data from the first temperature sensor to the received sensor data from the second temperature sensor;
to compare the received sensor data to a saved set of previously received sensor data; and
to determine whether the received sensor data is reliable based on comparing the received sensor data from the first temperature sensor to the received sensor data from the second temperature sensor and comparing the received sensor data to the saved set of previously received sensor data.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said memory further comprises instructions to compare a rate of change of the received sensor data.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein said memory further comprises instructions to compare the rate of change of the received sensor data to a rate of change recorded in a profile.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein said memory further comprises instructions to determine an occurrence of an event based on comparing the rate of change of the received sensor data to the rate of change recorded in the profile.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the patch is affixed to a human patient and wherein the event comprises an onset of a fever.
6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a reader device communicatively coupled with the sensing device via the wireless transmitter of the sensing device, wherein the reader device receives temperature data from the sensing device.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the reader device communicates commands to the sensing device.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the reader device provides the temperature data to the support system.