The invention relates to an electrical impedance tomography based medical screening system.
With the rapid advancement in technologies driven by consumers' craving for increasingly portable devices with advanced functions, wearable devices have become extremely popular in the consumer market in recent years.
In a first aspect, there is provided a portable device of a medical screening system, comprising: a current generation module arranged to generate electric current signals for providing to a subject; a signal distribution and readout module arranged to receive and provide the generated electric current signals to the subject via a wearable device with electrodes, and receive responsive electric signals from the subject via the wearable device with electrodes; a data acquisition module arranged to process the responsive electric potential signals received from the subject to determine potential difference signals; and a control and output module arranged to process the potential difference signals and transmit the processed signals to a server for determining electrical impedance tomography data and medical screening result.
In some embodiments, the portable device further comprises: an isolation protection module electrically connected with the current generation module, the signal distribution and readout module, the data acquisition module, and the control and output module.
In some embodiments, the isolation protection module comprises an isolation bridge and a power isolation circuit operably coupled with the isolation bridge.
In some embodiments, the current generation module comprises a waveform generator and a current generator operably connected with the waveform generator.
In some embodiments, the current generation module further comprises a filter operably coupled between the waveform generator and the current generator. The filter is arranged to reduce harmonic distortion and/or electromagnetic interference of wave signals generated by the waveform generator.
In some embodiments, the waveform generator comprises a sinusoidal waveform generator.
In some embodiments, the signal distribution and readout module comprises a plurality of N:1 multiplexers, wherein N is an integer. For example, N is 16 or 32.
In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of N:1 multiplexers is for signal distribution and at least one of the plurality of N:1 multiplexers is for readout.
In some embodiments, the signal distribution and readout module is arranged to operate based on an adjacent pattern measurement protocol.
In some embodiments, the data acquisition module comprises a data acquisition amplifier and a filter.
In some embodiments, the data acquisition amplifier comprises a multi-stage data acquisition amplifier.
In some embodiments, the filter comprises a bandpass filter.
In some embodiments, the control and output module is further arranged to control operation of the current generation module and the signal distribution and readout module.
In some embodiments, the control and output module comprises: an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the potential difference signals received from the data acquisition module; a controller arranged to process the digitized signals; and a communication device operably connected with the controller for communicating the processed signals to the server.
In some embodiments, the controller is further arranged to control operation of the current generation module and the signal distribution and readout module.
In some embodiments, the portable device further comprises: a power management module arranged to manage power provided to the current generation module, the signal distribution and readout module, the data acquisition module, and the control and output module.
In some embodiments, the power management module comprises a power circuit arranged to be electrically connected with a power source.
In a second aspect, there is provided a portable system of a medical screening system, comprising: the portable device of the first aspect, and a wearable device with electrodes arranged to be worn on a body of a user, the wearable device being electrically connectable to the portable device. In some embodiments, the electrodes are removably connected with the wearable device.
In a third aspect, there is provided medical screening system comprising: the portable system of the second aspect, and one or more processors for processing processed signals received from the portable system for determining electrical impedance tomography data and medical screening result. The one or more processor may be provided by a server, such as a cloud computing server.
Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Any feature(s) described herein in relation to one aspect or embodiment may be combined with any other feature(s) described herein in relation to any other aspect or embodiment as appropriate and applicable.
Terms of degree such that “generally”, “about”, “substantially”, or the like, are used, depending on context, to account for manufacture tolerance, degradation, trend, tendency, imperfect practical condition(s), etc. For example, when a value is modified by terms of degree, such as “about”, such expression may include the stated value ±15%, ±10%, ±5%, ±2%, or ±1%.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
In step 104, signals are provided to at least one of the electrodes for transmission of a respective excitation signal to the body part of the wearer. The excitation signal may attenuate as it travels through the body part of the wearer. The signals provided may comprise 30 kHz to 50 kHz waveform. The excitation signal may have a combination of different frequency, phase, amplitude, etc. For example, the excitation signal may be formed by waveforms of (1) different shape: square wave, rectangular wave, triangular wave, comb wave, sinusoidal wave, etc.; different sweeping frequency or amplitude: chirp function, etc.; (2) different modulation: amplitude modulation or frequency modulation; or (4) any of their combination. In one example, one of the electrodes is arranged to transmit an excitation signal to the body part of the wearer. In another example, two electrodes are arranged to simultaneously transmit respective excitation signals to the body part of the wearer. The two signals may have same or different properties. The excitation signal may attenuate as it travels through the user.
In step 106, one or more of the remaining electrodes not used for transmission may receive response signal as a result of the respective excitation signal. In one example, the excitation may travel through the body part of the user and picked up by one or more of the remaining electrodes. The time that the response signal is received may be different for different electrodes.
Preferably, steps 104 and 106 are repeated with different electrodes acting as transmission electrode and receiving electrodes, to obtain more information on the response provided by the body part of the user. In one example, the transmission and receive may even be repeated for the same electrodes.
After obtaining sufficient data or information in steps 104 and 106, or after completing an excitation cycle in steps 104 and 106, the method proceeds to step 108, in which an electrical impedance tomogram is reconstructed based on the signals received and processed. The reconstruction may be performed at the wearable gesture recognition device or may be performed at a server or external electronic device operably connected with the wearable gesture recognition device.
Then, in step 110, the reconstructed electrical impedance tomogram is compared with predetermined electrical impedance tomograms in a database to determine a matching. More particular, the reconstructed electrical impedance tomogram is compared with predetermined electrical impedance tomograms in a database to determine which predetermined electrical impedance tomogram is most similar to the reconstructed electrical impedance tomogram. The database may be provided the wearable gesture recognition device, or the server or external electronic device, or both. In one embodiment, the database may be trained based on machine learning method using the processed signals and the reconstructed electrical impedance tomogram. With training, the database can be trained to improve the comparison speed and accuracy.
In step 112, based on the determined matching, the gesture associated with the reconstructed electrical impedance tomogram is determined. The determination may be based on a look-up from the database or a separate database, which associates different predetermined electrical impedance tomogram with predetermined gestures.
In step 114, based on the gesture determined, a response is determined. For example, the response may be determined by looking up a database that associates different predetermined gesture with predetermined responses. The response in the present embodiment may be a control signal to affect operation of an external electronic device or system, or may be a signal to generate a result on an external electronic device or system. In step 116, signals indicative of the determined response is transmitted to a device or system to be controlled to affect operation of the device or system.
Multiple electrodes 204, operable as both transmission and receiving electrodes, are arranged on the inner surface of the wristband 200. The electrodes 204 are in the form of strips that are spaced apart from each other. In the present embodiment, the electrodes 204 are spaced apart substantially equally. However, in some embodiments this is not necessary. The number of electrodes 204 may any number larger than 2. The electrodes 204 may be made of copper, aluminum, or metal alloy. A display 206 is arranged on the outer surface of the wristband 200. The display 206 may be touch sensitive to provide a means for the user to interact with (provide input to) the wristband 200. Various internal structure of the wristband 200 will be described in further detail below.
The device 400 includes electrodes 410 arranged to be arranged on a body part of a wearer. The electrodes 410 may be the same as the electrodes 204, 304 shown in
A signal generator 402, e.g., in the form of a waveform generator, is arranged to provide a waveform signal to the electrode(s) selected to be transmission electrode for transmission of a respective excitation signal to the body part of the wearer. In operation, the signal generator 402 may provide different waveform signals to different transmission electrode, and it may transmit waveform signals to multiple transmission electrodes at the same time. Upon transmission of the excitation signals, one or more of the remaining electrodes 410 may be selected as receiving electrodes to receive response signal as a result of the respective excitation signal.
A signal processor 408, as part of a processor 406, is arranged to process the respective response signal received by at least one of the remaining electrodes as a result of the respective excitation signal, for determination of an electrical impedance tomogram for gesture recognition. The signal processor may perform various signal processing, comprising ADC, DAC, noise suppression, SNR boost, filtering, etc. The data processed by the signal processor may either be transmitted to an external electronic device or server through the communication module for further processing, or may be further processed by the processor 406. The further processing comprises determination of the electrical impedance tomogram for gesture recognition, preferably using one or more of the method steps 108-116 in
In the present embodiment, the processor may be implemented using one or more MCU, controller, CPU, logic gates components, ICs, etc. In one embodiment, the processor is further arranged to process signals and data associated with the determined gesture, the determined response associated with the determined gesture, etc.
The device 400 also includes a memory module 414. The memory module 414 may include a volatile memory unit (such as RAM), a non-volatile unit (such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory) or both. The memory module 414 may be used to store program codes and instructions for operating the device. Preferably, the memory module 414 may also store data processed by the signal processor 408 or the processor 406.
A display or indicator 412 may be provided in the device 400. The display 412 may be an OLED display, a LED display, a LCD display. The display 412 may be touch-sensitive to receive user input. In some embodiments, the device 400 may include indicators in the form of, e.g., LEDs.
The device 400 may also include one or more actuators 416 arranged to receive input from the user. The actuators 416 may be any form and number of buttons, toggle switch, slide switch, press-switch, dials, etc. The user may turn on or off the device 400 using the actuators 416. The user may input data to the device 400 using the actuators 416.
A power source 420 may be arranged in the device 400 for powering the various modules. The power source may include Lithium-based battery. The power source 420 is preferably a rechargeable power source. In one example, the rechargeable power source may be recharged through wired means such as charging port provided on the device. Alternatively, the rechargeable power source may be recharged wirelessly through induction.
The device 400 includes a communication module 418 arranged to communicate information and data between the wearable gesture recognition device 400 and one or both of: an external electronic device and a server. The external electronic device may be a mobile phone, a computer, or a tablet. The server may be a cloud computing server that is preferably implemented by combination of software and hardware. The communication module may be a wired communicate module, a wireless communication module, or both. In the embodiment with a wireless communication module, the module 418 preferably includes a Bluetooth module, in particular a Low energy Bluetooth module. However, in other embodiments, the wireless communication module may alternatively or also include LTE-, Wi-Fi-, NFC-, ZigBee-communication modules.
In one embodiment of the invention, the communication module 418 is arranged to transmit, to the external electronic device or the server, signals processed by the signal processor, for determination of the electrical impedance tomogram for gesture recognition. The communication module 418 may also be arranged to receive, from the external electronic device or the server: signals indicative of a gesture determined based on the determined electrical impedance tomogram, or signals indicative of a response determined based on the determined electrical impedance tomogram.
A person skilled in the art would appreciate that the modules illustrated in
Although not clearly illustrated, the various modules in the device 400 are operably connected with each other, directly or indirectly.
The server 500 is arranged to communicate data with the device 200, 300, 400, directly, or indirectly through an external electronic device. In one embodiment, the server 500 is arranged to receive, from the device 200, 300, 400, signals processed by the signal processor 408, for determination of the electrical impedance tomogram for gesture recognition. In another embodiment, the server 500 is arranged to receive, from the external electronic device operably connected with the device 200, 300, 400, signals processed by the signal processor 408, for determination of the electrical impedance tomogram for gesture recognition
The server 500 includes an image reconstruction module 502 arranged to reconstruct an electrical impedance tomogram based on signals received from the communication module of the device 200, 300, 400. The reconstruction may include performing back-projection, SNR boost, artifact correction, image correction, registration, co-registration, normalization, etc.
The server 500 also includes an image recognition module 504 arranged to compare the reconstructed electrical impedance tomogram with predetermined electrical impedance tomograms in a database 512 to determine a matching. The predetermined electrical impedance tomograms in the database each correspond to a respective gesture. The image recognition module 504 determines the predetermined electrical impedance tomogram that is most similar to the reconstructed electrical impedance tomogram. In one example, the image recognition module 504 may determine that there is no matching, in which case a response maybe provided back to the device 200, 300, 400, or the external electronic device operably connected with the device 200, 300, 400.
The gesture determination module 508 determines, based on the determined matching result provided by the image recognition module, a predetermined gesture associated with the reconstructed electrical impedance tomogram. The predetermined gesture and its associated with the predetermined electrical impedance tomogram may be set by the user, using an application on an external electronic device, and stored in the server.
The server also includes a response determination module 510 arranged to determine a response based on the determined gesture. The response associated with respective gesture is predetermined, e.g., set by the user, using an application on an external electronic device, and stored in the server. The response determination module 510 may transmit signals indicative of the determined response to a device or system to be controlled to affect operation thereof. Alternatively, the response determination module 510 may transmit signals indicative of the determined response to the device 200, 300, 400, which in turn provides control signal to the device or system to be controlled to affect operation thereof.
Preferably, the server 500 includes a training module 506 that learns, using machine learning method, based on signals received from the communication module, the reconstructed electrical impedance tomogram, the matching result, etc. The training module 506 trains the database 512 accordingly to improve matching accuracy and speed.
A person skilled in the art would appreciate that one or more of the modules in the server 500 may be implemented on the device 200, 300, 400, on an external electronic device connected to the device 200, 300, 400, or on both.
The embodiment of the system 800A in
The embodiment of the system 800B in
The embodiment of the system 800C in
The embodiment of the system 800D in
The server 500, 500A-500D, charger 900, ring accessory 1000, and external electronic device 700 in
The wearable gesture recognition device and system in the above embodiments of the invention can be connected with different systems and devices, directly or through the server, for controlling these systems and devices. Example applications including:
The recognized gesture may be used to control operation of the smart phone. For example, fisting the hand would lock the screen of the phone, trigger the phone to capture an image, etc.
(2) Smart home control
The recognized gesture may be used to control operation of the smart phone. For example, fisting the hand would switch off the lights, straightening two fingers may switch on two lights, three fingers three lights, etc.
The recognized gesture may be used as part of a musician training program to determine posture or even force applied during various instances to assist, for example, violin training.
The recognized gesture may be used as part of a sports training program to determine posture or even force applied during various instances to assist, for example, javelin throw training.
The recognized gesture may be used as part of a gaming system as game control (user input).
The recognized gesture may be used for real-time sign language translation. For example, real time conversion of sign language to text on computer screen, to assist translation of sign language.
The recognized gesture may be used for real-time preliminary medical screening of disease associated with body parts on which the device is worn. In one specific example, the device can be used for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) screening. CTS is a common medical condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm, generally caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Existing clinical diagnosis of CTS uses nerve conduction studies and ultrasound in hospitals, which are relatively complicated and require long wait-time (due to the large demand and the relatively little resource in the hospitals). In one example, the wristband provides a portable imaging modality with the capability to capture cross sectional plane of the wrist at high speed (<1 min). As such the cross sectional area of the median nerve within or near the carpal tunnel can be readily measured for assessment.
Although not required, the embodiments described with reference to the Figures can be implemented as an application programming interface (API) or as a series of libraries for use by a developer or can be included within another software application, such as a terminal or personal computer operating system or a portable computing device operating system. Generally, as program modules include routines, programs, objects, components and data files assisting in the performance of particular functions, the skilled person will understand that the functionality of the software application may be distributed across a number of routines, objects or components to achieve the same functionality desired herein.
It will also be appreciated that where the methods and systems of the invention are either wholly implemented by computing system or partly implemented by computing systems then any appropriate computing system architecture may be utilized. This will include stand-alone computers, network computers and dedicated hardware devices. Where the terms “computing system” and “computing device” are used, these terms are intended to cover any appropriate arrangement of computer hardware capable of implementing the function described.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. For example, the wearable gesture recognition device may take various form not limited to the one illustrated in
The wearable gesture recognition device in some embodiments of the invention can be implemented as a wearable device for medical screening of disease associated with one or more body parts of a user. In some embodiments, there is provided a wearable device operable to facilitate medical screening of disease by collecting electrical (e.g., conductivity) signals from the user for reconstructing an electrical impedance tomogram, without recognizing gesture. The reconstruction of the electrical impedance tomogram and associated medical screening can be performed on an external device external to the wearable device.
While not illustrated, in some embodiments, the mobile device 906 and the server 908 may be implemented using the same information processing system, e.g., the same computer or computers.
As shown in
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As shown in
In some embodiments, the mobile device 906 and the server 908 may be implemented using (e.g., replaced with) a single information processing system, e.g., the same computer or computers. In such case, the information processing system may communicate with the portable device 904 much like the mobile device 906 and the server 908.
In these embodiments, the wearable device 1100 has N (N≥4) electrode connector units 1102-1 to 1102-N each arranged for electrically connecting with a respective electrode. The electrodes may be removably connectable with the electrode connector units 1102-1 to 1102-N. The electrodes may be disposable, reusable, or for single-use only. The electrodes may include gel electrodes and/or dry electrodes, e.g., in the form of electrode pads. The wearable device 1100 also includes a connection arrangement 1104 that connects the electrode connector units 1102-1 to 1102-N. The connection arrangement may include a mechanical connection arrangement for mechanically connecting the electrode connector units 1102-1 to 1102-N and an electrical connection arrangement for electrically connecting the electrode connector units 1102-1 to 1102-N. The wearable device 1100 also includes a communication device 1106 that is operably connected with the electrode connector units 1102-1 to 1102-N. The communication device 1106 is arranged to enable communication between the electrode connector units 1102-1 to 1102-N and a portable device (such as portable device 904) arranged to facilitate performing of electrical impedance tomography. The communication device 1106 may enable data and/or power communication between the electrode connector units 1102-1 to 1102-N and the portable device. The wearable device 1100 may be in the form of a belt or a band arranged to be worn on a body of a subject (e.g., chest, abdomen, waist, head, wrist, etc., of the subject). The belt or band, when worn, may be in the form of a closed loop.
The wearable device 1200 includes N (N≥4) electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N each arranged for electrically connecting with a respective electrode. The electrodes may be removably connectable with the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N. The electrodes may include gel electrodes and/or dry electrodes, e.g., in the form of electrode pads. The electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N may each include: a housing, one or more electrode connectors arranged in or on the housing for electrically connecting with an electrode (e.g., corresponding one or more connectors of the electrode), and a circuit arranged in the housing and electrically connected with the electrode connector. In some implementations, the housing includes at least two housing parts (components) removably connected with each other, e.g., via complementary engagement means such as fastener arrangement, press fit arrangement, snap fit arrangement, magnetic mechanism, etc. The at least two housing parts may include a base and a cover removably connectable to the base. The cover or the base may include one or more openings. Each of the one or more electrode connectors may be arranged in a respective opening or extends at least partly through a respective opening, such that the electrode connector can be accessed for connection of electrode. The housing may be made of plastic material(s). In some implementations, the electrode connector includes a snap connector (e.g., one of a male connector and a female connector) for connecting with a corresponding snap connector (e.g., another one of a male connector and a female connector) of the electrode. The electrode connector may be made of electrically conductive material(s), e.g., metal, alloy such as stainless steel, etc. In some implementations, the circuit is arranged in or on a circuit board arrangement, e.g., a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), arranged in the housing. The printed circuit board assembly may be removably arranged (e.g., mounted) in the housing. The printed circuit board assembly may be mounted with the electrode connector(s), which the circuit electrically connects with. The printed circuit board assembly may also include one or more circuit connection interfaces for enabling electrical connection with the circuit.
The wearable device 1200 also includes a connection arrangement that connects the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N. The connection arrangement may include a mechanical connection arrangement for mechanically connecting the housings of the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N and an electrical connection arrangement for electrically connecting the circuits of the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N. As shown in
The wearable device 1200 also includes a communication device 1206 that is operably connected with the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N. The communication device 1206 is arranged to enable communication between the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N and a portable device (e.g., portable device 904) arranged to facilitate performing of electrical impedance tomography. The communication device 1206 may enable data and/or power communication between the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N and the portable device. In some implementations, the communication device 1206 includes a wired communication device for enabling wired communication between the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N and the portable device. The wired communication device may include a connector (e.g., plug, socket, port, receptacle, etc.) for connecting with a corresponding connector of the portable device. As an example, the wired communication device may include an HDMI communication device and the connector may include an HDMI connector. As another example, the wired communication device may include a USB communication device and the connector may include a USB connector. In some implementations, the communication device 1206 additionally or alternatively includes a wireless communication device for enabling wireless communication between the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N and the portable device. For example the communication device 1206 may include a modem, a Network Interface Card (NIC), an integrated network interface, a NFC transceiver, a ZigBee transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, a Bluetooth® transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, a cellular (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G or above, or the like) transceiver, or etc. The transceiver may be implemented by integrated transmitter(s) and receiver(s), separate transmitter(s) and receiver(s), or etc.
The wearable device 1200 also includes a coupler arrangement arranged to facilitate wearing of the wearable device 1200 by the subject. The coupler arrangement may include two couplers 1208A, 1208B each arranged at or near a respective end of the wearable device 1200. The couplers 1208A, 1208B may be removably coupled with each other. In some implementations, the couplers 1208A, 1208B are buckle members that are releasably engageable. The coupler 1208A is coupled to a housing of the electrode connector unit 1202-1 at one end of the wearable device 1200 and the coupler 1208B is coupled to a housing of the electrode connector unit 1202-N at another end of the wearable device 1200.
The wearable device 1200 may be in the form of a belt or a band arranged to be worn on a body of a subject (e.g., chest, abdomen, waist, head, wrist, etc., of the subject). This can facilitated by the coupler arrangement or other arrangement(s). The wearable device 1200 can be made liquid (e.g., water) resistant.
In some implementations, the circuits of the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N and the electrical connection arrangement of the connection arrangement are arranged in the same circuit, which may be arranged on or in a single flexible circuit. In some implementations, the housings of the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N and the mechanical connection arrangement of the connection arrangement are provided by multiple (e.g., two) housing members each of which is integrally formed. In this way, each of the housing members may provide a portion of each of the housing of the electrode connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N. In some other implementations, electrodes may be integrated with (e.g., non-removably connected with) the electronic connector units 1202-1 to 1202-N.
The current generation module 1404A is arranged to generate electric current signals for providing to the subject. In these embodiments, the current generation module 1404A may include a waveform generator arranged to generate wave signals, an optional filter arranged to reduce harmonic distortion and/or electromagnetic interference of the generated wave signals, and a current generator arranged to generate electric current signals (wave-modulated) based on the filtered wave signals. The generation of wave signals by the waveform generator may be controlled by the controller in the control and output module 1404D. The generated electric current signals may be sinusoidal current signals.
The signal distribution and readout module 1404B is arranged to receive the generated electric current signals from the current generation module 1404A and to provide the generated electric current signals (e.g., sinusoidal current signals) to the subject via the wearable device 1402 and the electrodes E. The signal distribution and readout module 1404B is further arranged to receive responsive electrical signals (e.g., voltage/electric potential signals) from the subject via the electrodes E and the wearable device 1402. In these embodiments, the signal distribution and readout module 1404B includes a multiplexer set, with one or more N:1 multiplexers, where N is an integer corresponding to the total number of electrodes used. For example, N may equal to 16 or 32. In some embodiments, at least one of the N:1 multiplexers is used for providing the generated electric current signals to the subject. In some embodiments, at least one of the N:1 multiplexers is used for readout. The signal transmission and readout operation of the signal distribution and readout module 1404B is arranged to be controlled by the controller in the control and output module 1404D. In some embodiments, the signal transmission and readout operation is based on adjacent pattern measurement protocol (adjacent stimulation and measurement patterns), wherein sinusoidal current is applied between a pair of adjacent electrodes and boundary potential is measured between all other pairs of adjacent electrodes and the process is repeated for all pairs of adjacent electrodes (i.e., the total number of times sinusoidal current application equals to the total number of electrodes), as schematically illustrated in
The data acquisition module 1404C is arranged to obtain, determine, and amplify the potential differences obtained from the electrodes E in response to the providing electric current signals to the subject. In these embodiments, the data acquisition module 1404C includes a data acquisition amplifier, e.g., a multi-stage data acquisition amplifier, and a filter, e.g., a bandpass filter.
The control and output module 1404D is arranged to control the providing of electrical current signals to the user and to control the receiving of electrical signals from the user. The control and output module 1404D is further arranged to process the processed potential differences signals received from the data acquisition module 1404C and to transmit the processed signals to a server for further processing and analysis (e.g., for obtaining electrical impedance tomography data and for medical screening). In these embodiments, the control and output module 1404D includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for digitizing the processed potential differences signals received from the data acquisition module 1404C. In these embodiments, the control and output module 1404D also includes a controller arranged to control the generation of wave signals by the waveform generator in the current generation module 1404A, to control the signal transmission and readout operation of the signal distribution and readout module 1404B, and to process the digitized signal from the analog-to-digital converter. In these embodiments, the control and output module 1404D also includes a communication device for communicating the processed data to the server. The communication device may include a wired and/or wireless communication device. The communication device may include one or more of: a modem, a Network Interface Card (NIC), an integrated network interface, a NFC transceiver, a ZigBee transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, a Bluetooth® transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, a cellular (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, above 5G, or the like) transceiver, an optical port, an infrared port, a USB connection, or other wired or wireless communication interfaces.
The power management module 1404E is arranged to manage power provided to the current generation module 1404A, the signal distribution and readout module 1404B, the data acquisition module 1404C, the control and output module 1404D, and optionally one or other modules of the portable device 1404 not illustrated, for operating the portable device 1404. In these embodiments, the power management module 1404E includes a power circuit arranged to be electrically connected with a power source (e.g., battery or AC mains).
Referring to
In the portable device 1600, the power management module that provides power supply to all other modules through the power socket or battery (e.g., Li-ion battery).
In the portable device 1600, the current generation module mainly includes a sine wave generator and a constant current generator successively to generate an alternating current (e.g., of 1 mApp) and a voltage (e.g., amplitude of 1 Vpp). The current generation module may also include a low-pass filter to suppress total harmonic distortion and ambient electromagnetic interference (e.g., power line noise).
In the portable device 1600, the signal distribution and readout module is arranged to introduce the generated current to the subject via 16-electrodes mounted to the wearable device 1402 using a set of CMOS multiplexers (MUXs). In one example, four MUXs are used, in which two MUXs are employed for current injection and the other two for voltage/potential readout. The MUXs may be configured into the adjacent-scan pattern through the microcontroller unit (MCU) in the control and output module.
In the portable device 1600, the data acquisition module is the analog front-end (AFE) that acquires, measures and amplifies the potential differences from the electrodes. In one example, the AFE comprises a four-stage wide input differential amplifier with high common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR), and a bandpass filter.
In the portable device 1600, the control and output module includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a wireless communication chip. The potential differences obtained from the data acquisition module are digitized by the ADC (e.g., 12-bit ADC), processed in the MCU, and transferred to the cloud-based server for further processing and analysis (e.g., for obtaining electrical impedance tomography data and for medical screening).
Like the portable device 1600, the portable device 1700 also generally includes, at least, a power management module for constant power supply, a current generation module for alternating current generation, a signal distribution and readout module for current injection and voltage/potential readout, a data acquisition module for potential difference measurement, amplification, and acquisition, and a control and output module for module coordination, data processing, and cloud-based server communication. These various modules in portable device 1700 can be constructed generally the same as those in portable device 1600 so for brevity they are not described in detail here.
Unlike the portable device 1600, the portable device 1700 includes an additional isolation protection module for improving safety and effectiveness of the portable device 1700. The isolation protection module generally includes an isolation bridge operably coupled with a power isolation set/circuit. In some embodiments, the isolation bridge is implemented with a clipping distance of about 4 mm. In some embodiments, the power isolation set/circuit includes an isolation transformer, and various active and passive circuit components. The isolation protection module is electrically connected with each of the current generation module (e.g., its wave generator and current generator), the signal distribution and readout module, the data acquisition module (e.g., its data acquisition amplifier), and the control and output module (e.g., its MCU).
The information handling system 1800 generally comprises suitable components necessary to receive, store, and execute appropriate computer instructions, commands, and/or codes. The main components of the information handling system 1800 are a processor 1802 and a memory (storage) 1804. The processor 1802 may include one or more of: CPU(s), MCU(s), GPU(s), logic circuit(s), Raspberry Pi chip(s), digital signal processor(s) (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC), field-programmable gate array(s) (FPGA), or any other digital or analog circuitry/circuitries configured to interpret and/or to execute program instructions and/or to process signals and/or information and/or data. The memory 1804 may include one or more volatile memory (such as RAM, DRAM, SRAM, etc.), one or more non-volatile memory (such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FRAM, MRAM, FLASH, SSD, NAND, NVDIMM, etc.), or any of their combinations. Appropriate computer instructions, commands, codes, information and/or data may be stored in the memory 1804. Computer instructions for executing or facilitating executing the method embodiments of the invention may be stored in the memory 1804. For example, the information handling system 1800 may store in the memory 1804 an application for controlling operation of the portable device 904, 1404, 1600, 1700. For example, the information handling system 1800 may store in the memory 1804 various processing algorithms or routines (machine learning based and/or non machine learning based) for processing signals outputted by the portable device 904, 1404, 1600, 1700 for obtaining electrical impedance tomography data (e.g., electrical impedance tomogram) and for performing medical screening based on the obtained electrical impedance tomography data. The processor 1802 and memory (storage) 1804 may be integrated or separated (and operably connected). Optionally, the information handling system 1800 further includes one or more input devices 1806. Example of such input device 1806 include: keyboard, mouse, stylus, image scanner, microphone, tactile/touch input device (e.g., touch sensitive screen), image/video input device (e.g., camera), etc. Optionally, the information handling system 1800 further includes one or more output devices 1808. Example of such output device 1808 include: display (e.g., monitor, screen, projector, etc.), speaker, headphone, earphone, printer, additive manufacturing machine (e.g., 3D printer), etc. The display may include a LCD display, a LED/OLED display, or other suitable display, which may or may not be touch sensitive. The information handling system 1800 may further include one or more disk drives 1812 which may include one or more of: solid state drive, hard disk drive, optical drive, flash drive, magnetic tape drive, etc. A suitable operating system may be installed in the information handling system 1800, e.g., on the disk drive 1812 or in the memory 1804. The memory 1804 and the disk drive 1812 may be operated by the processor 1802. Optionally, the information handling system 1800 also includes a communication device 1810 for establishing one or more communication links (not shown) with one or more other computing devices, such as servers, personal computers, terminals, tablets, phones, watches, IoT devices, or other wireless computing devices. The communication device 1810 may include one or more of: a modem, a Network Interface Card (NIC), an integrated network interface, a NFC transceiver, a ZigBee transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, a Bluetooth® transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, a cellular (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, above 5G, or the like) transceiver, an optical port, an infrared port, a USB connection, or other wired or wireless communication interfaces. Transceiver may be implemented by one or more devices (integrated transmitter(s) and receiver(s), separate transmitter(s) and receiver(s), etc.). The communication link(s) may be wired or wireless for communicating commands, instructions, information and/or data. In one example, the processor 1802, the memory 1804 (optionally the input device(s) 1806, the output device(s) 1808, the communication device(s) 1810 and the disk drive(s) 1812, if present) are connected with each other, directly or indirectly, through a bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), such as PCI Express, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), an optical bus, or other like bus structure. In one embodiment, at least some of these components may be connected wirelessly, e.g., through a network, such as the Internet or a cloud computing network. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that the information handling system 1800 shown in
The basic operation is as follows. First, the portable device of the portable system 1900A is connected to Wi-Fi network, either automatically or manually. Then, through the application on the mobile device 1900C, and the server 1900B, the user will be guided to wear the wearable device (e.g., belt), and thereafter, electrodes connection quality will be determined and analysed. Once an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (e.g., above a threshold) is achieved, the data (electrical potential) acquisition will be performed via the portable system 1900A. The data acquired by the portable system 1900A is then transferred to the image reconstruction and processing pipeline in the server 1900B for processing, and the processing results (medical screening result) will be transmitted to the mobile device 1900C for display.
Although not required, one or more embodiments described with reference to the Figures can be implemented as an application programming interface (API) or as a series of libraries for use by a developer or can be included within another software application, such as a terminal or computer operating system or a portable computing device operating system. In one or more embodiments, as program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, and data files assisting in the performance of particular functions, the skilled person will understand that the functionality of the software application may be distributed across a number of routines, objects and/or components to achieve the same functionality desired herein.
It will also be appreciated that where the methods and systems of the invention are either wholly implemented by computing system or partly implemented by computing systems then any appropriate computing system architecture may be utilized. This will include stand-alone computers, network computers, dedicated or non-dedicated hardware devices. Where the terms “computing system” and “computing device” are used, these terms are intended to include (but not limited to) any appropriate arrangement of computer or information processing hardware capable of implementing the function described.
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that variations and/or modifications may be made to the described and/or illustrated embodiments of the invention to provide other embodiments of the invention. The described /or illustrated embodiments of the invention should therefore be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive. Example optional features of some embodiments of the invention are provided in the summary and the description. Some embodiments of the invention may include one or more of these optional features (some of which are not specifically illustrated in the drawings). Some embodiments of the invention may lack one or more of these optional features (some of which are not specifically illustrated in the drawings). The medical screening system can be used for performing medical screening of different diseases or health conditions, e.g., diseases or health conditions associated with heart, lung, liver, kidney, etc.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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18102884.5 | Feb 2018 | HK | national |
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/976,542, filed Feb. 27, 2019.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16976542 | Aug 2020 | US |
Child | 18340320 | US |