This invention involves a human body-testing installation, especially designed to be carried around, and can test any of the following: breath sounds, heart rate, EKG, body fat, sweat wetness, O2 saturation, pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, urine sugar, or change in pressure at a point where pressure is applied.
Well-known electronic devices have been widely used for human body testing purposes, for example, electronic thermometers, electronic blood pressure monitors, lung sound-sensing and heart rhythm-sensing devices. Yet, the aforementioned devices have 3 common disadvantages, namely:
Facing the above-mentioned problems, this invention alms to provide an electronic device that can be fixed to a user's worn articles, for example clothes, pants, hats, gloves, ties, socks, scarves, etc., so it can be carried around conveniently.
This invention also aims to provide an electronic device with an on-off switch that is designed to be easy to use in repetitive, short-time monitoring or testing.
This invention also aims to provide an electronic device that integrates the actions of switching on and applying pressure on the part to be tested or monitored, into one single action, thereby providing ease of use.
To achieve the above-mentioned aims, one aspect of this invention provides an electronic device and method that include: a resilient piece, a base plate and an electronic source. The resilient piece has an upper conductor; the base plate is connected to the resilient piece, with a space between the resilient piece and the base plate. The base plate is designed with a lower conductor, which is separated from the upper conductor with a crevice. An electronic source connects each of the upper conductor and the lower conductor electrically.
One aspect of the present invention is directed to an electronic device, comprising a resilient piece made of nonconductive and resilient material that is sufficiently elastic to cause an upper conductor, which is electrically conductive, to return to an original position after depression; a base plate made of nonconductive material, a space being provided between the resilient piece and the base plate, the base plate having a lower conductor that is electrically conductive and a side at which the lower conductor can abut the upper conductor; the resilient piece responsive to an applied force by deforming so that the upper conductor and the lower conductors electrically contact each other to switch a circuit on, and removal of the applied force allowing the resilient piece to return to the original position thereby causing the resilient piece and the base plate to separate to switch the circuit off; an intermediate layer that allows the upper and lower conductors to electrically contact, and has a non-conductive portion at one or more ends of the intermediate layer; and one or more tape, ring, clothing or apparel attachment sites around a periphery of the electronic device for directly setting the electronic device within a piece of tape, a ring, or a piece of clothing or apparel.
In one embodiment adhesive tape is located on the base plate and is used to stick the electronic device onto a body joint or around a user's eyes.
In yet another embodiment, the resilient piece has varying thicknesses or different moduli of elasticity according to a desired sensitivity of the electronic device.
In yet another embodiment, the resilient piece is non resilient material and the base plate is resilient material.
In yet another embodiment, the resilient piece and the base plate use the same resilient material.
In yet another embodiment, a sensor device is connected with an electronic source and is used to test breath sounds, heart rhythm, EKG, body fat, sweat wetness, O2 saturation, pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, pressure or urine sugar.
In yet another embodiment, a resilient piece is joined between the sensor device and the base plate.
In yet another embodiment, a sensor device electrically connects to a wireless transmission interface for transmitting wirelessly to the outside world test results of a sensor device, and for receiving information from the outside world.
In yet another embodiment, a sensor device electrically connects to a monitor or a speech sound installation.
In yet another embodiment, a sensor device electrically connects to a processor having a threshold time setting, in which force upon the device for more than a set time is stored, displayed or transmitted.
In yet another embodiment, a sensor device electrically connects to a processor that is equipped with functions to turn the sensor device on and off, and change the sensor device's sensing time, sensing frequency, and sensing mode.
In yet another embodiment, the intermediate layer comprises at least one flexible blade, which is located between the resilient place and the base plate, has a fixed end located between the resilient piece and the base plate, and a free end located between the upper conducting plate and the lower conducting plate; the flexible blade being made of nonconductive material.
In yet another embodiment, the intermediate layer Comprises a separated lamina is electrically conductive and connected to an electronic source, said separated lamina being fixed between the base plate and the resilient piece; and a space is provided between it and each of the upper conductor and the lower conductor.
In yet another embodiment, a microphone connected with an electronic source.
In yet another embodiment, a ring is mounted on the base plate, and is configured to be worn on a joint and set on a vehicle's steering wheel.
In yet another embodiment, the base plate is fixed into clothing.
In yet another embodiment, clothing is fixed between the resilient piece and the base plate.
In yet another embodiment, the electronic device is placed between fibers of the clothing.
In yet another embodiment, an area on the clothing where the resilient place is located contains at least one type or functional diagram.
In yet another embodiment, a functional diagram can be made by dyeing or stitching.
In yet another embodiment, the electronic device is one of several electronic devices arranged in an array.
In yet another embodiment, a location of upper conductor and the lower conductor electrical contact is air-permeable from outside of the electronic device.
Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an electronic device comprising a resilient piece, made of nonconductive and resilient material that is sufficiently elastic to cause an upper conductor, which is electrically conductive, to return to an original position after depression; a base plate made of nonconductive material, a space being provided between the resilient piece and the base plate, the base plate having a lower conductor that is electrically conductive and a side at which the lower conductor can abut the upper conductor, the resilient piece responsive to an applied force by deforming so that the upper conductor and the lower conductor electrically contact each Other to switch a circuit on; and removal of the applied force allowing the resilient piece to return to the original position, thereby causing the resilient piece and the base plate to separate to switch the circuit off; a sensor device positioned on an opposite side of the base plate from the side of the base plate at which the lower conductor and upper conductor abut; and one or more tape, ring, clothing or apparel attachment sites around a periphery of the electronic device for directly setting the electronic device within a piece of tape, a ring, or a piece of clothing or apparel.
In yet another embodiment, a direction of the applied force defines an axis along which the sensor device and the base plate are concentrically aligned.
In yet another aspect, the sensor device is connected with an electronic source and is used to test breath sounds, heart rhythm, EKG, body fat, sweat wetness, O2 saturation, pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, pressure or urine sugar; a resilient piece is joined between the sensor device and the base plate; the sensor device electrically connects to a wireless transmission interface for transmitting wirelessly to the outside world test results of the sensor device, and receiving information from the outside world; the sensor device electrically connects to a processor having a threshold time setting. In which force upon the device for more than a set time is stored, displayed or transmitted; and either:
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to an electronic device comprising: a plate-shaped upper conducting plate, which is electrically conductive; a plate-shaped lower conducting plate, which is electrically conductive; and a nonconductive material, located between the upper conducting plate and the lower conducting plate so that a space is provided between the upper conducting plate and the lower conducting plate, and the upper and lower conducting plates operatively contact each other at one or more points; wherein the non-conductive material forms an intermediate layer that allows the upper conductor and the lower conductor to electrically contact each other.
Yet another embodiment includes a sensor device mounted on an opposite side of the lower contacting plate from the one or more points of the lower conductor and upper conductor contact.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method that includes any of the various possible combinations of embodiments shown herein below and above.
After going through the following detailed description by integrated illustrations of a first example embodiment, you will understand more accurately the make-up and special features of this electronic device, which includes:
Explanation of the main parts with labels in the illustrations:
Specific Implementing Pattern:
One aspect of the present invention is directed to an electronic device. In the following reference
Based on this example embodiment, the sensor device 13 is a heart rhythm sensor device which can be used to monitor heart rhythm and subsequently transmit the results to the processor 19. For example, the threshold value in the processor is set for 3 seconds. If the resilient piece 11 is pressed for only 2 seconds, then the processor will ignore and delete the results of this test since it is below the threshold value set in the processor. In other words, if the sensor device is pressed for more than 3 seconds, then the results of this test will be shown on the monitor 14; or the results can be send wirelessly via the transmission interface 15 to the outside world. From here, we can ignore the irrelevant data from tests that are done in too short a time, thereby preventing sensing by mistake. The electronic source provides the needed power to the sensor device 13, the monitor 14 and the transmission interface 15, and is electrically connected to the upper conductor 112 and the lower conductor 122.
As shown in
Since this electronic device 10 is directly set to the subject's coat 16, it does away with the inconvenience of carrying a sensor device. And during sensing, the subject needs only to press on the resilient piece with one hand, and turns the switch on and simultaneously causes the sensor device 13 to make contact with the site to be sensed. Because of this, even for repetitive and short-interval testing. It seems very convenient. Also, as the circuit is only powered on when resilient piece 11 is pressed, the circuit is otherwise always open. It decreases the energy consumption and is good for a green policy. Aside from this, this electronic device is also provided with an anti-false sensing feature. In addition, this invention's electronic device improves the disadvantages of similar devices in the market, thereby achieving its goal of our invention.
Moreover, there are several variations to this electronic device 10. For example, the locations of the resilient piece 11 and the base plate 12 can be interchanged. And the elastic base prate 12 is placed on top of the elastic piece 11. Or, both the resilient piece 11 and the base plate 12 use the same resilient material. All these changes give the same results. Secondly, a different thickness or different modulus of elasticity of the resilient piece can change the sensitivity of the electronic device 10. Because of this, during design, we can choose different sensitivity material to be used for the resilient piece based on the practical demands for the sensitivity of the electronic device 10. Several exemplary resilient piece materials include chloroprene rubber (CR) (such as in wetsuits and related water accessories); styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) (for cell phone cases, coolers and the like); a 30%:70% ratio of CR to SBR for sports suits, medical supports, and the like; silicone rubber; nylon; polyester; polypropylene; polyurethane; spandex; Lycra®; and sponge. However, any material suitable for providing a resilient and sufficiently elastic construction can be used.
Furthermore, we can use other types of sensor devices instead of the above-mentioned sensor device 13, for example, those used in sensing lung sound, pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, urine sugar, body fat, sweating, ECG, O2 saturation, or pressure sensors. We can also vary the detect portion of the body, change the functional diagram 17 and reset the threshold value in the processor 19 based on the monitor factors. For example, we can use a body temperature sensor device 13 and place it under the armpit, set a longer threshold value of time (for example, 1 minute), for it to have enough time to achieve heat equilibrium. As regards the sensor device for urine sugar, we can place the sensor device near a perineum of a diaper, or dye or stitch a functional diagram thereon, or freely adjust any aspect based on real demands.
In addition, the processor 19 can be equipped with a function to turn the sensor device on and off, change the sensor device's 13 sensing time, sensing frequency, and sensing mode, and/or other parameters based on the user's needs. Or these settings can be set to be activated based on the duration of time the user presses on the resilient piece 11, if it crosses the threshold value set in the processor 19, thereby preventing activation by accidental-touching. Moreover, the transmission interface 15 can be used to receive remote signals for the Purpose of remote activation and inactivation of the sensor device, or to change the procedure of the lest parameters. Regarding the monitor 14, it can be a cellular phone, PDA or a computer that shows the test results. Also, a light-emitting body can be used to emit a warning sign to the people around (such as in the form of a “red cross” or the number “119”) whenever the sensor device 13 senses an abnormal result, such as an overly high blood pressure or sudden stop of the heartbeat. Or, signals can be sent via the transmission interface 15 to relatives far away, or directly call an ambulance. And also, the electronic device 10 can be equipped with a microphone 18 in the resilient piece 11 and connected electrically with the upper conductor 112, to allow the user to directly communicate with or seek help from the outside world via the transmission interface 15. The place where resilient piece 11 is located on the coat 16 can be printed with a functional diagram 17 to differentiate between emergency articles and communication articles. Included in the functional diagram 17 are illustrations of a red cross, ambulance and relatives.
Aside from these, when the electronic device 10 is designed to be an EKG or blood pressure sensor, the time needed for testing needs to be at least 1-2 minutes. Because of this, the subject's coat 16 can be equipped with a self-inflatable airbag. When the subject presses on the resilient piece 11, the upper conductor 112 comes into contact with the lower conductor 122, causing the inflatable bag to self-inflate thereby pressing the sensor device 13 against the skin of the part to be tested. Or the subject's shirt can be designed to be tight-fitting, which can lessen inconvenience on the subject who needs to maintain a proper position. This increases the ease of use.
As shown in
Fixing the electronic device 20 directly on the subject's shirt 25, makes it so that the sensor device 23 is pressing down directly on the part to be tested 26. During testing, pressing lightly on the resilient piece 21 promotes contact between the upper conductor 212 and the lower conductor 222, thereby turning the electrical circuit on. As the sensor device 23 is activated, it starts to test the subject's lung sound. Utilizing this type of structure, even if the subject performs extreme exercise, thereby deviating the position of the resilient piece 21 and the base plate 22 from the area to be tested, the sensor device 23 can still remain fixed to the site to be tested. For this reason, not only can the electronic device 20 maintain its active test status at all times, but also cannot be affected by the subject doing exercise and thereby moving the sensor device 23 from the tested site 26, causing error. The electronic device 20 can also be carried around conveniently, and be operated by one hand even during repetitive, short-interval testing. This is extremely convenient.
Referring to
The electronic device 30 is installed to the ring 34 to be put on the subject's finger 35 near the joint. This can be used in deaf-mute persons as a means of communicating with each other, and similarly among medical personnel in the operating room. If the subject wishes to express a personal opinion, the only needs to bend his finger, forcing the upper conducting plate 31 and the lower conducting plate 32 to change shape, thereby coming into contact with each other, completing an electrical circuit. Afterwards, when the processor receives this electrical conducted signal, it processes it and shows it on the monitor. For example, it can be designed in such a way that bending the finger once means “Yes”, and twice means “No”, or three times or more or at different intervals to mean other different words, based on the needs of the user. Moreover, the monitor can be equipped with speakers, which can directly broadcast the user's opinion in spoken language for others to hear. Another thing is, as shown in
Besides, this invention's third example embodiment of the electronic device 30 can have other uses. For example, we can have several electronic devices 30 placed near the wrist joints, elbow joints, or the knee joints, and share a common processor to process different signals as a whole. Utilizing this arrangement, the electronic device 30 can be used as an exercise-assist equipment, helping beginners learn essential actions, just like learning to play golf, where the different electronic devices 30 on the different joints will help us determine if the user's posture is correct, and show it on the monitor. It can even show clearly the position of an incorrect posture, hence improving the user's learning results.
Again as shown in
As shown in
When the electronic device 40 is fixed to the subject's garment, he only needs to press lightly on the resilient piece 41, causing it to deform and change shape, leading to the upper conductor 412 to push apart the two blades 43 and coming into contact with the lower conductor 422, completing the electrical circuit on, as shown in
As shown in
This application example has a similar effect as the fourth application example. The user simply has to press on the resilient piece 51, causing the upper conductor 512 to change the shape of the two blades 54, thereby coming into contact to the lower conductor 522 it is on. On the other hand, if the user mistakenly presses on the base plate 52, the lower conductor 522 will be obstructed by the two blades 54, preventing electrical connection with the upper conductor 512.
Referring to
The electronic source provides the needed power to the sensor device 64, monitor and processor.
The electronic device 60 can be installed in the user's clothes. When the user lightly presses the resilient piece 61, it and the base plate 62 will change shape, causing the upper conductor 612 to come into contact first with the separated lamina 63, followed by the lower conductor 822. When the processor receives this information, it commands the sensor device 64 to start testing. On the contrary, when there is exaggerated movement from the user. causing the electronic device 60 to rub against the skin, there is an upward push from the Skin, causing the lower conductor 622 to come into contact first with the separated lamina 63, followed by the upper conductor 612 contacted with the separated lamina 63. The processor will ignore this signal, thereby preventing the electronic device 30 to test by mistake.
Comparing
Based on the above, this application example has the same effect as the sixth application example. If the user presses on the upper conducting plate 71, causing it to come into contact first with the separated lamina 74, followed by the lower conducting plate 72 corning into contact with the separated lamina 74, the processor will receive this signal and activate the sensor device 75 to start testing. On the contrary, if the signal is first due to the lower conducting plate 72 pressed by mistake, the processor will Ignore this signal. Hence, the electronic device 70 has both the advantageous features of testing at anytime and preventing testing by mistake.
A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a method that provides the electronic device described in the various interchangeable elements and embodiments above.
While it is apparent that the Illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein fulfill the objectives of the present invention, it is appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. Additionally, feature(s) and/or element(s) from any embodiment may be used singly or in combination with other embodiment(s). Therefore, it will bo understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that would come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application is a continuation-in-part of International patent application Ser. No. PCT/CN2005/001520, filed on Sep. 21, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/CN2005/001520 | Sep 2005 | US |
Child | 12053553 | US |