Physiological sensor array

Abstract

A physiological sensor device for attachment to a mammalian subject comprising an output transmitter, at least two physiological sensors each for sensing one of the subject's physiological parameters, and a controller operably in communication with the physiological sensors which controller communicates a signal comprising data representative of both the sensed physiological parameters to the output transmitter which operably transmits the signal to a remote location, wherein the controller comprises a multiplexer which operably switches the data from both the physiological sensors into a serial output signal. In a preferred embodiment, respiration is detected by a bend sensor including an elongate member and an electrical component mounted thereon which electrical component has an electrical property which varies in dependence on the extent of bending of the elongate member. Other parameters such as temperature and full waveform ECG may also be measured.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention relates to a physiological sensor device or sensor array for attachment to a mammalian subject in order to obtain data about one or more physiological parameters of the subject. In particular, the device relates to a physiological sensor device in the form of a patch attachable to the chest of a human subject to enable sensing of physiological data such as electro-cardiographic data and / or respiration data.[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art[0004] The prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 3,943,918 to Lewis which discloses an ECG signal sensing and transmitting device for use in the care of medical patients requiring monitoring of cardiac functions. The device disclosed is a single use, disposable unit consisting principally of a foam pad having a pair of circular electrodes in one face of the rectangular foam block. The block comprises electrical circuitry which transmits an RF signal to a receiver which is required to be w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] Another aspect of the invention provides a physiological sensor device for attachment to a mammalian subject comprising a sensor for acquiring physiological data about the subject in use, and an output transmitter which receives a signal representative of the physiological data from the sensor and transmits the signal to a remote location, wherein the output transmitter comprises an inductive element for inductively coupling the output transmitter to a remote receiver at the remote location. Beneficially the inductive coupling enables efficient low powered transfer of data from the device.

[0022] Preferably, the output transmitter comprises a reservoir capacitor in parallel with the inductive element, thereby to mitigate power loss during transmission. Also, the inductive element preferably has first and second ends each of which ends is connected via a pair of switches to signal supply lines within the output transmitter to enable a reversing of the polarity across the inductive element between the supply lines. Preferably, the inductive element comprises a coil which forms part of an H-bridge circuit in the output transmitter. In a preferred embodiment the inductive element comprises a rectangular, substantially flat coil.

Problems solved by technology

The device is disposable after one use but, as a result, is somewhat crude and only comprises two electrodes for very basic ECG measurements.

While fairly sophisticated, this arrangement only contemplates point-in-time 12 lead ECG studies and is not disposable.

However, this small sensor is limited to measuring ECG signals.

The various sensors are connected by cabling and accordingly the apparatus as a whole is quite bulky.

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