Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/EP2289403A1/en
Timestamp: 2019-12-08 14:18:51
Document Index: 311424671

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 61', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 11', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 11', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 12', 'art.\n15']

EP2289403A1 - Method and system for monitoring physiological and athletic performance characteristics of a subject - Google Patents
EP2289403A1
EP2289403A1 EP10174881A EP10174881A EP2289403A1 EP 2289403 A1 EP2289403 A1 EP 2289403A1 EP 10174881 A EP10174881 A EP 10174881A EP 10174881 A EP10174881 A EP 10174881A EP 2289403 A1 EP2289403 A1 EP 2289403A1
EP10174881A
2010-09-01 Application filed by Adidas AG filed Critical Adidas AG
2011-03-02 Publication of EP2289403A1 publication Critical patent/EP2289403A1/en
230000000241 respiratory Effects 0 abstract claims description 139
238000004556 laser interferometry Methods 0 claims description 3
230000002411 adverse Effects 0 description 13
This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/275,586, filed September 1, 2009 , which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Other conventional devices for determining tidal volume include respiration monitors. Illustrative are the systems disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,831,586, issued August 27, 1974 and U.S. Patent No. 4,033,332, issued July 5, 1977 , each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
A further means for determining tidal volume is to measure the change in size (or displacement) of the rib cage and abdomen, as it is well known that lung volume is a function of these two parameters. A number of systems and devices have been employed to measure the change in size (i.e., Δ circumference) of the rib cage and abdomen, including mercury in rubber strain gauges, pneumobelts, respiratory inductive plethysmograph (RIP) belts, and magnetometers. See, D.L. Wade, "Movements of the Thoracic Cage and Diaphragm in Respiration", J. Physiol., pp. 124-193 (1954), Mead, et al., "Pulmonary Ventilation Measured from Body Surface Movements", Science, pp. 196, 1383-1384 (1967).
RIP belts can also be embedded in a garment, such as a shirt or vest, and appropriately positioned therein to measure rib cage and abdominal displacements, and other anatomical and physiological parameters, such as jugular venous pulse, respirationrelated intra-plural pressure changes, etc. Illustrative is the VivoMetrics, Inc. LifeShirt® disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,551,252, issued April 22, 2003 and U.S. Patent No. 6,341,504, issued January 29, 2002 , each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Various methods, algorithms, and mathematical models have been employed with the aforementioned systems to determine tidal volume and other respiratory characteristics. In practice, "two-degrees-of-freedom" models are typically employed to determine tidal volume from RIP belt-derived rib cage and abdominal displacements.
The "two-degrees-of-freedom" models are premised on the inter-related movements by and between the thoracic cavity and the anterior and lateral walls of the rib cage and the abdomen, i.e., since the first rib and adjacent structures of the neck are relatively immobile, the moveable components of the thoracic cavity are taken to be the anterior and lateral walls of the rib cage and the abdomen. Changes in volume of the thoracic cavity will then be reflected by displacements of the rib cage and abdomen.
The "two-degrees-of-freedom" model embraced by many in the field holds that tidal volume (VT) is equal to the sum of the volume displacements of the rib cage and abdomen, i.e.: V T = αRC + βAb
The accuracy of the "two-degrees-of-freedom" model and, hence, methods employing same to determine volume-motion coefficients of the rib cage and abdomen, is limited by virtue of changes in spinal flexion that can accompany changes in posture. It has been found that VT can be over or under-estimated by as much as 50% of the vital capacity with spinal flexion and extension. See, McCool, et al., "Estimates of Ventilation From Body Surface Measurements in Unrestrained Subjects", J. Appl. Physiol., vol. 61, pp. 1114-1119 (1986) and Paek, et al., "Postural Effects on Measurements of Tidal Volume From Body Surface Displacements", J. Appl. Physiol., vol. 68, pp. 2482-2487 (1990).
It has, however, been found that the addition of a measure of the axial motion of the chest wall e.g., changes in the distance between the xiphoid and the pubic symphysis (Xi), provides a third degree of freedom, which, when employed to determine tidal volume (VT) can reduce the posture related error associated with the "two-degrees-of-freedom" model to within 15% of that measured by spirometry. See, Paek, et al., "Postural Effects on Measurements of Tidal Volume From Body Surface Displacements", J. Appl. Physiol., vol. 68, pp. 2482-2487 (1990); and Smith, et al., "Three Degree of Freedom Description of Movement of the Human Chest Wall", J. Appl. Physiol., Vol. 60, pp. 928-934 (1986).
Several magnetometer systems are thus adapted to additionally measure the displacement of the chest wall. Illustrative are the magnetometer systems disclosed in copending U.S. Patent Application No. 12/231,692, filed September 5, 2008 , which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Various methods, algorithms and models are similarly employed with the magnetometer systems to determine tidal volume (VT) and other respiratory characteristics based on measured displacements of the rib cage, abdomen, and chest wall. The model embraced by many in the field is set forth in Equation 2 below: V T = α ΔRC + β ΔAb + γ ΔXi
There are, however, similarly several drawbacks and disadvantages associated with the noted "three-degrees-of-freedom" model. A major drawback is that posture related errors in tidal volume determinations are highly probable when a subject is involved in freely moving postural tasks, e.g., bending, wherein spinal flexion and/or extension is exhibited.
Various approaches and models have thus been developed to address the noted dependency and, hence, enhance the accuracy of tidal volume (VT) determinations. In copending U.S. Patent Application No. 12/231,692 , a modified "three-degrees-of-freedom" model is employed to address the dependence of β on the xiphi-umbilical distance, i.e.: V T = α ΔRC + β u + εXi x ΔAb + γ ΔXi
(Bu + εXi) represents the corrected abdominal volume-motion coefficient; and
The "three-degrees-of-freedom" model reflected in Equation 3 above and the associated magnetometer systems and methods disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 12/231,692 have been found to reduce the posture related error(s) in tidal volume (VT) and other respiratory characteristic determinations. There are, however, several issues with the disclosed magnetometer systems and methods. One issue is that the magnetometer systems require complex calibration algorithms and associated techniques to accurately determine tidal volume (VT) and other respiratory characteristics. A further issue, which is discussed in detail herein, is that the chest wall and respiratory data provided by the disclosed systems (and associated methods) is limited and, hence, limits the scope of respiratory characteristics and activity determined therefrom.
The monitoring system may include or communicate with one or more sensors for detecting information used to measure and/or calculate performance parameters. Suitable sensors may include, for example, the sensors disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 11/892,023, filed February 19, 2009 , titled "Sports Electronic Training System, and Applications Thereof", commonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 12/467,944, filed May 18, 2009 , titled "Portable Fitness Monitoring Systems, and Applications Thereof", and commonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 12/836,421, filed July 14, 2010 , titled "Fitness Monitoring Methods, Systems, and Program Products, and Applications Thereof", each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The terms "respiratory parameter" and "respiratory characteristic", as used herein, mean and include a characteristic associated with the respiratory system and functioning thereof, including, without limitation, breathing frequency (fB), tidal volume (VT), inspiration volume (VI), expiration volume (VE), minute ventilation (VE), inspiratory breathing time, expiratory breathing time, and flow rates (e.g., rates of change in the chest wall volume). The terms "respiratory parameter" and "respiratory characteristic" further mean and include inferences regarding ventilatory mechanics from synchronous or asynchronous movements of the chest wall compartments.
The terms "respiratory system disorder", "respiratory disorder", and "adverse respiratory event", as used herein, mean and include any dysfunction of the respiratory system that impedes the normal respiration or ventilation process.
The terms "physiological parameter" and "physiological characteristic", as used herein, mean and include, without limitation, electrical activity of the heart, electrical activity of other muscles, electrical activity of the brain, pulse rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation level, skin temperature, and core temperature.
The terms "spatial parameter" and "spatial characteristic", as used herein, mean and include a subject's orientation and/or movement.
The terms "patient" and "subject", as used herein, mean and include humans and animals.
Monitoring and analyzing respiratory characteristics can be particularly useful in athletic applications, as there is a direct link between performance and an athlete's processing of oxygen and carbon dioxide. For example, in many athletic training situations, it is helpful to know when the athlete's body transitions between aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise, sometimes referred to as the athlete's ventilatory threshold. Crossing over the ventilatory threshold level is an indicator of pending performance limitations during sport activities. For example, it can be beneficial for athletes to train in the anaerobic state for limited periods of time. However, for many sports, proper training requires only limited periods of anaerobic exercise interrupted by lower intensity aerobic exercises. It is difficult for an athlete to determine which state, anaerobic or aerobic, he or she is in without referencing physiological characteristics such as respiratory characteristics. Therefore, respiratory monitoring and data processing can provide substantial benefits in athletic training by allowing for accurate and substantially instantaneous measurements of the athlete's exercise state. Changes in an athlete's ventilatory threshold over time, as well as patterns of tidal volume during postexercise recovery, can be valuable to measure improvements in the athlete's fitness level over the course of a training regime. Respiratory monitoring can further allow for monitoring and analyzing changes in a subject's resting metabolic rate.
Further, although the physiology monitoring systems and associated methods are described herein in connection with monitoring physiological parameters and characteristics in a human body, the invention is in no way limited to such use. The physiology monitoring systems and associated methods of the invention can also be employed to monitor physiological parameters in nonhuman bodies. The physiology monitoring systems and associated methods of the invention can also be employed in non-medical contexts, e.g., determining volumes and/or volume changes in extensible bladders used for containing liquids and/or gasses.
Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown one embodiment of a dual-paired electromagnetic coil arrangement for detecting and measuring displacement(s) of the rib cage, abdomen, and chest wall. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the electromagnetic coils include first transmission and receive coils 22a, 22b, and second transmission and receive coils 24a, 24b. In Fig. 2, the letter T designates the transmission coils and the letter R designates the receiving coils, however, the coils are not limited to such designations. The electromagnetic coils of embodiments of the present invention are described as "receiving" or "transmitting," however, each receiving coil can alternatively and independently be a transmitting coil, and each transmitting coil can alternatively and independently be a transmitting coil. Coils can also perform both receiving and transmitting functions.
Details of the noted arrangement and associated embodiments (discussed below) are set forth in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 12/231,692, filed September 5, 2008 , co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 61/275,576, filed September 1, 2009 , and co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 12/869,576 , filed concurrently herewith, each of which, as indicated above, is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
As set forth in the noted applications, in some embodiments of the invention, at least receive coil 24b is adapted to receive coil transmissions from each of transmission coils 22a, 24a (i.e., at least receive coil 24b may be a dual function coil, where "dual function coil" refers to a coil capable of receiving transmissions from a plurality of different transmission coils). In some embodiments, each receive coil 22b, 24b is adapted to receive transmissions from each transmission coil 22a, 24a.
As set forth in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 12/231,692 , the positions of transmission coils 22a, 24a and receive coils 22b, 24b can be reversed (i.e., transmission coil 22a and receive coil 24b can be placed on back 102 of subject 100 and transmission coil 24a and receive coil 22b can be placed on front 101 of subject 100. Both transmission coils 22a and 24a can also be placed on front 101 or back 102 of subject 100 and receive coils 22b and 24b can be placed on the opposite side.
As indicated above, in some embodiments of the invention, more than two pairs of electromagnetic coils can be employed. As set forth in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/275,575, filed September 1, 2009 , and co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 12/869,582 , filed concurrently herewith, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, adding additional electromagnetic coils in anatomically appropriate positions on a subject provides numerous significant advantages over dual-paired coil embodiments. Among the advantages is the provision of additional (and pertinent) data and/or information regarding chest wall movement(s) and the relationship(s) thereof to respiratory activity and respiratory associated events, such as speaking, sneezing, laughing, and coughing.
Referring first to Figs. 6-8, there is shown one embodiment of the multiplepaired coil embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the noted embodiment similarly includes electromagnetic coils 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b. According to the invention, any of the aforementioned dual-paired coil embodiments associated with coils 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b can be employed with the multiple-paired coil embodiments of the invention.
Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, there is shown the position of coils 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b on a subject or patient 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, first transmission coil 22a is preferably positioned on front 101 of subject 100 proximate the umbilicus of subject 100, and first receive coil 22b is preferably positioned proximate the same axial position, but on back 102 of subject 100. Second receive coi124b is preferably positioned on front 101 of subject 100 proximate the base of the sternum, and second transmission coil 24a is positioned proximate the same axial position, but on back 102 of subject 100.
Third transmission coil 32a is preferably positioned on front 101 of subject 100 and axially spaced to the right of first transmission coil 22a. Fourth transmission coil 34a is preferably positioned on front 101 of subject 100 and axially spaced to the left of first transmission coil 22a. In the illustrated embodiment, each transmission coil 32a, 22a, 34a is preferably positioned proximate the same axial plane (denoted "AP1" in Figs. 6 and 7).
Third receive coil 32b is preferably positioned on front 101 of subject 100 and axially spaced to the right of second receive coil 24b. Fourth receive coil 34b is preferably positioned on front 101 of subject 100 and axially spaced to the left of second receive coil 24b. Preferably, each receive coil 32b, 24b, 34b is similarly positioned proximate the same axial plane (denoted "AP2" in Figs. 6 and 7).
As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the axial spacing of coils 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b will, in many instances, be dependant on the body size and structure of the subject, e.g., adult, female, male, adolescent. The distance between and amongst the coils can also vary with the degree of measurement precision required or desired.
Referring now to Fig, 12, there is shown another embodiment, wherein receive coil 24b is a dual function coil. Receive coil 32b is adapted to receive transmission T32 from transmission coil 32a, receive coil 34b is adapted to receive transmission T34 from transmission coil 34a, and receive coil 22b is adapted to receive transmission T24 from transmission coil 24a. Receive coil 24b is, however, adapted to receive transmission T32 from transmission coil 32a, transmission T22 from transmission coil 22a, transmission T34 from transmission coil 34a, and transmission T24 from transmission coil 24a.
According to the invention, the accelerometer can be disposed in any anatomically appropriate position on a subject. In one embodiment of the invention, an accelerometer (denoted "AC1" in Fig. 8) is disposed proximate the base of the subject's sternum.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, control-data processing subsystem 40 further includes at least one "n-degrees-of-freedom" model or algorithm for determining at least one respiratory characteristic (e.g., VT) from the retrieved coil transmissions or signals (e.g., measured displacements of the rib cage, abdomen, and chest wall).
In one embodiment, control-data processing subsystem 40 includes one or more "three-degrees-of-freedom" models or algorithms for determining at least one respiratory characteristic (preferably, a plurality of respiratory characteristics) from the retrieved coil transmissions (or signals). Preferred "three-degrees-of-freedom" models (or algorithms) are set forth in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 12/231,692 .
According to the invention, various programs and methods known in the mathematical arts (e.g., differential geometric methods) can be employed to process the signals (reflecting the chest wall distances and displacement) into a representation of the shape of the torso. Indeed, it is known that providing sufficient distances defined on a two dimensional surface (a metric) permit the shape of the surface to be constructed in a three dimensional space. See, e.g., Badler, et al., "Simulating Humans: Computer Graphics, Animation, and Control", (New York: Oxford University Press, 1993) and DeCarlo, et al., "Integrating Anatomy and Physiology for Behavior Modeling", Medicine Meets Virtual Reality 3 (San Diego, 1995).
Preferably, in some embodiments of the invention, control-data processing subsystem 40 is further programmed and adapted to determine additional and, in some instances, interrelated anatomical parameters, such as bending, twisting, coughing, etc., from the measured multiple, interactive chest wall displacements. In one embodiment, control-data processing subsystem 40 is programmed and adapted to compare retrieved coil transmissions reflecting measured chest wall displacements with stored selective combinations of coil transmissions and chest wall parameters that are associated therewith (e.g., "normal respiration and bending", "normal respiration and coughing").
By way of example, in one embodiment, a first chest wall parameter (CWP1) defined as (or reflecting) "normal respiration and twisting of the torso" is stored in control-data processing subsystem 40. The coil transmissions and data associated with the first chest wall parameter (CWP1) include transmissions T32, T22, T34, and T24 received by receive coil 24b that can represent displacements x, y, and z.
During monitoring of subject 100, similar coil transmissions may be received by receive coil 24b. Control-data processing subsystem 40 then compares the detected (or retrieved) transmissions to the stored transmissions and chest wall parameters associated therewith to determine (in real-time) the chest wall movement and, hence, respiratory activity based thereon; in this instance "normal respiration and twisting of the torso".
In some embodiments, the signals transmitted by the accelerometer (e.g., spatial parameter signals) are employed with the detected coil transmissions to determine and classify chest wall movement and associated respiratory activity of the monitored subject. In the noted embodiments, each stored chest wall parameter also includes spatial parameter signals associated with the chest wall parameter (e.g., normal respiration and twisting of the torso). According to the invention, controldata processing subsystem 40 is adapted to compare retrieved coil transmissions and spatial parameter signals to the stored transmissions and spatial parameter signals, and the chest wall parameters associated therewith, to determine the chest wall movement and, hence, respiratory activity based thereon.
According to the invention, each stored chest wall parameter also includes at least one audio parameter (e.g., > N db, based on the audio signal) that is associated with the chest wall parameter (e.g., normal respiration and coughing). Suitable speech and cough parameters (and threshold determinations) are set forth in U.S. Patent No. 7,267,652, issued September 11, 2007 , which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Referring first to Fig. 1, there is shown a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a physiology monitoring system according to the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the physiology monitoring system 10 preferably includes a data acquisition subsystem 20, a control-data processing subsystem 40, a data transmission subsystem 50, a data monitoring subsystem 60, and a power source 70, such as a battery. Control-data processing subsystem 40 is also referred to herein as "processor subsystem," "processing subsystem," and "data processing subsystem." The terms control-data processing subsystem, processor subsystem, processing subsystem, and data processing subsystem are used interchangeably in the present application.
In some embodiments of the invention, data monitoring subsystem 60 includes a local electronic module or local data unit (LDU). The term "local" as used in connection with an LDU is intended to mean that the LDU is disposed close to the electromagnetic coils, such as on or in a wearable garment containing the coils (discussed in detail below).
Suitable LDUs are described in co-pending International Application No. PCT/US2005/021433 (Pub. No. WO 2006/009830 A2 ), published January 26, 2006, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In some embodiments of the invention, monitoring subsystem 60 includes a separate, remote monitor or monitoring facility. According to embodiments of the invention, the remote monitor or facility is adapted to receive sensor data and information, physiological and spatial parameters, physiological characteristics, and subject information from controldata processing subsystem 40, and to display the selective coil sensor data and information, physiological and spatial parameters, physiological characteristics, and subject information via a variety of mediums, such as a PDA, computer monitor, etc.
According to embodiments of the invention, various communication links and protocols can be employed to transmit control signals to data acquisition subsystem 20 and, hence, paired coils, and to transmit coil transmissions (or signals) from the paired coils to control-data processing subsystem 40. Various communication links and protocols can be employed to transmit data and information, including coil transmissions (or signals) and related parameters, physiological characteristics, spatial parameters, and subject information from controldata processing subsystem 40 to data monitoring subsystem 60.
Exemplary physiological sensors are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,551,252 , U.S. Patent No. 7,267,652 , and co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 11/764,527, filed June 18, 2007 , each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
According to embodiments of the invention, the paired coils (e.g., electromagnetic coils 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, and the aforementioned additional sensors) can be positioned on or proximate a subject by various suitable means. Thus, in some embodiments, the paired coils and/or additional sensors can be directly attached to the subject.
According to embodiments of the invention, the wearable monitoring garment can be one or more of a variety of garments, such as a shirt, vest or jacket, belt, cap, patch, and the like. A suitable wearable monitoring garment (a vest) is illustrated and described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 61/275,576, filed September 1, 2009 , co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 12/869,576 , filed concurrently herewith, co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 61/275,633, filed September 1, 2009 , and co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 12/869,627 , filed concurrently herewith, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Additional suitable garments are also disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,267,652, issued September 11, 2007 , U.S. Patent No. 6,551,252, issued April 22, 2003 , and U.S. Patent No. 6,047,203, issued April 4, 2000 ; each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Another significant advantage of the invention is the provision of systems and associated methods that facilitate evaluation and quantification of ventilatory mechanics (e.g., synchronous and asynchronous movement of the chest wall compartments) and "real-time" three-dimensional modeling of the chest wall. As stated above, this has huge implications in the field of use, as well as applications to specific disease states, such as asthma and COPD, and to acute disease states, such as pneumo-thorax and pulmonary embolism.
Additional advantages and applications of the present invention are apparent with reference to the systems and methods disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 12/869,578 , filed concurrently herewith, U.S. Patent Application No. 12/869,582 , filed concurrently herewith, U.S. Patent Application No. 12/869,576 , filed concurrently herewith, U.S. Patent Application No. 12/869,592 , filed concurrently herewith, U.S. Patent Application No. 12/869,627 , filed concurrently herewith, U.S. Patent Application No. 12/869,625 , filed concurrently herewith, and U.S. Patent Application No. 12/869,586 , filed concurrently herewith, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Further embodiments of the invention are mentioned as follows:
a sensor subsystem including a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first and second sensors are responsive to changes in distance therebetween, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit a distance signal representative of the distance between the first and second sensors; and
a physiological sensor configured to generate and transmit a physiological signal representative of a physiologic parameter of the subject; and
a processor subsystem in communication with the sensor subsystem and the physiological sensor, the processor subsystem being configured to receive the distance signal and the physiological signal, wherein the processor subsystem is configured to process the physiological signal to obtain a signal that is representative of a physiological parameter of the subject.
2. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 1, wherein the first sensor is configured to be secured to the skin of the subject.
3. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 1, wherein the first sensor is adhered to the skin by a biocompatible adhesive.
4. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 3, wherein the second sensor is configured to be secured to the skin of the subject.
5. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 1, wherein the first and second sensors comprise magnetometers.
6. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 1, wherein the physiological sensor is configured to monitor at least one of electrical activity of the brain, electrical activity of the heart, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation level, skin temperature, EMG, ECG, EEG, and core temperature.
7. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 1, further comprising a monitoring subsystem configured to receive the distance signal, wherein the processor subsystem is configured to process the distance signal to obtain a signal that is representative of a respiratory parameter, and wherein the monitoring subsystem is configured to display a representation of the respiratory parameter.
8. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 7, wherein the processor subsystem comprises a plurality of stored respiratory benchmarks, and wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to compare the respiratory parameter to the plurality of stored respiratory benchmarks and to generate and transmit a status signal in response to a determination that the respiratory parameter corresponds to one of the stored respiratory benchmarks.
9. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 8, wherein the plurality of stored respiratory benchmarks comprise at least one of adverse fitness states and fitness goals.
10. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 1, wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to determine a respiratory activity of the subject based on the distance signal and to generate and transmit a respiratory activity signal representative of the respiratory activity.
11. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 1, wherein the processor subsystem comprises a plurality of stored physiological benchmarks, and wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to compare the physiological parameter to the stored physiological benchmarks and to generate and transmit a status signal in response to a determination that the physiological parameter corresponds to one of the stored physiological benchmarks.
12. A fitness monitoring system for monitoring a subject engaged in a physical activity, the system comprising:
a sensor subsystem comprising:
a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first and second sensors are responsive to changes in distance therebetween, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit a distance signal representative of the distance between the first and second sensors; and
a third sensor, wherein the third sensor is a spatial sensor configured to detect movement of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit a spatial signal representative of a movement of a body part of the subject; and
a processor subsystem in communication with the sensor subsystem, the processor subsystem being configured to receive the distance signal and the spatial signal.
13. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 12, wherein the first and second sensors comprise magnetometers.
14. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 12, wherein the spatial sensor is configured to detect the orientation of a body part of the subject, and wherein the spatial signal includes representative of the orientation of the body part.
15. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 12, wherein the first and second sensors are configured to be secured directly to the subject's skin.
16. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 15, wherein the first and second sensors are configured to be secured to the skin by surgical tape.
17. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 15, wherein the first and second sensors are configured to be secured to the skin by a biocompatible adhesive
18. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 12, wherein the sensor subsystem comprises a plurality of sensors responsive to changes in distance therebetween.
19. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 18 wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit a plurality of distance signals, and wherein each distance signal is representative of a distance between at least two magnetometers.
20. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 12, wherein the spatial sensor includes at least one of an optical encoder, a proximity switch, a Hall effect switch, a laser interferometry system, an inertial sensor, and a global positioning system.
21. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 12, further comprising a monitoring subsystem, wherein the processor subsystem is configured to process the distance signal to obtain a signal that is representative of a respiratory parameter, and wherein the monitoring subsystem is configured to display a representation of the respiratory parameter.
22. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 21, wherein the processor subsystem comprises a plurality of stored respiratory benchmarks, and wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to compare the respiratory parameter to the plurality of stored respiratory benchmarks and to generate and transmit a status signal in response to a determination that the distance signal corresponds to one of the stored respiratory benchmarks.
23. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 22, wherein the plurality of stored respiratory benchmarks comprises at least one of adverse fitness states and fitness goals.
24. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 12, wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to determine a respiratory activity of the subject based on the distance signal, and to generate and transmit a respiratory activity signal representative of the respiratory activity.
25. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 12, wherein the processor subsystem comprises a plurality of stored spatial benchmarks, and wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to compare the spatial signal to the plurality of stored spatial benchmarks, and to generate and transmit a status signal in response to a determination that the spatial signal corresponds to one of the stored spatial benchmarks.
26. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 25, wherein the plurality of stored spatial benchmarks comprises at least one of adverse fitness states and fitness goals.
27. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 12, wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to determine a fitness activity of the subject based on the spatial signal, and to generate and transmit a fitness activity signal representative of the fitness activity.
28. The fitness monitoring system of embodiment 14, wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to generate a three-dimensional spatial model of the orientation and movement of the subject based on the spatial signal.
generating a distance signal representative of the distance between a first sensor and a second sensor and transmitting the respiratory signal to a processor subsystem, wherein the respiratory signal is generated by a sensor subsystem, wherein the first and second sensors are responsive to changes in distance therebetween;
receiving the respiratory signal and the spatial signal at the processor subsystem.
30. The method of embodiment 29, further comprising generating a physiological signal representative of a physiological parameter of the subject and transmitting the physiological signal to a processor subsystem;
31. The method of embodiment 29, further comprising displaying a representation of the respiratory parameter.
32. The method of embodiment 29, further comprising:
generating and transmitting a status signal in response to a determination that the respiratory parameter corresponds to one of the stored respiratory benchmarks.
33. The method of embodiment 32, wherein the plurality of stored respiratory benchmarks comprise at least one of adverse fitness states and fitness goals.
34. The method of embodiment 29, further comprising:
35. The method of embodiment 29, further comprising:
36. The method of embodiment 35, wherein the plurality of stored spatial benchmarks comprises at least one of adverse fitness states and fitness goals.
37. The method of embodiment 29, further comprising:
38. The method of embodiment 29, further comprising generating a three-dimensional spatial model of the orientation and movement of the subject based on the spatial signal.
39. The method of embodiment 30, further comprising:
40. The method of embodiment 39, wherein the plurality of stored physiological benchmarks comprises at least one of adverse fitness states and fitness goals.
41. The method of embodiment 29, wherein the spatial signal further represents movement of a body part of the subject.
A fitness monitoring system for monitoring a subject engaged in a physical activity, the system comprising:
The fitness monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the physiological sensor is configured to monitor at least one of electrical activity of the brain, electrical activity of the heart, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation level, skin temperature, EMG, ECG, EEG, and core temperature.
The fitness monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a monitoring subsystem configured to receive the distance signal, wherein the processor subsystem is configured to process the distance signal to obtain a signal that is representative of a respiratory parameter, and wherein the monitoring subsystem is configured to display a representation of the respiratory parameter.
The fitness monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the processor subsystem comprises a plurality of stored respiratory benchmarks, and wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to compare the respiratory parameter to the plurality of stored respiratory benchmarks and to generate and transmit a status signal in response to a determination that the respiratory parameter corresponds to one of the stored respiratory benchmarks.
The fitness monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to determine a respiratory activity of the subject based on the distance signal and to generate and transmit a respiratory activity signal representative of the respiratory activity.
The fitness monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the processor subsystem comprises a plurality of stored physiological benchmarks, and wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to compare the physiological parameter to the stored physiological benchmarks and to generate and transmit a status signal in response to a determination that the physiological parameter corresponds to one of the stored physiological benchmarks.
a third sensor, wherein the third sensor is a spatial sensor configured to detect movement of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit a spatial signal representative of a movement of a body part of the subj ect; and
The fitness monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the sensor subsystem comprises a plurality of sensors responsive to changes in distance therebetween.
The fitness monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the spatial sensor includes at least one of an optical encoder, a proximity switch, a Hall effect switch, a laser interferometry system, an inertial sensor, and a global positioning system.
The fitness monitoring system of claim 7, further comprising a monitoring subsystem, wherein the processor subsystem is configured to process the distance signal to obtain a signal that is representative of a respiratory parameter, and wherein the monitoring subsystem is configured to display a representation of the respiratory parameter.
The fitness monitoring system of claim 10, wherein the processor subsystem comprises a plurality of stored respiratory benchmarks, and wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to compare the respiratory parameter to the plurality of stored respiratory benchmarks and to generate and transmit a status signal in response to a determination that the distance signal corresponds to one of the stored respiratory benchmarks.
The fitness monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to determine a respiratory activity of the subject based on the distance signal, and to generate and transmit a respiratory activity signal representative of the respiratory activity.
The fitness monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the processor subsystem comprises a plurality of stored spatial benchmarks, and wherein the processor subsystem is further configured to compare the spatial signal to the plurality of stored spatial benchmarks, and to generate and transmit a status signal in response to a determination that the spatial signal corresponds to one of the stored spatial benchmarks.
A method for monitoring a subject engaged in a physical activity, the method comprising:
EP10174881A 2009-09-01 2010-09-01 Method and system for monitoring physiological and athletic performance characteristics of a subject Ceased EP2289403A1 (en)
EP2289403A1 true EP2289403A1 (en) 2011-03-02
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2018-03-28 18R Application refused