Patent Description:
It is often desirable for a user to be aware his/her bodily function measurements, which may provide physiological measures of stress, measures of hydration, and other measures of general health. Physiological measures of stress may be used to communicate to a user instructions to alter his/her behavior, e.g., taking a break, taking deep breaths, etc. Measures of hydration may be used by athletes or generally active individuals to ensure that they stay hydrated to maintain physical performance. Additionally, this information may be useful for individuals who work in hot or dry environments and must maintain proper hydration. Further, this information may be useful for elderly individuals whose sense of hydration is decreased and are more prone to becoming dehydrated. Thus, important bodily function measurements may include measurements of a user's blood pressure and/or hydration state.

A user's blood pressure may be measured using a pulse-measuring device. Typical pulse-measuring devices use either photoplethysmography (PPG) or electrocardiography (ECG) to measure a user's pulse. A user's systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure may be determined using a combination of the PPG and ECG using a technique known as pulse transit time (PTT). The systolic blood pressure, along with other inputs such as pulse rate variability (PRV) and galvanic skin response (GSR) may be useful in determining the user's physiological measures of stress. However, existing mobile device solutions for obtaining PPG measurements and ECG measurements can only obtain measurements for one or the other. That is, existing mobile device solutions can only obtain a PPG measurement or an ECG measurement, but not both.

A user's hydration state may be determined by measuring a total body water amount using a bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). BIA measurements are typically accurate and may fall within <NUM> of the actual value when performed properly. Typically, existing solutions to measure BIA require professional equipment in a clinical setting. Additionally, the few devices that exist to measure BIA outside of a clinical setting are not very mobile, e.g., they may not fit within a user's pocket or be integrated into another device that the user typically always has with them.

Accordingly, a need exists for a mobile solution to obtain both PPG and ECG measurements used for determining a user's blood pressure and to obtain a body water content measurement used for determining a user's hydration state. Attention is drawn to <CIT> (D1) describing a method for providing a blood pressure indicator of a person. Said method obtains multiple first detection signals from a non-invasive optical plethysmography sensor and multiple second detection signals from a non-invasive Electrocardiography sensor. A health monitoring module processes both detection signals to detect first and second points in time that correspond to arrivals of blood pulses and to peaks of QRS complexes respectively. Furthermore, the module calculates a blood pressure indicator in response to a timing difference between a single pair of first and second points in time that are associated with a same heartbeat. Further attention is drawn to <CIT> (D2) which relates inter alia to a blood pressure monitoring apparatus and a method that can monitor a blood pressure of a subject using an electrocardiogram signal, a pulse wave signal and a body characteristic information of the subject. Attention is also drawn to <CIT> (D3) describing a biosignal measurement module that includes a biosignal measurement unit for measuring an electrocardiogram signal and a pulse signal of a subject, a pose detection unit for detecting a position of the biosignal measurement module and outputting position signals, and a. processing unit for receiving the electrocardiogram signal, the pulse signal, and the position signals. The processing unit generates a height variation parameter, which indicates the height difference between the position of the biosignal measurement module and a reference position, according to the position signals. Furthermore, it calculates a current pulse transit time according to the electrocardiogram signal and the pulse signal and compensates for the current pulse transit time according to the height variation parameter to obtain a compensated pulse transit time. The processing unit obtains a blood pressure signal according to the compensated pulse transit time.

In accordance with the present invention a mobile device, and a method, as set forth in the independent claims, respectively, are provided.

Certain embodiments are described that for obtaining at least one bodily function measurement of a user operating a mobile device.

In some embodiments, a mobile device for obtaining at least one bodily function measurement comprises an outer body sized to be portable for a user, a processor contained within the outer body, and a plurality of sensors physically coupled to the outer body for obtaining data accessible by the processor. One or more sensors of the sensors is configured to obtain a first measurement indicative of blood volume in response to a user action, wherein at least one of the sensors configured to obtain the first measurement is contained within a contact button coupled to the outer body. One or more of the sensors is configured to obtain a second measurement indicative of heart electrical activity in response to the user action. The processor is configured to facilitate generation of a blood pressure measurement based on the first measurement and the second measurement.

In some embodiments, the mobile device is configured to perform a primary function and a secondary function, and wherein the processor is configured to facilitate generation of the blood pressure measurement as the secondary function of the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the first measurement indicative of blood volume comprises a photoplethysmography (PPG) measurement.

In some embodiments, the second measurement indicative of heart electrical activity comprises an electrocardiography (ECG) measurement.

In some embodiments, the one or more of the sensors is configured to obtain the first measurement comprises at least one light sensor, and wherein the mobile device further comprises at least one light source and the at least one light sensor measures reflected light from the light source reflected off of blood vessels within a user of the mobile device to obtain the first measurement.

In some embodiments, the at least one light sensor includes an infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED).

In some embodiments, the one or more of the sensors is configured to obtain the second measurement indicative of heart electrical activity comprises at least a first electrode and a second electrode, and wherein a portion of a user of the mobile device's body completes a circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode.

In some embodiments, the mobile device is a watch.

In some embodiments, the mobile device is a smartphone device.

In some embodiments, method for obtaining at least one bodily function measurement via a mobile device comprises obtaining, via a plurality of sensors physically coupled to an outer body of the mobile device, a first measurement indicative of blood volume in response to a user action, wherein at least one of the sensors is contained within a contact button coupled to the outer body. The method further comprises obtaining, via the plurality of sensors, a second measurement indicative of heart electrical activity in response to the user action. The method also comprises facilitating, via a processor of the mobile device, generation of a blood pressure measurement based on the first measurement and the second measurement, wherein the processor is contained within the outer body of the mobile device, the outer body sized to be portable for the user.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for obtaining at least one bodily function measurement comprises means for obtaining, via a plurality of sensors physically coupled to an outer body of a mobile device, a first measurement indicative of blood volume in response to a user action, wherein at least one of the sensors is contained within a contact button coupled to the outer body. The method further comprises means for obtaining, via the plurality of sensors, a second measurement indicative of heart electrical activity in response to the user action. The method also comprises means for facilitating, via a processor of the mobile device, generation of a blood pressure measurement based on the first measurement and the second measurement, wherein the processor is contained within the outer body of the mobile device, the outer body sized to be portable for the user.

In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions for obtaining at least one bodily function measurement that, when executed, cause one or more computing devices included in a mobile device to obtain, via a plurality of sensors physically coupled to an outer body of the mobile device, a first measurement indicative of blood volume in response to a user action, wherein at least one of the sensors is contained within a contact button coupled to the outer body. The computer-executable instructions, when executed, further cause the one or more computing devices included in a device to obtain, via the plurality of sensors, a second measurement indicative of heart electrical activity in response to the user action. The computer-executable instructions, when executed, further cause the one or more computing devices included in a device to facilitate, via a processor of the mobile device, generation of a blood pressure measurement based on the first measurement and the second measurement, wherein the processor is contained within the outer body of the mobile device, the outer body sized to be portable for the user.

In some embodiments, a mobile device for obtaining at least one bodily function measurement comprises an outer body sized to be portable for a user, a processor contained within the outer body. and a plurality of sensors physically coupled to the outer body for obtaining data accessible by the processor. The plurality of sensors comprises electrodes and a portion of a user's body positioned between the electrodes completes a circuit and a measurement to provide at least one measure of impedance associated with the user's body in response to a user action. The processor is configured to facilitate generation of a hydration level measurement based on the measure of impedance.

In some embodiments, the mobile device is configured to perform a primary function and a secondary function, and wherein the processor is configured to facilitate generation of the hydration level measurement as the secondary function of the mobile device.

In some embodiments, at least one of the sensors is built into a multifunction surface, wherein the multifunction surface is configured to simultaneously obtain the impedance measurement and a user input.

In some embodiments, the multifunction surface comprises silver metal.

In some embodiments, the multifunction surface comprises Indium Tin Oxide (ITO).

In some embodiments, a method for obtaining at least one bodily function measurement via a mobile device comprises obtaining, via a plurality of sensors comprising electrodes and physically coupled to an outer body of the mobile device, a measurement to provide at least one measure of impedance associated with a user's body in response to a user action, wherein a portion of the user's body positioned between the electrodes completes a circuit. The method also comprises facilitating, via a processor of the mobile device, generation of a hydration level measurement based on the measure of impedance, wherein the processor is contained within the outer body of the mobile device, the outer body sized to be portable for the user.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for obtaining at least one bodily function measurement via a mobile device comprises means for obtaining, via a plurality of sensors comprising electrodes and physically coupled to an outer body of the mobile device, a measurement to provide at least one measure of impedance associated with a user's body in response to a user action, wherein a portion of the user's body positioned between the electrodes completes a circuit. The apparatus further comprises means for facilitating, via a processor of the mobile device, generation of a hydration level measurement based on the measure of impedance, wherein the processor is contained within the outer body of the mobile device, the outer body sized to be portable for the user.

In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions for obtaining at least one bodily function measurement that, when executed, cause one or more computing devices included in a mobile device to obtain, via a plurality of sensors comprising electrodes and physically coupled to an outer body of the mobile device, a measurement to provide at least one measure of impedance associated with a user's body in response to a user action, wherein a portion of the user's body positioned between the electrodes completes a circuit. The computer-executable instructions, when executed, further cause the one or more computing devices included in a device to facilitate, via a processor of the mobile device, generation of a hydration level measurement based on the measure of impedance, wherein the processor is contained within the outer body of the mobile device, the outer body sized to be portable for the user.

Aspects of the disclosure are illustrated by way of example. In the accompanying figures, like reference numbers indicate similar elements, and:.

Several illustrative embodiments will now be described with respect to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. While particular embodiments, in which one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented, are described below, other embodiments may be used and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure or the spirit of the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrates a simplified block diagram of a mobile device <NUM> that may incorporate one or more embodiments. Mobile device <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, microphone <NUM>, display <NUM>, input device <NUM>, speaker <NUM>, memory <NUM>, camera <NUM>, sensors <NUM>, light source <NUM>, and computer-readable medium <NUM>.

Processor <NUM> may be any general-purpose processor operable to carry out instructions on the mobile device <NUM>. The processor <NUM> is coupled to other units of the mobile device <NUM> including microphone <NUM>, display <NUM>, input device <NUM>, speaker <NUM>, memory <NUM>, camera <NUM>, sensors <NUM>, light source <NUM>, and computer-readable medium <NUM>.

Microphone <NUM> may be any an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. The microphone <NUM> may provide functionality for a user of the mobile device <NUM> to record audio or issue voice commands for the mobile device <NUM>.

Display <NUM> may be any device that displays information to a user. Examples may include an LCD screen, CRT monitor, or seven-segment display.

Input device <NUM> may be any device that accepts input from a user. Examples may include a keyboard, keypad, or mouse. In some embodiments, the microphone <NUM> may also function as an input device <NUM>.

Speaker <NUM> may be any device that outputs sound to a user. Examples may include a built-in speaker or any other device that produces sound in response to an electrical audio signal and/or ultrasonic signal(s).

Memory <NUM> may be any magnetic, electronic, or optical memory. Memory <NUM> includes two memory modules, module <NUM><NUM> and module <NUM><NUM>. It can be appreciated that memory <NUM> may include any number of memory modules. An example of memory <NUM> may be dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

Camera <NUM> is configured to capture one or more images via a lens located on the body of mobile device <NUM>. The captured images may be still images or video images. The camera <NUM> may include a CMOS image sensor to capture the images. Various applications running on processor <NUM> may have access to camera <NUM> to capture images. It can be appreciated that camera <NUM> can continuously capture images without the images actually being stored within the mobile device <NUM>. Captured images may also be referred to as image frames.

Sensors <NUM> is a plurality of sensors configured to obtain data accessible by the processor. The sensors <NUM> is also physically coupled to the outer body of the mobile device <NUM>. The plurality of sensors <NUM> may include one or more light sensors <NUM> and/or one or more electrodes <NUM>. The light sensors <NUM> may be configured to facilitate measurement of reflected light from the light source <NUM> (described below) reflected off of blood vessels within a user of the mobile device <NUM> to obtain the a PPG measurement indicative of the user's blood volume. A portion of a user of the mobile device's <NUM> body may complete a circuit between a first electrode and a second electrode, e.g., when the user touches both electrodes <NUM>. The electrodes <NUM> may be configured to facilitate measurement of heart electrical activity of the user to obtain an ECG measurement. The electrodes <NUM> may also be configured to facilitate measurement of impedance of the user of the mobile device <NUM> to obtain a level measurement.

Light source <NUM> may be any source of light configured to emit light through a user's body. In some embodiments, the light source <NUM> may be a LED light source. The emitted light may be of a wavelength that can pass through parts of a user's body. For example, the light source <NUM> may emit LED light through a user's wrist. In some embodiments, the mobile device <NUM> may include multiple light sources <NUM>. The light emitted from light source <NUM> may reflect off of blood vessels within the user's body and the reflected light may be measured by one or more light sensors <NUM> to obtain a PPG measurement, as described above. It can be appreciated that emitted light may be of different wavelengths depending on different wavelengths. For example, different wavelengths of light may be appropriate to improve the signal, reduce noise, deal with dark skin colors, measure the blood's oxygen content, or penetrate to different depths of the user's body.

Computer-readable medium <NUM> may be any magnetic, electronic, optical, or other computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable storage medium <NUM> includes PPG measurement module <NUM>, ECG measurement module <NUM>, blood pressure measurement module <NUM>, impedance measurement module <NUM>, and hydration level measurement module <NUM>.

PPG measurement module <NUM> is configured to, when executed by processor <NUM>, obtain a photoplethysmography (PPG) measurement. The PPG measurement may be a measurement of blood volume of a user operating the mobile device <NUM>. The PPG measurement may be obtained by the PPG measurement module <NUM> in response to a user action. The PPG measurement module <NUM> may interface with the light source <NUM> and light sensors <NUM> in order to obtain the PPG measurement. Upon indication by the user of a need for a PPG measurement, the PPG measurement module <NUM> may direct the light source <NUM>, or multiple light sources, to emit light through the user's body. As described above. the emitted light may reflect off or transmitted through blood vessels within the user's body and may be detected by one or more light sensors <NUM> within the mobile device <NUM>. The PPG measurement module <NUM> may measure, by interfacing with the one or more light sensors, the amount of reflected or transmitted light detected by the one or more light sensors <NUM>. The PPG measurement module <NUM> may then determine a PPG measurement that is indicative of the user's blood volume based on the measurement of the reflected light.

ECG measurement module <NUM> is configured to, when executed by processor <NUM>, obtain an electrocardiography (ECG) measurement. The ECG measurement may be a measurement of heart electrical activity of a user operating the mobile device <NUM>. The ECG measurement may be obtained by the ECG measurement module <NUM> in response to a user action. The ECG measurement module <NUM> may interface with the electrodes <NUM> in order to obtain the ECG measurement. Upon indication by the user of a need for an ECG measurement, the ECG measurement module <NUM> may interface with the electrodes <NUM> to measure (assuming the user's body completes a circuit between the electrodes <NUM>) electrical impulse(s) generated by the polarization and depolarization of cardiac tissue within the user's body. In some embodiments, the electrical impulse(s) may be generated by the beating of the user's heart. In some embodiments, the ECG measurement module <NUM> may interface with the electrodes <NUM> to measure the electrical impulse(s) automatically upon the user's body completing a circuit between the electrodes <NUM>. The ECG measurement module <NUM> may then determine an ECG measurement based on the measured electrical impulse(s). It can be appreciated that ECG measurement can be obtained using two or more electrode leads.

Blood pressure measurement module <NUM> is configured to, when executed by processor <NUM>, generate a blood pressure measurement of the user based on the PPG measurement and the ECG measurement. According to <NPL>, the calculation of the blood pressure measurement based on the PPG measurement and the ECG measurement is well known in the art.

Impedance measurement module <NUM> is configured to, when executed by processor <NUM>, obtain an impedance measurement. The impedance measurement may be indicative of a hydration level of a user operating the mobile device <NUM>. The impedance measurement may be obtained by the impedance measurement module <NUM> in response to a user action. In impedance measurement module <NUM> may interface with the electrodes <NUM> in order to obtain the impedance measurement. Upon indication by the user of a need for an impedance measurement, the impedance measurement module <NUM> may interface with the electrodes <NUM> to measure (assuming the user's body completes a circuit between the electrodes <NUM>) electrical impedance through the user's body. In some embodiments, the impedance measurement module <NUM> may interface with the electrodes <NUM> to measure the electrical impedance automatically upon the user's body completing a circuit between the electrodes <NUM>.

Hydration level measurement module <NUM> is configured to, when executed by processor <NUM>, obtain a hydration level measurement based on the impedance measurement obtained by the impedance measurement module <NUM>. The hydration level measurement module <NUM> may determine the hydration level from the measured impedance using techniques well known in the art.

It can be appreciated that the outer body of the mobile device <NUM> may be sized to be portable for a user. It can be appreciated that the term "portable" may refer to something that is able to be easily carried or moved, and may be a light and/or small. In the context of embodiments of the present invention, the term portable may refer to something easily transportable by the user or wearable by the user. For example, the mobile device <NUM> may be a smartphone device or a watch wearable by the user. Other examples of portable devices include a head-mounted display, calculator, portable media player, digital camera, pager, personal navigation device, etc. Examples of devices that may not be considered portable include a desktop computer, traditional telephone, television, appliances, etc. It can be appreciated that the bodily function measurements can be obtained via the smartphone, watch, or any other of the mentioned devices.

<FIG> illustrates a smartphone device <NUM> configured to obtain PPG and ECG measurements of a user, according to some embodiments. It can be appreciated that the smartphone device <NUM> is only one example of a mobile device <NUM>. The smartphone device <NUM> may include a plurality of contacts <NUM>. In some embodiments, a single contact <NUM> may be positioned at each end of the smartphone device <NUM>. In other embodiments, a device front surface <NUM> of the smartphone device <NUM> may include a contact layer including, e.g., silver metal or Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). The smartphone device <NUM> may obtain both PPG and ECG measurements of the user <NUM>. In some embodiments, the device front surface <NUM> may be a touchscreen.

For example, the user <NUM> may hold the smartphone device <NUM> with his/her first hand <NUM> touching one or more of the contacts <NUM> and with his/her second hand <NUM> touching the device front surface <NUM>. Upon the user <NUM> performing this action, the contacts <NUM> and the contact layer of the device front surface <NUM> may complete a circuit through the user's <NUM> body. The smartphone device <NUM> may then measure an electrical potential through the completed circuit to determine the ECG measurement. It can be appreciated that the ECG measurement may also be obtained without the user's first hand <NUM> or second hand <NUM> contacting the device front surface <NUM>. That is, the user's first hand <NUM> may make contact with a first side contact <NUM> and the user's second hand <NUM> may make contact with a second side contact <NUM> to complete the circuit. Alternatively, the user <NUM> may make contact with both side contacts <NUM> using only his/her first hand <NUM> or second hand <NUM> (see below for a measurement of PPG or Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)). Alternatively, and not illustrated in <FIG>, sensors positioned and/or touched at other locations, for example legs, feet, ankles, knees, elbows, arms, neck, head, etc. could also be used to generate PPG, GSR and possibly ECG, depending on the location and how the contact was made.

The device front surface <NUM> of the smartphone device <NUM> may also obtain a PPG measurement of the user <NUM> by using an optical based technology. For example, when the user <NUM> touches the device front surface <NUM>, a light source <NUM> may shine a light into the user's <NUM> skin, one or more sensors may measure the blood flow through the capillaries and thus determine a heart rate (PPG) of the user. This process is described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the light source may be a dedicated light source that is part of the smartphone device <NUM>.

Accordingly, by obtaining both the PPG and ECG measurements of the user <NUM>, a PTT technique may be used to determine the user's blood pressure. The smartphone device <NUM> may then provide important information to the user <NUM>, based on the determined blood pressure (described further below).

Additionally, the smartphone device <NUM> may obtain an impedance measurement of the user using BIA techniques. In some embodiments, the impedance measurement may be obtained via the contact layer of the device front surface <NUM>. The process of obtaining the impedance measurement is described in further detail below.

It can be appreciated that the device front surface <NUM> serves multiple functions. That is, the device front surface <NUM> is used to obtain ECG, PPG, and/or impedance measurements as described above, and is also used as a user input device. The user <NUM> may use the device front surface <NUM> to provide input to applications being executed on the smartphone device <NUM>. When the user <NUM> wishes to obtain a bodily function measurement using the device front surface <NUM>, the user <NUM> may place the smartphone device <NUM> into a measurement mode. Alternatively, the smartphone device <NUM> may automatically detect the user's intention to obtain a bodily function measurement, e.g., from the user <NUM> placing his/her finger in a particular location on the device front surface <NUM> or touching the device front surface <NUM> for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the smartphone device <NUM> may regularly scan and store vital signs of the user <NUM> in the user's normal course of operating the device <NUM>, without the user wanting or needed a particular vital sign report at that time.

<FIG> illustrates a wristwatch device <NUM> configured to obtain PPG, ECG, and impedance measurements of a user, according to some embodiments. The wristwatch device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> operates similarly to the smartphone device <NUM> in <FIG>. That is, the wristwatch device <NUM> may obtain PPG, ECG, and impedance measurements of the user <NUM> via a plurality of contacts. In some embodiments, one or more contacts may be placed at the bottom of the wristwatch device <NUM>, where the contact makes a continuous contact with the user's <NUM> wrist while the user <NUM> wears the wristwatch device <NUM>.

The wristwatch device <NUM> also includes a multifunction button <NUM>, which is used to obtain a bodily function measurement and also as a user input device. For example, the multifunction button <NUM> may be used by the user <NUM> to set a date and/or time for the wristwatch device <NUM>. The multifunction button may have an integrated electrode on the surface. The user <NUM> may also use the multifunction button <NUM> to obtain an ECG measurement by touching the button <NUM> to complete a circuit (via the other contacts) through the user's body. In some embodiments, the multifunction button <NUM> may be integrated into a touchscreen of the wristwatch device <NUM>.

The PPG and hydration measurements may be obtained in a similar fashion as described with respect to the smartphone device of <FIG>, e.g., via the contacts on the wristwatch device <NUM>. The PPG measurement may also be obtained using optical techniques, as described below.

The wristwatch device <NUM> may be designed to be portable such that the user may easily wear the device or carry it on his/her person. In some embodiments, the wristwatch device <NUM> may perform everyday functions other than obtaining PPG, ECG, and impedance measurements of the user. For example, the wristwatch device <NUM> may provide the current time, a stopwatch function, a calendar function, communication functions, etc. The PPG, ECG, and impedance measurements functions may be available in addition to the other described functions on the wristwatch device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross sectional view <NUM> of the wristwatch device <NUM> of <FIG> and graphs <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> showing measurements obtained by the wristwatch device, according to some embodiments. The cross sectional view <NUM> of the wristwatch device <NUM> shows a photodetector <NUM>, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) <NUM>, and a plurality of electrodes contacts <NUM>. Additionally, the cross sectional view <NUM> also illustrates parts of a user's wrist, e.g., radial bone <NUM> and ulnar bone <NUM>. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs <NUM> can be infrared (IR) LEDs. The IR LEDs may provide advantages to the user, such as not distracting the user from normal operation of the wristwatch device <NUM> because the IR LEDs may not emit any visible light.

The wristwatch device <NUM> may obtain PPG measurements of the user by using optical techniques. To obtain a PPG measurement, the LEDs <NUM> (typically positioned at the bottom of the wristwatch device <NUM> and on top of the user's wrist) may emit a light into the user's skin. The reflected light may be received at the photodetector <NUM>. The user's blood volume may be determined based off of the reflected light as compared against time. From this data, the user's PPG measurement may be determined. In some embodiments, the determination of the user's blood volume may be determined from a change in the user's blood volume. More specifically, a change in the diameter of the blood vessels that are being probed by the LEDs <NUM>.

Additionally, the user's ECG measurement may be obtained using the plurality of contacts <NUM> as described above with respect to <FIG>. It can be appreciated that in the wristwatch device <NUM> embodiment, the plurality of contacts <NUM> may continuously be in contact with the user's skin while the user is wearing the wristwatch device <NUM> around his/her wrist. The user may then touch, with his/her hand that is not wearing the wristwatch device <NUM>, another contact <NUM> that is located at another location on the wristwatch device <NUM> to complete the circuit through the user's body.

Similarly, the user's hydration measurements may also be obtained by using the plurality of contacts <NUM> and determining impedance through the user's body.

Graph <NUM> illustrates the intensity of the obtained light reflections at the photodetector <NUM> against time. In this example, the duration between each pulse is approximately one second. From this graph, the user's PPG can be determined.

Graph <NUM> shows a user's heart rate variability by comparing the user's ECG and the user's PPG. As shown in graph <NUM>, the PTT can be determined by taking the difference between a peak of an ECG pulse and the corresponding inflection point (at the same time interval) of the PPG pulse. The PTT may then be used to determine the user's blood pressure, which is well known in the art.

<FIG> illustrates a cross sectional view of the wristwatch device <NUM> of <FIG>. where the sensor for obtaining the PPG measurement is contained within a contact button of the wristwatch device, according to some embodiments. In contrast to the wristwatch device illustrated in <FIG>, the wristwatch device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> contains a PPG sensor <NUM> within a contact button <NUM> on the wristwatch device <NUM>. The user may place his/her finger on the contact button <NUM> such that the PPG sensor <NUM> can obtain the PPG signal from the finger to determine the PPG measurement. In some embodiments, the PPG sensor <NUM> may be an optical sensor.

Certain advantages may be realized by placing the PPG sensor <NUM> within the contact button <NUM>, including but not limited to, allowing for a faster and more accurate reading of the PPG signal from the user's finger as opposed to from the user's wrist. This can result in faster determination of the user's PTT. It can be appreciated that the PPG sensor <NUM> within the contact button <NUM> can provide better results than measuring the PPG from the arm/wrist due to the vascularization of the arm associated with obtaining the PPG measurement from the arm. That is, the arteries near the surface of the arm where the measurement is attempting to be obtained from can blur out the signal due to the high number of routes that blood cloud flow. However, in the finger, typically an artery runs along the inside between the user's fingers to the tip of the finger before expanding out into many capillaries. As such, a clear signal can be obtained from the finger.

In some embodiments, the contact button <NUM> may be a multi-function button operable to serve other functions of the wristwatch device <NUM>. For example, the multi-function button can be used to interact with the wristwatch device <NUM> for setting the time, starting/stopping a stopwatch, or any other function typically available in a wristwatch device <NUM>.

In the implementation of <FIG>, the wristwatch device <NUM> may also obtain an ECG measurement as described with respect to <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments. That is, the ECG measurement can be obtained by the electrical contact <NUM> in contact with the user's arm/wrist and contact button <NUM> in contact with the user's finger, whereby the circuit is completed. Advantageously, when the user touches his/her finger to the contact button <NUM>, both the ECG measurement and the PPG measurement can be obtained.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of the wristwatch device of <FIG> where the sensor for obtaining the PPG measurement is contained within a contact button of the wristwatch device, according to some embodiments. <FIG> illustrates the top view of the wristwatch device <NUM> described in <FIG>. As illustrated in the figure, the PPG sensor <NUM> is contained within the contact button <NUM>. The electrical contact <NUM> used to obtain ECG measurement data can be located at the bottom of the wristwatch device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the contact button <NUM> may have an opening such that light from the PPG sensor <NUM> can travel through the opening to obtain an optical PPG measurement. In some embodiments, the contact button <NUM> may made of a material that optimizes metal electrodes, such as stainless steel.

<FIG> illustrates a graph showing heart activity measurements obtained from PPG measurements obtained at the finger, according to some embodiments. The graph shows an electrocardiogram signal <NUM> and a PPG signal <NUM> obtained at the finger of a <NUM>-year old male. It can be appreciated that the PPG signal <NUM> does not contain much noise and the signal is smooth and/or rounded. Due to the better resolution of the PPG signal <NUM> provided by obtaining the measurement from the finger rather than the wrist, other information such as the heart activity can also benefit from the increased accuracy. Additional information that can be determined due to the better resolution of the PPG signal <NUM> can include, but is not limited to, systolic blood pressure and a measure of vascular stiffness.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram <NUM> of a method for obtaining impedance measurements of a user, according to some embodiments. The mobile device may be either the smartphone device described in <FIG>, the wristwatch device described in <FIG>, or any other mobile device. As described above, the impedance measurement of the user may be used to determine the user's hydration level using BIA techniques. The user's body <NUM> essentially functions as a capacitance and resistance network in this illustration. When the user's body <NUM> makes contact with the contact points <NUM>, an impedance converter <NUM> may determine the impedance value through the user's body <NUM>. In this scenario, the user's body <NUM> may act as a capacitor. The impedance value may be a function of surface tissue impedance and deep tissue impedance. The impedance value may then be used to estimate a total body water content of the user's body <NUM>. This figure shows measuring the impedance through one leg, the torso, and one arm. The method works the same way measuring through both arms and the chest. In some embodiments, the mobile device may include phase-sensitive electronics to distinguish between electrical resistance and reactance.

Upon determining the user's hydration level, the mobile device may provide a notification to the user. The types of notifications are described in further detail with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram <NUM> of two resistors and a capacitor representing conduction through tissue, according to some embodiments. In <FIG>, xc represents the capacitance of the user's cell walls, R(ICW) represents the resistance of the body water inside of the user's cells, and R(ECW) represents the resistance of the body water outside of the user's cells. The circuit shown in <FIG> may be used as part of the schematic diagram in <FIG> to determine the hydration level of the user by determining an electrical impedance through the user's body.

<FIG> is a flow diagram <NUM> illustrating a plurality of derived metrics <NUM> from a plurality of sensor metrics <NUM>, according to some embodiments. The plurality of sensor metrics <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, PPG pulse measurement, accelerometer measurements, AC biometric impedance measurements, and <NUM>-lead ECG heart rate measurements. These sensor metrics <NUM> may be obtained by taking measurements via the mobile device. Based on data from the sensor metrics <NUM>, a plurality of derived metrics <NUM> may be derived. These derived metrics may include, but is not limited to, heart rate, heart rate variability, stress calculation, blood pressure, and hydration state.

For example, when a PPG pulse measurement is obtained, using the techniques described herein, the user's heart rate and/or heart rate variability may be determined. The PPG pulse measurement may be combined with an ECG heart rate measurement to determine the user's blood pressure using PTT techniques. Based on the determined blood pressure, a user's stress level may be determined. If it is determined that the user is at a high stress level, the mobile device may notify the user to take a deep breath, go for a walk, drink a glass of water, etc. As shown, the stress level may also be determined from the user's GSR data.

In another example, when an AC bioelectric impedance measurement is obtained, using the techniques described herein, the user's hydration state may be determined from data regarding the total body water of the user. If the user's hydration state is determined to be low, the mobile device may notify the user to drink a glass of water. On the other hand, if the user's hydration state is determined to be adequate, the mobile device may notify the user that to keep up the good work.

In another example, energy calculations may be determined based upon accelerometer and gyroscope data obtained by the mobile device. For example, if the user is moving around actively, the accelerometer data may indicate a high level of movement and the mobile device may determine that the user's energy level is high. The mobile device may notify the user to continue being active. In some embodiments, the mobile device may keep track of the user's energy level throughout the day and notify the user upon predetermined intervals to become active in order to reach a threshold amount of activity for the day.

In some embodiments, accelerometer measurements may be used to determine the user's heart rate and/or heart rate variability. The same calculations described above may determined/calculated using these measurements.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Further, some steps may be combined or omitted. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public.

<FIG> is a flow diagram <NUM> of an exemplary method of obtaining at least one bodily function measurement. In block <NUM>, a first measurement indicative of blood volume is obtained in response to a user action. The first measurement may be obtained via a plurality of sensors physically coupled to an outer body of a mobile device. In some embodiments, the first measurement may be a photoplethysmography (PPG) measurement.

In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors may include at least one light sensor. The mobile device may also include at least one light source. Obtaining the first measurement may include measuring, via the at least one light sensor, reflected light from the light source reflected off of blood vessels within a user of the mobile device. For example, in <FIG>, the wearable watch obtains a PPG measurement of the user via the light sensors and light source within the wearable watch. The PPG measurement may be obtained by the PPG measurement module described in <FIG>.

In block <NUM>, a second measurement indicative of heart electrical activity is obtained in response to the user action. The second measurement may be obtained via the plurality of sensors. In some embodiments, the second measurement may be an electrocardiography (ECG) measurement.

In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors may include at least a first electrode and a second electrode. Obtaining the second measurement may include detecting completion of a circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode via a portion of the user's body. For example, in <FIG>, the wearable watch obtains an ECG measurement of the user via the electrodes located on the outer body of the wearable watch. The ECG measurement may be obtained by the ECG measurement module described in <FIG>.

In block <NUM>, generation of a blood pressure measurement based on the first measurement and the second measurement is facilitated via a processor of the mobile device. The processor may be contained within the outer body of the mobile device and the outer body may be sized to be portable for the user. In some embodiments, the mobile device may be configured to perform a primary function and a secondary function. Facilitating the generation of the blood pressure measurement may be performed as the secondary function of the mobile device. For example, in <FIG>, the wearable watch may facilitate measurement of the user's blood pressure based on the obtained PPG and ECG measurements. The blood pressure may be determined by the blood pressure measurement module described in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the mobile device is a watch. For example, in <FIG>, the mobile device is a wearable watch. In other embodiments, the mobile device is a smartphone device. For example, in <FIG>, the mobile device is a smartphone device.

In some embodiments, at least one of the sensors is built into a multifunction surface, wherein the multifunction surface is configured to simultaneously obtain the first measurement or the second measurement and a user input. For example, in <FIG>, the smartphone device (also capable of obtaining PPG and ECG measurements similar to the wearable watch) includes a multifunction touchscreen surface that facilitates user input to the smartphone device.

In some embodiments, block <NUM> and block <NUM> may be performed by a first device and block <NUM> may be performed by a second device. That is, the measures of blood volume and heart electrical activity may be performed by a device separate than the generation of the blood pressure measurement. For example, the measure of blood volume and heart electrical activity may be performed via a communication device worn by the user, whereas the generation of the blood pressure measurement may be performed by a server computer that receives the measures of blood volume and heart electrical activity from the communication device. In some embodiments, the server computer could reside within a cloud system.

<FIG> is another flow diagram <NUM> of an exemplary method of obtaining at least one bodily function measurement. In block <NUM>, a measurement to provide at least one measure of impedance associated with a user's body is obtained in response to a user action. In some embodiments, the measurement may be obtained via a plurality of sensors comprising electrodes that are physically coupled to an outer body of the mobile device. In some embodiments, a portion of the user's body positioned between the electrodes completes a circuit.

For example, in <FIG>, the wearable watch obtains an impedance measurement of the user via the electrodes located on the outer body of the wearable watch. The impedance measurement may be obtained by the impedance measurement module described in <FIG>.

In block <NUM>, generation of a hydration level measurement based on the measure of impedance is facilitated via a processor of the mobile device. In some embodiments, the processor is contained within the outer body of the mobile device. In some embodiments, the outer body is sized to be portable for the user.

In some embodiments, the mobile device is configured to perform a primary function and a secondary function. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to facilitate generation of the hydration level measurement as the secondary function of the mobile device. For example, in <FIG>, the wearable watch may facilitate measurement of the user's hydration level based on the obtained impedance measurement. The hydration level may be determined by the hydration level measurement module described in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, at least one of the sensors is built into a multifunction surface. In some embodiments, the multifunction surface is configured to simultaneously obtain the impedance measurement and a user input. In some embodiments, the multifunction surface comprises Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). In some embodiments, the multifunction surface comprises silver metal. In some embodiments, the multifunction surface comprises a network of wires or a transparent conductor. For example, in <FIG>, the smartphone device (also capable of obtaining impedance measurements similar to the wearable watch) includes a multifunction touchscreen surface that facilitates user input to the smartphone device.

In some embodiments, block <NUM> may be performed by a first device and block <NUM> may be performed by a second device. That is, the measure of impedance may be performed by a device separate from the generation of the hydration level measurement. For example, the measure of impedance may be performed via a communication device worn by the user, whereas the generation of the hydration level may be performed by a server computer that receives the measure of impedance from the communication device. In some embodiments, the server computer could reside within a cloud system.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a computing system in which one or more embodiments may be implemented. A computer system as illustrated in <FIG> may be incorporated as part of the above described computerized device. For example, computer system <NUM> can represent some of the components of a television, a computing device, a server, a desktop, a workstation, a control or interaction system in an automobile, a tablet, a netbook or any other suitable computing system. A computing device may be any computing device with an image capture device or input sensory unit and a user output device. An image capture device or input sensory unit may be a camera device. A user output device may be a display unit. Examples of a computing device include but are not limited to video game consoles, tablets, smart phones and any other hand-held devices. <FIG> provides a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a computer system <NUM> that can perform the methods provided by various other embodiments, as described herein, and/or can function as the host computer system, a remote kiosk/terminal, a point-of-sale device, a telephonic or navigation or multimedia interface in an automobile, a computing device, a set-top box, a table computer and/or a computer system. <FIG> is meant only to provide a generalized illustration of various components, any or all of which may be utilized as appropriate. <FIG>, therefore, broadly illustrates how individual system elements may be implemented in a relatively separated or relatively more integrated manner. In some embodiments, elements of computer system <NUM> may be used to implement functionality of the mobile device <NUM> in <FIG>.

The computer system <NUM> is shown comprising hardware elements that can be electrically coupled via a bus <NUM> (or may otherwise be in communication, as appropriate). The hardware elements may include one or more processors <NUM>, including without limitation one or more general-purpose processors and/or one or more special-purpose processors (such as digital signal processing chips, graphics acceleration processors, and/or the like); one or more input devices <NUM>, which can include without limitation one or more cameras, sensors, a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone configured to detect ultrasound or other sounds, and/or the like; and one or more output devices <NUM>, which can include without limitation a display unit such as the device used in embodiments of the invention, a printer and/or the like.

In some implementations of the embodiments of the invention, various input devices <NUM> and output devices <NUM> may be embedded into interfaces such as display devices, tables, floors, walls, and window screens. Furthermore, input devices <NUM> and output devices <NUM> coupled to the processors may form multi-dimensional tracking systems.

The computer system <NUM> may further include (and/or be in communication with) one or more non-transitory storage devices <NUM>, which can comprise, without limitation, local and/or network accessible storage, and/or can include, without limitation, a disk drive, a drive array, an optical storage device, a solid-state storage device such as a random access memory ("RAM") and/or a read-only memory ("ROM"), which can be programmable, flash-updateable and/or the like. Such storage devices may be configured to implement any appropriate data storage, including without limitation, various file systems, database structures, and/or the like.

The computer system <NUM> might also include a communications subsystem <NUM>, which can include without limitation a modem, a network card (wireless or wired), an infrared communication device, a wireless communication device and/or chipset (such as a Bluetooth™ device, an <NUM> device, a Wi-Fi device, a WiMax device, cellular communication facilities, etc.), and/or the like. The communications subsystem <NUM> may permit data to be exchanged with a network, other computer systems, and/or any other devices described herein. In many embodiments, the computer system <NUM> will further comprise a non-transitory working memory <NUM>, which can include a RAM or ROM device, as described above.

The computer system <NUM> also can comprise software elements, shown as being currently located within the working memory <NUM>, including an operating system <NUM>, device drivers, executable libraries, and/or other code, such as one or more application programs <NUM>, which may comprise computer programs provided by various embodiments, and/or may be designed to implement methods, and/or configure systems, provided by other embodiments, as described herein. Merely by way of example, one or more procedures described with respect to the method(s) discussed above might be implemented as code and/or instructions executable by a computer (and/or a processor within a computer); in an aspect, then, such code and/or instructions can be used to configure and/or adapt a general purpose computer (or other device) to perform one or more operations in accordance with the described methods.

A set of these instructions and/or code might be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, such as the storage device(s) <NUM> described above. In some cases, the storage medium might be incorporated within a computer system, such as computer system <NUM>. In other embodiments, the storage medium might be separate from a computer system (e.g., a removable medium, such as a compact disc), and/or provided in an installation package, such that the storage medium can be used to program, configure and/or adapt a general purpose computer with the instructions/code stored thereon. These instructions might take the form of executable code, which is executable by the computer system <NUM> and/or might take the form of source and/or installable code, which, upon compilation and/or installation on the computer system <NUM> (e.g., using any of a variety of generally available compilers, installation programs, compression/decompression utilities, etc.) then takes the form of executable code.

Substantial variations may be made in accordance with specific requirements. In some embodiments, one or more elements of the computer system <NUM> may be omitted or may be implemented separate from the illustrated system. For example, the processor <NUM> and/or other elements may be implemented separate from the input device <NUM>. In one embodiment, the processor is configured to receive images from one or more cameras that are separately implemented. In some embodiments, elements in addition to those illustrated in <FIG> may be included in the computer system <NUM>.

Some embodiments may employ a computer system (such as the computer system <NUM>) to perform methods in accordance with the disclosure. For example, some or all of the procedures of the described methods may be performed by the computer system <NUM> in response to processor <NUM> executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions (which might be incorporated into the operating system <NUM> and/or other code, such as an application program <NUM>) contained in the working memory <NUM>. Such instructions may be read into the working memory <NUM> from another computer-readable medium, such as one or more of the storage device(s) <NUM>. Merely by way of example, execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the working memory <NUM> might cause the processor(s) <NUM> to perform one or more procedures of the methods described herein.

The terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium," as used herein, refer to any medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to operate in a specific fashion. In some embodiments implemented using the computer system <NUM>, various computer-readable media might be involved in providing instructions/code to processor(s) <NUM> for execution and/or might be used to store and/or carry such instructions/code (e.g., as signals). In many implementations, a computer-readable medium is a physical and/or tangible storage medium. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical and/or magnetic disks, such as the storage device(s) <NUM>. Volatile media include, without limitation, dynamic memory, such as the working memory <NUM>. Transmission media include, without limitation, coaxial cables. copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise the bus <NUM>, as well as the various components of the communications subsystem <NUM> (and/or the media by which the communications subsystem <NUM> provides communication with other devices). Hence, transmission media can also take the form of waves (including without limitation radio. acoustic and/or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infrared data communications).

Common forms of physical and/or tangible computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punchcards, papertape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read instructions and/or code.

Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the processor(s) <NUM> for execution. Merely by way of example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk and/or optical disc of a remote computer. A remote computer might load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions as signals over a transmission medium to be received and/or executed by the computer system <NUM>. These signals, which might be in the form of electromagnetic signals, acoustic signals, optical signals and/or the like, are all examples of carrier waves on which instructions can be encoded, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

The communications subsystem <NUM> (and/or components thereof) generally will receive the signals, and the bus <NUM> then might carry the signals (and/or the data, instructions, etc. carried by the signals) to the working memory <NUM>, from which the processor(s) <NUM> retrieves and executes the instructions.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of example configurations (including implementations). However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the configurations. This description provides example configurations only. The preceding description of the configurations will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing described techniques. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

Also, configurations may be described as a process which is depicted as a flow diagram or block diagram. Although each may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the figure. Furthermore, examples of the methods may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a storage medium. Processors may perform the described tasks.

Claim 1:
A mobile device (<NUM>) for obtaining at least one bodily function measurement, comprising:
an outer body sized to be portable for a user;
a processor (<NUM>, <NUM>) contained within the outer body;
a plurality of sensors (<NUM>) physically coupled to the outer body for obtaining data accessible by the processor (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein one or more of the sensors (<NUM>) is configured to obtain a first measurement indicative of blood volume in response to a user action, wherein at least one of the sensors (<NUM>) configured to obtain the first measurement is contained within a multifunction contact button (<NUM>) coupled to the outer body;
wherein one or more of the sensors (<NUM>) is configured to obtain a second measurement indicative of heart electrical activity in response to the user action;
wherein the multifunction contact button (<NUM>) is used to simultaneously obtain the first measurement or the second measurement and a user input; and
wherein the processor (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to facilitate generation of a blood pressure measurement based on the first measurement and the second measurement.