Patent ID: 12220257

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The following description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that steps within a method may be executed in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the systems, devices, and/or methods disclosed herein can include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the systems, devices, and/or methods disclosed herein.

General

This disclosure describes noninvasive sensor systems that can enable a user to measure, view, compare, analyze, evaluate, and/or download information relating to the respiratory system, for example, via a computing device, which may contain more advanced functionality than traditional systems and devices. The computing device can be, for instance, a cellphone or smartphone, tablet, laptop, personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or the like.

Generally, the embodiments described herein can involve, be integrated with, and/or depict several example user interfaces that may be implemented in a user computing device. The user interfaces shown, described, and/or discussed can depict example displays generated by the noninvasive sensor system and may be implemented in any of the user devices described herein.

The user interfaces shown, described, and/or discussed may be implemented in a mobile application such as an application that runs on a mobile operating system such as the Android™ operating system available from Google™ or the iOS™ operating system available from Apple™. Alternatively, or in addition to being a mobile application, the user interfaces shown, described, and/or discussed can be implemented in a web application that runs in a browser.

The user interfaces shown, described, and/or discussed are merely examples that illustrate some example embodiments described herein and may be varied in other embodiments. For instance, user interface controls shown may include buttons, touch-selective components and the like which may be altered to include any type of user interface control including, but not limited to, checkboxes, radio buttons, select boxes, dropdown boxes, textboxes or any combination of the same. Likewise, the different user interface controls may be combined or their functionality may be spread apart amongst additional controls while retaining the similar or same functionality as shown and described herein. Although touchscreen interfaces are shown, other devices may implement similar user interfaces with other types of user input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, stylus, or the like.

FIG.1illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary user monitoring system100. As shown inFIG.1, the system100can include a user monitor102comprising a processing board104and a host instrument108. The processing board104communicates with a sensor106to receive one or more intensity signal(s) indicative of one or more parameters of tissue of a user. The processing board104also communicates with a host instrument108to display determined values calculated using the one or more intensity signals. The processing board104can include processing circuitry arranged on one or more printed circuit boards capable of installation into the monitor102, or capable of being distributed as some or all of one or more OEM components for a wide variety of host instruments monitoring a wide variety of user information. The processing board104can include a sensor interface110, a digital signal processor and signal extractor (“DSP” or “processor”)112, and an instrument manager114. In general, the sensor interface110can convert digital control signals into analog drive signals capable of driving sensor emitters, and converts composite analog intensity signal(s) from light sensitive detectors into digital data.

The sensor interface110can manage communication with external computing devices. For example, a multipurpose sensor port (or input/output port) can connect to the sensor106or alternatively connect to a computing device, such as a personal computer, a PDA, additional monitoring equipment or networks, or the like. When connected to the computing device, the processing board104may upload various stored data for, for example, off-line analysis and diagnosis. The stored data may comprise trend data for any one or more of the measured parameter data, plethysmograph waveform data acoustic sound waveform, or the like. Moreover, the processing board104may advantageously download from the computing device various upgrades or executable programs, may perform diagnosis on the hardware or software of the monitor102. In addition, the processing board104may advantageously be used to view and examine user data, including raw data, at or away from a monitoring site, through data uploads/downloads, or network connections, combinations, or the like, such as for customer support purposes including software maintenance, customer technical support, and the like. Upgradable sensor ports are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,950, filed on Jul. 23, 2004, titled “Multipurpose Sensor Port,” incorporated by reference herein.

As shown inFIG.1, the digital data is output to the DSP112. The DSP112can comprise a processing device based on the Super Harvard ARChitecture (“SHARC”), such as those commercially available from Analog Devices. However, a skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that the DSP112can comprise a wide variety of data and/or signal processors capable of executing programs for determining physiological parameters from input data. In particular, the DSP112includes program instructions capable of receiving multiple channels of data related to one or more intensity signals representative of the absorption (from transmissive or reflective sensor systems) of a plurality of wavelengths of emitted light by body tissue. The DSP112can accept data related to the absorption of eight (8) wavelengths of light, although an artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that the data can be related to the absorption of two (2) to sixteen (16) or more wavelengths.

FIG.1also shows the processing board104including the instrument manager114. The instrument manager114can comprise one or more microcontrollers controlling system management, including, for example, communications of calculated parameter data and the like to the host instrument108. The instrument manager114may also act as a watchdog circuit by, for example, monitoring the activity of the DSP112and resetting it when appropriate.

The sensor106can comprise a reusable clip-type sensor, a disposable adhesive-type sensor, a combination sensor having reusable and disposable components, or the like. Moreover, an artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that the sensor106can also comprise mechanical structures, adhesive or other tape structures, Velcro wraps or combination structures specialized for the type of user, type of monitoring, type of monitor, or the like. The sensor106can provide data to the board104and vice versa through, for example, a user cable. An artisan will also recognize from the disclosure herein that such communication can be wireless, over public or private networks or computing systems or devices, or the like. For example, such communication can be via wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-wave, or radio frequency such as near field communication, or other wireless protocols such as cellular telephony infrared, satellite transmission, proprietary protocols, combinations of the same, and the like.

As shown inFIG.1, the sensor106includes a plurality of emitters116irradiating the body tissue118with differing wavelengths of light, and one or more detectors120capable of detecting the light after attenuation by the tissue118. The emitters116can include a matrix of eight (8) emission devices mounted on a flexible substrate, the emission devices being capable of emitting eight (8) differing wavelengths of light. The emitters116can comprise twelve (12) or sixteen (16) emitters, although other numbers of emitters are contemplated, including two (2) or more, three (3) or more, four (4) or more, five (5) or more, six (6) or more, or seven (7) or more emitters, for example. As shown inFIG.1, the sensor106may include other electrical components such as, for example, a memory device122comprising an EPROM, EEPROM, ROM, RAM, microcontroller, combinations of the same, or the like. Other sensor components may include an optional temperature determination device123or other mechanisms for, for example, determining real-time emission wavelengths of the emitters116.

The memory122may advantageously store some or all of a wide variety data and information, including, for example, information on the type or operation of the sensor106; type or identification of sensor buyer or distributor or groups of buyer or distributors, sensor manufacturer information, sensor characteristics including the number of emitting devices, the number of emission wavelengths, data relating to emission centroids, data relating to a change in emission characteristics based on varying temperature, history of the sensor temperature, current, or voltage, emitter specifications, emitter drive requirements, demodulation data, calculation mode data, the parameters for which the sensor is capable of supplying sufficient measurement data (e.g., HbCO, HbMet, HbT, or the like), calibration or parameter coefficient data, software such as scripts, executable code, or the like, sensor electronic elements, whether the sensor is a disposable, reusable, multi-site, partially reusable, partially disposable sensor, whether it is an adhesive or non-adhesive sensor, whether the sensor is a reflectance, transmittance, or transreflectance sensor, whether the sensor is a finger, hand, foot, forehead, or ear sensor, whether the sensor is a stereo sensor or a two-headed sensor, sensor life data indicating whether some or all sensor components have expired and should be replaced, encryption information, keys, indexes to keys or hash functions, or the like, monitor or algorithm upgrade instructions or data, some or all of parameter equations, information about the user, age, sex, medications, and other information that may be useful for the accuracy or alarm settings and sensitivities, trend history, alarm history, or the like. The monitor may advantageously store data on the memory device, including, for example, measured trending data for any number of parameters for any number of users, or the like, sensor use or expiration calculations, sensor history, or the like.

FIG.1also shows the user monitor102including the host instrument108. The host instrument108can communicate with the board104to receive signals indicative of the physiological parameter information calculated by the DSP112. The host instrument108preferably includes one or more display devices124capable of displaying indicia representative of the calculated physiological parameters of the tissue118at the measurement site. The host instrument108can advantageously include a handheld housing capable of displaying one or more of a pulse rate, plethysmograph data, perfusion quality such as a perfusion quality index (“PI™”), signal or measurement quality (“SQ”), values of blood constituents in body tissue, including for example, SpO2, HbCO, HbMet, HbT, or the like. The host instrument108can display values for one or more of HbT, Hb, blood glucose, bilirubin, or the like. The host instrument108may be capable of storing or displaying historical or trending data related to one or more of the measured values, combinations of the measured values, plethysmograph data, or the like. The host instrument108also includes an audio indicator126and user input device128, such as, for example, a keypad, touch screen, pointing device, voice recognition device, or the like.

The host instrument108can include audio or visual alarms that alert caregivers that one or more physiological parameters are falling below predetermined safe thresholds. The host instrument108can include indications of the confidence a caregiver should have in the displayed data. The host instrument108can advantageously include circuitry capable of determining the expiration or overuse of components of the sensor106, including, for example, reusable elements, disposable elements, or combinations of the same.

Although described in terms of certain systems, other systems or combination of systems will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure herein. For example, the monitor102may comprise one or more monitoring systems monitoring parameters, such as, for example, vital signs, blood pressure, ECG or EKG, respiration, glucose, bilirubin, or the like. Such systems may combine other information with intensity-derived information to influence diagnosis or device operation. Moreover, the monitor102may advantageously include an audio system, preferably comprising a high quality audio processor and high quality speakers to provide for voiced alarms, messaging, or the like. The monitor102can advantageously include an audio out jack, conventional audio jacks, headphone jacks, or the like, such that any of the display information disclosed herein may be audibilized for a listener. For example, the monitor102may include an audible transducer input (such as a microphone, piezoelectric sensor, or the like) for collecting one or more of heart sounds, lung sounds, trachea sounds, or other body sounds and such sounds may be reproduced through the audio system and output from the monitor102. Also, wired or wireless communications (such as Bluetooth® or WiFi, including IEEE 801.11a, b, or g), mobile communications, combinations of the same, or the like, may be used to transmit the audio output to other audio transducers separate from the monitor102. Other communication protocols can also be utilized. For example, such communication can be via wireless protocols such as ZigBee, Z-wave, or radio frequency such as near field communication, or other wireless protocols such as cellular telephony infrared, satellite transmission, proprietary protocols, combinations of the same, and the like.

Patterns or changes in the continuous noninvasive monitoring of intensity-derived information may cause the activation of other vital sign measurement devices, such as, for example, blood pressure cuffs.

Sensor System

This disclosure describes patient monitoring devices that can include one or more sensors that can be worn by a patient. For example, the patient monitoring devices discussed in this disclosure can include one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, or five or more sensors that can be worn by a patient. The systems described herein and shown in the attached drawings include sensors and sensor systems for measuring physiological parameters. Sensors and physiological monitors described herein include hardware and/or software capable of determining, comparing, analyzing, and/or monitoring blood oxygenation levels in veins, arteries, a heart rate, a blood flow, respiratory rates, and/or other physiological parameters. For example, a pulse oximetry system can use an optical sensor clipped onto a patient's nose, to measure a relative volume of oxygenated hemoglobin in pulsatile arterial blood flowing within, the fingertip, foot, ear, forehead, or other measurement sites.

The patient monitoring device discussed herein can be shaped and sized for use in various environmental settings and/or for use in various applications. For example, as described above, using the nose sensor, a medical patient can be monitored using one or more sensors, each of which can transmit a signal over a cable or other communication link or medium such as those discussed herein to a physiological monitor. A nose sensor can be placed on the alar region of the nose. As referred to herein, “nose” can include any portion of a patient's nose. For example, the patient's nose can include at least a portion of the patient's nostril, the alar region of the nose, an inner surface of the nose, and/or an outer surface of the nose, among other portions. As described above, the nose sensor can measure internal and/or external carotid arteries, veins, and/or other vessels to determine blood oxygenation levels and/or changes, heart rates, blood flow measurements, respiratory rates, and/or the like.

The nose sensor can also include sensing elements such as, for example, acoustic piezoelectric devices, electrical ECG leads, pulse oximetry sensors, and/or the like. The sensors can generate respective signals by measuring one or more physiological parameters of the patient. The sensors can generate respective signals by measuring one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, or nine or more physiological parameters of the patient, for example. The signals can then be processed by one or more processors. The one or more processors then can communicate the processed signal to a display if a display is provided. The display can be incorporated in the physiological monitor. The display can be separate from the physiological monitor. The nose sensor can have one or more cables connecting the sensor to a monitor, other sensors, and/or a display, among other components. Alternatively, or additionally, the nose sensor can have a wireless transmitter, receiver, or transceiver for receiving and/or transmitting information regarding physiological parameters to a display or stand-alone monitor. The wireless transmitter, receiver, or transceiver of the nose sensor can utilize the communication links or protocols discussed herein. For example, such communication can be via wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-wave, or radio frequency such as near field communication, or other wireless protocols such as cellular telephony infrared, satellite transmission, proprietary protocols, combinations of the same, and the like.

FIGS.2-8illustrate a nose sensor system200. The nose sensor system200can include an inner prong202and an outer prong204. The inner prong202can be coupled to the outer prong204by a coupling portion220(seeFIGS.4and6).

The coupling portion220can be formed at an intersection between the inner prong202and the outer prong204. The coupling portion220can be positioned approximately at a center of the outer prong204. For example, the inner prong202and the outer prong204can be coupled by the coupling portion220. The coupling portion220can be generally rounded. The coupling portion220can be square, rectangular, and/or triangular. The coupling portion220can comprise a combination of these styles and/or shapes. The coupling portion220can help to maintain the rigidity of the sensor200. The coupling portion220can bias the outer prong204towards the inner prong202and/or the inner prong202towards the outer prong204. The coupling portion220can space the outer prong204from the inner prong202to accommodate various nose geometries.

The inner prong202and the outer prong204can be integrally formed. The inner prong202, outer prong204, and/or the coupling portion220can be integrally formed. The inner prong202and/or the outer prong204can be formed separately and/or can be connected by the coupling portion220. For example, the outer prong204can be adhered, bonded, formed with, and/or otherwise connected to the inner prong202. Additionally, the outer prong204and/or the inner prong202can be adhered, bonded, formed with, and/or otherwise connected to the coupling portion220. The outer prong204and/or the inner prong202can connect to the coupling portion220by a snap-fit connection. For example, the outer prong204can snap into and thereby secure to the coupling portion220, and/or the coupling portion220can snap into and thereby secure to the outer prong204. The inner prong202can snap into and thereby secure to the coupling portion220, and/or the coupling portion220can snap into and thereby secure to the inner prong202.

As shown, inFIG.4, the inner prong202can extend away from the outer prong204. The inner prong202can extend away from the coupling portion220in a first and/or second direction. The inner prong202can include a detector212as described in more detail below. At least a portion of the inner prong202can be configured to be positioned within a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong202can be positioned adjacent an inner surface of a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong202can engage at least a portion of an inner surface of a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong202can be positioned within a patient's nose and/or at least a portion of the inner prong202can remain outside of the patient's nose when the nose sensor200is in use. Alternatively, at least a portion of the inner prong202can be configured to be positioned outside a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong202can be positioned adjacent an outer surface of a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong202can engage at least a portion of an outer surface of a patient's nose.

The inner prong202can include at least one inner post203. The inner post203can be coupled with the detector212as discussed in more detail below. The inner post203can be configured to be positioned within the patient's nose.

As shown inFIG.2, the outer prong204can be generally U-shaped. The outer prong204can comprise other shapes, however, such as a V-shape. The outer prong204can include at least one outer post205. For example, the outer prong204can include one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more outer posts205. As shown inFIG.2, the outer prong204can include two outer posts205A,205B. The outer posts205A,205B can be integrally formed. The outer posts205A,205B can be formed with the outer prong204. The outer posts205A,205B can be connected directly to the coupling portion220. The outer prong204, the coupling portion220, and/or the inner prong202can comprise various lengths. The outer prong204and/or the outer posts of the outer prong204can be longer than the inner prong202, inner post203, and/or the coupling portion220. The outer prong204and/or the outer posts of the outer prong204can be shorter than the inner prong202, inner post203and/or the coupling portion220. Thus, the outer prong204, coupling portion220, the inner prong202, and/or the inner post203can comprise various lengths so as to aid securement to patient's having varying sizes and/or shapes of noses. The outer prong204, the coupling portion220, the inner prong202, and/or the inner post203can also comprise various lengths so as to aid comfort to patient's having varying sizes and/or shapes of noses when the nose sensor200or a portion thereof is attached to the patient.

As discussed above, the outer prong204can be generally U-shaped. The outer prong204can be rectangular-shaped, square-shaped, and/or triangle-shaped, among other shapes. The outer posts205A,205B can extend outwardly from the coupling portion220. The outer posts205A,205B can be curved as the outer posts205A,205B extend away from the coupling portion220. For example, a lower portion of the outer posts205A,205B can be generally curved. An upper portion of the outer posts205A,205B can extend generally upwardly from the lower portion. The upper portion of the outer posts205A,205B can extend inwardly towards one another and/or towards a coupling region206(seeFIG.4).

As shown inFIG.4, for example, the outer prong204can be curved at an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion of the outer prong204and/or of the outer posts205A,205B can be curved towards the inner prong202. The intermediate portion of the outer prong204and/or the outer posts205A,205B can be generally straight such that the outer prong204extends generally upwardly and/or parallel to the inner prong202. The shape of the outer prong204can beneficially help to secure the nose sensor200to the patient's nose. For example, the shape of the outer prong204relative to the shape of the inner prong202can help to secure the nose sensor200to the patient's nose. As shown inFIG.4, for example, an intermediate portion of the inner prong202and the outer prong204are curved towards one another to help to secure the nose sensor200to the patient's nose in use. This can advantageously help to minimize contact with the patient's nose to reduce the chance of irritating the patient's skin while also securing the nose sensor to the patient's nose. For example, only the intermediate region of the outer prong204and/or the inner prong202can contact the patient's tissue. At least a portion of a lower, intermediate, and/or upper portion of the outer prong204and/or at least a portion of a lower, intermediate, and/or lower portion of the inner prong202can contact the patient's tissue.

As shown in at leastFIGS.4and5, the outer prong204can be biased inwardly relative to the inner prong202and/or the inner prong202can be biased inwardly relative to the outer prong204. For example, the inner prong202and/or the outer prong204can be biased such that the nose sensor200can be secured to the patient's nose between the inner prong202and the outer prong204. This can enhance comfort to the patient when the nose sensor200is secured to the patient. The nose sensor200can be configured to accommodate various shaped and sized noses, and in particular, the alar of the nose. For example, to accommodate a larger nose, the outer prong204can be pulled away from the inner prong202and/or the inner prong202can be pulled away from the outer prong204. In use, at least a portion of the nose sensor200can slide onto the patient's nose. When the nose sensor200slides along the patient's nose, the outer prong204and/or the inner prong202can bend and/or be pushed outwardly by the patient's tissue. This can help to ensure that the nose sensor200remains secured to the patient's nose and/or is comfortable to the patient. This can help to allow the nose sensor200to sit flush against the patient's tissue, inside, and/or outside of the patient's nose. The nose sensor200may be less bulky and/or occupy less space on the patient's tissue. For example, the reduced profile of the inner prong202can allow for a larger breathing space within the patient's nasal passages if the inner prong202is configured to be inserted into the patient's nose when nose sensor200is secured to the patient.

The outer prong204, outer posts205A and205B, the inner post203, the third post205C (seeFIGS.7and8), and/or the coupling portion220can comprise a cross-section that is circular. Alternatively, the outer prong204, outer posts205A and205B, the inner post203, the third post205C, and/or the coupling portion220can comprise a cross-section that is non-circular. For example, the outer prong204, outer posts205A and205B, the inner post203, the third post205C, and/or the coupling portion220can comprise a cross-section that is polygonal. The outer prong204, outer posts205A and205B, the inner post203, the third post205C, and/or the coupling portion220can comprise a cross-section that is triangle, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, or otherwise shaped. The outer prong204, outer posts205A and205B, the inner post203, the third post205C, and/or the coupling portion220can comprise a cross-section that is some combination of these circular and/or polygonal shapes. For example, the outer prong204, outer posts205A and205B, the inner post203, the third post205C, and/or the coupling portion220can comprise a cross-section that is partially circular and partially polygonal.

FIGS.7and8illustrate the nose sensor200in use. As shown, at least a portion of the inner post203can slide into the patient's nose and engage an inner surface of the patient's nose. At least a portion of the outer posts205A,205B can slide along an outer region of the patient's nose and engage an outer surface of the patient's nose. Alternatively, at least a portion of the inner prong202and/or the inner post203can slide along an outer region of the patient's nose and engage an outer surface of the patient's nose, and at least a portion of the outer posts205A,205B can slide into the patient's nose and engage an inner surface of the patient's nose. These configurations can help to ensure that the nose sensor200remains secured to the patient's nose and/or is comfortable when secured to the patient. These configurations can help to allow the nose sensor200to sit flush against the patient's tissue, inside and/or outside of the patient's nose. The sensor200may be less bulky and/or occupy less space on the patient's tissue. For example, as shown inFIG.2, a central longitudinal axis of the inner post203can be aligned with or parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the inner prong202. The first outer post205A can be spaced from the second outer post205B. For example, the first outer post205A can have a side wall that is positioned adjacent a first side wall of the outer prong204and the second outer post205B can have a side wall that is positioned adjacent an second side wall of the outer prong204.

As shown in the illustrated nose sensor200inFIG.3, the inner post203can include a first side wall209A and a second side wall209B. The first outer post205A and/or the second outer post205B can be spaced laterally away from one another along the outer prong204. The first outer post205A can be positioned laterally outward from the first side wall209A of the inner post203. The second outer post205B can be positioned laterally outward from the second side wall209B of the inner post203.

The inner prong202(or a portion thereof) can apply pressure to an inner portion of the nose of the patient when the nose sensor200is secured to at least a portion of the patient's nose. The first outer post205A can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient that can be spaced laterally outwardly from at least a portion of the inner portion of the patient's nose where the inner prong202(or portion thereof) applies a pressure when the nose sensor200is secured to the patient. The second outer post205B can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient that can be spaced laterally outwardly from the inner portion of the patient's nose where the inner prong202(or portion thereof) applies a pressure when the nose sensor200is secured to the patient. The inner post203can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient, as discussed above. The portion of the nose of the patient can be positioned between the first outer post205A and/or the second outer post205B when the inner prong202and the outer prong204of the nose sensor200are secured to the patient. The inner prong202(or portion thereof) can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient. The portion of the nose of the patient can be positioned between the first outer post205A and the second outer post205B when the inner prong202and the outer prong204are secured to the patient.

To secure the nose sensor200to the patient, the inner prong202(or portion thereof) can apply pressure to an inner surface of the patient's nose, as discussed above. For example, the inner prong202(or portion thereof) can apply pressure from the inside of the patient's nose towards the outside of the patient's nose. The first outer post205A and/or the second outer post205B can apply pressure to the outer surface of the patient's nose. For example, the first and/or second outer posts205A,205B can apply pressure from the outside of the patient's nose towards the inside of the patient's nose. The inner prong202(or portion thereof) can apply pressure to a portion of the patient's nose that is positioned at least partially between the outer posts205A,205B. The outer posts205A,205B can apply pressure to a portion of the patient's nose that is positioned at least partially outwardly from the inner prong202(or portion thereof).

As discussed above, the positioning of the inner prong202and/or the outer prong204of the nose sensor200can advantageously help to secure the nose sensor200to the patient while also minimizing the contact of portions of the nose sensor200with the patient. As also discussed above, varying the positioning of portions of the nose sensor200and/or minimizing the contact between portions of the nose sensor200and the patient can aid patient comfort and improve securement. For example, the inner prong202(or portions thereof), the outer prong204, and/or the coupling portion220can secure to the patient by contacting one or more points, areas, or portions of the patient's nose. For example, the inner prong202can contact an inner or outer portion of the patient's nose and the first and second outer posts205A,205B of the outer prong204can contact a different inner or outer portion of the patient's nose when the nose sensor200is secured to the patient. Compared to other sensors which may contact a larger portion or region of a patient's nose when secured to the patient, the configuration of the inner prong202and/or outer prong204of the nose sensor200can contact less of a portion or region of a patient's nose when the nose sensor200is secured to a patient. As discussed above, the inner prong202and/or outer prong204of the nose sensor200can be configured to contact a minimal amount of a portion or region of a patient's nose when the nose sensor200is secured to a patient.

The nose sensor200can measure various physiological parameters of a patient, as discussed above. As shown inFIGS.2-8, for example, the nose sensor200can include an emitter210and a detector212to allow the nose sensor200to measure the patient's physiological parameters, such as those discussed herein.

Various arrangements of the emitter210and/or the detector212can allow the nose sensor200to take more accurate measurements. The emitter can be a light-emitting diode (LED). The emitter210can emit light of a certain wavelength. The light emitter210can emit light of different wavelengths in sequence with only one emitter emitting light at a given time, thereby forming a pulse sequence. The number of emitters is not limiting and can range from two to eight, or more in some instances. Detailed descriptions and additional examples of the light emitters are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,880, referenced above.

The detector212can detect light from the emitter210after the light passes through and is attenuated by tissue of the patient's nose. For example, the detector212can comprise photodetectors, photodiodes, phototransistors, and/or the like. Additional details of the photodetector are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,880, referenced above. The detector212can generate an electrical signal based on the detected light from the emitter210. The signal of the detected light from the emitter210can be input into a signal processor described herein, such that the signal processor can process an output of the sensor200.

FIGS.2-8illustrate a detector212. The detector212can be positioned along the inner prong202. For example, the detector212can be coupled with an end of the inner post203of the inner prong202. The detector212can be coupled with an upper edge of the inner post203. The detector212can be coupled with an inner surface of the inner post203. The detector212can be adhered, bonded, formed into, and/or otherwise attached to the inner post203. The detector212can be configured to connect to the inner post203by a snap-fit connection. The inner post203and the detector212can be integrally formed. The detector212can be secured to an inner surface of the patient's tissue within the patient's nose.

The detector212can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the detector212can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong204and/or the inner prong202with the patient's nose can hold the detector212against the inner surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives.

The detector212can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the detector212can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong204and/or the inner prong202with the patient's nose can hold the detector212against the outer surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives.

The emitter210can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the emitter210can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong204and/or the inner prong202with the patient's nose can hold the emitter210against the inner surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives.

The emitter210can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the emitter210can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong204and/or the inner prong202with the patient's nose can hold the emitter210against the outer surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives. The emitter210and/or the detector212can include an adhesive layer and a release liner overtop the adhesive layer. The release liner can be removed when the emitter210and/or the detector212is ready to be secured to a patient's skins surface, such as an interior or exterior portion of a patient's nose.

The securement of the nose sensor200to the patient can be configured to maintain an alignment between the emitter210and detector212when the nose sensor200is in use, as discussed below. As shown inFIG.4, the detector212can be angled away from the outer prong204, the outer posts205A,205B,205C and/or the emitter210. The nose sensor200shape and/or size can be varied so as to reduce the bulkiness and/or the obtrusiveness of the nose sensor200. Thus, the nose sensor200can maintain a generally low profile. The nose sensor200can include a diffuser positioned proximate to the emitter210. For example, the diffuser can be positioned in front of the emitter210. The diffuser can comprise silicone. For example, the diffuser can include white and/or black silicone or a combination thereof to scatter a greater amount of light and/or more accurately measure a patient's physiological parameters. For example, an inner part of the diffuser can be white or of a more translucent material and the outer part can be black or of a less translucent material in order to prevent scattering of light beyond the area of interest and to prevent stray ambient light from entering the tissue site. The diffuser can comprise materials other than silicone. For example, the diffuser can comprise acrylic and/or plastics such as polycarbonate and/or polycarbonate film or sheets. The diffuser can comprise glass such as opal glass, ground glass, patterned glass, and/or a combination of such materials. The diffuser can also comprise other materials with varying material properties and/or characteristics. The diffuser can comprise one or more layers with different material properties and/or characteristics. For example, the diffuser can comprise, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more layers with different material properties and/or characteristics. Additionally, the diffuser can comprise one or more layers with similar material properties and/or characteristics. For example, the diffuser can comprise, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more layers with similar material properties and/or characteristics.

The diffuser of the nose sensor200can diffuse emitted light prior to entering the tissue. The diffuser can advantageously spread out, disseminate, and/or scatter light exiting from the emitter210into and/or around a portion of a patient's body, for example the nose. This can permit light originating from the emitter210to pass through a wider region or area of a patient's body, and thus better facilitate collection of physiological parameters (such as those discussed above). The detector212can be sized and shaped to receive the optical radiation after it attenuates through tissue and fluids of a portion of a body. Diffusing light prior to entering the tissue can be advantageous because the light is allowed to pass through more tissue. This allows the light to sample more of the body tissue before being detected. It also provides for more even and consistent light across a larger portion of tissue. The diffusion of light by the diffuser of the nose sensor200can be performed through a light diffusion layer on or proximate to the emitter210structure.

The size and/or shape of the diffuser can help to avoid edge effects. For example, the thickness and/or diameter of the diffuser can help to avoid edge effects. Similarly, the proximity of the diffuser relative to the emitter210can help to avoid edge effects. Such configurations can advantageously help to desensitize the nose sensor200to geometric variability. For example, the size and/or shape of the diffuser and/or the positioning of the diffuser can allow the nose sensor200to accommodate various nose shapes and/or sizes, and/or accurately measure a patient's physiological parameters when light is emitted from the emitter210, diffused by the diffuser, transmitted through a portion of the patient's body, and detected by the detector212.

As shown in at leastFIGS.2-3and7-8, the nose sensor200can include an emitter210. The emitter210can be coupled to a third post205C of the outer prong204. The third post205C can be formed with or integral with the first post205A, the second post205B, and/or the outer prong204. Alternatively, the third post205C can be separate from or not integral with the first post205A, the second post205B, and/or the outer prong204. The third post205C can be configured to be inserted into a portion of the outer prong204. For example, the third post205C can be inserted into an aperture (not shown) along the outer prong204. The third post205C can be configured to be secured to the outer prong204or other portion of the nose sensor200via an adhesive, fastener, or another securement method. The third post205C can form a flap. The flap can be rigid or substantially rigid. Alternatively, the flap can be flexible. The flap can be flexible relative to the first and/or second outer posts205A,205B, which can be substantially rigid. As shown in at leastFIGS.7and8, the flap can be pulled, bent, and/or peeled away from a patient's nose207in use. In use, the emitter210can be secured to an outer surface of the patient's nose207, as described below. Alternatively, in use, the emitter210can be secured to an inner surface of the patient's nose207. In some alternative configurations, the nose sensor200does not include a third post205C. For example, the nose sensor200can have an inner prong202including an inner post203and a detector212, and an outer prong204with a first post205a second post205B, and a coupling portion220. Such a configuration for a nose sensor200can be used alongside a separate emitter which can attach to an inside or outside portion of a patient's nose to interact with the detector212of nose sensor200. Such an emitter can be electronically coupled to the detector212through wiring or a flexible circuit.

As discussed above, the third post205C can form a flap. The emitter210can be coupled with the flap. For example, the emitter210can be coupled with an end of the flap. The emitter210can be positioned on an inner and/or outer surface of the flap. The flap configuration can advantageously allow the nose sensor200to accommodate various nose geometries. For example, the flap can allow the emitter210to be positioned approximately parallel to the detector212in use. In use, the emitter210can be positioned such that the emitter210remains in alignment with the detector212as the nose sensor200is attached to a patient. Thus, the emitter can remain in alignment with the detector212regardless of the shape and/or size of the patient's nose. In some alternative designs, the third post205C can have a length that is different than the length of the inner post203. For example, the third post205C can have a shorter length than the length of the inner post203. Alternatively, the third post205C can have a greater length than the length of the inner post203. A nose sensor200having an inner post203with a different length than the third post205can allow an emitter210coupled to the third post205C to be offset or not aligned with a detector212coupled to the inner post203. Such an offset can advantageously increase the path length between the emitter210and the detector212. For example, such an offset can advantageously allow for light emitted from the emitter210to have to pass through more tissue before arriving and being detected by the detector212. Even though misalignment between the emitter210and the detector212may result more scattering of light emitted from the emitter210and less emitted light getting to the detector212, the misalignment and resulting increase in path length can advantageously allow light to pass through more body tissue, which can result in more accurate measurement of physiological parameters.

The emitter210and/or the detector212can be spaced away from the intermediate region of the outer prong204and/or the inner prong202, or other region of the inner prong202and/or the outer prong204that contacts the patient's tissue. This can help to space the measurement location, for example the space between the emitter210and the detector212, from the points, areas, and/or regions where the nose sensor200or portions thereof are secured to and/or contacting the patient. Spacing the measurement location from these securement locations can help to reduce false and/or inaccurate readings of physiological parameters such as those discussed herein. For example, a pressure region created by contact between the nose sensor200or portions thereof and the patient's tissue at and/or proximate to these securement locations may alter blood flow in the patient's tissue or otherwise affect the values of physiological parameters measured by the nose sensor200. Thus, by spacing the emitter210and/or the detector212from points, areas, and/or regions where the nose sensor200or portions thereof are secured to and/or contacting the patient, the nose sensor200can allow for more accurate measurements of physiological parameters. As discussed above, the third post205C can be coupled with an emitter210. The third post205C can be flexible. The third post205C can apply little or no pressure on a patient's nose when the third post205C and/or the emitter210is secured to an inside or outside portion of a patient's nose. For example, the emitter210can be coupled to the third post205C and the emitter210can have an adhesive surrounding the emitter210that helps secure the emitter210and/or the third post205C to an inside or outside portions of a patient's nose. In such configuration, the third post205C and/or the emitter210can advantageously apply little or no pressure to the patient's nose, which can allow for more accurate measurements of physiological parameters.

An open side of the emitter210(for example, the side configured to face the patient's tissue) can be secured to and/or positioned against an outside surface of the patient's nose. The emitter210and/or the detector212can be secured to the patient's nose before, during, and/or after securement of the outer prong204and/or the inner prong202to the patient's nose. The outer prong204and/or the inner prong202can be secured to the patient's nose before, during, and/or after the emitter210and/or the detector212is secured to the patient's nose. For example, the emitter210can be placed approximately aligned with the detector212along an outer surface of the patient's nose207. Alternatively, the emitter210can be placed approximately aligned with the detector212along an inner surface of the patient's nose207.

The emitter210can include an adhesive that can be configured to couple the emitter210with the patient's nose. For example, the adhesive can secure the emitter210to the patient's nose at a position approximately aligned with the detector212. The emitter210can include a liner. The liner can cover the emitter210when the emitter210is not in use. The liner can help to prevent the emitter210from inadvertently adhering to another object. The liner can help to keep the emitter210clean. The liner can help to maintain the adhesive properties of the adhesive backing of the emitter210and prevent errant readings due to detection of light before the nose sensor200is in place. To secure the emitter210to the patient, the liner can be removed.

The nose sensor200can include a lens on and/or around the detector212. This lens can advantageously help focus light into the detector212. For example, the lens can help focus light transmitted through a portion of a patient's body, such as a nose, and originating from the emitter210. The lens can comprise various materials. For example, the lens can comprise glass and/or plastic. The lens can also comprise various optical refractive properties. For example, the lens can vary in thickness, curvature, refractive index, focal length, and/or other properties. The lens can be a simple lens. For example, the lens can comprise a single piece of transparent material. Alternatively, the lens can be a compound lens. For example, the lens can comprise one or more simple lenses arranged about a common axis. For example, the lens can comprise two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more simple lenses arranged about a common axis. The lens can be paired with a diffuser to even out light distribution before detection and/or be surrounded by a black or dark colored border in order to block ambient stray light.

The nose sensor200can include wiring or a flexible circuit for electronically coupling the emitter210and the detector212. The nose sensor200can include wiring or a flexible circuit that couples the emitter210and the detector212and that is positioned within a portion of the nose sensor200. For example, the nose sensor200can including wiring or a flexible circuit that connects to the emitter210in an interior portion of the third post205C and that travels through an interior portions of the outer prong204, coupling portion220, and/or inner post203to connect to the detector212. In such configurations, the wiring or flexible circuit can be configured to fit within interior portions of the outer prong204, coupling portion220, and/or inner post203of nose sensor200. This can advantageously simplify the attachment and/or securement of the nose sensor200. Alternatively, in some configurations, the wiring or flexible circuit can be configured to be outside of interior portions of the nose sensor200. For example, the emitter210can be electronically coupled to the detector212by wiring or a flexible circuit that travels outside the nose sensor200or components of the nose sensor200. The nose sensor200can have an emitter210and no third post205C. For example, the nose sensor200can have a detector212connected to a flexible circuit on one end of the flexible circuit and can have the other end of the flexible circuit connected to the emitter210. For example, the flexible circuit can connect to the detector212at an end of the inner post203, pass through an interior portion of the inner post203, inner prong202, coupling portion220, and/or an opening in the outer prong204(not shown) and connect to the emitter210. Thus, a portion of the flexible circuit can be confined or secured within an interior portion of the nose sensor200and a portion of the flexible circuit connected to the emitter210can be freely moveable outside the nose sensor200and can be secured to a portion of a patient's nose, such as an exterior portion.

FIGS.9-15illustrate a nose sensor300. The nose sensor300can be similar to or identical to the nose sensor discussed above in some or many respects. As shown inFIGS.9-15, the nose sensor300can include an inner prong302and an outer prong304, which can be respectively similar to the inner prong202and the outer prong204described above in connection with the nose sensor200in some or many respects. The nose sensor300can include any one, or any combination, of features of the nose sensor200. For example, the nose sensor300can include an emitter and/or a detector similar to the emitter210and the detector212of the nose sensor200.

For example, the inner prong302and the outer prong304can be coupled by a coupling portion320. The coupling portion320can be generally rounded. The coupling portion320can be square, rectangular, and/or triangular. The coupling portion320can comprise a combination of these styles and/or shapes. The coupling portion320can help to maintain the rigidity of the sensor300. The coupling portion320can bias the outer prong304towards the inner prong302and/or the inner prong302towards the outer prong304. The coupling portion320can bias the outer prong304towards the inner prong302and/or the inner prong302towards the outer prong304. The coupling portion320can space the outer prong304from the inner prong302to accommodate various nose geometries.

The inner prong302and the outer prong304can be integrally formed. The inner prong302, outer prong304, and/or the coupling portion320can be integrally formed. The inner prong302and/or the outer prong304can be formed separately and/or can be connected by the coupling portion320. Additionally, the outer prong304and/or the inner prong302can be adhered, bonded, formed with, and/or otherwise connected to the coupling portion320. The outer prong304and/or the inner prong302can connect to the coupling portion320by a snap-fit connection. For example, the outer prong304can snap into and thereby secure to the coupling portion320, and/or the coupling portion320can snap into and thereby secure to the outer prong304. The inner prong302can snap into and thereby secure to the coupling portion320, and/or the coupling portion320can snap into and thereby secure to the inner prong302.

The inner prong302can extend away from the outer prong304. The inner prong302can extend away from the coupling portion320in a first and/or second direction. The inner prong302can include a detector as described in more detail below. At least a portion of the inner prong302can be configured to be positioned within a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong302can be positioned adjacent an inner surface of a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong302can engage at least a portion of an inner surface of a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong302can be positioned within a patient's nose and/or at least a portion of the inner prong302can remain outside of the patient's nose when the nose sensor300is in use. Alternatively, at least a portion of the inner prong302can be configured to be positioned outside a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong302can be positioned adjacent an outer surface of a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong302can engage at least a portion of an outer surface of a patient's nose.

As shown inFIGS.9-15, the outer prong304, outer posts305A,305B,305C, the inner prong302and/or the inner post303can be curved. The curvature of the outer prong304, outer posts305A,305B,305C, the inner prong302and/or the inner post303can help to conform to the shape of the patient's nose. This can help to accommodate a variety of nasal geometries and/or can be more comfortable to the user. The outer prong304, outer posts305A,305B,305C, the inner prong302and/or the inner post303can be generally straight such that the outer prong304and/or outer posts305A,305B,305C, and inner prong302and/or inner post303extend outwardly from the outer base324, inner base322, and/or the coupling portion320. For example, as shown inFIG.11, the outer posts305A and305B can be curved along a radius of curvature and in a direction similar to a curvature and direction of the inner prong302and/or inner post303. As can be seen byFIGS.14and15, this curvature and direction can advantageously allow the nose sensor303to secure to a patient's nose and also accommodate various shapes and/or sizes of noses of patient's while maintaining patient comfort. This similar curvature and direction of curvature can also allow the emitter coupled to an outer post305C to align or substantially align with a detector coupled to the inner post303.

The outer prong304can be approximately parallel to the inner prong302. This can help to maintain an alignment between the emitter and detector in use.

As shown, the inner prong302can include an inner post303and/or an inner base322. The inner post303can be coupled with the detector as discussed in more detail below. Thus, the inner post303can be configured to be positioned within the patient's nose, as discussed above. The inner base322can be coupled to and/or formed with the coupling portion320at one side and to the inner post303at the other side. The inner base322can be wider than the inner post303. The inner base322can be generally trapezoidal. For example, an outer surface of the inner base322can have a width that is shorter than a width of an inner surface of the base322. The inner base322can be square, rectangular, circular, and/or oval-shaped. The inner base322can also comprise other polygonal shapes, such as pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, or otherwise shaped.

The inner post303can extend from the inner base322. For example, the inner post303can extend upwardly from the inner base322. The inner post303can be positioned at approximately the center of the inner base322. Alternatively, the inner post303can be positioned in a non-centered location of the inner base322, for example, on a location of the inner base322that is closer to an edge of the inner base322.

As shown in at leastFIGS.11and15, the outer prong304can include one or more outer posts305. For example, the outer prong304can include one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more outer posts305. The outer prong304can include outer posts305A,305B,305C and an outer base324. The outer base324can be coupled to and/or formed with the coupling portion320at one side and/or to the outer posts305A,305B, and/or305C at the other side. The outer posts305A,305B can be spaced apart along the outer base324. For example, the outer posts305A,305B can be spaced apart along a top portion of the outer base324. The outer posts305A,305B, and/or305C can extend perpendicular from a top surface of the outer base324. Alternatively, the outer posts305A,305B, and/or305C can extend at an angle that is not perpendicular from a top surface of the outer base324.

The outer posts305A,305B, and/or305C can have the same and/or varying widths and/or lengths. The outer posts305A,305B, and/or305C can have widths and the inner post303can have a width. The width of the inner post303can be wider than the respective widths of the outer posts305A,305B, and/or305C. This can help to secure the nose sensor300to the patient's nose. The nose sensor300can have a reduced profile and/or incorporate reduced material, thereby reducing the overall bulkiness of the nose sensor300. Thus, the nose sensor300can be more comfortable to the patient.

As discussed above, the nose sensor300can include an emitter. The emitter can be coupled to the outer post305C of the outer prong304. The outer post305C can be formed or integral with the outer post305A, the outer post305B, and/or the outer prong304. Alternatively, the outer post305C can be separate from or not integral with the outer post305A, the outer post305B, and/or the outer prong304. The outer post305C can be configured to be inserted into a portion of the outer prong304. For example, outer post305C can be inserted into an aperture (not shown) along the outer prong304and/or outer base324. The outer post305C can be configured to be secured to the outer prong304, outer base324, or other portion of the nose sensor300via an adhesive, fastener, or another securement method. As shown in at leastFIGS.14and15, the outer post305C can form a flap. The flap can be rigid or substantially rigid. Alternatively, the flap can be flexible. The flap can be flexible relative to the outer posts305A,305B, which can be substantially rigid. As shown in at leastFIGS.14and15, the flap can be pulled, bent, and/or peeled away from a patient's nose307in use. In use, the emitter can be secured to an outer surface of the patient's nose307, as described below. Alternatively, in use, the emitter can be secured to an inner surface of the patient's nose307. In some alternative configurations, the nose sensor300does not include an outer post305C. For example, the nose sensor300can have an inner prong302including an inner post303and a detector312, and an outer prong304with an outer post305A, an outer post305B, an outer base324, and a coupling portion320. Such a configuration for a nose sensor300can be used alongside a separate emitter which can attach to an inside or outside portion of a patient's nose to interact with the detector of nose sensor300. Such an emitter can be electronically coupled to the detector through wiring or a flexible circuit.

As discussed above, the emitter of nose sensor300can be coupled with the outer post305C which can comprise a flap. For example, the emitter can be coupled with an end of the flap. The emitter can be positioned on an inner and/or outer surface of the flap. The flap configuration can advantageously allow the nose sensor300to accommodate various nose geometries. For example, the flap can allow the emitter to be positioned approximately parallel to the detector in use. In use, the emitter can be positioned such that the emitter remains in alignment with the detector as the nose sensor300is attached to a patient. Thus, the emitter can remain in alignment with the detector regardless of the shape and/or size of the patient's nose. In some alternative designs, the outer post305C can have a length that is different than the length of the inner post303. For example, the outer post305C can have a shorter length than the length of the inner post303. Alternatively, the outer post305C can have a greater length than the length of the inner post303. A nose sensor300having an inner post303with a different length than the outer post305C can allow an emitter coupled to the outer post305C to be offset or not aligned with a detector coupled to the inner post303. Such an offset can advantageously increase the path length between the emitter and the detector. For example, such an offset can advantageously allow for light emitted from the emitter to have to pass through more tissue before arriving and being detected by the detector. Even though misalignment between the emitter and the detector may result more scattering of light emitted from the emitter and less emitted light getting to the detector, the misalignment and resulting increase in path length can advantageously allow light to pass through more body tissue, which can result in more accurate measurement of physiological parameters.

The outer prong304and the outer posts305A,305B,305C of the outer prong304, the coupling portion320, and/or the inner prong302can comprise various lengths. The outer prong304and/or the outer posts of the outer prong304can be longer than the inner prong302and/or the coupling portion320. The outer prong304and/or the outer posts of the outer prong304can be shorter than the inner prong302and/or the coupling portion320. Thus, the outer prong304, coupling portion320, and/or the inner prong302can comprise various lengths so as to aid securement to patient's having varying sizes and/or shapes of noses. The outer prong304, the coupling portion320, and/or the inner prong302can also comprise various lengths so as to aid comfort to patient's having varying sizes and/or shapes of noses when the nose sensor300or a portion thereof is attached to the patient.

The outer posts305A,305B,305C can extend outwardly from the outer base324. The outer posts305A,305B,305C can be curved as the outer posts305A,305B,305C extend away from the outer base324. For example, a lower portion of the outer posts305A,305B,305C can be generally curved. An upper portion of the outer posts305A,305B,305C can extend generally upwardly from the lower portion. The upper portion of the outer posts305A,305B,305C can extend inwardly towards one another and/or towards a coupling region306(seeFIG.13). The upper portion of the outer posts305A,305B,305C can curve in the same direction, such as is shown inFIG.13. This curvature can advantageously help the nose sensor300conform more comfortably to a patient's nose or a portion thereof. The outer base324can be coupled to and/or formed with the coupling portion320at one side and to the outer prong304at the other side. The outer base324can be coupled to and/or formed with the coupling portion320at one side and to the outer post305A,305B, and/or305C at the other side. The outer base324can be wider than the outer post305A,305B, and/or305C. The outer base324can be generally trapezoidal. For example, an outer surface of the outer base324can have a width that is shorter than a width of an inner surface of the outer base324. The outer base324can be square, rectangular, circular, and/or oval-shaped. The outer base324can also comprise other polygonal shapes, such as pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, or otherwise shaped.

The outer prong304, outer posts305A,305B, and305C, the inner post303, inner base322, outer base324, and/or the coupling portion320can comprise a cross-section that is circular. Alternatively, the outer prong304, outer posts305A,305B, and305C, the inner post303, inner base322, outer base324, and/or the coupling portion320can comprise a cross-section that is non-circular. For example, the outer prong304, outer posts305A,305B, and305C, the inner post303, inner base322, outer base324, and/or the coupling portion320can comprise a cross-section that is polygonal. The outer prong304, outer posts305A,305B, and305C, the inner post303, inner base322, outer base324, and/or the coupling portion320can comprise a cross-section that is triangle, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, or otherwise shaped. The outer prong304, outer posts305A,305B, and305C, the inner post303, inner base322, outer base324, and/or the coupling portion320can comprise a cross-section that is some combination of these circular and/or polygonal shapes. For example, the outer prong304, outer posts305A,305B, and305C, the inner post303, inner base322, outer base324, and/or the coupling portion320can comprise a cross-section that is partially circular and partially polygonal. As shown in at leastFIGS.11and15, the outer posts305A and305B can comprise a cross section that is square shaped and the outer posts305A and305B can be curved along their length to better accommodate various nose sizes and/or shapes. As also shown in at leastFIGS.11and15, the inner post303can comprise a rectangular shape and can have a cross sectional width that is larger than the cross sectional width of the outer post305A and/or the outer post305B, which can aid securement of the inner post303to an interior portion of a patient's nose or an exterior portion of the patient's nose when the nose sensor303is secured to the patient. As also shown in at leastFIGS.11and15, the outer base324can have a rectangular cross section and can be curved along its length, which can help to accommodate various nose sizes and/or shapes in the region where the outer base324is secured or proximate to a portion of a patient's nose when the nose sensor303is secured to the patient. As also shown in at leastFIGS.11and15, the coupling portion320can comprise a quadrilateral shape where a back side of the coupling portion320(proximate to the inner base322) has a width that is smaller than a front side of the coupling portion320(proximate to the outer base324). This shape of the coupling portion can advantageously maintain the spacing of the outer posts305A and305B along the outer base324while also minimizing the amount of material and/or weight of the nose sensor303by having right and left sides of the coupling portion extend partially toward one another to culminate in the back side of the coupling portion320near the inner base322.

Similar to the nose sensor200, the outer prong304and/or the outer posts305A,305B,305C of nose sensor300can be curved at an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion of the outer prong304and/or of the outer posts305A,305B,305C can be curved towards the inner prong302and/or inner port303. The intermediate portion of the outer prong304and/or the outer posts305A,305B,305C can be generally straight such that the outer prong304extends generally upwardly and/or parallel to the inner prong302and/or the inner post303. The shape of the outer prong304, outer posts305A,305B,305C, the inner prong302and/or inner post303can beneficially help to secure the nose sensor300to the patient's nose. For example, the shape of the outer prong304or outer post305A,305B,305C relative to the shape of the inner prong302and/or the inner post303can help to secure the nose sensor300to the patient's nose and can accommodate various nose sizes and/or shapes.

FIGS.14and15illustrate the nose sensor300when secured to the nose of a patient. As shown, at least a portion of the inner post303can slide into the patient's nose and engage an inner surface of the patient's nose. At least a portion of the outer posts305A,305B,305C can slide along an outer region of the patient's nose and engage an outer surface of the patient's nose. Alternatively, at least a portion of the inner post303can slide along an outer region of the patient's nose and engage an outer surface of the patient's nose, and at least a portion of the outer posts305A,305B,305C can slide into the patient's nose and engage an inner surface of the patient's nose. These configurations can help to ensure that the nose sensor300remains secured to the patient's nose and/or is comfortable when secured to the patient. These configurations can help to allow the nose sensor300to sit flush against the patient's tissue, inside and/or outside of the patient's nose. The sensor300may be less bulky and/or occupy less space on the patient's tissue. For example, as shown inFIG.9, a central longitudinal axis of the inner post303can be aligned with or parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the inner prong202. As also shown inFIG.9, a central longitudinal axis of the inner post303can be aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the outer post305C, which can help ensure that the emitter and the detector are aligned to accurately measure physiological parameters when the nose sensor300is in us. The outer post305A can be spaced from the outer post305B. For example, the outer post305A can have a side wall that is positioned adjacent a first side wall of the outer prong304and the second outer post305B can have a side wall that is positioned adjacent a second side wall of the outer prong304.

As illustrated in at leastFIGS.9-11, the inner post303can include a first side wall and a second side wall. The outer post205A and/or the outer post205B can be spaced laterally away from one another along the outer prong304and/or the outer base324. The outer post305A can be positioned laterally outward from the first side wall of the inner post303. The outer post305B can be positioned laterally outward from the second side wall of the inner post303.

The inner post303can apply pressure to an inner portion of the nose of the patient when the nose sensor300is secured to at least a portion of the patient's nose. The outer post305A can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient that can be spaced laterally outwardly from at least a portion of the inner portion of the patient's nose where the inner post303applies a pressure when the nose sensor300is secured to the patient. The outer post305B can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient that can be spaced laterally outwardly from the inner portion of the patient's nose where the inner post303applies a pressure when the nose sensor300is secured to the patient. The inner post303can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient, as discussed above. The portion of the nose of the patient can be positioned between the outer post305A and/or the outer post305B when the inner prong302and the outer prong304of the nose sensor300are secured to the patient. The inner post303of the inner prong302can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient. The portion of the nose of the patient can be positioned between the outer post305A and the outer post305B when the inner prong302and the outer prong304are secured to the patient.

To secure the nose sensor300to the patient, the inner post303can apply pressure to an inner surface of the patient's nose, as discussed above. For example, the inner post303can apply pressure from the inside of the patient's nose towards the outside of the patient's nose. The outer post305A and/or the outer post305B can apply pressure to the outer surface of the patient's nose. For example, the outer post205A and/or the outer post205B can apply pressure from the outside of the patient's nose towards the inside of the patient's nose. The inner post303can apply pressure to a portion of the patient's nose that is positioned at least partially between the outer posts305A,305B. The outer posts305A,305B can apply pressure to a portion of the patient's nose that is positioned at least partially outwardly from the inner post303.

As discussed above, the positioning of the inner prong302and/or the outer prong304of the nose sensor300can advantageously help to secure the nose sensor300to the patient while also minimizing the contact of portions of the nose sensor300with the patient. As also discussed above, varying the positioning of portions of the nose sensor300and/or minimizing the contact between portions of the nose sensor300and the patient can aid patient comfort and improve securement. For example, the inner prong302(or portions thereof), the outer prong304(or portions thereof), the coupling portion220(or portions thereof) can secure to the patient by contacting one or more points, areas, or portions of the patient's nose. For example, the inner prong302can contact an inner or outer portion of the patient's nose and the outer posts305A,305B of the outer prong304can contact a different inner or outer portion of the patient's nose when the nose sensor300is secured to the patient. Compared to other sensors which may contact a larger portion or region of a patient's nose when secured to the patient, the configuration of the inner prong302and/or outer prong304of the nose sensor300can contact less of a portion or region of a patient's nose when the nose sensor300is secured to a patient. As discussed above, the inner prong302and/or outer prong304of the nose sensor300can be configured to contact a minimal amount of a portion or region of a patient's nose when the nose sensor300is secured to a patient.

The nose sensor300can measure various physiological parameters of a patient, like those discussed above. As discussed above, the nose sensor300can include an emitter and a detector to allow the nose sensor300to measure the patient's physiological parameters, such as those discussed herein.

Various arrangements of the emitter and/or the detector can allow the nose sensor300to take more accurate measurements. The emitter can be a light-emitting diode (LED). The emitter can emit light of a certain wavelength. The light emitter can emit light of different wavelengths in sequence with only one emitter emitting light at a given time, thereby forming a pulse sequence. The number of emitters is not limiting and can range from two to eight, or more in some instances. Detailed descriptions and additional examples of the light emitters are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,880, referenced above.

The detector can detect light from the emitter after the light passes through and is attenuated by tissue of the patient's nose. For example, the detector can comprise photodetectors, photodiodes, phototransistors, and/or the like. Additional details of the photodetector are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,880, referenced above. The detector can generate an electrical signal based on the detected light from the emitter. The signal of the detected light from the emitter can be input into a signal processor described herein, such that the signal processor can process an output of the sensor300.

The detector can be positioned along the inner prong302. For example, the detector can be coupled with an end of the inner post303of the inner prong302. The detector can be coupled with an upper edge of the inner post303. The detector can be coupled with an inner surface of the inner post303. The detector can be adhered, bonded, formed into, and/or otherwise attached to the inner post303. The detector can be configured to connect to the inner post303by a snap-fit connection. The inner post303and the detector can be integrally formed. The detector can be secured to an inner surface of the patient's tissue within the patient's nose. The detector and/or the emitter can advantageously assist in desensitizing the nose sensor300to various geometric variations.

The detector can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the detector can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong304and/or the inner prong302with the patient's nose can hold the detector against the inner surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives.

The detector can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the detector can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong304and/or the inner prong302with the patient's nose can hold the detector against the outer surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives.

The emitter can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the emitter can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong304and/or the inner prong202with the patient's nose can hold the emitter against the inner surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives.

The emitter can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the emitter can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong304and/or the inner prong302with the patient's nose can hold the emitter against the outer surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives. The emitter and/or the detector can include an adhesive layer and a release liner overtop the adhesive layer. The release liner can be removed when the emitter and/or the detector is ready to be secured to a patient's skins surface, such as an interior or exterior portion of a patient's nose.

The securement of the nose sensor300to the patient can be configured to maintain an alignment between the emitter and detector when the nose sensor300is in use, as discussed below. The detector can be angled away from the outer prong304, the outer posts305A,305B,305C and/or the emitter. The nose sensor300shape and/or size can be varied so as to reduce the bulkiness and/or the obtrusiveness of the nose sensor300. Thus, the nose sensor300can maintain a generally low profile. The nose sensor300can include a diffuser positioned proximate to the emitter. For example, the diffuser can be positioned in front of the emitter. The diffuser can comprise silicone. For example, the diffuser can include white and/or black silicone to scatter a greater amount of light and/or more accurately measure a patient's physiological parameters. The diffuser can comprise materials other than silicone. For example, the diffuser can comprise acrylic and/or plastics such as polycarbonate and/or polycarbonate film or sheets. The diffuser can comprise glass such as opal glass, ground glass, patterned glass, and/or a combination of such materials. The diffuser can also comprise other materials with varying material properties and/or characteristics. The diffuser can comprise one or more layers with different material properties and/or characteristics. For example, the diffuser can comprise, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more layers with different material properties and/or characteristics. Additionally, the diffuser can comprise one or more layers with similar material properties and/or characteristics. For example, the diffuser can comprise, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more layers with similar material properties and/or characteristics.

The diffuser of the nose sensor300can diffuse emitted light prior to entering the tissue. The diffuser can advantageously spread out, disseminate, and/or scatter light exiting from the emitter into and/or around a portion of a patient's body, for example the nose. This can permit light originating from the emitter to pass through a wider region or area of a patient's body, and thus better facilitate collection of physiological parameters (such as those discussed above). The detector can be sized and shaped to receive the optical radiation after it attenuates through tissue and fluids of a portion of a body. Diffusing light prior to entering the tissue can be advantageous because the light is allowed to pass through more tissue. This allows the light to sample more of the body tissue before being detected. It also provides for more even and consistent light across a larger portion of tissue. The diffusion of light by the diffuser of the nose sensor300can be performed through a light diffusion layer on or proximate to the emitter structure.

The size and/or shape of the diffuser can help to avoid edge effects. For example, the thickness and/or diameter of the diffuser can help to avoid edge effects. Similarly, the proximity of the diffuser relative to the emitter can help to avoid edge effects. Such configurations can advantageously help to desensitize the nose sensor300to geometric variability. For example, the size and/or shape of the diffuser and/or the positioning of the diffuser can allow the nose sensor300to accommodate various nose shapes and/or sizes, and/or accurately measure a patient's physiological parameters when light is emitted from the emitter, diffused by the diffuser, transmitted through a portion of the patient's body, and detected by the detector.

The emitter and/or the detector can be spaced away from the intermediate region of the outer prong304and/or the inner prong302, or other region of the inner prong302and/or the outer prong304that contacts the patient's tissue when the nose sensor300is secured to the patient. The emitter and/or the detector can be spaced away from the outer post305A,305B,305C, the inner prong302and/or the inner post303that contacts the patient's tissue when the nose sensor300is secured to the patient. This can help to space the measurement location, for example the space between the emitter and the detector, from the points, areas, and/or regions where the nose sensor300or portions thereof are secured to and/or contacting the patient. Spacing the measurement location from these securement locations can help to reduce false and/or inaccurate readings of physiological parameters such as those discussed herein. For example, a pressure region created by contact between the nose sensor300or portions thereof and the patient's tissue at and/or proximate to these securement locations may alter blood flow in the patient's tissue or otherwise affect the values of physiological parameters measured by the nose sensor300. Thus, by spacing the emitter and/or the detector from points, areas, and/or regions where the nose sensor300or portions thereof are secured to and/or contacting the patient, the nose sensor300can allow for more accurate measurements of physiological parameters. As discussed above, the outer post305C can be coupled with an emitter. The outer post305C can be flexible. The outer post305C can apply little or no pressure on a patient's nose when the outer post305C and/or the emitter is secured to an inside or outside portion of a patient's nose. For example, the emitter can be coupled to the outer post305C and the emitter can have an adhesive which surrounds the emitter and secures the emitter and/or the outer post305C to an inside or outside portion of a patient's nose. In such configuration, the outer post305C and/or the emitter can advantageously apply little or no pressure to the patient's nose, which can allow for more accurate measurements of physiological parameters.

An open side of the emitter (for example, the side configured to face the patient's tissue) can be secured to and/or positioned against an outside surface of the patient's nose. The emitter and/or the detector can be secured to the patient's nose before, during, and/or after securement of the outer prong304and/or the inner prong302to the patient's nose. The outer prong304and/or the inner prong302can be secured to the patient's nose before the emitter and/or the detector is secured to the patient's nose. For example, the emitter can be placed approximately aligned with the detector along an outer surface of the patient's nose307. Alternatively, the emitter can be placed approximately aligned with the detector along an inner surface of the patient's nose307.

The emitter can include an adhesive that can be configured to couple the emitter with the patient's nose. For example, the adhesive can secure the emitter to the patient's nose at a position approximately aligned with the detector. The emitter can include a liner. The liner can cover the emitter when the emitter is not in use. The liner can help to prevent the emitter from inadvertently adhering to another object. The liner can help to keep the emitter clean. The liner can help to maintain the adhesive properties of the adhesive backing of the emitter and prevent errant readings due to detection of light before the nose sensor300is in place. To secure the emitter to the patient, the liner can be removed.

The nose sensor300can include a lens on and/or around the detector. This lens can advantageously help focus light into the detector. For example, the lens can help focus light transmitted through a portion of a patient's body, such as a nose, and originating from the emitter. The lens can comprise various materials. For example, the lens can comprise glass and/or plastic. The lens can also comprise various optical refractive properties. For example, the lens can vary in thickness, curvature, refractive index, focal length, and/or other properties. The lens can be a simple lens. For example, the lens can comprise a single piece of transparent material. Alternatively, the lens can be a compound lens. For example, the lens can comprise one or more simple lenses arranged about a common axis. For example, the lens can comprise two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more simple lenses arranged about a common axis. The lens can be paired with a diffuser to even out light distribution before detection and/or be surrounded by a black or dark colored border in order to block ambient stray light.

The nose sensor300can include wiring or a flexible circuit for electronically coupling the emitter and the detector. The nose sensor300can include wiring or a flexible circuit that couples the emitter and the detector and that is positioned within a portion of the nose sensor300. For example, the nose sensor can including wiring or a flexible circuit that connects to the emitter in an interior portion of the outer post305C and that travels through an interior portions of the outer prong304, outer base324, coupling portion320, and/or inner post303to connect to the detector. In such configurations, the wiring or flexible circuit can be configured to fit within interior portions of the outer prong304, coupling portion3, and/or inner post303of nose sensor300. This can advantageously simplify the attachment and/or securement of the nose sensor300. Alternatively, in some configurations, the wiring or flexible circuit can be configured to be outside of interior portions of the nose sensor300. For example, the emitter can be electronically coupled to the detector by wiring or a flexible circuit that travels outside the nose sensor300or components of the nose sensor300. The nose sensor300can have an emitter and no outer post305C. For example, the nose sensor300can have a detector connected to a flexible circuit on one end of the flexible circuit and can have the other end of the flexible circuit connected to the emitter. For example, the flexible circuit can connect to the detector at an end of the inner post303, pass through an interior portion of the inner post303, inner prong302, inner base322, coupling portion320, outer base324, and/or an opening in the outer base324(not shown) and/or outer prong304and connect to the emitter. Thus, a portion of the flexible circuit can be confined or secured within an interior portion of the nose sensor300and a portion of the flexible circuit connected to the emitter can be freely moveable outside the nose sensor300and can be secured to a portion of a patient's nose, such as an exterior portion.

FIGS.16-22illustrate a nose sensor400. The nose sensor400is similar to or identical to the nose sensor discussed above in many respects. As shown inFIGS.16-22, the nose sensor400can include an inner prong402and an outer prong404, which can be respectively similar to the inner prong202,302and the outer prong204,304described above in connection with the nose sensor200,300. The nose sensor400can include any one, or any combination, of features of the nose sensor200,300.

The nose sensor400can include a clip-type arrangement. For example, the inner prong402and the outer prong404can be coupled by a coupling portion420. The coupling portion420can form a joint421. For example, the joint421can include a pivot pin430. The inner prong402can include at least one pivot hole432and/or the outer prong404can include at least one pivot hole434. The pivot pin430can be configured to pass through the pivot holes432,434to pivotally connect the outer prong404with the inner prong402.

The joint421can include one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, or five or more joint portions. As shown inFIG.16, the joint421can include an inner joint portion421A and an outer joint portion421B. The inner joint portion421A can be coupled to and/or formed with the inner prong402. The outer joint portion421B can be coupled to and/or formed with the outer prong404. As shown, the joint421can include at least two outer joint portions421B and at least two inner joint portions421A. The outer joint portions421B can extend inwardly from the outer prong404and/or towards the inner prong402when assembled. The inner joint portions421A can extend inwardly from the inner prong402and/or towards the outer prong404when assembled.

The outer joint portions421B can be formed along opposite outer edges of the outer prong404. This can allow the inner joint portions421A to be positioned between the outer joint portions421B. The inner joint portions421A can form a single protrusion. The inner joint portions421A can include two or more protrusions. As shown, the pivot pin430can extend through the outer joint portions421B and the inner joint portions421A when assembled.

The joint421can allow the outer prong404and/or the inner prong402to pivot with respect to one another. This can advantageously accommodate various shaped nasal geometries. This can also advantageously help a caregiver or other person to position and secure the nose sensor400to the nose of a patient.

As shown inFIGS.16-22, the inner prong402can include an inner base422and an inner post403. The inner post403can be formed or integral with inner base422. The inner base422can have substantially flat inner and/or outer surfaces. At least one end of the inner base422can be rounded and/or squared. As shown inFIG.16, one end of the inner base422can be rounded and an opposite end can be substantially flat. As also shown inFIGS.16-22, the outer prong404can include an outer base424and an outer posts405A and405B. The outer base424can have substantially flat inner and/or outer surfaces. At least one end of the outer base424can be rounded and/or squared. As shown inFIG.16, one end of the outer base424can be rounded and an opposite end can be substantially flat.

The inner post403can extend from the inner base422. For example, the inner post403can be positioned on one side of the joint421. A portion of the inner prong402can be inserted into a patient's nose. For example, the inner post403can be inserted into a patient's nose to be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose while the inner base422of the inner prong402can lie outside or substantially outside a patient's nose. Alternatively, a portion of the inner prong402can be secured to an outside portion of a patient's nose when the nose sensor400is in use.

The outer prong404can be approximately parallel to the inner prong402. This can help to maintain an alignment between the emitter and/or the detector in use, as described above.

The inner post403can be positioned approximately at a center region of an end or surface of the inner base422. As shown inFIGS.16-22, at least a portion of the outer prong404and/or the inner prong402can be curved. For example, at least the inner post403and the outer posts405A,405B can be curved. The curvature of the inner post403and/or the outer posts405A,405B can help to conform to the shape of the patient's nose, as discussed with respect to the nose sensor200,300previously. This can help to accommodate a variety of nasal geometries and/or can be more comfortable to the user. The outer prong404and/or the inner prong402can be generally straight such that the outer and inner prongs404,402extend outwardly from the coupling portion420.

The inner post403, the inner base422, and/or the joint portion421A can be integrally formed. Alternatively, the inner post403, the inner base422, and/or the joint portion421A can be not integrally formed, but rather, can be secured or connected to one another prior to assembly of the nose sensor400. For example, the inner post403, the inner base422, and/or the joint portion421A can be adhered or bonded to one another.

The outer posts405A,405B, and/or405C, the outer base424, and/or the joint portion421B can be integrally formed. Alternatively, the outer posts405A,405B, and/or405C, the outer base424, and/or the joint portion421B can be not integrally formed, but rather, can be secured or connected to one another prior to assembly of the nose sensor400. For example, the outer posts405A,405B, and/or405C, the outer base424, and/or the joint portion421B can be adhered or bonded to one another.

The inner prong402and the outer prong404can be secured to one another by a snap-fit connection. For example, instead of utilizing the joint421and pin430, the inner prong402and the outer prong404could include a snap-fit connection whereby the inner prong402and the outer prong404snap into place to secure to one another. This snap-fit connection could also be configured to allow rotation, such as rotation similar to the rotation permitted in the joint421configuration.

The inner post403can extend away from the coupling portion420in a first and/or second direction. The inner prong302can include a detector coupled to the inner post303as described in more detail below. At least a portion of the inner prong402can be configured to be positioned within a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong402can be positioned adjacent an inner surface of a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong402can engage at least a portion of an inner surface of a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong402can be positioned within a patient's nose and/or at least a portion of the inner prong402can remain outside of the patient's nose when the nose sensor400is in use. Alternatively, at least a portion of the inner prong402can be configured to be positioned outside a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong402can be positioned adjacent an outer surface of a patient's nose. At least a portion of the inner prong402can engage at least a portion of an outer surface of a patient's nose.

The inner prong402can include at least one inner post403. The inner post403can be coupled with the detector as discussed in more detail below. Thus, the inner post403can be configured to be positioned within the patient's nose, as discussed above. Alternatively, the inner post403can be configured to be positioned along an exterior portion of a patient's nose.

The outer prong404and/or the inner prong402can comprise various lengths. The outer posts405A,405B, and/or405C of the outer prong404can be longer than the inner post403of the inner prong202. The outer posts405A,405B, and/or405C of the outer prong404can be shorter than the inner post403of the inner prong202. Thus, the outer posts405A,405B, and/or405C of the outer prong404and the inner post403of the inner prong202can comprise various lengths so as to aid securement to patient's having varying sizes and/or shapes of noses. The outer posts405A,405B, and/or405C of the outer prong404and the inner post403of the inner prong402can comprise various lengths so as to aid comfort to patient's having varying sizes and/or shapes of noses when the nose sensor400or a portion thereof is attached to the patient.

The outer posts405A,405B,405C, the inner post403, and/or the inner post405C, can comprise a cross-section that is circular. Alternatively, the outer posts405A,405B,405C, the inner post403, and/or the inner post405C can comprise a cross-section that is non-circular. For example, the outer posts405A,405B,405C, the inner post403, and/or the inner post405C can comprise a cross-section that is polygonal. The outer posts405A,405B,405C, the inner post403, and/or the inner post405C can comprise a cross-section that is triangle, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, or otherwise shaped. The outer posts405A,405B,405C, the inner post403, and/or the inner post405C can comprise a cross-section that is some combination of these circular and/or polygonal shapes. For example, the outer posts405A,405B,405C, the inner post403, and/or the inner post405C can comprise a cross-section that is partially circular and partially polygonal.

As shown inFIG.16, for example, the outer posts405A,405B, and/or405C can be curved towards the inner prong402and/or inner post403. Alternatively, the outer posts405A,405B, and/or405C can be generally straight such that the outer posts405A,405B, and/or405C extend generally upwardly from the coupling portion420and/or the outer base424. The shape of the outer prong204and/or outer posts405A,405B,405C can beneficially help to secure the nose sensor400to the patient's nose. For example, the shape of the outer prong204relative to the shape of the inner prong202can help to secure the nose sensor200to the patient's nose. As shown inFIG.16, for example, an intermediate portion of the inner post403of the inner prong202and an intermediate portion of the outer posts405A,405B of the outer prong204are curved in a similar direction and at a similar radius of curvature to one another to help to secure the nose sensor400to the patient's nose in use.

FIGS.21and22illustrate the nose sensor400when secured to a patient's nose. As shown, at least a portion of the inner post403can slide into the patient's nose and engage an inner surface of the patient's nose. At least a portion of the outer posts405A,405B,405C can slide along an outer region of the patient's nose and engage an outer surface of the patient's nose. Alternatively, at least a portion of the inner post403can slide along an outer region of the patient's nose and engage an outer surface of the patient's nose, and at least a portion of the outer posts405A,405B,405C can slide into the patient's nose and engage an inner surface of the patient's nose. These configurations can help to ensure that the nose sensor400remains secured to the patient's nose and/or is comfortable when secured to the patient. These configurations can help to allow the nose sensor400to sit flush against the patient's tissue, inside and/or outside of the patient's nose. The sensor400may be less bulky and/or occupy less space on the patient's tissue.

As shown in at leastFIG.18, a central longitudinal axis of the inner post403can be aligned with or parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the inner prong402. As also shown inFIG.18, a central longitudinal axis of the inner post403can be aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the outer post405C, which can help ensure that the emitter and the detector are aligned to accurately measure physiological parameters when the nose sensor400is in use. The outer post405A can be spaced from the outer post405B.

As shown, the outer prong404can include outer posts405A,405B and an outer base424. The outer base424can be coupled to and/or formed with the coupling portion420at one side and to the outer posts405A,405B at another side. The outer posts405A,405B can be spaced apart along a portion of the outer base424. For example, the outer posts405A,405B can be spaced apart along a top portion of the outer base424. As shown, the inner post403can be positioned between the outer posts405A,405B in a top view of the nose sensor400(for example, as shown inFIG.18).

As illustrated in at leastFIGS.16and18, the inner post403can include a first side wall and a second side wall. The outer post405A and/or the outer post405B can be spaced laterally away from one another along the outer prong404and/or the outer base424. The outer post405A can be positioned laterally outward from the first side wall of the inner post403. The outer post405B can be positioned laterally outward from the second side wall of the inner post403.

The inner post403can apply pressure to an inner portion of the nose of the patient when the nose sensor400is secured to at least a portion of the patient's nose. The outer post405A can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient that can be spaced laterally outwardly from at least a portion of the inner portion of the patient's nose where the inner post403applies a pressure when the nose sensor400is secured to the patient. The outer post405B can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient that can be spaced laterally outwardly from the inner portion of the patient's nose where the inner post403applies a pressure when the nose sensor400is secured to the patient. The inner post403can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient, as discussed above. The portion of the nose of the patient can be positioned between the outer post405A and/or the outer post405B when the inner prong402and the outer prong404of the nose sensor400are secured to the patient. The inner post403of the inner prong402can apply pressure to a portion of the nose of the patient. The portion of the nose of the patient can be positioned between the outer post405A and the outer post405B when the inner prong402and the outer prong404are secured to the patient.

To secure the nose sensor400to the patient, the inner post403can apply pressure to an inner surface of the patient's nose, as discussed above. For example, the inner post403can apply pressure from the inside of the patient's nose towards the outside of the patient's nose. The outer post405A and/or the second outer post405B can apply pressure to the outer surface of the patient's nose. For example, the outer post205A and/or the outer post405B can apply pressure from the outside of the patient's nose towards the inside of the patient's nose. The inner post403can apply pressure to a portion of the patient's nose that is positioned at least partially between the outer posts405A,405B. The outer posts405A,405B can apply pressure to a portion of the patient's nose that is positioned at least partially outwardly from the inner post403.

As discussed above, the positioning of the inner prong402and/or the outer prong404of the nose sensor400can advantageously help to secure the nose sensor400to the patient while also minimizing the contact of portions of the nose sensor400with the patient. As also discussed above, varying the positioning of portions of the nose sensor400and/or minimizing the contact between portions of the nose sensor400and the patient can aid patient comfort and improve securement. For example, the inner prong402(or portions thereof), the outer prong404(or portions thereof), and/or the coupling portion420can secure to the patient by contacting one or more points, areas, or portions of the patient's nose. For example, the inner prong402can contact an inner or outer portion of the patient's nose and the outer posts405A,405B of the outer prong404can contact a different inner or outer portion of the patient's nose when the nose sensor400is secured to the patient. Compared to other sensors which may contact a larger portion or region of a patient's nose when secured to the patient, the configuration of the inner prong402and/or outer prong404of the nose sensor400can contact less of a portion or region of a patient's nose when the nose sensor400is secured to a patient. As discussed above, the inner prong402and/or outer prong404of the nose sensor400can be configured to contact a minimal amount of a portion or region of a patient's nose when the nose sensor400is secured to a patient.

The nose sensor400can measure various physiological parameters of a patient, as discussed above. Similar to nose sensor200and/or300, the nose sensor400can include an emitter and a detector to allow the nose sensor400to measure the patient's physiological parameters, such as those discussed herein.

Various arrangements of the emitter and/or the detector can allow the nose sensor400to take more accurate measurements. The emitter can be a light-emitting diode (LED). The emitter can emit light of a certain wavelength. The light emitter can emit light of different wavelengths in sequence with only one emitter emitting light at a given time, thereby forming a pulse sequence. The number of emitters is not limiting and can range from two to eight, or more in some instances. Detailed descriptions and additional examples of the light emitters are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,880, referenced above.

The detector can detect light from the emitter after the light passes through and is attenuated by tissue of the patient's nose. For example, the detector can comprise photodetectors, photodiodes, phototransistors, and/or the like. Additional details of the photodetector are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,880, referenced above. The detector can generate an electrical signal based on the detected light from the emitter. The signal of the detected light from the emitter can be input into a signal processor described herein, such that the signal processor can process an output of the sensor400.

The detector of nose sensor400can be positioned along the inner prong402. For example, the detector can be coupled with an end of the inner post403of the inner prong202, similar to nose sensor200and/or300. The detector can be coupled with an upper edge of the inner post403. The detector can be coupled with an inner surface of the inner post403. The detector can be adhered, bonded, formed into, and/or otherwise attached to the inner post403. The detector can be configured to connect to the inner post403by a snap-fit connection. The inner post403and the detector can be integrally formed. The detector can be secured to an inner surface of the patient's tissue within the patient's nose. The detector and/or the emitter can advantageously assist in desensitizing the nose sensor400to various geometric variations.

The detector can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the detector can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong404and/or the inner prong402with the patient's nose can hold the detector against the inner surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives.

The detector can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the detector can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong404and/or the inner prong402with the patient's nose can hold the detector against the outer surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives.

The emitter can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the emitter can be secured to the inner surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong404and/or the inner prong402with the patient's nose can hold the emitter against the inner surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives.

The emitter can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose by an adhesive. Alternatively, the emitter can be secured to the outer surface of the patient's nose without adhesives. For example, the engagement of the outer prong404and/or the inner prong402with the patient's nose can hold the emitter against the outer surface of the patient's nose without the use of adhesives. The emitter and/or the detector can include an adhesive layer and a release liner overtop the adhesive layer. The release liner can be removed when the emitter and/or the detector is ready to be secured to a patient's skins surface, such as an interior or exterior portion of a patient's nose.

The securement of the nose sensor400to the patient can be configured to maintain an alignment between the emitter and detector when the nose sensor400is in use, as discussed below. The detector can be angled away from the outer prong404, the outer posts405A,405B,405C and/or the emitter. The nose sensor400shape and/or size can be varied so as to reduce the bulkiness and/or the obtrusiveness of the nose sensor400. Thus, the nose sensor400can maintain a generally low profile. The nose sensor400can include a diffuser positioned proximate to the emitter. For example, the diffuser can be positioned in front of the emitter. The diffuser can comprise silicone. For example, the diffuser can include white and/or black silicone to scatter a greater amount of light and/or more accurately measure a patient's physiological parameters. The diffuser can comprise materials other than silicone. For example, the diffuser can comprise acrylic and/or plastics such as polycarbonate and/or polycarbonate film or sheets. The diffuser can comprise glass such as opal glass, ground glass, patterned glass, and/or a combination of such materials. The diffuser can also comprise other materials with varying material properties and/or characteristics. The diffuser can comprise one or more layers with different material properties and/or characteristics. For example, the diffuser can comprise, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more layers with different material properties and/or characteristics. Additionally, the diffuser can comprise one or more layers with similar material properties and/or characteristics. For example, the diffuser can comprise, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, or eight or more layers with similar material properties and/or characteristics.

The diffuser of the nose sensor400can diffuse emitted light prior to entering the tissue. The diffuser can advantageously spread out, disseminate, and/or scatter light exiting from the emitter into and/or around a portion of a patient's body, for example the nose. This can permit light originating from the emitter to pass through a wider region or area of a patient's body, and thus better facilitate collection of physiological parameters (such as those discussed above). The detector can be sized and shaped to receive the optical radiation after it attenuates through tissue and fluids of a portion of a body. Diffusing light prior to entering the tissue can be advantageous because the light is allowed to pass through more tissue. This allows the light to sample more of the body tissue before being detected. It also provides for more even and consistent light across a larger portion of tissue. The diffusion of light by the diffuser of the nose sensor400can be performed through a light diffusion layer on or proximate to the emitter structure.

The size and/or shape of the diffuser can help to avoid edge effects. For example, the thickness and/or diameter of the diffuser can help to avoid edge effects. Similarly, the proximity of the diffuser relative to the emitter can help to avoid edge effects. Such configurations can advantageously help to desensitize the nose sensor400to geometric variability. For example, the size and/or shape of the diffuser and/or the positioning of the diffuser can allow the nose sensor400to accommodate various nose shapes and/or sizes, and/or accurately measure a patient's physiological parameters when light is emitted from the emitter, diffused by the diffuser, transmitted through a portion of the patient's body, and detected by the detector.

As discussed above, the nose sensor400can include an emitter. The emitter can be coupled to outer post405C of the outer prong404. The outer post405C can be formed or integral with the outer post405A, the outer post405B, and/or the outer prong404. Alternatively, the outer post405C can be separate from or not integral with the outer post405A, the outer post405B, and/or the outer prong404. The outer post405C can be configured to be inserted into a portion of the outer prong404. For example, the outer post405C can be inserted into an aperture (not shown) along the outer prong404. The outer post405C can be configured to be secured to the outer prong404or other portion of the nose sensor400via an adhesive, fastener, or another securement method. The outer post405C can form a flap. The flap can be rigid or substantially rigid. Alternatively, the flap can be flexible. The flap can be flexible relative to the outer posts405A,405B, which can be substantially rigid. As shown in at leastFIGS.19and21, the flap can be pulled, bent, and/or peeled away from a patient's nose407in use. In use, the emitter can be secured to an outer surface of the patient's nose407, as described below. Alternatively, in use, the emitter can be secured to an inner surface of the patient's nose407. In some alternative configurations, the nose sensor400does not include an outer post405C. For example, the nose sensor400can have an inner prong402including an inner post403and a detector, and an outer prong404with an outer post405A, an outer post405B, and a coupling portion420. Such a configuration for a nose sensor400can be used alongside a separate emitter which can attach to an inside or outside portion of a patient's nose to interact with the detector of nose sensor400. Such an emitter can be electronically coupled to the detector through wiring or a flexible circuit, as discussed herein.

As discussed above, the outer post405C can form a flap. The emitter can be coupled with the flap. For example, the emitter can be coupled with an end of the flap. The emitter can be positioned on an inner and/or outer surface of the flap. The flap configuration can advantageously allow the nose sensor400to accommodate various nose geometries. For example, the flap can allow the emitter to be positioned approximately parallel to the detector in use. In use, the emitter can be positioned such that the emitter remains in alignment with the detector as the nose sensor400is attached to a patient. Thus, the emitter can remain in alignment with the detector regardless of the shape and/or size of the patient's nose. The outer post405C can have a length that is different than the length of the inner post403. For example, the outer post405C can have a shorter length than the length of the inner post403. Alternatively, the outer post405C can have a greater length than the length of the inner post403. A nose sensor400having an inner post403with a different length than the outer post405C can allow an emitter coupled to the outer post405C to be offset or not aligned with a detector coupled to the inner post403. Such an offset can advantageously increase the path length between the emitter and the detector. For example, such an offset can advantageously allow for light emitted from the emitter to have to pass through more tissue before arriving and being detected by the detector. Even though misalignment between the emitter and the detector may result more scattering of light emitted from the emitter and less emitted light getting to the detector, the misalignment and resulting increase in path length can advantageously allow light to pass through more body tissue, which can result in more accurate measurement of physiological parameters.

The emitter and/or the detector can be spaced away from an intermediate region of the outer prong404and/or the inner prong402, or other region of the inner prong402and/or the outer prong404that contacts the patient's tissue. This can help to space the measurement location, for example the space between the emitter and the detector, from the points, areas, and/or regions where the nose sensor400or portions thereof are secured to and/or contacting the patient. Spacing the measurement location from these securement locations can help to reduce false and/or inaccurate readings of physiological parameters such as those discussed herein. For example, a pressure region created by contact between the nose sensor400or portions thereof and the patient's tissue at and/or proximate to these securement locations may alter blood flow in the patient's tissue or otherwise affect the values of physiological parameters measured by the nose sensor400. Thus, by spacing the emitter and/or the detector from points, areas, and/or regions where the nose sensor400or portions thereof are secured to and/or contacting the patient, the nose sensor400can allow for more accurate measurements of physiological parameters. As discussed above, the outer post405C can be coupled with an emitter. The outer post405C can be flexible. The outer post405C can apply little or no pressure on a patient's nose when the outer post405C and/or the emitter is secured to an inside or outside portion of a patient's nose. For example, the emitter can be coupled to the outer post405C and the emitter can have an adhesive surrounding the emitter that helps secure the emitter and/or the outer post405C to an inside or outside portion of a patient's nose. In such configuration, the outer post405C and/or the emitter can advantageously apply little or no pressure to the patient's nose, which can allow for more accurate measurements of physiological parameters.

An open side of the emitter (for example, the side configured to face the patient's tissue) can be secured to and/or positioned against an outside surface of the patient's nose. The emitter and/or the detector can be secured to the patient's nose before, during, and/or after securement of the outer prong404and/or the inner prong402to the patient's nose. The outer prong404and/or the inner prong402can be secured to the patient's nose before the emitter and/or the detector is secured to the patient's nose. For example, the emitter can be placed approximately aligned with the detector along an outer surface of the patient's nose407. Alternatively, the emitter can be placed approximately aligned with the detector along an inner surface of the patient's nose407.

The emitter can include an adhesive that can be configured to couple the emitter with the patient's nose. For example, the adhesive can secure the emitter to the patient's nose at a position approximately aligned with the detector. The emitter can include a liner. The liner can cover the emitter when the emitter is not in use. The liner can help to prevent the emitter from inadvertently adhering to another object. The liner can help to keep the emitter clean. The liner can help to maintain the adhesive properties of the adhesive backing of the emitter and prevent errant readings due to detection of light before the nose sensor400is in place. To secure the emitter to the patient, the liner can be removed.

The nose sensor400can include a lens on and/or around the detector. This lens can advantageously help focus light into the detector. For example, the lens can help focus light transmitted through a portion of a patient's body, such as a nose, and originating from the emitter. The lens can comprise various materials. For example, the lens can comprise glass and/or plastic. The lens can also comprise various optical refractive properties. For example, the lens can vary in thickness, curvature, refractive index, focal length, and/or other properties. The lens can be a simple lens. For example, the lens can comprise a single piece of transparent material. Alternatively, the lens can be a compound lens. For example, the lens can comprise one or more simple lenses arranged about a common axis. For example, the lens can comprise two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more simple lenses arranged about a common axis. The lens can be paired with a diffuser to even out light distribution before detection and/or be surrounded by a black or dark colored border in order to block ambient stray light.

The nose sensor400can include wiring or a flexible circuit for electronically coupling the emitter and the detector. The nose sensor400can include wiring or a flexible circuit that couples the emitter and the detector and that is positioned within a portion of the nose sensor400. For example, the nose sensor400can including wiring or a flexible circuit that connects to the emitter in an interior portion of the outer post405C and that travels through an interior portion of the outer prong404, passes up from the outer base424to the inner base422and travels through an interior of the inner prong402and/or the inner post403to connect to the detector. In such configurations, the wiring or flexible circuit can be configured to fit within interior portions of the outer prong404, coupling portion420, and/or inner post403of nose sensor400. This can advantageously simplify the attachment and/or securement of the nose sensor400. Alternatively, in some configurations, the wiring or flexible circuit can be configured to be outside of interior portions of the nose sensor400. For example, the emitter can be electronically coupled to the detector by wiring or a flexible circuit that travels outside the nose sensor400or components of the nose sensor400. The nose sensor400can have an emitter and no outer post405C. For example, the nose sensor400can have a detector connected to a flexible circuit on one end of the flexible circuit and can have the other end of the flexible circuit connected to the emitter. In such configurations, the flexible circuit can connect to the detector at an end of the inner post403, pass through an interior portion of the inner post403, inner prong402, inner base422, outer base424, and/or an opening in the outer prong404and connect to the emitter. Thus, a portion of the flexible circuit can be confined or secured within an interior portion of the nose sensor400and a portion of the flexible circuit connected to the emitter can be freely moveable outside the nose sensor400and can be secured to a portion of a patient's nose, such as an exterior portion.

As shown byFIG.17, the nose sensor400can include a biasing member416. The biasing member416can include a spring, for example. The spring can comprise various strength and/or stiffness properties, and/or other material properties. The biasing member416can bias the outer prong404towards the inner prong402and/or the inner prong402towards the outer prong404. The biasing member416can help to secure the nose sensor400to the patient. To attach the nose sensor400to the patient, a force can be applied to the inner base422and the outer base424such that the inner base422and the outer base424rotate about the pivot pin430towards one another. This can allow the nose sensor400to easily fit over the patient's nose. When no or minimal force is applied to the inner base422and/or the outer base424, the nose sensor400can be secured to the patient's nose. The inner prong402can have a protruding rim that extends outward toward the outer prong404. The inner prong402can have a recess configured to receive an end of the biasing member416. The protruding rim and/or recess can help confine, align, and/or secure an end of the biasing member416to the inner prong402. The outer prong404can have a protruding rim that extends outward toward the inner prong402. The outer prong404can have a recess configured to receive an end of the biasing member416. The protruding rim and/or recess can help confine, align, and/or secure an end of the biasing member416to the outer prong404. The inner prong402and/or the outer prong404can include two or more protruding rims or skirts that can secure a portion of the biasing member416. The inner prong402and/or the outer prong404can include two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more protruding rims or skirts. For example, the inner prong402and/or the outer prong404can include two protruding rims along a surface portion of the inner prong402and/or the outer prong404. The two protruding rims can permit a portion of the biasing member416to at least partially fit within, and the two protruding rims can secure the portion of the biasing member416by a snap-fit, press-fit, and/or friction fit. The biasing member416can be adhered to a surface of the inner prong402and/or a surface of the outer prong404. This can help secure an end of the biasing member416to a surface of the inner prong402and/or a surface of the outer prong404. The biasing member416can be cylindrical (seeFIG.17). Alternatively, the biasing member416can be non-cylindrical.

FIGS.23-25illustrate an alternative biasing member516that can be incorporated into the nose sensor400. The biasing member516can be a spring. The spring516can be configured to urge together and/or push apart the inner prong402and the outer prong404. As shown in at leastFIG.17, the outer prong404can be rotatably connected to the inner prong402and/or the inner prong402can be rotatably connected to the outer prong404. The spring516can be disposed between the inner prong402and the outer prong404and can be adapted to create a pivot point along a portion of a patient's nose that is gripped between the inner and outer prongs402,404. This advantageously allows the joint421to expand and/or retract so as to distribute force along the portion of the patient's nose that is secured to the sensor400, comfortably keeping the portion in position without excessive force. The spring516can have coils518, a first leg520, and a second leg522. The first leg520can press against the outer prong404or the inner prong402. For example, when a portion of the nose sensor400is gripped, the first leg520can press against the outer or inner prong404,402. The second leg522can press against the outer prong404or the inner prong402. For example, when a portion of the nose sensor400is gripped, second leg522can press against the outer or inner prong404,402. The inner prong402and/or the outer prong404can include recesses sized and shaped to fit at least a portion of the spring516. For example, a portion of the first leg520can be configured to fit within a recess in the outer prong404to hold the first leg520in place. As another example, the second leg522can be configured to fit within a recess in the outer prong404, or alternatively, the inner prong402, to hold the second leg522in place. The inner prong402and/or the outer prong404can include protrusions sized and shaped to secure at least a portion of the spring516. For example, a portion of the first leg520can be configured to fit between two protrusions or skirts that extend outward from a surface of the outer prong404or inner prong402, thus holding the first leg520in place. As another example, For example, a portion of the second leg522can be configured to fit between two protrusions or skirts that extend outward from a surface of the outer prong404or inner prong402, thus holding the second leg522in place. As shown inFIGS.23-25, the first leg520can extend in an opposite direction as the second leg522. Alternatively, the coils518of the spring516can be configured and/or wound so that the first leg520extends in the same direction as the second leg522. The first leg520can extend so that it is parallel or substantially parallel to the second leg522. Alternatively, the first leg520can extend so that it is non-parallel or perpendicular to the second leg522.

Although this disclosure has been disclosed in the context of certain examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed examples to other alternative examples and/or uses of the disclosure and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the disclosure have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the examples may be made and still fall within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosure can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing examples of systems. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the system, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific examples disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional examples of systems, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular example. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain systems include, while other systems do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more systems or that one or more systems necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular system.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. Additionally, as used herein, “gradually” has its ordinary meaning (e.g., differs from a non-continuous, such as a step-like, change).

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of the systems in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.