Patent ID: 12193822

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following embodiments are only examples. Although the specification may refer to “an” embodiment in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, words “comprising” and “including” should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments may also contain features/structures that have not been specifically mentioned. All combinations of the embodiments are considered possible if their combination does not lead to structural or logical contradiction.

It should be noted that while Figures illustrate various embodiments, they are simplified diagrams that only show some structures and/or functional entities. The connections shown in the Figures may refer to logical or physical connections. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the described apparatus may also comprise other functions and structures than those described in Figures and text. It should be appreciated that details of some functions, structures, and the signalling used for measurement and/or controlling are irrelevant to the actual invention. Therefore, they need not be discussed in more detail here.

This document discusses an expansion of the possible uses of a standard 5-pin-USB-connector for bio-signal measurement devices (USB stands for Universal Serial Bus). The increase of the number of channels and the expansion of the possible measured signals has been provided in a simple manner for the USB, which is a standard compliant towards an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer).

A purpose of this document is to teach how to offer more channels and accessories to be connected to a bio-signal processing unit102via a robust and industry standard 5-pin-USB-connector interface such as the USB 2.0 interface while retaining the 5-pin-USB-connector interface i.e. the USB 2.0 compliant interface.

A user may need to perform three different things with the same device interface:1. Communicate with a PC108for transferring data and recharging a device battery142of the bio-signal processing unit1022. Measure a single channel (3 pins) analog ECG data via Lead-set or Electrode Patch when using an internal AFE (Active Front End)3. Connect at least one of the following extended external units:a. AFE unit to the device to obtain 3-, 5- or 12-lead ECG measurement (may require more than 10 pins to connect on analog level)b. SpO2+ECG-unitc. Some other vital signal monitoring signal.

A working principle to obtain this functionality may be based on use of chained USB 2.0 multiplexers and lead-type detection to select the operation mode. In feature 2), the electrode potential may be fed directly to an A/D-converter of a bio-signal processing unit102, because the AFE is a general name for a component that may include anti-aliasing filtering, multiplexing, potentially amplifying, potentially other filtering and A/D-converting. Note that five contact electrodes may carry bio-signal information in three channels.

FIG.1illustrates an example of a physiological measurement system100that may comprise the bio-signal processing unit102, a digital module104, an analog bio-signal measurement module106, a computer108and a charger144. The term bio-signal refers to an electrical signal that carries biological or physiological information in a time-varying manner.

The bio-signal processing unit102performs data processing. The bio-signal processing unit102may be an electronic device, which may convert an analog bio-signal it receives to a digital bio-signal. The bio-signal processing unit102may also receive digital bio-signals. The bio-signal processing unit102may also filter the bio-signal in an analog or in a digital form. Additionally or alternatively, the bio-signal processing unit102may perform data processing of the bio-signal, and it may also store data of the bio-signal and/or a result of its processing. The bio-signal may be related to heart rate variability, electrocardiogram, electromyogram, electroencephalogram or the like for example.

The digital module104, an example of which is illustrated in greater detail inFIG.2, comprises at least one connector110, which configured to receive at least one analog bio-signal. The digital module104also comprises a digital unit112, which comprises a first analog-to-digital converter, for example, and perhaps performs filtering and data processing. The digital unit112is configured to convert the at least one analog bio-signal into a digital signal form. The digital module104further comprises a first 5-pin-USB-connector114, which is configured to output the at least one bio-signal in the digital signal form. Additionally, the digital module104may comprise a first battery116. In an embodiment, the first USB-connector114may be a male USB-connector, for example. In an embodiment, the first USB-connector114may be a female USB-connector, for example. In an embodiment, the first USB-connector114may be a USB-A-connector. In an embodiment, the first USB-connector114may be a USB-C-connector. The digital module104allows connection with the at least one extended external units not otherwise possible when using 5-pin-USB-coupling. The digital module104may comprise also patient protection circuit which protects the person190against high voltages of a defibrillation device or the like, for example.

In an embodiment, the digital module104may receive the analog bio-signal directly from at least one analog sensor, such as the ECG-, EEG- or SpO2-sensor, for example, measuring to the person190. The at least one sensor may be a part of the digital module104and hence the digital module104may perform at least one bio-signal measurement by itself, or the digital module104may be connected with the sensor using a coupling between a USB-connector114and a counter-USB-connector118, for example.

In an embodiment, the digital module104may receive the analog bio-signal from the analog bio-signal measurement module106.

The bio-signal processing unit102, an example of which is illustrated in greater detail inFIG.3, comprises a counter 5-pin-USB-connector118, which is configured to be connected with the first USB-connector114and receive the at least one bio-signal in the digital signal form from the digital module104. Alternatively or additionally, the bio-signal processing unit102is configured to receive at least one bio-signal in an analog signal form from the first USB-connector114, which is electrically coupled with the counter USB-connector118. AlthoughFIG.1shows a plurality of counter USB-connectors118, in an embodiment the bio-signal processing unit102may have only one counter USB-connector118, and an analog signal source and a digital signal source may alternatively be connected with the counter USB-connector118. In an embodiment, the bio-signal processing unit102may have a plurality of counter USB-connectors.

In an embodiment, the counter USB-connector118may be a male USB-connector, for example. In an embodiment, the counter USB-connector118may be a female USB-connector, for example. In an embodiment, the counter USB-connector118may be a USB-A-connector. In an embodiment, the counter USB-connector118may be a USB-C-connector.

The bio-signal processing unit102is configured to distinguish between the digital and analog signal forms received through the counter USB-connector118. The bio-signal processing unit102is configured to perform an electric connection of the counter USB-connector118with an input122of an analog-to-digital converter circuit120, an output124of which is electrically connected with a digital data processing unit126of the bio-signal processing unit102, in response to detection of the analog signal form received from the counter USB-connector118. In an embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter circuit120may feed the bio-signal converted into the digital signal form to a digital communication bus of the digital data processing unit126.

The bio-signal processing unit102is configured to perform an electric connection of the counter USB-connector118with the digital data processing unit126in response to detection of the digital signal form received from the counter USB connector118. In an embodiment, the bio-signal processing unit102may feed the bio-signal that is in the digital signal form to the digital communication bus of the digital data processing unit126.

In an embodiment, the bio-signal processing unit102comprises an analog-digital switch128, which may distinguish between the analog and digital signal forms, and may perform the electric connection of the counter USB-connector118with the input122of the analog-to-digital converter circuit120. The analog-digital switch128may also perform the electric connection of the counter USB-connector118with the digital data processing unit126.

In an embodiment, the bio-signal processing unit102and the analog-digital switch128may distinguish the analog and digital signal forms that are to be received by feeding an electric impulse to the counter USB-connector118which is also received by the digital module104in the case it is connected with the bio-signal processing unit102. Then the digital module104may utilize energy of the electric impulse and respond to the electric impulse with a predetermined signal, which is characteristic to the digital module104. Then the bio-signal processing unit102may recognize the digital module104based on its response and is prepared for a reception in the digital signal form. An electric impulse may be understood to be an electric power variation that has duration equal to or shorter than an average variation of the bio-signal and that is fed and/or propagates in one direction, for example, without limiting to this.

In an embodiment, the digital module104may send a predetermined signal, which is characteristic to the digital module104, to the bio-signal processing unit102based on energy not fully or at all coming from the electric impulse after and/or in response to the connection with the bio-signal processing unit102. The energy for the predetermined signal and/or operation of the digital module104may come from the first battery116and/or from an outside electric energy source such as a national or transnational electric grid with power stations. The outside electric energy source may be isolated such that it is safe to use. The digital module104may send the predetermined signal in response to or independent from the electric impulse from the bio-signal processing unit102.

In an embodiment, the physiological measurement system100comprises at least one of the following analog bio-signal measurement modules106: a 3-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring sensor, a 5-lead electrocardiogram monitoring sensor, a 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring sensor system, an oxygen sensor, a temperature sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a heart rate sensor and a respiratory sensor.

The ECG measurement, which a person skilled in the art is familiar with, per se, provides voltage of the electrical activity of the heart as a function of time detected with electrodes on the skin of a person190. The number of the electrodes may be 3 (3-lead ECG), 5 (5-lead ECG) or 12 (12-lead ECG), for example. The ECG-sensor has output in the analog signal form.

The oxygen sensor, which a person skilled in the art is familiar with, per se, may be used to measure oxygen saturation (SpO2) of the person190in an optical manner. It outputs its results in the analog signal form. It is simple, economic, safe and convenient.

Body temperature of the person190may also be measured electrically such that the output is in the analog signal form. The medical thermometer may be placed in the mouth, in the rectum, in the ear, under the armpit, or the temperature may be detected with or without contact with the skin of the person190or the mammal from the forehead, for example.

Blood pressure of the person190may be measured electrically such that the output is in the analog signal form. A person skilled in the art is familiar with the electrical blood pressure measurement, per se. In a similar manner, heart rate of the person190may be measured electrically such that the output is in the analog signal form. A person skilled in the art is familiar with the electrical heart rate measurement, per se.

Any of the at least one analog bio-signal measurement module106may output the at least one bio-signal in the analog form, and the digital module104receives the at least one analog bio-signal through at least one counter connector130of the at least one analog bio-signal measurement module106connected with the at least one connector110of the at least one digital module104.

In an embodiment, the digital module104may comprise only one connector110and only one analog bio-signal measurement module106can be connected with it at a time. In this embodiment, a plurality of the analog bio-signal measurement modules106may be connected with the digital module104alternatively.

In an embodiment, the digital module104may comprise a number of connectors110and the same number of the analog bio-signal measurement modules106may be connected with it at a time.

In an embodiment, any or all of the one or more connectors110may be USB-connectors similar to the USB-connector114. In an embodiment, connections may be alternative such that either there is a connection between the USB-connector114and the counter USB-connector118, or there is a connection between the USB-connector114and the connector110.

In an embodiment which is illustrated inFIG.4, the bio-signal processing unit102may send an electric impulse to the counter USB-connector118in response to detection of lack of a standard operational voltage in the counter USB-connector118. In an embodiment, the bio-signal processing unit102may send the electric impulse under control of the digital data processing unit126. In an embodiment, the electric impulse may be an electric current pulse, for example.

In an example ofFIG.4, two impedances/resistors Z1and Z2form an electric coupling. In general, the electric coupling may be more complicated and it may have more electric components. The voltage Vindenotes the electric impulse, Z1may denote an internal impedance/resistance of the bio-signal processing unit102, Z2may denote an identification impedance/resistance of an electric device connected with the counter USB-connector118and Voutdenotes a point at which the identification may be performed.

In a situation where no device has been connected with the counter-USB-connector118causes the impedance/resistance Z2to be very high corresponding to infinity, which can be recognized by the bio-signal processing unit102/the digital data processing unit126. In a situation where the impedance/resistance Z2is a function of the device connected with the counter-USB-connector118may allow the bio-signal processing unit102/the digital data processing unit126to recognize and identify the device. In this case, the voltage Vout=Vin*Z2/(Z1+Z2), which depends on Z2, which reveals the device. The device may be the digital module104, the analog bio-signal measurement module106, the computer108and/or the charger144, for example.

Alternatively, Z1may denote identification impedance/resistance of an electric device connected with the counter USB-connector118and Z2may denote internal impedance/resistance of the bio-signal processing unit102. In a situation where the impedance/resistance Z1is a function of the device connected with the counter-USB-connector118may allow the bio-signal processing unit102/the digital data processing unit126to recognize and identify the device. Also in this case, the voltage Vout=Vin*Z2/(Z1+Z2), which depends on Z1, which reveals the device.

In an embodiment, the electric impulse may be sent only when instructed by a user through a user interface UI, which may be a part of the bio-signal processing unit102, connected directly with the bio-signal processing unit102in a wired or wireless manner or connected through the computer108or the charger144. In an embodiment, the electric impulse may be sent in response to the connection between the counter-USB-connector118and the USB-connector114. Namely, the digital data processing unit126may have a logic functionality that recognizes an operational voltage at the USB-connector114, the operational voltage being about 3.75V to about 5.5V, for example. If the operational voltage is not detected, the bio-signal processing unit102may send, under control of the digital data processing unit126the electric impulse, which may about 2V, for example. The electric impulse (Vin) may be sent to the first pin of the USB-connector, for example.

In an embodiment, the digital module104, the first USB-connector114which is in connection with the counter USB-connector118, may send a predetermined electric signal back to the bio-signal processing unit102in response to the electric impulse.

The digital data processing unit126of the bio-signal processing unit102may acknowledge the digital module104based on the predetermined electric signal that it receives.

In an embodiment, the physiological measurement system100may comprise at least one analog bio-signal measurement module106, which may measure at least one bio-signal of a mammal such as a person190. The at least one analog bio-signal measurement module106may comprise a counter connector130, which may be connected with the connector110of the digital module104for providing the digital module104with a bio-signal of the analog form.

In an embodiment, the physiological measurement system100may comprise at least one analog bio-signal measurement module106, which may measure at least one bio-signal of a mammal such as a person190. The at least one analog bio-signal measurement module106may comprise a second USB-connector114, which may output the at least one analog bio-signal, the second USB-connector114and the first USB connector118being configured to connect with each other.

That is, it is possible that at least one of the at least one analog bio-signal measurement module106can be directly connected with the bio-signal processing unit102. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that at least one of the at least one analog bio-signal measurement module106can be connected with the digital module106which can be connected with the bio-signal processing unit102.

In an embodiment, the bio-signal processing unit102may send an electric current impulse to the counter USB-connector110in response to lack of a standard operational voltage in the counter USB-connector110. The sending may be performed under control of the digital data processing unit126. The bio-signal processing unit102and typically the digital data processing unit126may detect a type of an analog bio-signal measurement module of the at least one analog bio-signal measurement module106that is in an electric connection with the counter USB-connector110.

In an embodiment, the physiological measurement system100may comprise a computer108, which comprises a third USB connector114or is configured to connect using the third USB-connector114with the bio-signal processing unit102.

The bio-signal processing unit102may detect, and often it is the data processing unit126that may detect, the computer108based on a standard operational voltage of the third USB-connector114coming from the computer108in response to electrical connection between the counter USB-connector118and the third USB-connector114. The bio-signal processing unit102may electrically connect the digital data processing unit126with the counter USB-connector118often under control of the digital data processing unit126for preparation of a data transfer between the bio-signal processing unit102and the computer108. In an embodiment, the computer108may command the bio-signal processing unit102to send full or partial contents of data the bio-signal processing unit102has in its memory. In one or more embodiments, the computer108may send data to the bio-signal processing unit to be saved there.

In an embodiment an example of which is illustrated inFIG.3, the bio-signal processing unit102may comprise a selector140, which may comprise a multiplexer, for example. The selector140may detect, prior to the distinction between the analog and digital signal forms, the computer108based on the standard operational voltage of the third USB-connector114. Then the selector140may electrically connect the digital data processing unit126with the counter USB-connector118, which allows data transfer between the computer108and the bio-signal processing unit102through the USB-connection.

In an embodiment an example of which is illustrated inFIG.3, the bio-signal processing unit102may electrically connect the battery142of the bio-signal processing unit102with the counter USB-connector118for charging the battery142of the bio-signal processing unit102in response to detection of the computer108, which may provide the standard operational voltage.

In an embodiment, the selector140of the bio-signal processing unit102may detect the charger144based on the standard operational voltage of the third USB-connector114. The bio-signal processing unit102may electrically connect the battery142of the bio-signal processing unit102with the counter USB-connector118for charging the battery142of the bio-signal processing unit102. The charger144may be separate charger144like that illustrated inFIG.1or the charger144may locate inside the computer108, for example. The separate charger144may comprise a fourth USB-connector114for connecting the charger144with the counter USB-connector118of the bio-signal processing unit102.

FIG.5illustrates an example of the analog bio-signal measurement module106which is configured to measure the ECG, for example. The bio-signal measurement module106may comprise an electrode support structure402and a connection structure400. The electrode support structure402may comprise a number of tool-less electric connection elements404and electrodes406. A number of tool-less electric connection elements404corresponds to the number of tool-less counter connection elements408of the connection structure400. In that manner, the electrode support structure402may be disposable and as simple as possible, and the connection structure may be used a plurality of times.

The electrode support structure402may have a PET-layer410with AgCI-printed electrodes406, for example. The connection structure400may comprise circuit board412, such as a rigid-flex PCB, and the USB-connector114may be on the circuit board412.

A wire connection414may connect the tool-less counter electric connection elements408and the USB-connector114and/or the connector130.

In an embodiment an example of which is shown inFIG.6, the data processing unit126may comprise one or more processors500, and one or more memories502that may include a computer program code. The one or more memories502and the computer program code may, with the one or more processors500, cause the data processing unit126at least to process the bio-signal received from the person190or from an animal.

Also one aspect to consider and use in a manner described in this document is that USB 2.0 micro-USB-connector male connectors for disposable accessories are relatively easy to find at reasonable prices. The same applies also to the corresponding counter USB-connectors, i.e. female USB 2.0 micro-USB-connectors.

FIG.7is a flow chart of the measurement method. In step600, at least one bio-signal in a digital form is received, or alternatively at least one bio-signal in an analog form is received600A, through a counter USB-connector118of a bio-signal processing unit102, the at least one bio-signal in the digital form coming from a digital module104, whichreceives600B at least one bio-signal in the analog form,converts600C the at least one signal of the analog form by the digital unit112of the digital module104into the digital form, andoutputs600D said at least one bio-signal in the digital form through a first USB connector114, which is connected with the counter USB-connector118, to the bio-signal processing unit102;distinguishing602, by the bio-signal processing unit102, between the analog and digital signal forms; andperforming604the following:connecting604A electrically the counter USB-connector118with an input122of an analog-to-digital converter circuit120of the bio-signal processing unit102, an output124of the second analog-to-digital converter120being electrically connected with a digital data processing unit126of the bio-signal processing unit102, in response to detection of the analog signal form received from the counter USB-connector118, andconnecting604B electrically the counter USB-connector118with the digital data processing unit126in response to detection of the digital signal form received from the counter USB connector118.

The method shown inFIG.7may be implemented as a logic circuit solution or computer program. The computer program may be placed on a computer program distribution means for the distribution thereof. The computer program distribution means is readable by a data processing device, and it encodes the computer program commands, carries out the measurements and optionally controls the processes on the basis of the measurements.

The computer program may be distributed using a distribution medium which may be any medium readable by the controller. The medium may be a program storage medium, a memory, a software distribution package, or a compressed software package. In some cases, the distribution may be performed using at least one of the following: a near field communication signal, a short distance signal, and a telecommunications signal.

What is taught above may allow to use USB 2.0 series connectors in the future with expanding signal offering. This may result in one or more advantages such as:Robust industry proven connector family and proven conceptSmall form factorCheap connectors, cheap to implement and overall inexpensive solutionWidely accepted interface for PC's etc.Over-mouldable connectorsNo requirements for expensive IC-circuitry on communication cablesNo proprietary connectorsPossibility to use old accessories while allowing adaptation to future signalling

In general, what is taught in this document enables the expansion of the use of small pin-count connectors in untraditional way.

It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the example embodiments described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.