Sensors, interfaces and sensor systems for data collection and integrated remote monitoring of conditions at or near body surfaces

Abstract

Sensing devices including flexible and stretchable fabric-based pressure sensors may be associated with or incorporated in garments intended to be worn against a body surface (directly or indirectly), or may be associated with other types of flexible substrates, such as sheet-like materials, bandages, and other materials that contact the body (directly or indirectly), and may be provided as independently positionable sensor components. Systems and methods for storing, communicating, processing, analyzing and displaying data collected by sensor components for remote monitoring of conditions at body surfaces, or within the body, are also disclosed. Sensors and sensor systems provide substantially real-time feedback relating to current body conditions and may provide notifications or alerts to users, caretakers, and/or clinicians, enabling early intervention when conditions indicate intervention is appropriate.

1 . A sensing device comprising: at least one piezoresistive fabric sensor; at least two electrically conductive leads extending from each piezoresistive fabric sensor; at least one electrically conductive trace connected to each conductive lead; and at least one signal transfer terminal electrically connected to each conductive trace; wherein each trace is fabricated from a Material having different properties from the piezoresistive fabric sensor and lead material, and at least one piezoresistive fabric sensor, at least two electrically conductive leads, at least one electrically conductive trace, and at least one signal transfer terminal is associated with a non electrically conductive substrate that is flexible and stretchable. 
     
     
         2 . The sensing device of  claim 1 , additionally comprising at least one additional non-fabric sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The sensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one piezoresistive fabric sensor is capable of sensing pressure or force exerted on the sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The sensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two electrically conductive fabric leads extending from the at least one piezoresistive fabric sensor and are formed as integral extensions of the at least one piezoresistive fabric sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The sensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two electrically conductive leads are positioned on opposite sides of the at least one piezoresistive fabric sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The sensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the non-electrically conductive substrate is in the form factor of an insole, shoe, boot, belt or strap. 
     
     
         7 . The sensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the non-electrically conductive substrate is in the form factor of a wearable garment. 
     
     
         8 . The sensing device of  claim 7 , wherein the non-electrically conductive substrate is in the form factor of a sock or an anklet. 
     
     
         9 . The sensing device of  claim 7 , wherein the wearable garment is selected from the group consisting of: shirts, underwear, leggings, footies, gloves, caps, body bands and brassieres. 
     
     
         10 . The sensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the non-electrically conductive substrate is in the form of a bandage, wrap, band, wound dressing, sheet or pad. 
     
     
         11 . The sensing device of  claim 1 , additionally comprising at least one sensor capable of sensing at least one of moisture and temperature. 
     
     
         12 . The sensing device of  claim 1 , additionally comprising a dedicated electronic device having signal receipt terminals that mate with signal transfer terminals of the sensing device and a housing component with signal processing and communications components located within the housing component. 
     
     
         13 . The sensing device of  claim 12 , wherein the housing component is flexible. 
     
     
         14 . The sensing device of  claim 12 , wherein the housing component of the dedicated electronic device is in the form of a curved housing configured to fit partially around the front portion of a user's lower leg or ankle. 
     
     
         15 . The sensing device of  claim 12 , wherein the signal receipt terminals of the dedicated electronic device and the signal transfer terminals of the sensing device are mounted in cooperating fixtures for sliding engagement of terminals. 
     
     
         16 . The sensing device of  claim 12 , wherein the signal receipt terminals of the dedicated electronic device and the signal transfer terminals of the sensing device are configured for magnetic engagement of terminals. 
     
     
         17 . The sensing device of  claim 12 , additionally comprising an accelerometer. 
     
     
         18 . A sock comprising at least two piezoresistive sensors; at least two electrically conductive leads extending from each piezoresistive sensor: at least one electrically conductive trace connected to each of the conductive leads: and at least one signal transfer terminal electrically connected to each of the conductive traces; wherein the signal transfer terminals are arranged in proximity to one another in a location corresponding to a front portion of a users lower leg or ankle region. 
     
     
         19 . The sock of  claim 18 , in combination with a dedicated electronic device having signal receipt terminals that mate with signal transfer terminals of the sock and a flexible housing component in the form of a curved housing configured to fit partially around the front portion of a user's lower leg or ankle, with signal processing and communications components located within the housing component. 
     
     
         20 . A system for data collection and remote monitoring of conditions at or near a body surface, comprising: at least one sensing device configured for positioning in direct or indirect contact with a portion of a user's body surface and having signal transfer terminals associated with a flexible, non-conductive substrate; a dedicated electronic device having signal processing and communications components and signal receipt terminals that receive signals from the signal transfer terminals of the sensing device; and a remote computing facility configured to receive data from the dedicated electronic device and execute data analysis in accordance with at least one of programmed and programmable instructions and routines, wherein the at least one sensing device comprises at least one piezoresistive fabric sensor; at least two fabric leads extending from each piezoresistive fabric sensor; and at least one electrically conductive trace connected to each conductive lead and terminating in one of the signal transfer terminals. 
     
     
         21 . A method for fitting footwear to a users feet, comprising: placing at least one pressure sensor of a sensing device comprising a flexible, piezoresistive sensor, at least two flexible leads connected to the sensor, at least one flexible, electrically conductive trace connected to each of the leads, and at least one signal transfer terminal electrically connected to each of the flexible, conductive traces at a location at or near an area of the user's foot; placing footwear on the user's foot and thereby locating the at least one pressure sensor between the user's foot and the footwear; collecting data relating to sensed pressure conditions while the user wears the footwear; augmenting collected data with user information; and providing user-specific recommendations for footwear that fits the anatomy of the user's foot. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one pressure sensor is incorporated in a sock form factor.