Wearable device with multimodal diagnostics

Abstract

Systems and methods to non-invasively measure sub-cutaneous processes in a patient are disclosed. Examples of systems may optically detect biological fluid properties. The optical detection techniques described herein may be incorporated into a wearable monitoring system. Examples of wearable monitoring systems may simultaneously measure a plurality of sensory modalities. Systems of the present disclosure may be mounted on the skin of a patient.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for monitoring subcutaneous processes in a patient comprising:
 sensing a plurality of sensory modalities using a sensor assembly comprising one or more sensors mounted on a wearable patch, the one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of an acoustic sensor, a strain gauge, an optical sensor, a conductivity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a chemical sensor, where the sensory modalities are received as electrical signals representing the sensory modalities;   converting the electrical signals to a plurality of corresponding sensor data signals; and   transmitting the one or a plurality of sensor data signals to a sensor data processing system.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  where the step of sensing the plurality of sensory modalities comprises any one or more of:
 sensing sound using an acoustic sensor; 
 sensing movement or orientation of a patient body part using an accelerometer; 
 sensing temperature using a temperature sensor; 
 sensing a stretch or compression of the wearable patch using a strain gauge; 
 sensing electromagnetic signals using an optical sensor; 
 sensing moisture using a moisture sensor; 
 sensing conductivity using a conductivity sensor; 
 sensing pressure using a pressure sensor; and 
 sensing a chemical using a chemical sensor. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  where the step of sensing the plurality of sensory modalities comprises sensing a differential measurement of skin temperature from two temperature sensors. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  where the step of transmitting the one or a plurality of sensor data signals to the sensor data processing system comprises:
 transmitting the one or a plurality of sensor data signals to a local hub, where the local hub transmits the sensor data signal to a remote sensor data processor for processing of the one or a plurality of sensor data signals. 
 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  where the device can be placed into a shelf mode where power is either disconnected or placed into a low power mode. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  where shelf mode is either invoked by a microcontroller device or automatically entered, based on readings from any one or more of:
 magnetic sensors or switches; 
 optical sensors; 
 motion, acceleration or tilt sensors; 
 temperature sensors; 
 capacitive proximity sensors; and 
 mechanical switches. 
 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  where shelf mode can invoked by a microcontroller device and exited based on readings from any one or more of:
 magnetic sensors or switches; 
 optical sensors; 
 motion, acceleration or tilt sensors; 
 temperature sensors; 
 capacitive proximity sensors; and 
 mechanical switches. 
 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claims 6  where the above sensors interact with product packaging or an adhesive backing liner in order to exit shelf mode when the patch is removed from the product packaging.