Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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GARMENT SYSTEM PROVIDING BIOMETRIC MONITORING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a gainient system. Certain
embodiments
disclosed herein relate to a garment system for monitoring biometric
information including
vital signs and body motion.
Description of the Relevant Art
[0002] Wearable technology has become an increasingly more common resource
for
users to track and monitor their biometric data during physical activity
and/or day-to-day
activity. Devices such as wristbands, glasses, and watches may function to
gather biometric
data from an individual's body such as heart rate, force on a body,
acceleration of a body, etc.
These devices, however, may not be capable of tracking or generating a complex
profile of a
user's biometric data in combination with movement and body position of the
user. Thus,
there is still a need for a system (e.g., a garment system) that is capable of
generating such
data for real-time analysis of an individual's condition.
SUMMARY
[0003] In certain embodiments, a system includes a fabric for being worn on
a body of a
wearer. The fabric may include comprises one or more layers with at least one
layer of fabric
including a conductive elastic material. A plurality of respiratory monitoring
sensors may be
integrated in the fabric. At least two respiratory monitoring sensors may be
coupled with at
least a portion of the conductive elastic material. The at least two
respiratory monitoring
sensors may be configured to assess a resistance of the portion of the
conductive elastic
material between the at least two respiratory monitoring sensors. One or more
inertial
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measurement units may be integrated in the fabric. The inertial measurement
units may be
configured to assess a physical position of the body of the wearer in a three-
dimensional
space. One or more heart rate monitors may be integrated in the fabric. The
heart rate
monitors may be configured to assess one or more properties associated with a
heart of the
wearer. A processor may be integrated in the fabric. The processor may be
configured to
receive data from the respiratory monitoring sensors, the inertial measurement
units, and the
heart rate monitors. The processor may be configured to assess one or more
vital signs and a
body position of the wearer of the fabric using the received data.
[0004] In certain embodiments, a method includes receiving, in a processor
integrated in
a fabric, data from a plurality of respiratory monitoring sensors integrated
in the fabric. At
least two respiratory monitoring sensors may be coupled with at least a
portion of a
conductive elastic material. The data from the respiratory monitoring sensors
may include a
resistance of the portion of the conductive elastic material between the at
least two respiratory
monitoring sensors. The fabric may include one Of more layers with at least
one layer of
fabric including the conductive elastic material. Data from one or more
inertial measurement
units integrated in the fabric may be received in the processor. The data from
the inertial
measurement units may include a physical position of the body of the wearer in
a three-
dimensional space. Data from one or more heart rate monitors integrated in the
fabric may be
received in the processor. The data from the heart rate monitors may include
one or more
properties associated with a heart of the wearer. The processor may assess one
or more vital
signs and a body position of the wearer of the fabric using the data received
from the
respiratory monitoring sensors, the data received from the inertial
measurement units, and the
data received from the heart rate monitors.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Features and advantages of the methods and apparatus described
herein will be
more
fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of
presently preferred but
nonetheless illustrative embodiments when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 depicts an anterior view representation of an embodiment of a
garment
system.
[0007] FIG. 2 depicts a posterior view representation of the embodiment of
a garment
system.
[0008] FIG. 3 displays an embodiment of a method.
[0009] FIG. 4 displays a diagram depicting an embodiment of a wired
framework of a
garment system.
[0010] FIG. 5 displays a diagram of an embodiment of a kinetic power module
setup.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a respiratory monitor sub-
system.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a respiratory monitor sub-
system.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a strain detection unit.
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a strain detection unit.
[0015] FIG. 10 displays a side layer view of an embodiment of a multi-layer
elastic
conductive fabric utilized in a garment body.
[0016] FIG. 11 displays a front view of an embodiment of a respiratory
monitoring
system
engrained within a garment body.
[0017] FIG. 12 displays an embodiment of a method for monitoring body
functions.
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[0018] FIG. 13 depicts an anterior view representation of another
embodiment of a
gatment
system.
[0019] FIG. 14 depicts a posterior view representation of another
embodiment of a
garment
system.
[0020] FIG. 15 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a skeleton with a
posture
characteristic.
[0021] FIG. 16 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a skeleton with an
alternative
posture characteristic.
[0022] FIG. 17 displays an alternative embodiment of a method for
collecting data.
[0023] FIG. 18 displays an embodiment of a method for monitoring breathing.
[0024] FIG. 19 depicts an anterior view representation of another
embodiment of a
garment system.
[0025] FIG. 20 depicts a posterior view representation of another
embodiment of a
garment system.
[0026] FIG. 21 depicts a side view representation of another embodiment of
a gaiment
system. [0027]FIG. 22 depicts an exploded view representation of an embodiment
of a fluid
delivery system.
[0028] FIG. 23 depicts a representation of an alternative embodiment of a
piston portion.
[0029] FIG. 24 depicts a representation of an embodiment of a port.
[0030] FIG. 25 depicts a flowchart of an embodiment of a control method
using a
garment system.
[0031] FIG. 26 depicts a representation of an embodiment of conditions
needed for
different signal levels.
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[0032] FIG. 27 depicts an anterior view representation of yet another
embodiment of a
garment system.
[0033] FIG. 28 depicts a posterior view representation of yet another
embodiment of a
garment system.
[0034] FIG. 29 depicts a side view representation of yet another embodiment
of a
garment system.
[0035] FIG. 30 depicts a block diagram of one embodiment of an exemplary
computer
system.
[0036] FIG. 31 depicts a block diagram of one embodiment of a computer
accessible
storage medium.
[0037] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and
alternative forms,
specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and
will herein
be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings
and detailed
description thereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular
form illustrated,
but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents
and alternatives
falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by
the appended
claims. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are
not meant to be
used to limit the scope of the description. As used throughout this
application, the word
"may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to),
rather than the
mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include,"
"including," and
"includes" mean including, but not limited to. Additionally, as used in this
specification and
the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an'', and "the" include singular
and plural
referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the word
"may" is used
throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential
to, being able to),
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not in a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term "include," and derivations
thereof, mean
"including, but not limited to." The term "coupled" means directly or
indirectly connected.
[0038] Various units, circuits, or other components may be described as
"configured to"
perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, "configured to" is a broad
recitation of structure
generally meaning "having structure that" performs the task or tasks during
operation. As
such, the unit/circuit/component can be configured to perform the task even
when the
unit/circuit/component is not currently on. Similarly, various
units/circuits/components may
be described as performing a task or tasks, for convenience in the
description. Such
descriptions should be interpreted as including the phrase "configured to."
Reciting a
unit/circuit/component that is configured to perform one or more tasks is
expressly intended
not to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) interpretation for that
unit/circuit/component.
[0039] The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or
combination of
features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or any
generalization thereof,
whether or not it mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein.
Accordingly, new
claims may be foimulated during prosecution of this application (or an
application claiming
priority thereto) to any such combination of features. In particular, with
reference to the
appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of
the
independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be
combined in any
appropriate mariner and not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in
the appended
claims.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The following examples are included to demonstrate preferred
embodiments. It
should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques
disclosed in the examples
which_ follow represent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well
in the practice
of the disclosed embodiments, and thus can be considered to constitute
preferred modes for
its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the
present disclosure,
appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are
disclosed
and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit
and scope of the
disclosed embodiments.
[0041] This specification includes references to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment."
The appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" do
not
necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although embodiments that include
any
combination of the features are generally contemplated, unless expressly
disclaimed herein.
Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any
suitable manner
consistent with this disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 1 depicts an anterior view representation of an embodiment of
garment
system 50. FIG. 2 depicts a posterior view representation of the embodiment of
garment
system 50. In certain embodiments, garment system 50 includes body 52. Body 52
may be,
for example, a shirt body or any other garment wearable by a user (e.g., a
person Or an
animal) such as an arm sleeve, a leg sleeve, or a torso sleeve. In certain
embodiments,
gannent body 52 is constructed of a quick dry material with antistatic and
anti-microbial
properties. In some embodiments, garment body 52 is form fitting (athletic
fit) around a
portion of the user's (wearer's body). For example, garment body 52 may
include one or
more fabric layers with elastic fibers similar to spandex. Garment body 52 may
include a
plurality of fabrics or yarns arranged in a woven and/or a knit pattern.
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[0043] Garment body 52 may house a number of electronic components either
within or
on the garment structure. In some embodiments, garment body 52 is made of a
quick dry
elastic polymer blend that provides support to the garment body wearer.
Garment body 52
may include welded non-chafing seams and/or other features that provide a
stable platform
for biometric sensors, GPS, and processors on the garment body. Fit of gatment
body 52 may
be athletic, similar to, in certain embodiments, an undershirt worn by a
soldier or professional
football player. In some embodiments, gatment body 52 includes fabric
enhancements such
as, but not limited to, improved moisture wicking, improved thermal
management, and/or
muscle group support.
[0044] In embodiments with garment body 52 being a shirt body, the garment
body may
be made available in a number of sizes similar to, but not limited to,
standard American
sizing. For example, garment body 52 may be available in full and half sizes
ranging from
size 3 to size 8. A size 3 may be the equivalent of an extra, extra small
(XXS) and an 8 may
be similar to an extra, extra, extra large (XXXL). In certain embodiments,
garment body 52 is
&Int fitting and snug to more accurately measure physiological responses.
Thus, in such
embodiments, 11 (or more) available sizes may be provided to ensure a form
fitting fit on the
user.
[0045] In some embodiments, garment body 52 is a unisex garment body.
Garment body
52 may be fitted based on torso length relevant to chest wall circumference
while the garment
body is constructed from an elastic material. Fitting and constructing garment
body 52 in
such manners may allow the garment body to be made unisex, which may make
manufacturing, shirt selection, distribution, and inventory of garments more
manageable.
[0046] In certain embodiments, gatment body 52 is form fitting and designed
to be worn
for prolonged periods of time. Garment body 52 may be designed to fit and be
worn like a
typical athletic garment. For most typical embodiments, garment body 52 may
not need
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special fitting for the user. Garment body 52 may be form-fitting to allow the
garment body
to properly collect data from an individual wearer of the garment body (e.g.,
the user). In
some embodiments, a sizing chart is provided to an individual with gannent
body 52 (or
distribution materials for the garment body) to provide a recommendation for
sizing of the
garment body. Recommendations for sizing may correspond to, for example, chest
measurements of the individual or other measurements of body parts of the
individual
intended for wearing of garment body 52 (e.g., arm diameter, leg diameter,
etc.). The sizing
process may be a process similar to the process for effectively fitting a high-
end backpack or
daypack, common in the outdoor retail space. In some embodiments, garment body
52 may
be worn under other equipment for prolonged periods of time (e.g., under
football pads) or
the wearer may have a unique body shape for which a specially-made garment
body is
needed.
[0047] Garment system 50 may include garment body 52 and multiple
additional
components. In certain embodiments, gannent system 50 includes a heart rate
monitor (not
shown), respiration/skeletal position monitors 116, accelerometers 130,
GPS/WWAN
component 134, processor 114, a cellular/satellite transceiver (not shown), a
low frequency
receiver/transceiver system (not shown), kinetic power modulator 138, and
generators 136.
These components may be attached to or embedded in garment body 52. A
dashboard
application (e.g., an application on a mobile device) may also be associated
with garment
system 50. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, wiring may couple one or more of the
components on
garment body 52.
[0048] In certain embodiments, processor 114 provides processing of
information
acquired through various sensors/components on garment body 52. Processor 114
may
process the acquired information (e.g., raw data from sensors/components) to
generate new
information. Processor 114 may transmit the information using the
cellular/satellite
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transceiver and/or the low frequency receiver/transceiver system. Transmitted
information
may include either processed information and/or raw data information. In some
embodiments, processor 114 includes memory for storing the information and
transmitting
the information at a later time. For example, processor 114 may transmit the
information
using a burst transmission at a specified time.
[0049] In some embodiments, the cellular/satellite transceiver and/or the
low frequency
receiver/transceiver system are attached to or part of processor 114. In some
embodiments,
the cellular/satellite transceiver and/or the low frequency
receiver/transceiver system are
separated from processor 114 in garment body 52. In some embodiments, antennas
for either
a satellite, a cellular, or another receiver/transceiver are integrated into
garment body 52. For
example, the antennas may be flexible, flat antennas integrated into garment
body 52.
Integration of the antennas may include sewing or embedding the antennas into
garment body
52. The antennas may include small circuit boards using lightweight materials
that provide
fast data transfer rates. [0050]In some embodiments, GPS/WWAN component 134
includes
the cellular/satellite transceiver and/or the low frequency
receiver/transceiver system. In
some embodiments, the cellular/satellite transceiver and the low frequency
receiver/transceiver systems are redundant systems (e.g., one system is
capable of operation
if the other system is not operable or transmission using the system is not
available).
[0051] In certain embodiments, the low frequency receiver/transceiver
system is used to
create an ecosystem around garment system 50. For example, the low frequency
receiver/transceiver system may incorporate a low frequency system such as
Bluetooth or
Bluetooth Smart. Other communication protocols may also be used such as, but
not limited
to, ANT+, Wi-Fi, LiFi, and SATCOM. Using such technology may provide for the
addition
of third-party hardware for extended biofeedback response capabilities. Some
possible
hardware concepts include, but are not limited to, glasses to track movement
and pupil
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dilation, wristbands to monitor skin conductivity and temperature, ambient
temperature
sensors, and DTR (deep tendon reflex) monitoring. In some embodiments, the low
frequency
receiver/transceiver system includes small transmitters and receivers capable
of moving large
quantities of data and smaller package sizes over greater distances. The low
frequency
receiver/transceiver system utilize protocols to include a wide variety of
third-party hardware.
In some embodiments, submersible technology may be incorporated in the low
frequency
receiver/transceiver system.
[0052] In certain embodiments, an application is associated with garment
system 50. For
example, as described above, a dashboard application (e.g., an application or
module on a
mobile device Of other electronic device) is associated with garment system
50. Processor
114 may communicate with the device to send/receive data between the
application and
garment system 50. The application associated with garment system 50 may
provide
simultaneous review of all biometric information as well as complementary
information
generated by the processing of acquired data (e.g., algorithmic manipulation
of acquired
data). The application may allow for the management, utilization, and near
real-time review
of gathered data regardless of the physical location of the device relevant to
garment system
50.
[0053] In some embodiments, the application associated with garment system
50 may be
a native iOS or Android application as well as a web platform. The dashboard
application
may access a remote server associated with garment system 50 (e.g., through a
secure
Internet connection). The application may provide capability for the passing
of information
and system management tools between garment system 50 and the remote server.
This setup
may allow for wireless firmware updates and remote diagnostic capabilities.
Live "over-the-
wire" firmware updates may occur as enhancements are made and the garment
application
may be updated as improvements occur. Initially, the garment application may
allow for the
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measurement and viewing of all biometric processes being monitored and GIPS
location. In
some embodiments, garment system 50 may include control capabilities such as
V02
Threshold, Tidal Volume, WAN locating, 3D Thoracic wall movement diagramming,
third-
party apps, etc.
[0054] In some embodiments, a heart rate (BR) monitor is incorporated in
gan-nent body
52. The HR monitor may function utilizing decoding algorithms and three lead
EKG
equivalent monitoring straps. In some embodiments, the HR monitor may
integrate a 12 lead
EKG equivalent monitor. The HR monitor may, however, integrate any number of
leads in an
EKG equivalent monitor. The HR monitor may stream pulse rate to processor 114,
which
may run the data through multiple algorithms developed and offered as a
package. The
algorithms offered may provide, but not be limited to, the following outputs:
BPM (beats per
minute), HRR (heart rate reserve), stress response, and HRV (heart rate
variability).
[0055] In some embodiments, the HR monitor is integrated into the material
of garment
body 52. The HR monitor may be, for example, a standard heart rate monitor
that
circumnavigates either a portion of the user's chest or a portion of the
user's body adjacent
the chest. The HR monitor may utilize three lead EKG equivalent monitoring
techniques
using electrically conductive pads. The HR monitor may be positioned
anatomically under
the breast line of the user and over the top of the xiphoid process (in
proximity to dotted line
140 found in FIG. 1). The HR monitor may track pulse rate (and/or other
information) in near
real-time and may transmit the information via hardwire to processor 114.
[0056] In certain embodiments, the HR monitor includes a pulse oximeter.
The pulse
oximeter may be used to assess Sp02 (blood oxygen saturation) levels in the
wearer. In some
embodiments, the pulse oximeter is separate from the HR monitor on gannenl.
body 52.
Measurements of Sp02 from the pulse oximeter may be combined with other data
to provide
an assessed condition of the wearer of garment body 52.
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[0057] The HR monitor may also include low-frequency wireless technology
such as, but
not limited to, Bluetooth Smart. The Bluetooth Smart or similar technology may
allow for the
heart rate to be transmitted in near real-time to a third-party device or
monitoring tool. The
third-party device or monitoring tool may include devices/tools such as, but
not limited to, an
electronic device including an application (e.g., a mobile device with a
dashboard
application), deep tendon reflex monitoring cuffs, pedometers, glasses
utilized to track
multiple periods of vision, eye movement, and focal points, skin conductivity
monitors, skin
temperature monitors, and atmospheric monitors. Wireless transmissions may be
secondary
to hardwired transmissions through a hardwired connection to processor 114.
The contact
pads for the heart rate monitor may be rubberized and fully encapsulated to
ensure that the
unit is watertight.
[0058] In certain embodiments, battery 132, shown in FIG. 2, is used to
provide power
for the HR monitor (and other components) of garment system 50. In certain
embodiments,
battery 132 is a flexible, thin battery that is non-combustible. In some
embodiments, battery
132 is a flexible battery distributed through a portion of garment body 52.
Battery 132 may
be removable from garment body 52 (e.g., for replacement and/or recharging of
the battery).
[0059] In some embodiments, the HR monitor is coupled to battery 132 via a
wired
connection. In some embodiments, the HR monitor may include updated firmware
and
technology upgrades including more efficient monitoring, three-dimensional
sonography,
target specific ultrasound, and more frequent data transmissions.
[0060] In certain embodiments, garment system 50 includes a magnetic
respiratory
monitor. The magnetic respiratory monitor may be used to measure chest wall
and/or
abdominal movement (e.g., expansion and contraction). In certain embodiments,
the
magnetic respiratory monitor measures chest wall and abdominal movement at
twelve points
on the body, with six points being on a first side of the body and six points
being on a second
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side of the body. Four leads may be placed at relevant points along the
thoracic wall to
monitor the linear movement of the related space along a linear plane. Two
leads may be
placed on the lateral aspect of the abdominal wall to monitor for
diaphragmatic breathing.
The respiration rate, frequency, and depth may be transmitted over wire in
real-time to
processor 114. Processor 114 may process the information through a series of
algorithms to
determine results such as, but not limited to: respiration depth, respiration
quality, respiration
rate, respiratory rhythm, and relevant chest wall and abdominal movement
(symmetric,
asymmetric, variance, etc.).
[0061] FIG. 3 displays an embodiment of method 300. Method 300 may be used
for
monitoring an individual using a magnetic respiratory monitor in accordance
with
embodiments described herein. Method 300 may include providing magnets 310. In
certain
embodiments, two magnets are provided. In some embodiments, a first magnet is
a static
magnet. In 320, a second magnet may be mobilized in the vicinity of the static
magnet. In
330, a magnetometer may monitor the variation in magnetic force applied to the
static magnet
by the mobilized magnet. In certain embodiments, the mobilized magnet is
attached to the
mediastinal breastplate of garment body 52. The position of the mediastinal
breastplate may
be represented by position 142, shown in FIG. 1.
[0062] Magnetic variance may occur on inspiration and expiration as the
magnet attached
to the breastplate moves away from the static magnet during inspiration and
back towards the
static magnet during expiration. In 340, the variance in force may be
transmitted by the
magnetometer to the processor (e.g., processor 114). The number of times the
variances are
recorded over a period of time may be identified as the number of respirations
in that period.
in certain embodiments, the pair of magnets involved in method 300 are
encapsulated in a
thin waterproof tube in conjunction with the magnetometer. The static magnet
may be glued
in place to the interior of the watertight tube. Each magnetic device may
consist of a
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magnetometer, a static magnet secured to the interior of the tube, a mobile
magnet inserted
into the interior of the tube, a watertight tube, and a cable attachment to
the breast plate.
[0063] There may be a plurality of magnetic devices distributed throughout
garment body
52. For example, in one embodiment, there may be twelve magnetic devices
distributed
throughout garment body 52. In some embodiments, four devices are located over
the left
lateral aspect of the thorax and four devices are located over the right
lateral aspect of the
thorax. In some embodiments, two devices are located over the left
anterolateral aspect of the
abdomen and two devices are located over the right anterolateral aspect of the
abdomen. In
some embodiments, a magnetic respiratory monitor may be placed within garment
body 52
on each side of the garment body. The monitors may correlate with an upper
chest wall of an
individual so that breathing patterns in these two areas may be monitored. In
some
embodiments, the length of the tube may align with an outward axis of
breathing of the
individual so that the magnets move along this axis and provide useful
measurable results. In
some embodiments, garment system 50 includes magnetometry that does not
require actual
moving magnets, uses smaller integrated systems, and provides faster, more
reliable reads.
[0064] In some embodiments, the magnetometer includes standard magnetometer
components that are capable of measuring at least one of the following: the
magnetization of
a magnetic material and the strength and/or direction of a magnetic field at a
point in space.
In some embodiments, a sensor of the magnetometer is positioned within the
magnetic field
found within or in the vicinity of the tube housing the static magnet and the
mobile magnet.
[0065] In some embodiments, garment body 52 is worn in conjunction with a
belt. The
belt may include a magnet and magnetometer setup as described above with the
tube aligning
along an axis perpendicular to the length and width of the belt. The belt may,
when garment
body 52 is worn by an individual, circumnavigate the pelvic region of an
individual and may
carry out at least one of two tasks: 1) keep the garment in place if an
individual is wearing the
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garment and 2) measure the pelvic positioning of an individual. In some
embodiments, the
belt may be positioned over the iliac crests of the pelvis.
[0066] In some embodiments, gamient body 52, in the form of a shirt,
includes a
waistband sewn within a hem of a shirt. The waistband may, when garment body
52 is worn
by an individual, circumnavigate the pelvic region of the individual. The
waistband may
comprise a magnet and magnetometer setup as previously described with the tube
aligning
along an axis perpendicular to the length and width of the waistband. The
waistband may
measure the pelvic positioning of an individual when the individual is wearing
garment body
52, In some embodiments, the waistband includes an elastic material. In some
embodiments,
the waistband is positioned over the iliac crests of the pelvis.
[0067] FIG. 4 displays a diagram depicting an embodiment of a wired
framework of
gatment system 50. In certain embodiments, garment system 50 integrates up to
twelve
primary components. In certain embodiments, garment system 50 includes
processor 114.
Information generated by biometric sensors, Bluetooth extensions, GPS signals,
and any
other general feedback provided through the gamient system may be processed
within the
gamient system using processor 114. Processed data packets may be transmitted
via uplink to
a server associated with garment system 50 and then made available in near
real-time to a
dashboard/application, as described herein. The mechanism of processing
information on
board garment system 50 may allow for the continuous cycling and evaluation of
data even in
the event of uplink loss. This may be critical in high-conflict/shielded areas
such as areas near
power-lines, around dense foliage, or building cover. Once communication with
the server is
re-established, burst transmissions may occur in order to move as much
information to the
server, and then out to the users, as fast as possible. In some embodiments,
processor 114
provides a fast processor (e.g., parallelized multicore processing) in a
smaller chip size with
more powerful, deeper evaluation of biometric feedback data.
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[0068] Garment system 50 may include a wireless monitoring system that
provides
testing typically reserved for the lab. Processor 114 may be wired or
wirelessly connected
with a plurality of respiration monitoring sites 116. Using respiration
monitoring sites 116
placed at thoracic and abdominal areas, garment system 50 may provide
monitoring for
respirations, heart rate, and thoracic movement along with relevant conjoined
data. Garment
system 50 may allow for the integration of Bluetooth Smart enabled peripheral
monitors. The
wireless capabilities of garment system 50 may also provide channels for
updating and
expanding of the garment system.
[0069] In certain embodiments, garment system 50 includes eight thoracic
respiration
monitoring sites 116 and four abdominal respiration monitoring sites 116 (both
generally
denoted as respiration monitoring sites 116). A rechargeable battery 132 may
be connected to
processor 114. Battery 132 may be encased in a waterproof shell that is
resistant up to 100
meters of water or greater. The configuration of battery 132 may depend on the
variation of
garment system 50. For example, a commercial version of garment system 50 may
utilize an
integrated battery 132 that requires that the gatment system to be returned to
a company for a
swap out of the battery once the battery has exceeded life expectancy. In some
embodiments,
an accessible version of garment system 50 may utilize a removable battery for
battery 132
that allows for emergency swap out, field servicing, and/or swaps on prolonged
operations
(such as in the military). The estimated standby time for garment system 50
without kinetic
influence or charge may be about 10-15 days, which may reduce or eliminate the
possibility
of power sapping.
[0070] In certain embodiments, garment system 50 includes a plurality of
accelerometers
130. Accelerometers 130 may be strategically integrated/placed in garment body
52. The
integration of accelerometers 130 may provide additional data acquisition for
garment system
50. Accelerometers 130 may, for example, provide the location of garment
system 50
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relevant to perpendicular and/or the ground and thus provide the body position
of the wearer
relevant to perpendicular and/or the ground. Providing body position may allow
an evaluator
to determine the activity of the wearer (running versus biking, versus
swimming, etc.).
Accelerometers 130 may identify position relevant to the perpendicular in
conjunction with
being relevant to each other. Accelerometers 130 may further determine torso
and limb
movement associated with mobility. Accelerometer 130 may further be used to
determine the
quality of specific movements.
[0071] In some embodiments, garment system 50 includes four accelerometers
130: a left
posterior accelerometer, a right posterior accelerometer, a left anterior
accelerometer, and a
right anterior accelerometer. Accelerometers 130 may collect information on
the movement
of an individual including the direction of movement, the speed of movement,
the duration in
which a movement takes place, and the smoothness of the movement. This
information may
be provided to processor 114 and stored on a memory in connection with the
processor.
Processor 114 may correlate the data with sample data that may represent a
specific activity.
This correlation may allow garment system 50 to tell what type of activity an
individual is
doing, how well the individual is performing an activity, and how well the
individual is doing
(health-wise) during the activity.
[0072] In some embodiments, garment system 50 includes one accelerometer
130 over
the posterior superior lateral aspect of the left scapula, one accelerometer
130 over the
posterior superior lateral aspect of the right scapula, one accelerometer 130
placed over the
left anterior superior medial aspect of the ischial crest, and one
accelerometer 130 placed
over the right anterior superior medial aspect of the ischial crest. Each
accelerometer 130
may relay information independently to processor 114 so that the individual
accelerometers'
130 positions relevant to perpendicular and/or the ground can be measured as
well as
variations to perpendicular to the ground. Each unit may measure its relative
position, speed,
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and momentum respective to every other unit. This information may also be sent
to processor
114 by each individual accelerometer 130. The combined data in aggregate from
the
accelerometers 130 may provide a three-dimensional digital view of the body in
motion. In
some embodiments, the size and/or number of accelerometers 130 may vary in
garment
system 50. Additionally, accelerometers 130 and/or processor 114 may include
upgraded
hardware and/or software to provide more accurate and faster data aggregation.
[0073] In some embodiments, accelerometers 130 include, or are included as
part of,
inertial measurement units (IMUs). Inertial measurement units may be used to
assess the
bodies physical position in a three-dimensional space as well as complex
motion. The use of
inertial measurement units may provide near real-time mapping of complex
motions
including rotation, flexion, and extension. Inertial measurement unit data may
be used in
combination with other data (e.g., GPS data) to provide a three-dimensional
image of the
wearer's body in space relative to other objects (e.g., a real-time tracking
image).
[0074] In certain embodiments, processor 114 is connected to GPS/WWAN
component
134. GPS/WWAN component 134 may include a GPS monitor and/or a WWAN monitor.
The GPS monitor may be stacked or swapped with the WWAN monitor for indoor
movement
tracking in a 3D space. In some embodiments, the purpose of GPS/WWAN component
134 is
to determine the wearer's physical position in a real-world environment. In
some
embodiments, the ping rate for GPS/WWAN component 134 may be one second
intervals
(e.g., the closest to constant position streaming currently available).
[0075] In some embodiments, GPS/WWAN component 134 may be located along the
spinal column over the C5. GPS/WWAN component 134 may be small in size and may
be
low profile. GPS/WWAN component 134 may utilize an integrated antenna. For
high
standard versions (e.g., military versions) of garment system 50, an
elongated, flexible, and
flat GPS antenna may be integrated into garment body 52. The GPS component of
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GPS/WWAN component 134 may be utilized to track the physical location of the
body in a
real-time environment. For certain purposes (e.g., military purposes),
GPS/WWAN
component 134 may be capable of utilizing WWAN to track a wearer through an
interior
environment. WWAN integration may afford observers utilizing the app or web
dashboard to
track the garment's wearer in near real time on a map overlay. In some
embodiments,
GP S/WWAN component 134 includes small units that provide good satellite
tracking, fast
locking, and good transmission through dense cover.
[0076] FIG. 5 displays a diagram of an embodiment of kinetic power module
setup 139.
In certain embodiments, kinetic power module setup 139 is included in garment
system 50.
Kinetic power module setup 139 may allow garment system 50 to provide a low
frequency
wireless enabled wearable utilizing at least one power generator, magnetic
respiratory
monitor, and onboard processor 114. The method of acquiring, processing, and
transmitting
biometric feedback data using garment system 50 may allow for the complete
physical
evaluation of a wearer without being harnessed to a treadmill, spirometer, and
ECG machine
while being isolated to a lab outside of an active real-world environment.
Thus, garment
system 50 may take the guess work out of live, real-world performance and
stress response.
[0077] In certain embodiments, kinetic power module setup 139 and gaiment
system 50
include at least one integrated kinetic power generator 136 that allows for
the garment system
to continuously charge while the wearer is in motion. Continuous charging may
allow battery
132 to only deplete when the body is static. Charging using kinetic power
module setup 139
may increase the battery life and decrease the requirement for charging. The
kinetic charging
may allow garment system 50 to be used for long duration activities. Long
duration activities
may include, for example, combat operation scenarios such as foot patrols,
Direct Action
Operations, and/or training exercises spanning multiple days in the field.
Long duration
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activities may also include commercially viable activities such as triathlons
and endurance
races. In some embodiments, kinetic generators 136 may be diffuse kinetic
chargers.
[0078] Kinetic generators 136 may be integrated into garment body 52, as
shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. Kinetic generators 136 may include multiple micro-kinetic power
generators
that are located throughout garment body 52. In certain embodiments, kinetic
generators 136
are placed in strategic areas (e.g., areas with high movement such as the
shoulders and/or
hips). As shown in FIG. 5, each kinetic generator 136 may be coupled to power
modulator
138. Energy generated in each kinetic generator 136 may be throttled through
power
modulator 138 to trickle charge the garment's battery 132. Power modulator 138
may be
capable of trickle charging battery 132 from the charge of a single kinetic
generator 136 or all
kinetic power generators 136 simultaneously. This may be necessary because in
certain body
positions, or during certain activities, there may be limited motion through
all or some of the
upper extremities and thus regions of garment body 52. Power modulator 138 may
be directly
wired to the battery 132 in order to provide the charge/trickle charge. In
some embodiments,
kinetic power module setup 139 may be based on the Seiko-type kinetic power
generation
system that has been utilized in watches since the early 80s. In some
embodiments, kinetic
power generators 136 may include smaller generators capable of generating more
power from
less movement. In some embodiments, kinetic power generators 136 may
incorporate organic
solar paneling woven into the garment material of garment body 52.
[0079] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of respiratory monitor sub-system
110.
Respiratory monitor sub-system 110 may be integrated into shirt 112 (e.g.,
garment body 52)
and may include processor 114 and multiple instantiations of respiration
monitoring site
("RMS") 116, e., RMS 116a-116f. Each RMS 116 may be connected to processor 114
via a
serial bus. During operation, each RMS 116 may sense movement, as described
below, and
provide a corresponding digital output that is a function of the detected
movement. In some
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embodiments, each RMS 116 output is latched and scanned serially back to
processor 114
where it is available for further analysis or processing. In other
embodiments, the digital data
provided by each RMS 116 may be provided to processor 114 along a parallel
bus. In some
embodiments, respiratory monitor sub-system 110 may not include processor 114.
[0080] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of RMS 116. RMS 116 may include
conductive
elastomer ("CE") panel 118, multiple instances of strain detection unit 120
(e.g., strain
detection units 120a-120b), and latch 122. CE panel 118 may include at least 2
strips of
material (e.g., strands or fibers of a conductive elastomer), one
substantially in the horizontal
direction, and one substantially in the vertical direction. CE panels 118 may
be integrated into
shirt 112 (e.g., garment body 52) over areas that are affected during the
respiratory process;
for instance, over the rib cage and upper abdomen. When inhalation and
exhalation occur, the
material stretches, expanding and contracting with body motion, i.e., thoracic
expansion and
contraction while breathing.
[0081] As is known, the resistance of the conductive elastomer fibers or
threads is given
as:
where R represents the resistance, p represents electrical resistivity (L2-m),
A represents the
cross-sectional area in m2, and 1-1ength of the conductor in m. According to
this relation,
when the area of the conductive elastomer decreases, its resistance increases.
Deflection, i.e.,
expansion and contraction, of the conductive elastomer results in a decrease
in the cross-
sectional area and a concomitant change in the resistance of the conductive
elastomer.
[0082] Strain detection units 120a and 120b may detect the changes in the
resistance of
the conductive elastomer that results from the expansion and contraction of
the strands that
accompany inhalation and exhalation. Latch 122 may capture the results of the
detection
perfoinied by strain detection unit 120 and provide the captured data to
processor 114 by way
of the aforementioned serial or parallel bus.
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[0083] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of strain detection unit 120.
Strain detection unit
120 may include strain sensor unit 124, signal conditioning unit 126, and
analog-to-digital
converter ("ADC") 128. During operation, strain sensor unit 124 may detect the
changes in
resistance resulting from the deflection of the conductive elastomer strands
due to inhalation
and exhalation. The results from strain sensor unit 124 may be provided to
signal
conditioning unit 126, where the resulting signal or signals are, for example,
amplified and
any DC offset is removed. The conditioned signal may be provided to ADC 128
where the
signal is converted into a digital output. ADC 128 may be a simple 1-bit ADC,
a more
complex 24-bit ADC, or something in between, depending upon the application
and the needs
of the system.
[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of strain detection unit 120'.
Strain
detection unit 120' may include Wheatstone bridge 124', amplifier 126', and
ADC 128'.
Wheatstone bridge 124', as is known, is often used to accurately measure small
changes in
resistance of a strained medium, converting the changes in resistance into a
voltage that can
be amplified by amplifier 126' and converted to a digital output by ADC 128'.
Wheatstone
bridge 24' includes 4 resistors R1, R2, R3, and RCE, where RCE is the
resistance of the
conductive elastomer. When all four resistors in Wheatstone bridge 124' are
equal, the bridge
may be perfectly balanced and the output voltage is equal to zero. But when
any one or more
of the resistors change value by only a fractional amount, the bridge produces
a measurable
voltage. The output voltage of the Wheatstone bridge 124' is given by:
Vout = VDD((R2/(R1+R2))-(R3/(RcE+R3))).
Thus, when the resistance of the conductive elastomer, illustrated here as
RCE, changes, the
output voltage provided to amplifier 126' reflects that change as a change in
voltage which is
then conditioned and amplified by amplifier 126'. The amplified signal is then
converted to a
digital output by ADC 128'. As before, ADC 128' may be a simple 1-bit ADC, a
more
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complex 24-bit ADC, or something in between, depending upon the application
and the needs
of the system.
[0085] FIG. 10 displays a side layer view of an embodiment of multi-layer
elastic
conductive fabric 150 utilized in garment body 52. Fabric 150 may include top
layer 152,
bottom layer 156, and midsection 154. In embodiments where garment body 52 is
a shirt, the
garment body may include form-fitting fabric that has an open interior
defining a torso.
Garment body 52 may, however, include any form-fitting fabric with an open
interior for any
body part (e.g., aim or leg).
[0086] In certain embodiments, bottom layer 156 is a conductive elastic
fabric layer.
Bottom layer 156 may, for example, include conductive flexible fibers. In some
embodiments, bottom layer 156 includes a rubberized conducive material, such
as, but not
limited to a metal rubber. Metal rubber may provide an ideal set of properties
including
elasticity and conductivity. When an individual is wearing gaiment body 52,
bottom layer
156 may be adjacent the individual's skin. Bottom layer 156 may receive a
natural current
from the individual's skin that may be transmitted throughout the bottom
layer. In certain
embodiments, this natural current may be measured by one or more RMS 116,
which may
output data that is analyzed to show how an individual is positioned or is
breathing. In some
embodiments, a current from a component of garment body 52 may provide a
current that is
supplied to bottom layer 156 and one or more RMS 116. In some embodiments, the
current
supplying component may be battery 132.
[0087] Midsection 154 may be an insulative fabric such as, but not limited
to, a woven
textile including insulative fibers. In some embodiments, midsection 154 may
include
crosslinked material. It should be noted that the insulative fibers of the
woven textile may be
adjacent bottom layer 156 so that the bottom layer may carry a charge from one
point to
another without midsection 154 interfering with the current passed through the
bottom layer.
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Top layer 152 may include an elastic fabric such as, but not limited to
spandex and Lycra. In
certain embodiments, midsection 154 is adhered to the top and bottom layers
152,156 via an
adhesive polymer. In some embodiments, the woven textile of midsection 154 is
woven to at
least one of the top and bottom layers 152,156. In some embodiments, the
elastic conductive
polymer may exhibit characteristics similar to a metal rubber.
[0088] FIG. 11 displays a front view of an embodiment of a respiratory
monitoring
system engrained within garment body 52. As shown in FIG. 11, multi-layer
elastic
conductive fabric 150 may include a definite width that may be confined within
a length from
a first detection unit 120 to a second detection unit 120. In some
embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 11, multi-layer elastic conductive fabric 150 may alternatively be
designated as "panel
strips". A plurality of panel strips may make up a framework splayed across
garment body 52
in diagonal patterns to provide conductivity to a plurality of detection units
120 found on a
large portion of the garment body. These panel strips may be woven and/or
stitched to
gatment body 52 itself At each contact point/overlap, detection unit 120 may
be located to
create a data packet on the current being passed at that specific monitor. The
data packet may
include a time at which a current is measured. Detection units 120 may then
send the
information to either processor 114 on garment body 52 or an external
processor that may
store and analyze the data packets received using either a wired or wireless
connection (such
as those mentioned herein). Using one or more algorithms, processor 114 may
output
breathing information on an individual wearing garment body 52.
[0089] FIG. 12 displays an embodiment of method 1200 for monitoring body
functions.
Method 1200 may measure functions such as, but are not limited to,
inspiration, expiration,
skeletal positional quality, and volume of respiration. Method 1200 may
utilize any of the
embodiments of garment system 50 including a respiratory monitor system and
detection
units 120. Method 1200 may be utilized in conjunction with the physical
movements of the
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respiratory process. [0090] Method 1200 may include providing gamient system
50 to an
individual in 1210. The user may don garment system 50 in 1220 and may breathe
(perfoim
inspiration and expiration) while wearing garment body 52. While wearing
gatinent body 52,
the user's breathing may cause multi-layer elastic conductive fabric 150 of
the garment body
to elongate and the conductive fibers in the material to become uniformly
thinner As the
conductive fibers become thinner, the resistance along the conductive fibers
increases.
Because of the increased resistance, the transmission time of the electrical
signal across the
fabric increases. These transmission times may be recorded in 1230 by
detection units 120
placed within the garment 50. The material may be incorporated into garment
body 52 so that
substantially all expansion of fibers is along a linear plane. The recordation
of times may then
be included in information packets sent 1240 to processor 114 for further
analysis in 1250.
[0091] FIGS. 13 and 14 depict another embodiment of garment system 50'.
Garment
system 50' may include a plurality of RMSs 116 located on the anterior and the
posterior of
garment body 52. RMSs 116 may be integrally placed to provide sufficient
monitoring of an
individual's bodily movements, functions, and/or positioning. Garment system
50' may
include six RMSs 116 located on the anterior portion of gamient body 52, four
RMSs 116
located on the posterior portion of the garment body, and two RMSs 116 located
right below
the armpit portions of the garment body.
[0092] FIGS. 15 and 16 depict side views of an embodiment of a skeleton
with varying
posture characteristics. FIGS. 15 and 16 are reproductions of figures in a
presentation by
James Anderson, MPT, PRC of the Postural Restoration Institute entitled
"POSTURAL
RESPIRATION ¨ An Integrated Approach to Treatment of Patterned Thoraco-
Abdominal
Pathomechanics" on August 23-24, 2014 in Loveland, Colorado. These posture
characteristics may be analyzed using RMSs 116 found on garment body 52.
Detection units
120 utilized in RMSs 116 may not be just quantitative (like how rapidly
someone is breathing
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or how fast their heart is beating) but may also be qualitative. Garment
system 50 may
provide a window into how effectively an individual is breathing, what subtle
positional
factors in their spine and ribcage exist, and what state their autonomic
nervous system is in as
they train (rest and recover). [0093] The autonomic nervous system (ANS)
regulates most of
the body's crucial systems like digestive, cardiac, immune and lymphatic
systems. Regulation
may be achieved via a balanced relationship between two sub-systems, the
parasympathetic
or "rest and digest" system (PNS) and the sympathetic "fight or flight" system
(SNS). Studies
on elite performers ranging from Navy SEALs to students taking college
entrance exams
show that the top performers have the best variance in their nervous systems
and are able to
baseline most effectively in a restful, parasympathetic state when at rest.
[0094] These elite performers are able to spike strongly and immediately
into a powerful
sympathetic response when needed, and then abruptly drop back into recovery
mode between
either sets of a tennis match, jumping out of an airplane, or while at home
over the weekend.
Their heart rates dip more at night during sleep than their lower-performing
counterparts, and
they hit harder with a more robust "engage threat" response when called upon.
Top
performers have greater biological power because they only put their foot on
the gas at the
precise times when it's necessary. Underperformers are essentially working
with one foot on
the gas and the other on the brake at all times, neither hitting top speed nor
slowing down and
taking stress off the engine. Variability is availability.
[0095] Much of this analysis comes down to breathing and the interplay
between
respiratory patterns, heart rate, the autonomic nervous system, and the
positioning of the
spine and ribcage. Garment system 50 may provide near real-time monitoring and
dynamic
adjustment of all of the above. Breathing is generally misunderstood,
predictably inefficient
even in well-trained athletes and difficult to monitor without a system such
as garment
system 50. Breathing is a direct input into the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
and drives
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positioning of the thorax, which is not only crucial for effective perfoimance
and the
avoidance of injuries, but again directly affects the ANS.
[0096] The body has inherent physical asymmetries. For example, the liver
is located on
the right of the torso, with the heart shifted towards the left side of the
chest. The liver's
position offsets the diaphragm on the right, tenting it upward, while the
diaphragm on the left
is unaffected. The lungs have two lobes on the left and three on the right.
These and other
asymmetries drive predictable positional imbalances throughout the body. Many
of these are
tied into respiration. As a result, not only does the spine rotate in a
predictable and injurious
fashion, people tend to baseline in spinal extension, which induces a state of
chronic
sympathetic tone, reduced ANS variability and a host of physiological issues,
partially due to
activation of sympathetic spinal ganglia. This has profound impacts on
everything from
physical performance to sleep quality and stress management. A combination of
these
asymmetries, the postural influences and chronic, mild stress-state of modern
life and other
factors produce predictable and measurable changes in breathing, spinal and
rib positioning
and autonomic function. Being able to monitor and adjust these factors
dynamically during
training based on near real-time feedback is immensely valuable, and is where
garment
system 50 may be uniquely capable.
[0097] Garment system 50 may allow for monitoring of the asymmetric, multi-
planar
(transverse, sagittal and frontal) movement of the abdomen, spine and thorax
during
respiration and movement. Gatment system 50 may also provide a direct window
into cardiac
workload and autonomic balance via heart rate and heart rate variability
monitoring. This
provides a valuable form of training feedback for everything from intense
military training
scenarios to strength and endurance training to meditative biofeedback
exercises.
[0098] By utilizing embodiments of garment system 50 with one or more sub-
systems
described herein, the garment system may recognize the position of certain
body parts that
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may correlate with a specific posture of an individual's body. For example,
garment system
50 may categorize an individual's spinal position as found in either FIG. 15
or FIG. 16. This
categorization may be determined by running a current through a plurality of
RMSs 116 and
measuring the time lapsed from one sensor to another. This time measurement
may be
compared with other time measurements (via a processor) recorded from other
garment
systems 50 utilized by other individuals with varying spinal positions.
Inforniation may
further be supplied about how an individual may alter their spinal position if
desired via the
inforniation gathered on other individual's varying spinal positions. Body
parts that may be
analyzed may include, but are not limited to the chest, the spine, and the
pelvis.
[0099] FIG. 17 displays an alternative embodiment of method 1500 for
collecting data.
Method 1500 may utilize any embodiment of garment system 50 described herein.
Method
1500 may include providing garment system 50 to an individual in 1510. Data
may be
procured in 1520 via at least one of processors 114 of garment system 50,
respiratory monitor
sub-system 110, GPS monitor 134, and/or at least one of the plurality of
accelerometers 130.
The procured data may then be transmitted in 1530 to at least one of processor
114 and the
data analysis module. The procured data may be analyzed in 1540 via at least
one of the
processor 114 and the data analysis module. An algorithm may then be applied
in 1550 to the
procured data via at least one of processor 114 and the data analysis module
in order to
provide a processed output. The processed output may include biometric
information
associated with an individual wearing garment system 50.
[0100] FIG. 18 displays an embodiment of method 1600 for monitoring
breathing.
Method 1600 may utilize any embodiment of garment system 50 described herein.
Method
1600 may include providing garment system 50 to an individual in 1610. Method
1600 may
include running a current through at least some of the conductive flexible
fibers and
respiratory monitoring sites 116 in 1620. In certain embodiments, at least
some of the
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conductive flexible fibers are in a nonlinear position in response to an
applied force. In 1630,
current information from respiratory monitoring sites 116 may be monitored and
recorded. In
some embodiments, the current information may include assigning a time stamp
to the
current at the point in time the current is received by respiratory monitoring
sites 116. In
1640, the current infoimation may be sent, via at least one of a wired network
and a wireless
network, to processor 114. In some embodiments, the processor may utilize an
algorithm to
process the data. In 1650, the current infolutation may be processed, via the
algorithm,
provide a processed output.
[0101] As described herein, garment system 50 may be used to assess (e.g.,
track) various
biometric properties including, but not limited to, body position, body
motion, and vital signs
(e.g., heart rate and respiration rate). Assessment of biometric properties
using garment
system 50 may be useful for many different implementations of the garment
system. For
example, the garment system may be used to track the various biometric
properties during
physical exertion events (e.g., exercise or stress events) and/or to track the
various biometric
properties for medical assessments (e.g., track biometrics for medical
patients or during
clinical studies). In certain embodiments, signals (e.g., either wired or
wireless signals)
associated with the various biometric properties that are received at
processor 114 are
synchronized to be on the same clock. For example, the signals may be
synchronized to be on
the same system clock (such as the clock for processor 114).
[0102] FIG. 19 depicts an anterior view representation of another
embodiment of garment
system 50". FIG. 20 depicts a posterior view representation of the embodiment
of garment
system 50". FIG. 21 depicts a side view representation of the embodiment of
garment system
50". Garment system 50" may be used to assess biometric properties of a wearer
of the
garment system. In some embodiments, garment system 50" is capable of
providing
additional capabilities for the detection and/or treatment of medical
conditions using the
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garment system. It is to be understood that components of garment system 50''
are
interchangeable with components of other garment systems described herein
(e.g., garment
system 50). It should also be understood that gaiment system 50" may be used
in
embodiments intended for use in the detection and/or treatment of medical
conditions and/or
in embodiments intended solely for the assessment of biometric properties. In
certain
embodiments intended solely for the assessment of biometric properties,
components
intended for use in detection and/or treatment of medical conditions may be
removed from
garment system 50".
[0103] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, garment system 50''
includes EKG
(electrocardiography) sensors 201. EKG sensors 201 may be generally located at
positions
accepted for monitoring EKG via traditional methods. EKG sensors 201 may be
used to
provide real-time EKG monitoring. EKG monitoring may provide the ability to
measure
HRR, HRV, and hemodynamic waveforms.
[0104] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, garment system 50"
includes one or
more environmental sensors 200 integrated in garment body 52. Sensor 200 may
be
integrated into a fabric used for gall-tient body 52. In certain embodiments,
sensor 200 is
integrated in a layer of fabric that is exposed to an ambient environment
surround garment
body 52 (e.g., the sensors are in contact with the air around the gatment
body). For example,
sensor 200 may be a panel in the outer layer of garment body 52.
[0105] The size of sensor 200 may be varied depending on a desired design
for garment
body 52. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, sensor 200 may be sensor 200A or
sensor 200B.
Sensor 200A may be used for smaller designs of garment body 52 (e.g., for use
with small
children) while sensor 200B may be used for larger designs of garment body 52
(e.g., for
larger children and/or adults). The size of sensor 200 may also vary based on
desired
indicator requirements (e.g., color indication described below) and/or a
sensitivity
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requirement of the sensor for a certain chemical (e.g., a sensor may need a
minimum size to
provide suitable environmental detection sensitivity).
[0106] Sensor 200 may be used to assess one or more environmental
conditions in the
ambient environment surrounding garment body 52. In certain embodiments,
assessing
environmental conditions includes assessing or monitoring for particulate
matter in the
ambient environment surrounding garment body 52 (e.g., assessing exposure of
garment body
52 to particulate matter). In some embodiments, assessing or monitoring for
particulate
matter includes sensing (or detecting) the presence of particulate matter
and/or assessing the
concentration of the particulate matter in the ambient environment surrounding
gamtent body
52. Particulate matter assessed by sensor 200 may include particulates in
solid, liquid, and/or
gaseous faun. In some embodiments, particulate matter assessed by sensor 200
includes
aerosolized matter. Particulate matter that may be assessed by sensor 200
includes, but is not
limited to, food allergens (e.g., peanuts, soy, tree nuts, etc.), chemicals
(can be aerosolized,
solid, or liquid), radiation (or any other energy emission of interest),
environmental allergens
(e.g., airborne allergens).
[0107] In certain embodiments, sensor 200 provides assessment or monitoring
of a
specific particulate matter. For example, sensor 200 may provide assessment or
monitoring
for a specific allergen to which a wearer of garment body 52 is highly
allergic. In some
embodiments, sensor 200 provides assessment or monitoring of multiple
particulate matters
(e.g., a combination of particulate matters). For example, in a laboratory
environment, sensor
200 may be capable of assessing or monitoring for a combination of radiation
and hazardous
chemicals.
[0108] In certain embodiments, sensor 200 provides visual indication of the
presence
and/or concentration of particulate matter in the ambient environment
surrounding garment
body 52 (e.g., when the sensor is exposed to particulate matter). For example,
sensor 200 may
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include a chromatic (color changing) indicator that changes colors when the
sensor is
exposed to selected particulate matter (e.g., selected allergens or
chemicals). In certain
embodiments, sensor 200 is a panel that changes colors when the panel is
exposed to a
selected particulate matter. In some embodiments, sensor 200 is a
chemochromatic panel that
changes colors when the panel is exposed to a selected chemical.
[0109] Sensor 200 may turn a selected color when the sensor is exposed to a
selected
particulate matter. For example, sensor 200 may turn red (or bright red) when
exposed to a
selected allergen or a selected hazardous chemical. Red may be used to
indicate exposure as
red is generally recognized as a warning signal color. In certain embodiments,
sensor 200
returns to its original (base) color if the sensor is no longer exposed to the
selected particulate
matter (e.g., when the allergen or hazardous chemical is no longer present in
the ambient
environment surrounding garment body 52).
[0110] In certain embodiments, sensor 200 provides output data associated
with the
assessment of particulate matter in the ambient environment surround galinent
body 52.
Processor 114 (or another processor associated with garment system 50) may be
coupled to
sensor 200 (e.g., either wired or wirelessly coupled) and receive output data
from the sensor).
For example, sensor 200 may output "false" or "true" signals based on a status
of detection of
particulate matter where the "false" signal indicates there is no exposure to
particulate matter
of interest (e.g., the selected particulate matter) and the "true" signal
indicates there is
exposure to particulate matter of interest. Processor 114 may receive the
outputs and assess
beginning and/or ending of exposure to particulate matter based on the
sequence of false/true
signals. In some embodiments, the false/true signals are associated with
indicator (e.g., color)
changes in sensor 200. For example, the false signal may be associated with no
color change
(e.g., base color) where the true signal is associated with the color change
(e.g., turn red) in
sensor 200.
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[01111 In certain embodiments, processor 114 assesses data received from
sensor 200 to
assess a condition of the wearer (e.g., a medical condition of the wearer).
Data received from
sensor 200 may be combined with other data assessed by garment system 50" to
assess the
condition of the wearer. For example, data received from sensor 200 may be
combined with
vital sign data and/or body position data assessed by garment system 50" to
assess the
condition of the wearer. Assessing data from sensor 200 in combination with
other data
assessed by garment system 50" may provide instantaneous feedback that may be
used to
proactively assess the condition of the wearer of garment body 52. Garment
system 50" may
be capable of rapid assessment of changes in the condition of the wearer based
on data from
sensor 200 and other data such as vital signs, body position, and other
physiological
information. In certain embodiments, signals (e.g., either wired or wireless
signals) received
at processor 114 (including signals from sensor 200 and other vital sign
and/or body position
data) are synchronized to be on the same clock (e.g., the same system clock
for processor
114).
[0112] In certain embodiments, processor 114 transmits data from sensor 200
(along with
other data) to another device (e.g., a wireless radio enable device, a Wi-Fi
device, or a
Bluetooth device). Data received from processor 114 may be displayed on the
device using
an application on the device (as described herein). In certain embodiments,
the application
may display on the device data such as, but not limited to, real-time location
of the wearer
(e.g., via GPS data), vital sign data, data from sensor 200 (e.g.,
environmental data), and
other physiological data. The application may also store data on the device so
that the
wearer's data history can be accessed. In some embodiments, the application
may transmit
data for storage on a remote server (e.g., a cloud-based server),
[0113] In some embodiments, processor 114 and/or the application receiving
data from
the processor provide communications that notify one or more entities of the
assessed
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condition of wearer. For example, a medical entity or a responsible party for
the wearer may
receive communications providing the assessed condition of wearer. In some
embodiments,
processor 114 and/or the application receiving data from the processor provide
the assessed
condition of the wearer to the entities when the condition of the wearer is an
alert condition.
For example, when the wearer is assessed to be under duress or in a condition
needing
medical attention, as described herein.
[0114] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21, garment system 50"
includes fluid
delivery system 210. Fluid delivery system 210 may be used to provide fluid
injection into
the body of the wearer of garment body 52. Fluid delivery system 210 may be,
for example, a
drug delivery system to provide drug delivery into the body of the wearer
(e.g., drug
injection). In some embodiments, fluid delivery system 210 includes one or
more components
on garment body 52 that are removable and/or replaceable (e.g., the components
can be
removed and replaced after use). In some embodiments, fluid delivery system
210 is
positioned under a patch or other emblem to cover and/or disguise the fluid
delivery system.
For example, fluid delivery system 210 may be positioned under a patch on the
sleeve of
garment body 52.
[0115] In certain embodiments, fluid delivery system 210 includes an
injector assembly.
FIG. 22 depicts an exploded view representation of an embodiment of injector
assembly 211
In certain embodiments, injector assembly 212 includes trigger portion 214,
piston portion
216, first chamber 218, second chamber 220, and injector portion 222. Trigger
portion 214
may include safety cap 224, trigger 226, and pin 228. Safety cap 224 may be a
hinged safety
cap that, when closed, prevents accidental pushing of trigger 226. Trigger 226
may be
coupled to pin 228 such that moving the trigger moves the pin. For example,
trigger 226 may
be a push button or other device that can be pushed to move pin 228 towards
piston portion
216.
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[0116] Piston portion 216 may include pin 230, piston cylinder 232, piston
234, and
piston base 236. In some embodiments, pin 230 and pin 228 are separate pins
that engage
each other. In some embodiments, pin 230 and pin 228 are different portions of
a single pin.
A lower end of pin 230 may be shaped to puncture an upper surface of piston
seat 238. In
some embodiments, pin 230 is supported by a spring and the force applied to
trigger 226 has
to overcome the spring force to allow pin 230 to puncture the upper surface of
piston seat
238.
[0117] Piston seat 238 may include a CO2 or other pressurized gas
cartridge. Puncturing
of the surface of piston seat 238 may release the pressurized gas from the
piston seat. In some
embodiments, the edges of piston seat 238 are beveled. The beveled edges may
provide a
base for a gas/reaction chamber in space 240 (e.g., the space between piston
seat 238 and
piston cylinder 232). When pressurized gas is released in space 240, the
increase in pressure
in the space moves piston 234 and piston base 236 downwards towards first
chamber 218.
[0118] FIG. 23 depicts a representation of an alternative embodiment of
piston portion
216'. Piston portion 216' may include post 241 and spring 243 inside piston
cylinder 232.
Spring 243 may provide force to move piston 234 and piston base 236 downwards
towards
first chamber 218 when trigger 226 is operated.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 22, piston 234 and piston base 236 may move
downwards
towards first chamber 218 when trigger 226 is operated. First chamber 218 may
be, for
example, a capsule or other container that contains fluids (e.g., drugs)
intended for injection
into the wearer's body. Piston base 236 may function as the upper surface or
top of first
chamber 218. Thus, when piston base 236 moves downwards, the piston base may
move
fluids out of first chamber 218 through output port 242 in the bottom of the
first chamber. In
certain embodiments, the bottom of piston base 236 is flat. The bottom of
piston base 236
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may, however, have other shapes (e.g., convex) depending on the needs for
moving fluids out
of first chamber 218.
[0120] In some embodiments, output port 242 is an opening with a
semipermeable
membrane covering the opening. The membrane may have a selected surface
tension that is
overcome by the pressure of piston base 236 moving fluids out of first chamber
218. In some
embodiments, output port 242 includes a one-way valve that opens with the
force generated
by piston base 236 moving fluids out of first chamber 218.
[0121] As fluids move out of first chamber 218 through output port 242, the
fluids may
move into second chamber 220 through input port 244. Input port 244 may
include an
opening with a semipermeable membrane or a one-way valve similar to output
port 242. In
certain embodiments, the force needed to move fluids through input port 244 is
less than the
force needed to move fluids through output port 242. For example, the force
needed to move
fluids through input port 244 may be about 80% of the force needed to move
fluids through
output port 242.
[0122] Fluids may be moved out of second chamber 220 through output port
246. Output
port 246 may include an opening with a semipermeable membrane or a one-way
valve similar
to output port 242 and input port 244. The force needed to move fluids through
output port
246 may less than the force needed to move fluids through output port 242. For
example, the
force needed to move fluids through output port 246 may be about 10% of the
force needed
to move fluids through output port 242. In certain embodiments, second chamber
220 is cone
shaped. The cone shape of second chamber 220 may increase the forces on the
fluids as the
fluids move out of the second chamber.
[0123] Fluids may be moved through output port 246 into injector portion
222, Injector
portion 222 may include injection tube 248. In certain embodiments, injection
tube 248 has a
diameter of between about 0.03 inn and about 0.06 mm The diameter of injection
tube 248
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may be selected to provide the ability to inject fluids through the skin of
the wearer of
garment body 52. Other diameters for injection tube 248 may also be
contemplated
depending on the type of fluids to be injected. In certain embodiments,
injector portion 222
has floor 250 with recess 252 below the floor. Recess 252 may be on the bottom
portion of
the exterior of injector portion 222 that contacts the skin of the wearer.
Recess 252 may be
shaped (e.g., have concave walls) such that when injector portion 222 is
pressed against the
skin of the wearer, at least some skin fills into the recess. Skin filling
recess 252 may provide
increased likelihood of successful injection of fluid into the body of the
wearer.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 22, when trigger 226 is pressed, injector assembly
212 operates
to inject fluids (e.g., drugs) positioned in primary chamber 218 into the body
of the wearer.
When trigger 226 is pressed, fluids are forced into injection tube 248 by the
downward force
of piston base 236. Downward forces are also applied to injection tube 248.
When activated,
the forces at the end of injection tube 248 contacting the skin of the wearer
may be sufficient
to overcome the ultimate tensile strength (ITTS) of dermal and subcutaneous
tissue in the skin
of the wearer (e.g., the force at the end of the injection tube is at least
about 3200 psi).
Overcoming the tensile strength of the tissue allows the fluids to be injected
into the body of
the wearer a sufficient depth for the fluids to enter the bloodstream.
[0125] In certain embodiments, injector assembly 212 is coupled to garment
body 52 at
the location of a port or other opening in the garment body (e.g., a port in
the sleeve of the
garment body). The port may allow contact between injector assembly 212 and
the skin of the
wearer of garment body 52. The port may be integrated in garment body 52. In
some
embodiments, the port includes a mechanism for coupling injector assembly 212
to gaiment
body 52. The mechanism may also secure injector assembly 212 to garment body
52.
[0126] FIG. 24 depicts a representation of an embodiment of port 254. Port
254 may be
integrated in garment body 52 to provide access to the skin of the wearer of
the gannent body
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for fluid delivery system 210. Port 254 may include base 256. In certain
embodiments, base
256 is embedded in garment body 52 (e.g., embedded in the fabric of the
garment body).
[0127] Base 256 may be made of semi-rigid, non-permeable material such as
polycarbonate. Base 256 may include opening 258. Opening 258 may be sized to
accommodate a nozzle or other injector for delivery of fluids beneath the skin
of the wearer.
For example, opening 258 may be sized to accommodate injection tube 248 of
injector
assembly 212. In some embodiments, opening 258 has a size between about 0.05
mm and
about 0 20 mm, between about 0.07 mm and about 0.19 mm, or between about 0.09
mm and
about 0.18 mm.
[0128] In certain embodiments, port 254 includes gasket 260, receiver 262,
and lock 264.
Gasket 260 may be, for example, a sponge gasket or similar material. Receiver
262 and lock
264 may be made of semi-rigid, or rigid, non-permeable materials such as
polycarbonate.
Receiver 262 may include keyholes 266, key seats 268, and key stops 270
distributed around
the receiver. Lock 264 may include teeth 272 and opening 274. Opening 274 may
be sized to
accommodate a nozzle (e.g., injection tube 248) for delivery of fluids beneath
the skin of the
wearer.
[0129] In certain embodiments, receiver 262 is coupled to base 256 with
gasket 260.
Lock 264 may then operate with receiver 262 to couple injector assembly 212 to
port 254.
For example, lock 264 may be seated on receiver 262 and rotated in the
direction of the arrow
to engage teeth 272 with key seats 268 and secure the lock to the receiver. In
some
embodiments, injector assembly 212 may include arms 276 (shown in FIGS. 22 and
23) that
interact with receiver 262 and lock 264 to secure the injector assembly to
port 254. Securing
injector assembly 212 to port 254 attaches the injector assembly to garment
body 52.
[0130] As described above, injector assembly 212 may be used in fluid
delivery system
210 to inject fluids (e.g., drugs) into the wearer of garment body 52. In
certain embodiments,
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injector assembly 212 is a single use injector (e.g., the injector assembly is
disposable). After
fluids are injected into the wearer from injector assembly 212, the injector
assembly may be
removed from garment body 52 (e.g., decoupled from port 254) and then
discarded or
recycled. In some embodiments, a new injector assembly is coupled to garment
body 52
(e.g., coupled to port 254) after a used injector assembly is removed, Thus,
garment body 52
may be reused for multiple injection assemblies as needed by the wearer of the
garment body.
[0131] In certain embodiments, activation of injector assembly 212 is
controlled by
processor 114 (or another processor associated with garment system 50).
Processor 114 may
control activation of injector assembly 212 based on the assessed condition of
the wearer of
gainient body 52 (e.g., the assessed medical condition of the wearer). As
described herein,
assessing the condition of the wearer may include assessing vital signs and/or
body position
of the wearer using garment system 50 along with assessing ambient
environmental
conditions using sensor 200. Processor 114 may assess the combination of vital
signs, body
position, and/or ambient environmental conditions to determine if the wearer
is in a condition
or state (e.g., a medical condition or state) that necessitates the injection
of fluids (e.g., drugs)
from injector assembly 212 into the wearer's body. For example, processor 114
may
detennine if the wearer is simply in an excited state (e.g., due to exercise),
where injection of
fluids is not needed, or the wearer is in a medical emergency state (e.g., due
to an allergic
reaction), where the injection of drugs (e.g., epinephrine) may be life-
saving.
[0132] In some embodiments, processor 114 controls activation of injector
assembly 212
by controlling access to trigger 226. For example, safety cap 224 may be
prevented from
being opened to access trigger 226 by an electronic latch or lock unless
processor 114 detects
that the assessed condition of the wearer necessitates the injection of fluids
from injector
assembly 212. Controlling access to the activation mechanism (e.g., trigger
226) of injector
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assembly 212 may prevent the injection of fluids (e.g., drugs) into the
wearer's body in non-
necessary circumstances (e.g., when the wearer is simply in an excited state
due to exercise).
[0133] FIG. 25 depicts a flowchart of an embodiment of control method 400
using
garment system 50. Method 400 may be used to assess the condition (e.g.,
medical condition)
of the wearer to determine if the wearer needs medical attention and/or if
injector assembly
212 should be allowed to be used for injection of fluids into the wearer's
body. In certain
embodiments, method 400 is implemented by processor 114 (or another processor
associated
with garment system 50).
[0134] In 402, garment system 50 detects if the heart rate of the wearer of
garment body
52 is elevated. For example, a heart rate monitor integrated in garment body
52 may be used
to assess the heart rate of the wearer. If the heart rate is not elevated,
method 400 continues
with determining if respiration is elevated in 404. If respiration is not
elevated, then Sp02
levels are assessed to see if they in a normal range in 406. If Sp02 levels
are not noimal (e.g.,
are below normal levels), then presence of selected particulate matter (e.g.,
allergen) is
assessed in 408 (e.g., assess color change in sensor 200). If no selected
particulate matter is
detected, then the condition of the wearer is determined to be normal and no
further action is
taken in 410. If selected particulate matter is detected in 408 (but without
any elevated vital
signs), then a monitor vital signs signal and warning may be provided in 412
and respiration
and Sp02 may continue to be monitored in 414 and 416. Monitoring of
respiration and Sp02
may be monitored after detection of selected particulate matter due to the
possibility of a
delayed reaction to the particulate matter.
[0135] If respiration is determined to be elevated in 404 after a non-
elevated heart rate is
determined, this may indicate that the wearer is in a potentially heightened
condition. In such
cases, both Sp02 level (in 416) and selected particulate matter detection (in
418) may need to
be determined in addition to the respiration level to assess the condition of
the wearer.
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Similarly, if Sp02 level is determined to be below normal in 406 after a non-
elevated
respiration level is determined in 404, this may indicate that the wearer is
in a potentially
heightened condition. In this case, selected particulate matter detection (in
418) may need to
be determined to assess the condition of the wearer. It is to be understood
that while the
embodiment of method 400 described above is described with a logical flow
(e.g., 402 then
404 then 406), the logical flow of method 400 may vary as allowable. For
example, the
logical flow may include 404 then 402 then 406 or any other logical flow that
is reasonably to
apply to method 400.
[0136] As shown by the process flow in FIG. 25, if the detection of
selected particulate
matter in 418 is positive ("Yes") along with a combination of one more the
other factors of
elevated heart rate, elevated respiration, or low Sp02 levels, then the body
position or motion
of the wearer may be assessed in 420. If the wearer is detected to be static
(e.g., no motion or
movement of the body), then a high probability of exposure is assessed in 422
and method
400 may proceed with a treatment protocol in box 400A. If the wearer is
detected to be
moving (e.g., not static), then method 400 may cycle back to the monitor vital
signs signal
and warning provided in 412. In some embodiments, assessing body position in
420 may
include assessing a posture of the wearer. For example, is the wearer hunched
over, standing
upright, sifting, etc.
[0137] In certain embodiments, processor 114 outputs a signal providing an
indication of
the assessed condition of the wearer. The signal may be, for example, a visual
signal and/or a
signal provided to the application associated with gathient system 50. The
signal may
indicate a level of the assessed condition of the wearer. For example, is the
wearer in a
warning state (such as provided in 412 above), in an alert state (where the
wearer is a more
alarmed condition), or an emergency state (where medical attention is likely
needed). In some
embodiments, the signal provided is based on the number of biometric
measurements that are
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determined to be in stressed states in combination with environmental
detection by sensor
200.
[0138] FIG. 26 depicts a representation of an embodiment of conditions
needed for
different signal levels. For the "Warning" level, sensor 200 detects the
selected particulate
matter ("Sensor +") in combination with 0-1 of the selected biometric
measurements
indicating possible stressed states for the wearer. The selected biometric
measurements may
be "+HR" (elevated heart rate), "+EKG" (raised EKG monitoring), "+RESP"
(elevated
respiration rate), "+SP02" (low SPO2 level), "-Motion" (static or little
motion of wearer),
and "+AWN". The "Warning" level may indicate that the wearer's vital
signs/biometrics are
acceptable, but he/she should be monitored for potential changes in condition.
[0139] The "Alert" level may be a raised level from the "Warning" level.
For the "Alert"
level, sensor 200 detects the selected particulate matter in combination with
2-3 of the
selected biometric measurements. At the "Alert" level, the condition of the
wearer needs to be
more closely monitored as the condition could change rapidly. For the
"Emergency" level,
sensor 200 detects the selected particulate matter in combination with 3 or
more of the
selected biometric measurements. At the "Emergency" level, the wearer needs
medical
attention and garment system 50 may start providing notification and following
protocol to
provide treatment for the wearer.
[0140] In certain embodiments, the treatment protocol in box 400A, shown in
FIG. 25,
includes providing notification of the condition of the wearer and operating
steps for the
activation and use of injection assembly 212 to inject fluids into the
wearer's body.
notification sequence 424 may include, for example, providing an output
indicative of the
assessed condition (e.g., the assessed medical alert condition) of the wearer.
In certain
embodiments, notification sequence 424 includes, in 426, providing information
(e.g., an
urgent condition notification) to an application associated with garment
system 50 (e.g., an
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app on a mobile device connected to processor 114). The application may
provide the
notification of the urgent condition of the wearer to one or more entities.
For example, the
notification may be provided to a hospital, a guardian, or another caretaker.
In 428,
notification along with medical inforniation for the wearer may be provided to
emergency
personnel (e.g., paramedics or EMTs) that may then transport the patient to a
medical facility
or other location.
[0141] The operating steps for activation and use of injection assembly 212
may include
releasing an electric safety for the injection assembly in 430. Releasing the
electric safety
may include processor 114 removing the electronic lock or latch that prevents
opening of
safety cap 224. In 432, safety cap 224 may be manually opened to access
trigger 226. In 434,
injection of fluids may be provided by operating trigger 226. In 436, the
injection may be
documented. Documentation of the injection may also be provided to the
notification
sequence so that the entities are aware that the injection has taken place.
[0142] The following non-limiting examples are provided for different
scenarios in which
processor 114 assesses the condition of the wearer and the processor allows or
prevents
access to activation of injector assembly 212.
[0143] First Example Scenario
[0144] The wearer of garment system 50 is an 11-year old boy with a known
bee allergy.
The boy is playing (e.g., at recess at school). Garment system 50 detects that
the boy has a
respiration rate of 35 and sinus tachycardia with a heart rate of 175 bpm.
Sp02 saturation is
at 94% with a decrease of 6% from the baseline in the last three minutes. The
GPS monitor
indicates movement on a school playground and sensor 200 (e.g., the
chemochromatic
sensor) is reading false (e.g., no detection of selected particulate matter).
Motion sensors on
garment body 52 indicate that the boy is running with sudden stops, punctuated
by
intermittent throwing motions. Garment system 50 assesses these inputs to
determine with a
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high degree of certainty that the changes in physiological output for the boy
are likely due to
exercise. Thus, no alert is sent by gaiment system 50.
[0145] Second Example Scenario
[0146] The wearer of garment system 50 is an 8-year old girl with a known
food allergy.
The girl is sifting in class during snack time. Garment system 50 detects that
the girl has a
respiration rate of 32 that has increase over 70% from her typical baseline.
The cardiac
monitor shows sinus tachycardia with a rate of 145 bpm, which shows an
increase from a
baseline of 75 bpm in the last 5 minutes. Sp02 saturation is 92% and falling.
The GPS
monitor shows the girl is not moving and is inside of her school. Processor
114 may assess
that there is a high likelihood that the girl is in snack time in her
classroom. Sensor 200 is
reading true indicating that the girl has been exposed to the selected
particulate matter (e.g.,
the food allergen). Motion sensors on garment body 52 indicate that the girl
is in a static
position and she has a hunched posture.
[0147] Garment system 50 assesses these inputs to determine with a high
degree of
certainty that the vital signs indicate physical stress associated with the
onset of anaphylaxis.
An alert may be sent by processor 114 (e.g., through a mobile application
connected to the
processor) to a predetermined set of entities including the parents or other
guardians.
Processor 114 may also notify a preferred local health facility (e.g.,
emergency room) and an
emergency dispatch for an ambulance. Medical information about the condition
of the girl
may be provided along with the notifications. At the health facility, a
physician (e.g., an on-
call physician) may review the biometric data, generate a differential
diagnosis for suspected
anaphylaxis, and prepare for the girl's arrival.
[0148] At the same time, an adult (e.g., a teach or supervisor) in the
classroom with
knowledge of the girl's allergy may notice something is wrong and sensor 200
may provide
visual indication that the girl has been exposed to the food allergen.
Processor 114 may
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release the electronic latch or lock on injector assembly 200 and allow the
adult to operate the
injector assembly to administer the drug (e.g., epinephrine) into the girl's
body. The health
facility, the parents, and the arriving emergency transport personnel (e.g.,
paramedics) are
alerted that the girl has been injected with the drug. At arrival, the
paramedics may continue
to monitor with traditional equipment and chart the girl and the injection of
the drug as they
prepare for and conduct transport to the health facility.
[0149] FIGS. 27-29 depict an embodiment of garment system 50". Garment system
50" may be used to assess biometric properties of a wearer of the garment
system. The
embodiment of garment system 50" depicted in FIGS. 27-29 is shown to include
conductive
elastic material (e.g., strands or fibers of a conductive elastomer) in
garment body 52. It is to
be understood that garment system 50" may include other components of garment
systems
depicted herein (e.g., garment systems 50, 50', or 50") and that the
components of garment
system 50 ______________________________________________________________ are
interchangeable with components of the other garment systems described
herein. It should also be understood that garment system 50' " may be used in
embodiments
intended for use in the detection and/or treatment of medical conditions
and/or in
embodiments intended solely for the assessment of biometric properties.
[0150] FIG.
27 depicts an anterior view representation of the embodiment of gaiment
system 50" FIG. 28 depicts a posterior view representation of the embodiment
of garment
system 50". In certain embodiments, the anterior and posterior sides of
gaiment body 52
include vertical strips 160. Vertical strips 160 may be, for example, strips
of conductive
elastic material. The anterior and posterior sides of garment body 52 may also
include
transverse strips 162. Transverse strips 162 may be, for example, at an
approximately 45
angle. Transverse strips 162 may also include strips of conductive elastic
material in garment
body 52.
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[0151] In certain embodiments, vertical strips 160 are used to assess
(e.g., measure)
sagittal plane flexion and/or extension of the wearer of garment body 52.
Transverse strips
162 may be used to assess (e.g., measure) asymmetrical expansion and/or
rotation of the
wearer of garment body 52. Vertical strips 160 and transverse strips 162 may
measure these
properties using techniques described herein for conductive elastic materials
(e.g., assessment
of resistance and/or strain in the materials).
[0152] FIG. 29 depicts a side view representation of the embodiment of
gaiment system
50". In certain embodiments, the lateral sides of garment body 52 include
vertical strips 164
(with a second strip being on the opposite side of the garment body shown in
FIG. 29).
Vertical strips 164 may include strips of conductive elastic material in
garment body 52. In
certain embodiments, vertical strips 164 are used to assess (e.g., measure)
lateral flexion
and/or extension of the wearer of gaiment body 52.
[0153] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 27-29, garment body 52
includes
bands 166. Bands 166 may be, for example, barrel bands that encompass the
circumference
of garment body 52 (e.g., the bands cover the circumference of the body of the
wearer of the
garment body). Bands 166 may include conductive elastic material in garment
body 52. In
certain embodiments, bands 166 are used to assess (e.g., measure) expansion of
the body wall
of the wearer of garment body 52.
[0154] In certain embodiments, vertical strips 160, transverse strips 162,
vertical strips
164, and/or bands 166 are connected to monitoring sites 116. For example,
monitoring sites
may be located at each end of the strips or at one or more locations along the
bands.
Monitoring sites 116 may be used to receive and/or transmit data from the
strips and bands
(e.g., transmit to and/or receive from a processor on garment body 52).
[0155] The combination of measurements from vertical strips 160, transverse
strips 162,
vertical strips 164, and bands 166 may be used to determine a three-
dimensional image of
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motion of the wearer of gatment body 52. The three-dimensional motion image
may be
combined with other measurement to provide an overall biometric assessment of
the wearer
of garment body 52. For example, the overall biometric assessment may include
assessment
of motion, body position, physical movement, and/or vital signs of the wearer.
[0156] FIG. 30 depicts a block diagram of one embodiment of exemplary
computer
system 510. Exemplary computer system 510 may be used to implement one or more
embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, computer system 510 is
operable by a
user to implement one or more embodiments described herein such as
communication
between processor 114 and a mobile device. In the embodiment of FIG. 30,
computer system
510 includes processor 512, memory 514, and various peripheral devices 516.
Processor 512
is coupled to memory 514 and peripheral devices 516. Processor 512 is
configured to execute
instructions, including the instructions for communication between garment
system 50 and a
mobile device, which may be in software. In various embodiments, processor 512
may
implement any desired instruction set (e.g. Intel Architecture-32 (IA-32, also
known as x86),
IA-32 with 64-bit extensions, x86-64, PowerPC, Sparc, MIPS, ARM, IA-64, etc.).
In some
embodiments, computer system 510 may include more than one processor.
Moreover,
processor 512 may include one or more processors or one or more processor
cores.
[0157] Processor 512 may be coupled to memory 514 and peripheral devices
516 in any
desired fashion. For example, in some embodiments, processor 512 may be
coupled to
memory 514 and/or peripheral devices 516 via various interconnect.
Alternatively or in
addition, one or more bridge chips may be used to coupled processor 512,
memory 514, and
peripheral devices 516.
[0158] Memory 514 may comprise any type of memory system. For example,
memory
514 may comprise DRAM, and more particularly double data rate (DDR) SDRAM,
RDRAM, etc. A memory controller may be included to interface to memory 514,
and/or
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processor 512 may include a memory controller. Memory 514 may store the
instructions to
be executed by processor 512 during use, data to be operated upon by the
processor during
use, etc.
[0159] Peripheral devices 516 may represent any sort of hardware devices
that may be
included in computer system 510 or coupled thereto (e.g., storage devices,
optionally
including computer accessible storage medium 520, shown in FIG. 31, other
input/output
(I/O) devices such as video hardware, audio hardware, user interface devices,
networking
hardware, etc.).
[0160] Turning now to FIG. 31, a block diagram of one embodiment of
computer
accessible storage medium 520 including one or more data structures
representative of
gaiment system 50 included in an integrated circuit design and one or more
code sequences
representative of communication between garment system 50 and a mobile device.
Each code
sequence may include one or more instructions, which when executed by a
processor in a
computer, implement the operations described for the corresponding code
sequence.
Generally speaking, a computer accessible storage medium may include any
storage media
accessible by a computer during use to provide instructions and/or data to the
computer. For
example, a computer accessible storage medium may include non-transitory
storage media
such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk (fixed or removable), tape, CD-
ROM, DVD-
ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, or Blu-Ray. Storage media may further include
volatile or non-volatile memory media such as RAM (e.g. synchronous dynamic
RAM
(SDRAM), Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), etc.), ROM, or Flash memory.
The storage media may be physically included within the computer to which the
storage
media provides instructions/data. Alternatively, the storage media may be
connected to the
computer. For example, the storage media may be connected to the computer over
a network
or wireless link, such as network attached storage, The storage media may be
connected
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through a peripheral interface such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB).
Generally, computer
accessible storage medium 500 may store data in a non-transitory manner, where
non-
transitory in this context may refer to not transmitting the instructions/data
on a signal. For
example, non-transitory storage may be volatile (and may lose the stored
instructions/data in
response to a power down) or non-volatile.
[0161] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be realized in any of
various forms.
For example, some embodiments may be realized as a computer-implemented
method, a
computer-readable memory medium, or a computer system. Other embodiments may
be
realized using one or more custom-designed hardware devices such as ASICs.
Other
embodiments may be realized using one or more programmable hardware elements
such as
FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays).
[0162] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable memory
medium may
be configured so that it stores program instructions and/or data, where the
program
instructions, if executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to
perfoini a
method, e.g., any method embodiments described herein, or, any combination of
the method
embodiments described herein, or, any subset of any of the method embodiments
described
herein, or, any combination of such subsets.
[0163] In some embodiments, a wireless device (or wireless station) may be
configured
to include a processor (or a set of processors) and a memory medium, where the
memory
medium stores program instructions, where the processor is configured to read
frnd execute
the program instructions from the memory medium, where the program
instructions are
executable to cause the wireless device to implement any of the various method
embodiments
described herein (or, any combination of the method embodiments described
herein, or, any
subset of any of the method embodiments described herein, or, any combination
of such
subsets). The device may be realized in any of various forms.
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[0164] In
embodiments described herein, operating systems utilized by any part of
ga _____________________________________________________________________ Inent
system 50 may include, but not be limited to: iOS operating systems, Windows
Phone operating systems, Windows operating systems, Android operating systems,
BlackBerry operating systems, Linux systems, and Unison operating systems.
[0165] In
embodiments described herein, any of the electronic components of garment
system 50 may include a waterproof coating (e.g., a waterproof nanocoating)
adhered to the
exterior of the electronic components. The coating may allow for the
components to function
properly when garment system 50 is exposed to a wet environment that may
include sweat
and/or water.
[0166] In
embodiments described herein, wiring connecting two or more electronic
components found in gatment system 50 may be contained within a multi-layered
fabric
construction. In some embodiments, the wiring may be partially engrained
within seams in
garment body 52. In some embodiments, the wiring may comprise conductive
fibers. The
conductive fibers may be in the fotm of one or more yarns woven or knit with
other fibers. In
some embodiments, the yarns may be coated with an insulative polymer to, for
example,
provide efficient transfer of power or data.
[0167] In
embodiments described herein, garment system 50 may be capable of
monitoring multiple biometric responses such as, but not limited to- skin
temperature, core
temperature, respirations, heart rate, predicted tidal volume, chest wall
movement, abdominal
movement in conjunction with inspiration, abdominal movement in conjunction
with
expiration, HRR (heart rate reserve), HRV (heart rate variability), body
position relevant to
perpendicular, shoulder position relevant to hip position, general body
posture, up time, down
time, and malfunctions.
[0168] In
embodiments described herein, garment system 50 may be capable of
monitoring multiple biometric peripheral processes through Bluetooth Smart or
similar.
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These biometric peripheral processes may include, but not be limited to: DTR,
eye
movement, eye position, reflex velocity, visual tracking, visual focal points,
tactile response,
and skin conductivity.
[0169] In embodiments described herein, garment system 50 may be a garment
other than
a shirt. These other garments may include any of the structures and/or
functionalities
described herein. In some embodiments, fabric within gaiment body 50 may
include a twill
weave. The twill weave may provide a better form fitting structure to the body
by allowing
the garment body to succumb easier to flexing or folding to match the curves
of a body.
[0170] As described herein, the term "garment" may refer to a belt in some
embodiments.
As described herein, the terms "garment", "garment system'', and "system 50"
may be
synonymous. As described herein, the terms "respiration/skeletal position
monitors",
"RMSs", and "respiration monitoring sites" may be synonymous. As described
herein, the
terms "respiration monitor sub-system" and "respiration monitoring sub-system"
may be
synonymous. As described herein, the terms "battery unit" and "battery" may be
synonymous.
[0171] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these
embodiments
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even where only
a single
embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. Examples of
features provided
in the disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive
unless stated otherwise.
The above description is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications,
and equivalents
as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0172] The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or
combination of
features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or any
generalization thereof,
whether or not it mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein.
Accordingly, new
claims may be formulated during prosecution of this application (or an
application claiming
priority thereto) to any such combination of features. In particular, with
reference to the
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appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of
the
independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be
combined in any
appropriate manner and not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in
the appended
claims.
[0173] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects
of the
embodiments described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in view of
this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as
illustrative only and is for
the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of
carrying out the
embodiments. It is to be understood that the forms of the embodiments shown
and described
herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and
materials may
be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes
may be reversed,
and certain features of the embodiments may be utilized independently, all as
would be
apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this
description. Changes may be
made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the
following claims.
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