1. An ear-wearable device (1000) comprising: a plurality of neuro-buds (1000a), each neuro-bud (1000a) comprising: a housing (2002); a clip core structure (2016) disposed in the housing (2002), the clip core structure (2016) having at least one flexible contacting arm (2020); an earbud (2006) mounted on the housing (2002) and adapted to receive the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020); a biosensor electrode (2018) mounted at a distal end of the at least one contacting arm (2020) and disposed in the earbud (2006), wherein the biosensor electrode (2018) is adapted to be in a contact with an ear canal for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user; and an actuation mechanism (2014) disposed on an outer surface of the housing (2002) and adapted to move relative to the outer surface to actuate the at least one flexible connecting arm (2020) to change a proximity of the biosensor electrode (2018) with respect to the ear canal; a controller (1000b, 2032) in communication with the biosensor electrode (2018) and adapted to: receive at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode (2018); and generate health insights of the user based on the at least one physiological parameter.

2. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism (2014) is a slider mechanism (2014a) comprising: a slider bar slidably disposed in a groove (2014b) on the outer surface, and a plunger (2014c) extending in the housing (2002) and abutting a contact surface of the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020), wherein the plunger (2014c) slides against the contact surface upon the movement of the slider in the groove (2014b).

3. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism (2014) is a push button mechanism (3014) comprising: an arm pivotably disposed in a groove (3014b) of the outer surface, and a plunger (3014c) extending from a distal end of the arm and abutting the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020, 3020) wherein the plunger (3014c) pushes the at least one arm upon the pivoting of the arm in the groove (3014b).

4. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism (2014) is a slider cap mechanism (4014) comprising: a plunger (4014c) extending in the housing (2002, 4002) and abutting a contact surface of the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020, 4020), and a slider cap (4014a) extending from a distal end of the arm and overlapping a portion of the outer surface, wherein the slider cap (4014a) is adapted to slide over the outer surface to pushes the plunger (4014c) against the contact surface.

5. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the earbud (2006, 10006) is adapted to be, optionally, detachably coupled with the housing (2002, 4002).

6. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biosensor electrode (2018) is adapted to sense and analyze at least one physiological parameter comprising at least one of brainwave, heart rate, blood pressure, and a temperature of the user.

7. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biosensor electrode (2018) comprising at least one of solid or semi-solid or flexible form of: - Graphene or Graphene Oxide based electrode, - Carbon nanotube based electrode, - Conductive polymer substrate based electrode, - Silver-based / Gold-based electrode, and/or - material with conductive properties.

8. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (1000b) of the ear-wearable device (1000) is provided with at least an interface unit, a touch module (1004) and a display module (1006), wherein the controller (1000b) is adapted for controlling at least one or more settings of the ear-wearable device (1000) for operation and displaying at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode (2018).

9. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ear-wearable device (1000) is adapted to be communicatively coupled with at least one User Equipment (UE) (9000b).

10. A neuro-bud (1000a) of an ear-wearable device (1000) for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user, the neuro-bud (1000a) comprising: a housing (2002); a clip core structure (2016) disposed in the housing (2002), the clip core structure (2016) having at least one flexible contacting arm (2020); an earbud (2006) mounted on the housing (2002) and adapted to receive the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020); a biosensor electrode (2018) mounted at a distal end of the at least one contacting arm (2020) and disposed in the earbud (2006), wherein the biosensor electrode (2018) is adapted to be in a contact with an ear canal for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user; and an actuation mechanism (2014) disposed on an outer surface of the housing (2002) and adapted to move relative to the outer surface to actuate the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020) to change a proximity of the biosensor electrode (2018) with respect to the ear canal; a controller (1000b, 2023) in communication with the biosensor electrode (2018) and adapted to: receive at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode (2018); and generate health insights of the user based on the at least one physiological parameter.

11. The neuro-bud (1000a) as claimed in claim 10, wherein actuation mechanism (2014) is a slider mechanism (2014a) comprising: a slider bar slidably disposed in a groove (2014b) on the outer surface, and a plunger (2014c) extending in the housing (2002) and abutting a contact surface of the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020), wherein the plunger (2014c) slides against the contact surface upon the movement of the slider in the groove (2014b).

12. The neuro-bud (1000a) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the actuation mechanism (2014) is a push button mechanism (3014) comprising: an arm pivotably disposed in a groove (3014b) the outer surface, and a plunger (3014c) extending from a distal end of the arm and abutting the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020, 3020), wherein the plunger (3014c) pushes the at least one arm upon the pivoting of the arm in the groove (3014b).

13. The neuro-bud (1000a) as claimed in claim 10, wherein actuation mechanism (2014) is a slider cap mechanism (4014) comprising: a plunger 4014c) extending in the housing (2002, 4002) and abutting a contact surface of the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020, 4020), and a slider cap (4014a) extending from a distal end of the arm and overlapping a portion of the outer surface, wherein the slider cap (4014a) is adapted to slide over the outer surface to pushes the plunger (4014a) against the contact surface.

14. The neuro-bud (1000a) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the earbud (2006, 10006) is adapted to be, optionally, detachably coupled with the housing (2002, 4002).

15. The neuro-bud (1000a) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the neuro-bud (1000a) is adapted to be communicatively coupled with at least one User Equipment (UE) (9000b).

16. A method (11000) of operation of an ear-wearable device (1000), wherein the method (11000) comprising: receiving (11002), by a controller, an electrophysiological signal sensed by a neuro-bud installed in an ear canal of a user, the neuro-bud comprising a biosensor electrode disposed in housing mounted on a flexible connecting arm; and adapted to move relative to the outer surface to actuate the at least one flexible connecting arm to change a proximity of the biosensor electrode with respect to the ear canal; processing (11004), by the controller, the electrophysiological signal to generate at least one value corresponding to at least one physiological parameter; and generating (11006) health insights of the user based on the generated at least one physiological parameter.

17. The method (11000) as claimed in claim 16, wherein actuation mechanism is actuated to change a fidelity of the electrophysiological signal.

Description:EAR-WEARABLE DEVICE AND OPERATION THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, in general, relates to a field of wearable biomedical devices. More particularly, the invention relates to an ear-wearable biomedical device for monitoring various bio-signals and the operation thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent decades, the anxieties of modern routine life, and busy/ hectic lifestyles have drastically elevated the probabilities of cardiovascular disease, mental illness or psychiatric disorder, hypotension/hypertension, etc. Studies reveal that an upsurge in demands in embracing the technologies of biomedical-wearable and remote patient monitoring devices have extensively been driven by software and hardware constancy which have endorsed a range of devices/ wearables to be adopted with reliance to guide or train an individual about his/her health, fitness and wellness, including prolonged condition supervision. Furthermore, certain conventional techniques have endeavoured to elicit the feature of monitoring bio-signals like heart and brain activity by using scalp-wearable or ear-wearable devices. These wearable biomedical devices have led to revolutionizing the monitoring of diverse bio-signals with unobtrusive and high signal fidelity characteristics.
However, the drawbacks associated with such existing devices are that they may lack comfort in wearing, or the device’s specific usage in diagnosing one or two selective parameters only. The mechanism of bulky electrodes, being placed on the forehead and scalp, and other body parts, makes existing wearable biomedical devices uncomfortable and less aesthetically pleasing for users, especially children.
Another drawback associated with the prior existing technologies is that the sensor electrodes are fairly exposed which tends to capture and get interfered with other external Electromagnetic signal variations in the vicinity, rendering an inaccuracy in output readings.
Also, because the existing sensor electrodes are adapted to be placed loosely on the scalp, etc., they are more prone to motion artifacts and may determine subsequently inaccurate readings. Furthermore, the detected signals are usually used without appropriate processing of the bio-signals, which limits the information that can be extracted from them.
At least to address the aforesaid constraints, there lies a need for obviating aforesaid drawbacks plaguing the state of the art by providing a non-obstructive, and comfortable-to-wear apparatus for bio-signals monitoring, without hampering the signal fidelity.
More specifically, there lies a need for evolving an improved mechanism to advantageously address the requirements of at least an ear-wearable biomedical device comprising neuro-bud(s) and a method for efficiently capturing the bio signals during interfacing of the wearable biomedical device with the subject’s body and utilizing the same for usage as a personalized physical and mental fitness coach.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an ear-wearable device is disclosed. The ear-wearable device includes a plurality of neuro-buds. Each neuro-bud further includes a housing, a clip core structure, an earbud, a biosensor electrode, an actuation mechanism, and a controller. The clip core structure of neuro-bud is disposed in the housing, having at least one flexible contacting arm. The earbud is mounted on the housing and is adapted to receive the at least one flexible contacting arm. The biosensor electrode is mounted at a distal end of the at least one contacting arm and disposed in the earbud. The biosensor electrode is adapted to be in contact with an ear canal for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user. The actuation mechanism of the neuro-bud is disposed on an outer surface of the housing and is adapted to move relative to the outer surface to actuate the at least one flexible contacting arm to change a proximity of the biosensor electrode with respect to the ear canal. The controller is in communication with the biosensor electrode and adapted to receive at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode. The controller is also adapted to generate health insights of the user based on the at least one physiological parameter.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a neuro-bud of an ear-wearable device for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user is disclosed. The neuro-bud includes a housing, a clip core structure, a biosensor electrode, an actuation mechanism, and a controller.
The clip core structure of the neuro-bud is disposed in the housing, the clip core structure having at least one flexible contacting arm. The biosensor electrode is mounted at a distal end of the at least one contacting arm and disposed in the earbud. In particular, the biosensor electrode is adapted to be in contact with an ear canal for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user. The actuation mechanism is disposed on an outer surface of the housing and is adapted to move relative to the outer surface to actuate the at least one flexible contacting arm to change a proximity of the biosensor electrode with respect to the ear canal. The controller, which is in communication with the biosensor electrode, is adapted to receive at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode and generate health insights for the user based on the at least one physiological parameter.
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present inventive concepts, a more particular description of the inventive concepts will be rendered by reference to example embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict example embodiments of the inventive concepts and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The inventive concepts will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1(a) illustrates a schematic view of a wired ear-wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1(b) illustrates a schematic view of a wireless ear-wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1(c) illustrates a schematic view of a compact wireless ear-wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1(d) illustrates an exploded view of a controller of the ear-wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2(a) illustrates a side view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with an actuation mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2(b) illustrates a perspective view of assembled and partially disassembled neuro-bud, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2(c) illustrates a front view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with a slider type actuation mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2(d) illustrates cross sectional view take along lines 1-1 in Figure 2(c), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3(a) illustrates a side view and back view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with a push button type actuation mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3(b) illustrates a perspective view of assembled and partially disassembled neuro-bud with the push button type actuation mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3(c) illustrates cross sectional view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with the push button type actuation mechanism take along lines 1-1 in Figure 3(a), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4(a) illustrates a side view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with a slider cap type actuation mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4(b) illustrates a back view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with the slider cap type actuation mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4(c) illustrates a front view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with the slider cap type actuation mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4(d) illustrates cross sectional view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with the slider cap type actuation mechanism take along lines 1-1 in Figure 4(c), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5(a) illustrates a schematic view of a neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device depicting a plurality of springs in retracted mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5(b) illustrates a schematic view of the neuro-bud depicting a plurality of springs in a released mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5(c) illustrates a schematic perspective view of the neuro-bud, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6(a) illustrates a schematic view of the ear-wearable device depicting a plurality of curved leaves in a retracted mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6(b) illustrates a schematic view of the neuro-bud depicting a plurality of curved leaves in a released mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6(c) illustrates a schematic perspective view of the neuro-bud, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7(a) illustrates a schematic view of a neuro-bud in a compressed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7(b) illustrates a schematic view of the neuro-bud in an expanded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7(c) illustrates a schematic perspective view of the neuro-buds, comprising collapsible member(s), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8(a) illustrates an exploded view of the neuro-buds comprising collapsible member(s) as referred in Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8(b) illustrates a schematic perspective view of the collapsible member of the neuro-bud, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8(c) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the collapsible member and ear-bud of the neuro-bud, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 illustrates a use case scenario of the ear-wearable device in communication with a User Equipment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 10(a) illustrates a side view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with flexible ear-bud structure with flexible connecting wires, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 10(b) illustrates another side view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with flexible ear-bud structure with flexible connecting wires, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 10(c) illustrates another side view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with flexible ear-bud structure with flexible connecting wires, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 10(d) illustrates another front view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with flexible ear-bud structure with flexible connecting wires, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 11 illustrates a method of operation of an ear-wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent operations involved to help improve understanding of aspects of the present inventive concepts. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the example embodiments of the present inventive concepts so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the inventive concepts, reference will now be made to example embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the inventive concepts is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the inventive concepts as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventive concepts relate.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example embodiments is included in at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in example embodiments”, “in another example embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example embodiments.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of operations does not include only those operations but may include other operations not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
The present disclosure relates to providing at least an ear-wearable device including neuro-bud(s) for monitoring various bio-signals and the method of its operation thereof. The ear-wearable device is implemented to efficiently enhance the signal fidelity for continuous and simultaneous monitoring of various bio-signals related to the subject. The neuro-bud(s) includes a plurality of biosensors, fabricated for tracking various physiological signals through the ear canal and its periphery of the subject, which can further be utilized for analyzing the changes in bio-electrical signals for generating at least health insights on the basis of related physiological parameters.
Figure 1(a) illustrates a schematic view of a wired ear-wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 1(a), in an embodiment, the ear wearable device 10000 is a wired device including a pair of neuro-buds 10000a that may be worn by a user in at least one ear canal region, to capture one or more for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user during operation. The ear wearable device 1000 includes a controller 1000b which is adapted to be in communication with the pair of neuro-buds, through a wired connection means 1000c. The controller 1000b is adapted to further process the determined physiological parameters. The controller 1000b is also configured to be programmed within one or more of any of or any combination of software application(s), wearable technology, or interconnected communication systems(s). The ear wearable device 1000 is further adapted to be coupled with a User Equipment (UE) through a wire connection 1000d for displaying and storing the processed output transmitted from the controller 1000b.
Figure 1(b) illustrates a schematic view of a wireless ear-wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 1(b), in another embodiment, the ear wearable device 1000 is adapted to undergo wireless communication with the UE. Further, the ear wearable device 1000 includes a controller 1000b & a battery backup integrated within the ear wearable device 1000.
Referring to Figure 1(c), in another embodiment, the ear wearable device 1000 is adapted to undergo wireless communication with the UE. Further, the ear wearable device 1000 has a processing unit & battery backup integrated within the device, and inside the neuro-buds 1000a.
Referring to Figure 1(a), Figure 1(b), and Figure 1(c) each pair of neuro-buds may be adapted to be inserted into an ear of a user for detecting at least physiological parameters of the user such as Electroencephalogram (EEG), blood pressure, temperature, etc. The contour of the neuro-bud(s) 1000a is adapted to be adjusted at least according to a portion of a canal and a concha region of the user’s ear.
The neuro-bud(s) 1000a may be adapted to dynamically adjust when inserted inside the user’s ear and extend to get positioned in the user’s ear, allowing at least the electrophysiological sensor to sense and measure at least the user’s electrophysiological signal. The neuro-bud 1000a may also be adapted for delivering one or more instructions to guide a user at least through an audio signal.
Further, the controller 1000b may be adapted for at least conditioning and processing at least the bio-signals received from the neuro-buds 1000a and further feeding one or more processed bio-electrical signals to the User Equipment for display, storage, and further analysis.
Figure 1(d) illustrates the exploded view of a controller 300 (which corresponds to the controller 1000b of the ear-wearable device 1000), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The controller 300 may be adapted to receive at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by a plurality of biosensor electrodes disposed on the neuro-buds 1000a and generate health insights of the user based on the at least one physiological parameter.
The controller 300 may be configured for conditioning and processing at least the physiological signals received from various biosensor electrodes of the neuro-buds 1000a and further feeding at least one or more processed bio-electrical signals to a User Equipment (UE) for display and analysis. The controller 300 includes at least a touch module 301, a display module 302, a rechargeable battery 303, a casing 304, an adhesive gasket 305, a back cover glass 306, a circuit board 307, a connection port 308, and an operating switch 309, as also referred in Figure 1(d).
The display module 302 can display one or more options related to the operational settings of the ear wearable device. The display module 302 is also adapted to display at least one or more physiological parameters determined by the controller 300, for example, an instant EEG report, and/or ECG report, and/or fitness information can be displayed over the display module of the controller 300.
The touch module 301 and the display module 301 of the controller 300 help the user in controlling at least one or more settings of the ear-wearable device 100 for operation and displaying at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode.
According to the present disclosure, the neuro-bud 1000a may have an actuation mechanism that can be used to vary the sensitivity of detecting the bio-signals by changing the proximity of the electrophysiological sensor with respect to the user’s skin. Since the biosensor electrodes of neuro-bud 1000a may be placed in the ear canal, which helps in providing proximity to the brain, constant distance between the ear and heart for detecting the bio-signals. Additionally, since the biosensor electrodes may be placed near the body core, this results in experiencing lesser motion artifacts due to the balance centres of the ear. The actuation mechanism may be ergonomically placed on an outer body of the neuro-bud 1000a and can be manually adjusted by the user. The actuation mechanism can either a button, a slide, or a cap, details of which will be provided in subsequent embodiments.
Figure 2(a) illustrates a side view of the neuro-bud 1000a of the ear-wearable device 1000 disposed with an actuation mechanism 2014, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2(b) illustrates a perspective view of f assembled and partially disassembled neuro-bud, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2(c) illustrates a front view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with a slider type actuation mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 2(a), Figure 2(b), and Figure 2(c), the neuro-bud 1000a may include a housing 2002, a contacting rim 2004, an earbud 2006, an air vent 2008, a switch 2010, a charging module 2012, an actuation mechanism 2014, and a plurality of biosensor electrodes 2018. The neuro-bud 1000a further includes a clip core structure 2016, a plurality of contacting arms 2020, a stem 2022, a network module 2024, a battery 2026, a microphone 2028, a speaker mesh 2030, and a controller 2032, which are not shown is Figure 2(a).
The contacting rim 2004 helps in coupling the earbud 2006 with the housing 2002 comprising plurality of biosensor electrodes 2018 fixed at a distal end of the plurality of contacting arms 2020. The air vent 2008 is provided over the housing 2002 of the neuro-bud 1000a that enables air to flow in and out behind the speaker as it pushes and pulls air toward the ear. The housing 2002 of the neuro-bud 1000a is coupled with the stem 2022 to embed various electronic components such as, but not limited to, the network module 2024, the battery 2026, the microphone 2028, and the controller 2032, etc.
The clip core structure 2016 of neuro-bud 1000a may disposed in the housing 2002, having at least one flexible contacting arm 2020. In one example, the flexible contacting arm 2020 is hinged to the clip core structure 2016. Further, each of the pair of flexible contacting arm 2020 extends through the housing and to earbud 2006. The earbud 2006 is mounted on the housing 2002 and is adapted to receive the at least one flexible contacting arm 2020. As seen in Figure 2(b) and Figure 2(d), the biosensor electrode 2018 is mounted at a distal end of the at least one contacting arm 2020 and disposed in the earbud 2006. The biosensor electrode 2018 is adapted to be in a contact with an ear canal for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user.
The actuation mechanism 2014 of the neuro-bud 1000a is disposed on an outer surface of the housing 2002 and is adapted to move relative to the outer surface to actuate the at least one flexible contacting arm 2020 to change a proximity of the biosensor electrode 2018 with respect to the ear canal. The controller 2032 is in communication with the biosensor electrode 2018 and adapted to receive at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode 2018. The controller 2032 is also adapted to generate health insights of the user based on the at least one physiological parameter.
In one example, the actuation mechanism 2014 of the neuro-bud 1000a (as referred in Figure 2(a)), a slider mechanism 2014a includes a slider bar slidably disposed in a groove 2014b on the outer surface 2014d, and a plunger 2014c extending in the housing 2002 and abutting a contact surface of the at least one flexible contacting arm 2020, wherein the plunger 2014c slides against the contact surface 2014d upon the movement of the slider in the groove 2014b. Through the slider mechanism 2014a, the user may control the contraction and expansion of the neuro-bud 1000a within the ear canal by adjusting the slider bar, which may render more flexibility and comfort in wearability to the user.
The slider bar type actuation mechanism 2014 may be replaced by the push button type actuation mechanism. The slider bar type actuation mechanism may be activated by sliding a lever or knob along a track, whereas the push button type actuation mechanism may be activated/deactivated by pressing down on it, to turn it ON/OFF.
Figure 3(a) illustrates a side view and back view of the neuro-bud 1000a of the ear-wearable device 1000 disposed with a push button type actuation mechanism 3014, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3(b) illustrates a perspective view of assembled and partially disassembled neuro-bud 1000a with the push button type actuation mechanism 3014, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3(c) illustrates cross sectional view of the neuro-bud 1000a of the ear-wearable device 1000 disposed with the push button type actuation mechanism 3014 take along lines 1-1 in Figure 3(a), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 3(a), 3(b), and Figure 3(c), the neuro-bud 1000a includes a housing 3002, a contacting rim 3004, an earbud 3006, an air vent 3008, a switch 3010, a charging module 3012, an actuation mechanism 3014, and a plurality of biosensor electrodes 3018, a clip core structure 3016, a plurality of contacting arms 3020, a stem 3022, a network module 3024, a battery 3026, a microphone 3028, a speaker mesh 3030, and a controller 3032. The functionality of these components corresponds to the functionality of the similar components as referred to in Figure 2(a), Figure 2(b), and Figure 2(c).
Referring to Figure 3(a), Figure 3(b), and Figure 3(c), the actuation mechanism 2014 of the neuro-bud 1000a (as referred to in Figure 2(a)) is the push button mechanism 3014. In the present embodiment, instead of the slider mechanism 2014a, the push button mechanism 3014 has been used, while the other components and construction remain the same as that of the embodiment disclosed in reference to the Figure 2.
The push button mechanism 3014 includes an arm pivotably disposed in a groove 3014b (which corresponds to the groove 2014b, as referred to in Figure 2d) of the outer surface. The push button mechanism 3014 also includes a plunger 3014c (which corresponds to the plunger 2014c, as referred to in Figure 2d) extending from a distal end of the arm and abutting the at least one flexible contacting arm 3020 (which corresponds to the plunger 2014c, as referred in Figure 2d), wherein the plunger 3014c pushes the at least one arm upon the pivoting of the arm in the groove 3014b.
Since the slider bar type actuation mechanism 2014 has a self-wiping action which leads to accumulation of dust particles as it moves across the contacts, this mechanism may be subject to dust and corrosion however since the push button type actuation mechanism 3014 has no such spacing for accumulation of dust, this helps in keeping the corrosion from building up around the push button type actuation mechanism.
Figure 4(a) illustrates a side view of the neuro-bud of the ear-wearable device disposed with a slider cap type actuation mechanism 4014, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4(b) illustrates a back view of the neuro-bud 1000a of the ear-wearable device 1000 disposed with the slider cap type actuation mechanism 4014, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4(c) illustrates a front view of the neuro-bud 1000a of the ear-wearable device 1000 disposed with the slider cap type actuation mechanism 4014, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4(d) illustrates cross sectional view of the neuro-bud 1000a of the ear-wearable device 1000 disposed with the slider cap type actuation mechanism 4014 take along lines 1-1 in Figure 4(c), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Similar to the neuro bud 1000a shown in Figure 2, the neuro-bud 1000a includes a housing 4002, a contacting rim 4004, an earbud 4006, an air vent 4008, a switch 4010, a charging module 4012, an actuation mechanism 4014, a plurality of biosensor electrodes 4018, a clip core structure 4016, a plurality of contacting arms 4020, a stem 4022, a network module 4024, a battery 4026, a microphone 4028, a speaker mesh 4030, and a controller 4032. The functionality of these components corresponds to the functionality of the similar components as referred to in Figure 2(a), Figure 2(b), and Figure 2(c).
Referring to Figure 4(a), Figure 4(b), and Figure 4(c), the actuation mechanism 2014 of the neuro-bud 1000a (as referred to in Figure 2(a)) is the slider cap mechanism 4014. In the present embodiment, instead of the slider mechanism 2014a, the slider cap mechanism 4014 has been used, while the other components and construction remain the same as that of the embodiment disclosed in reference to the Figure 2.
The slider cap mechanism 4014 includes a plunger 4014c extending in the housing 4002 (which corresponds to the housing 2002 as referred in Figure 2) and abutting a contact surface of the at least one flexible contacting arm 4020 (which corresponds to the plunger 2014c, as referred in Figure 2d). The slider cap mechanism 4014 further includes a slider cap 4014a extending from a distal end of the arm and overlapping a portion of the outer surface, wherein the slider cap 4014a is adapted to slide over the outer surface to push the plunger against the contact surface. The slider cap mechanism 4014 may be allowed to slide over the outer surface through a rotating point 4014b.
Figure 5(a) illustrates a schematic view of a neuro-bud 5000 of the ear-wearable device 1000 depicting a plurality of springs 5018i-5018viii in retracted mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5(b) illustrates a schematic view of the neuro-bud 5000 depicting a plurality of springs 5018i-5018viii in a released mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5(c) illustrates a schematic perspective view of the neuro-bud 5000, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 5(a), Figure 5(b), and Figure 5(c), the neuro-bud 5000 (which corresponds to the neuro-bud 1000a as referred to in Figure 1) is designed, preferably, in an earphone shape. The neuro-bud 5000 may include, but is not limited to, a housing 5002, a hub 5016 disposed in the housing 5002, a plurality of springs 5018i-5018viii disposed on the hub 5016, and a biosensor electrode 5018a-5018h disposed on each spring 5018i-5018viii. The plurality of springs 5018i-5018viii may be adapted to expand for extending the biosensor electrode 5018a-5018h to establish contact with the ear canal and to contract for retracting the biosensor electrode 5018a-5018h to break the contact.
Particularly, Figure 5(a) illustrates a schematic view of a neuro-bud 5000 of the ear-wearable device 1000, as referred to in Figure 1, depicting a plurality of springs 5018i-5018viii in retracted mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The retraction mechanism is adapted for dynamically fitting the biosensor electrodes 5018a-5018h within the ear canal of the user or subject, thereby enabling high signal fidelity. During the retracted state of the biosensor electrodes 5018a-5018h, the plurality of springs 5018i-5018viii are in a compressed state, causing the size of the neuro-buds 5000 to reduce.
Figure 5(b) illustrates a schematic view of the neuro-bud 5000 depicting a plurality of springs 5018i-5018viii in a released mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
When the springs 5018i-5018viii are in the released state, the biosensor electrodes 5018a-5018h may be adapted to be in contact with an ear canal of the user for detecting at least one of the physiological parameters of the user. Particularly, the size of the neuro-bud 5000 along with electrodes 5018a-5018h expands and touches the lining of the ear canal, when allowed to release inside the ear canal of the user. The plurality of biosensor electrodes 5018a-5018h may be adapted to monitor at least physiological signals such as neural activity (such as Electroencephalogram (EEG)), cardiac activity monitoring systems (such as (ECG)), muscular activity (such as Electromyography (EMG)), Body Temperature, Skin resistance, Blood Pressure (BP), Blood Oxygen Saturation level, perspiration level, electrolyte levels, etc.
In an embodiment, the materials of the biosensor electrode 5018a-5018h for obtaining the physiological signals may include at least Solid, semi-solid, or flexible forms of Silver / Silver Chloride based or Gold based or other forms of Conductive polymer substrate, including but not limited to one infused with Carbon Nanotubes or similar conduction enhancing materials. Further for improved conductivity and long-term monitoring, it can also be based on at least solid, semi-solid, or flexible forms of Graphene-based materials including but not limited to various Graphene Oxides, fabricated using methods like but not limited to, thermal reduction or surface coating.
Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 5, the neuro-bud 1000, 5000 may also include an actuating switch 5010 disposed on the housing 5002, a first thread 5032 disposed along a thread-guide channel and adapted to couple the actuating switch 5010 with the hub 5016, and a second thread 5004 may be adapted to connect the first thread with the plurality of springs 5018i-5018viii. The plurality of springs 5018i-5018viii may be adapted to expand and contract based on the actuation of the actuating switch 5010 for establishing and breaking the contact, respectively.
Therefore, the neuro-bud 5000 includes the plurality of threads 5004, 5032 which controls the retraction/releasing of the neuro-buds 5000 for comfortable wearing within the ear canal thereby suppressing the event of improper fitting of the device 1000 inside the ear canal. The thread 5032 traverses through a thread-guide tunnel 5022 and couples with a switch 5010 which is meant for controlling the retraction/releasing of the neuro-buds 5000.
In an embodiment, the plurality of springs 5018i-5018viii may be circumferentially disposed on an outer surface of the hub 5016 such that the biosensor electrodes 5018a-5018h maintain uniform contact with the ear canal.
Figure 5(c) illustrates a schematic perspective view of the neuro-bud 5000, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 5(c), the schematic perspective view of the neuro-bud 5000 is provided. The neuro-bud 5000 of the ear wearable device 1000 is coupled with the plurality of biosensor electrodes 5018a-5018h mounted over the periphery of the neuro-buds 5000 for effectively sensing at least the bio-signals from the user’s ear canal. Each bio-sensor electrode 5018a-5018h is coupled with the thread-guide tunnel 5022 at least through the spring 5018i-5018viii which enables the easy and comfortable wearing of the device 1000.
The values detected by the neuro-buds 5000 may then be transmitted to a controller 1000b, 300 for further processing.
Figure 6(a) illustrates a schematic view of the neuro-bud 6000 depicting a plurality of curved leaves in a retracted mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6(b) illustrates a schematic view of the neuro-bud 6000 depicting a plurality of curved leaves in a released mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6(c) illustrates a schematic perspective view of the neuro-bud 6000, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 6(a), Figure 6(b), and Figure 6(c), the neuro-bud 6000 corresponds to neuro-bud 1000a as referred to in Figure 1. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided the neuro-bud 6000 which includes a plurality of flexible curved leaves 6018i-6018viii disposed on a hub 6016. In the present embodiment, instead of the plurality of springs 5018i-5018viii, the plurality of curved leaves 6018i-6018viii have been used, while the other components and construction remain the same as that of the embodiment disclosed in reference to the Figure 5.
Being flexible, the curved leaves 6018i-6018viii exhibit a retention mechanism. The plurality of flexible curved leaves 6018i-6018viii is adapted to expand for extending the biosensor electrodes 6018a-6018h to establish contact with the ear canal, and to contract for retracting the biosensor electrode 6018a-6018h to break the contact.
Figure 7(a) illustrates a schematic diagram of a neuro-bud in a compressed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7(b) illustrates a schematic diagram of the neuro-bud in an expanded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7(c) illustrates a schematic perspective view of the neuro-buds, including collapsible member(s), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ear-wearable device 1000 may include a plurality of neuro-buds 7000, which corresponds to neuro-bud 1000a as referred in Figure 1. Each neuro-bud 7000 may include, but is not limited to, a housing 7002, a hub 7004 disposed in the housing 7002, a plurality of actuating members 7006 supported on either side of the housing 7002. The plurality of actuating members 7006 is provided with spring-like properties on either side of the housing 7002. Each neuro-bud 7000 further includes a collapsible member assembly 7010 supported on the other end of the actuating members 7006, an earbud 7020, a plurality of connecting arms 7014a-7014d with projected ends 7012a -7012d for holding the earbud 7020, and a plurality of biosensor electrodes 7008a -7008d coupled to the earbud 7020 that is adapted to be in contact with an ear canal of a user for detecting the at least one physiological parameter of the user, through the retraction and expansion of connecting arms 7014a-7014d.
The collapsible member assembly 7010 of the neuro-bud 7000 is adapted for extending the connecting arms 7014a-7014d which in turn extends the biosensor electrode 7008a-7008d on the earbud 7020 to establish contact with the ear canal and to retract for retracting the connecting arms 7014a-7014d which in turn retracts biosensor electrode 7008a-7008d to break the contact, based on actuation of the actuating member 7006.
Further, the neuro-bud 7000 is provided with a controller 1000b as referred in Figure 1, which is in communication with the biosensor electrode 7008a-7008d and is adapted to receive at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode 7008a-7008d. The controller 1000b may be adapted to generate health insights of the user based on the at least one physiological parameter.
Referring to Figure 7(a), Figure 7(b), and Figure 7(c) the neuro-bud 7000 may include the collapsible member 7006 provided with a mechanism of retraction. A user may control the biosensor electrodes 7008a-7008d using a press-actuation setup. The biosensor electrodes 7008a-7008d by default are in the extended state. When the user presses the actuating member 7006, the biosensor electrodes 7008a-7008d completely retract into the neuro-buds 7000. The user may easily insert the neuro-buds 7000 inside the ear canal in the retracted state. On releasing the actuating member 7006, the biosensor electrodes 7008a-7008d of the neuro-buds may extend out as required after being released. When the actuating members 7006 are pressed, the motion is transmitted linearly into the outer collapsible members 7010, which in turn exerts a force on the inner collapsible members 7010 to compress and reduce its overall size.
When the actuating member 7006 is actuated, the linear movement of the actuating member 7006 of the neuro-bud gets translated into contraction of the collapsible member assembly 7010 for retracting the biosensor electrodes 7008a-7008d.
The collapsible member assembly 7010 may further include an inner member 7016, and an outer member 7018 surrounding the inner member 7016 and adapted to be supported on the other end of the actuating members 7006, wherein the inner member 7016 is adapted to move relative to the outer member 7018 for expansion and contraction.
Figure 8(a) illustrates a schematic exploded view of a neuro-bud 8000 (which corresponds to 1000a as referred in Figure 1), comprising collapsible member(s) 8016, 8018, as referred to in Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In an embodiment, there is provided the neuro-bud 8000 of an ear-wearable device 1000 for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user, the neuro-bud 8000 comprising a housing 8002, a hub 8004 that is disposed in the housing 8002, a plurality of actuating members 8006 on either side of the housing 8002, a collapsible member assembly 8010 which is further comprising an inner member 8016 and an outer member 8018.
The collapsible member assembly 8010 of the neuro-bud is further supported on the other end of the actuating member 8006. The neuro-bud 8000 is further provided with an earbud 834 at its proximal end to provide the user comfort in wearing during the use. Preferably, earbud 8034 is made from materials such as, but not limited to, silicon-based or plastic material, flexible polymer, etc. The earbud 8034 comprises a plurality of electrodes 8008 embedded in it which establishes direct contact with the skin of an ear canal for detecting the at least one physiological parameter of the user.
In an embodiment, the earbud 8034 may alternatively function as a complete electrode on its own, if constructed as a fully conductive body.
The plurality of connecting arms 8012 are coupled to the collapsible member assembly 8010 which is fitted inside an electrode housing 8002. The collapsible member assembly 8010 is adapted to expand for extending the connecting arms 8012, which in turn extend the biosensor electrodes 8008 to establish contact with the ear canal and to retract for retracting the connecting arms 8012 which in turn retracts the biosensor electrode 8008 to break the contact, based on actuation of an actuating member 8006.
Further, the neuro-bud 8000 comprises a controller 8020 for processing at least the signals related to physiological parameters and at least a plurality of audio system components such as a microphone 8026, a speaker 8038, and for inputting/outputting sound signals to/from an external device. Further, the neuro-bud 8000 is provided with a stem 8022, which comprises at least a battery 8024 for providing DC supply to the various components of the neuro-bud 8000, a network module 8028, and a charging module 8032.
The stem 8022 is also provided with an indication light 8030 whose intensity is adapted to vary in accordance with at least the brain activity/physiological states such as breathing profile of the user, such that the indication light 8030 may blink frequently or slowly as the brain activity of the user increases or decreases, respectively.
Similarly, the indication light 8030 may, but is not limited to, change the color of light to reflect the mental status of the user. For example, the indication light 8030 may, but not limited to, turn green during the meditation phase of the user, or the indication light 8030 may turn red during the critical brain activity/heart rate activity of the user, etc.
Figure 8(b) illustrates a schematic perspective view of the collapsible member, an actuating member of the neuro-bud, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8(c) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the collapsible member, earbud, with at least a locking mechanism, such as a slide-and-lock mechanism, to connect the earbud over the collapsible member. This may enable the user to have the freedom to choose between different electrode materials, sizes, and shapes of the earbud, based on comfort and efficiency required.
Figure 9 illustrates the use case scenario 9000 of an ear-wearable device 9000a in communication with User Equipment (UE) 9000b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In one of the use case scenarios, primarily, a user 9001 may connect the ear-wearable device 9000a with the User Equipment 9000b through a communication channel 9000c. The communication channel 9000c can either be a wired communication channel or a wireless communication channel. A connecting module 9010 is also provided within the ear-wearable device 9000a for setting up a wired/wireless connection with the User Equipment 9000b through an interface unit 9016.
An acquisition unit may optionally be provided to set up the communication of the ear-wearable device 9000a with a User Equipment 9000b. A processing module 9008 of the ear-wearable device 9000a is coupled at least with the one or more biosensor electrodes 9002h of a neuro-bud 9002 for processing at least the captured physiological signals under test/monitoring. The user 9001 may control one or more settings of the ear-wearable device 9000a via a touch module 9006, coupled with at least a display module 9004, based user interface for operation and displaying of at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter to be detected by the biosensor electrode 9002h of the neuro-bud 9002.
The neuro-bud 9002 may include, but is not limited to, a controller 9002a, a microphone 9002b, a charging module 9002c, a battery 9002d, a speaker 9002e, a network module 9002f, a memory 9002g, and at least one or more biosensor electrode 9002h for generating health insights of the user 9001 based on the at least one physiological parameter, including but not limited to neural activity (EEG), cardiac activity monitoring systems (ECG), muscular activity (EMG), Body Temperature, Blood pressure, and mental stress.
The user may either control and/or visualize output on at least the display module 9004 or touch module 9006 of the ear wearable device 9000a or on a display screen 9012 of the User Equipment 9000b, where output may also be stored in a storage unit 9018 for further use or analysis. The controlling unit 9014 of the User Equipment 9000b may also be configured to control the operation of the ear wearable device 9000a.
In another implementation, a digital phenotyping feature may also be induced with the User Equipment (UE), coupled with the ear-wearable biomedical device, which may help the user in tracking the data captured through the biosensors, and using the biosensors on-board of the User Equipment and thereby analyzing the patterns of usage (Typing speed/ Screen Brightness/ Screen wake times/ number of calls In & Out/ No of Notifications, etc.) for generating a complete mapping of the users' state, and then deliver results accordingly. The application installed within the User Equipment on receiving the processed biosensor signals from the neuro-buds 9002 may display the output over the display module 9004. According to the output displayed on the display module, the user may further be recommended application-based meditation training & focus exercises. The suggestion is refreshed based on the biofeedback from the user.
The ear-wearable device 9000a may, alternatively, be coupled with a neuro-bud 10000 which may provide at least a benefit of ease in the wearability of the device 9000a for longer duration.
Figure 10(a) illustrates a side view of the neuro-bud 10000 of the ear-wearable device disposed with a flexible ear-bud structure with flexible connecting wires, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10(b) illustrates another side view of the neuro-bud 10000 of the ear-wearable device disposed with a flexible ear-bud structure with flexible connecting wires, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10(c) illustrates another side view of the neuro-bud 10000 of the ear-wearable device disposed with a flexible ear-bud structure with flexible connecting wires, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10(d) illustrates another front view of the neuro-bud 10000 of the ear-wearable device disposed with a flexible ear-bud structure with flexible connecting wires, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 10(a), Figure 10(b), Figure 10(c), and Figure 10(d), the neuro-bud 10000 may include a housing 10002, a connector 10016, a flexible earbud 10006, a switch 10010, a charging module 10012, a plurality of biosensor electrodes 10008(a-d), a plurality of flexible connecting wires 10032, The functionality of these components corresponds to the functionality of the similar components as referred to in Figure 2(a), Figure 2(b), and Figure 2(c).
The plurality of biosensor electrodes 10008(a-d) may be disposed on the flexible earbud 10006 and may be detachably connected to the housing 10002. For example, the plurality of biosensor electrodes 10008(a-d) may be disposed on the flexible earbud 10006 via the fabrication process. In other words, the electrodes 10008(a-d) and the flexible earbuds 10006 are formed as a single serviceable components which can be replaced with a fresh component in case of malfunction/ failure thereof without replacing the complete neuro-bud 10000. The flexible earbud 10006 may be electrically coupled with the connector 10016 via flexible connecting wires or tracks disposed via fabrication process.
In an embodiment, the connector 10016 may be a standardized connector that may be used to connect plurality of biosensor electrodes 10008(a-d) disposed on the earbud 10006 with the ear-wearable device 1000. Such construction of neuro-bud 10000 using standardized connector enables the user to change the earbuds 10006 over time, for example, but not limited to, if the buds degrade with wear & tear, or if the user wants to connect the earbud 10006 of different material for e.g., Silver coated Earbuds, Gold Coated Earbuds etc., or the user wants to change the earbud 10006 of different size or shape.
In an embodiment, the materials of flexible earbud 10006 for obtaining the physiological signals may include, but not limited to, at least viscoelastic polyurethane foam (for example memory foam), high-resilience foam, silicone material, etc.
Figure 11 illustrates a method 11000 of operation of the ear-wearable device (1000), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The method 11000 elaborates the step performed at blocks 11002 to 11006 of Figure 11. In one example, the method 11000 may be performed partially or completely by the ear wearable device 1000 shown in Figure 1. The method 11000 begins at 11002 a which is related to receiving an electrophysiological signal. At this step, an electrophysiological signal may be received by the controller 300 shown in Figure 1(d). The electrophysiological signal may be sensed by the neuro-bud (as referred to in Figures 2-7 above).
Further at block 11004, processing of the received electrophysiological signal takes place. At this step, the received electrophysiological signal (from step 11002) is processed by the controller 300 (as referred in Figure 1(d)), to generate at least one value corresponding to at least one physiological parameter.
Further at block 11006, health insights of the user may be generated based on the generated at least one physiological parameter.
In another implementation of the present disclosure, the ear-wearable device 1000 may be implemented to efficiently enhance the wearability and portability features while diagnosing/ monitoring various physiological signals related to the subject. The ear-wearable device 1000 is further implemented to competently interface with a Cloud server independently or at least via connected User Equipment for displaying, analysing, and storing the monitored signals.
In another implementation, the bio-signals may be broadcasted through communication wire or wirelessly (via Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth RF connection, or BLE, etc.) from the processor to either a User Equipment such as a mobile phone, smartwatch, PDA, laptop, etc. or a touchscreen-based user interface equipped to transmit/receive/display such signals. The bio-signals such as brain activity, EEG, ECG, etc., and other motion sensors such as Accelerometer, Gyro sensor, compass, etc. may be transmitted from the processor to the User Equipment or user interface via these or any other currently available communication methods for visual displays or any that may become available in the future.
In another implementation, the ear-wearable device 1000 may also be used as a personalized mental and physical fitness coach that can recommend the best routines and at least Meditation practices based on the biofeedback from the user by analyzing the physiological signals and other sensory data.
In another implementation, the ear wearable device 1000 may provide a tangible scoring and rating/assessment system that helps the user set goals. Recommendations may be provided on how to achieve the goal, and they may also be able to share it with other users in the system and leaderboard system.
In another implementation, the controller 1000b is adapted for processing one or more physiological signals at least by filtering and converting Analog Signals to Digital signals, and vice versa, etc. Alternatively, there may be provided a controlling module which performs signal processing like the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), etc. on conditioned signals to analyze the dominance of brainwaves at different frequencies like Alpha (At 7-12Hz), theta, etc. or cardiac activity signals (ECG), etc.
The controller 1000b, 300 may also be adapted for performing stress mapping based on the correlation between the various brainwave signals (alpha, theta, etc.), feedback from the user, and other physiological parameters of the user, to analyze the stress level of the user. Further, the correlation of the stress mapping reading can be engaged as an indicator of the relaxation level of the user, which can be observed over the mobile phone or a computer, etc. as an output, and training recommendations may be suggested.
The controller 1000b, 300 may be coupled between the neuro-buds 1000a and the UE. The controller 1000b, 300 may process the incoming Analog Signal to Digital signals which may further be transmitted to the User Equipment like smartphones, smartwatches, and laptops, etc.
The controller 1000b, 300 or processing module or processors, etc., may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a chipset, a logic circuit, and/or a data processing device. The memories may include a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flash memory, a memory card, a storage medium, and/or another storage device.
The RF units may include a baseband circuit for processing a wireless signal. When an embodiment is embodied as software, the described scheme may be embodied as a module (process, function, or the like) that executes the described function. The module may be stored in a memory and may be executed by a processor. The memory may be disposed inside or outside the processor and may be connected to the processor through various well-known means.
In another implementation, the ear wearable device 1000 may optionally be used for diagnosing medical ailments like Epilepsy and other seizure disorders, sleep disorders, attention disorder, behavioural disorder, developmental delays, etc. The biosensor results obtained from the neuro-buds 1000a may be used for diagnosing ailments mentioned above like epileptic seizure traces and predicting them pre-emptively. Similarly, the cardiac data from the ECG module of the neuro-buds 1000a may be used to compute the corresponding blood pressure values using but not limited to a pulse transmit time calculation and its logarithmic dependency.
Similarly, the data from neuro-bud 1000a may be used in conjunction with a blood glucose monitoring application to monitor and detect sudden changes in the blood sugar levels, for example, conditions like hypoglycaemia, and give suggestions/alerts accordingly.
Similarly, a temperature sensor coupled with the neuro-bud 1000a is meant for actively tracking and plotting the user’s body temperature. The added advantage here is that it maps the temperature from the ear canal which is a region affected very little by room temperature.
In another implementation, the housing 1002 of neuro-bud 1000a may be, but is not limited to, adapted for housing one or more sensors including motion sensor such as accelerometer, gyro sensor, compass, etc., and other compact electronics modules like Analog to digital converter, processor, GPS, battery, etc.
In another implementation, the ear wearable device 1000, while functioning as an earphone for delivering sound waves, is adapted for tracking the bio-signals of the user in the background passively and generating reports in a periodic timeframe (for example, 1 day/Week /Month) and detect out anomalies compared to the generic patterns of signals of the users using but not limited to Machine Learning techniques.
In another implementation, the data from the ear-wearable device 1000 may also be transmitted to the User Equipment, for example, smartphone, PC, laptop, etc., which is further adapted to set-up Internet communication for enabling cloud connectivity which facilitates the doctors and medical practitioners to remotely monitor and analyze the bio-signals. The present disclosure may facilitate the clinicians and doctors of rural areas where such facilities are unavailable.
In view of the aforesaid, there are provided various advantageous applications relating to the present disclosure:
● Mood mapping and mood-based music player;
● Stress level tracking & fatigue alert system, panic detection;
● Meditation and Breathing tracker enabling feedback-based guided meditation, goals & scores-based guided meditation tracker, mindfulness meditation, and relaxation techniques, etc.
● Tracking and helping diagnose pre-emptively medical ailments such as seizure disorders, sleep disorders, attention disorders, behavioural disorders, developmental delays, etc.
● Affordable real-time monitoring of health parameters enabling better Rural/remote health care using smartphones;
● Sleep tracking, Sleep Quality Monitoring, Sleep Cycle based alarms;
● Drowsiness and Fatigue monitoring and alert system especially for night-time drivers, pilots, Industrial workers, etc.
● Specialized and customized monitoring in professionals handling high-risk tasks such as astronauts, pilots, air travellers, race car drivers, defence personnel, police, loco-pilots, etc.
● Provide bio signal data like EEG to enable authentication/detection of Users based on their signature bio signal pattern.
● Provide bio signal data and other motion sensory data to aid the experience for entertainment/gaming applications including but not limited to Virtual reality applications, Augmented reality applications, etc.
At least by virtue of aforesaid features, the present subject matter at least renders various salient features such as:
The data recorded by the User Equipment can be used to diagnose various ailments or diseases and also help predict them pre-emptively. The monitored data can further be used by doctors to make better insightful decisions when treating the patient, especially in rural areas where such facilities are unavailable.
Obtaining the biofeedback from the subject through analysis of physiological parameters and analysing the sensor data from the phone (digital phenotyping) for generating a complete mapping of the subject’s state, and thereby delivering the outcomes relating to but not limited to meditation, mindfulness & focus training.
The actuation mechanism 2014, 3014, 4014 of the neuro-bud 1000a helps in facilitating the activation of the contacting arms 2020, 3020, 4020 for easy compression when needed to ensure effective placement within the ear canal. The enhanced compression of the contacting arms 2020, 3020, and 4020 helps in rendering comfort in wearability and improving the acquisition of data signals by smooth and granular contraction. Furthermore, the actuation mechanism 2014, 3014, 4014 further renders a protective covering that may safeguard the neuro-bud 1000a against dust and other particles to much extent, thereby extending the lifespan of the ear wearable device 1000.
While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. , Claims:We Claim:
1. An ear-wearable device (1000) comprising:
a plurality of neuro-buds (1000a), each neuro-bud (1000a) comprising:
a housing (2002);
a clip core structure (2016) disposed in the housing (2002), the clip core structure (2016) having at least one flexible contacting arm (2020);
an earbud (2006) mounted on the housing (2002) and adapted to receive the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020);
a biosensor electrode (2018) mounted at a distal end of the at least one contacting arm (2020) and disposed in the earbud (2006), wherein the biosensor electrode (2018) is adapted to be in a contact with an ear canal for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user; and
an actuation mechanism (2014) disposed on an outer surface of the housing (2002) and adapted to move relative to the outer surface to actuate the at least one flexible connecting arm (2020) to change a proximity of the biosensor electrode (2018) with respect to the ear canal;
a controller (1000b, 2032) in communication with the biosensor electrode (2018) and adapted to:
receive at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode (2018); and
generate health insights of the user based on the at least one physiological parameter.

2. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism (2014) is a slider mechanism (2014a) comprising:
a slider bar slidably disposed in a groove (2014b) on the outer surface, and
a plunger (2014c) extending in the housing (2002) and abutting a contact surface of the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020), wherein the plunger (2014c) slides against the contact surface upon the movement of the slider in the groove (2014b).

3. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism (2014) is a push button mechanism (3014) comprising:
an arm pivotably disposed in a groove (3014b) of the outer surface, and
a plunger (3014c) extending from a distal end of the arm and abutting the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020, 3020) wherein the plunger (3014c) pushes the at least one arm upon the pivoting of the arm in the groove (3014b).

4. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism (2014) is a slider cap mechanism (4014) comprising:
a plunger (4014c) extending in the housing (2002, 4002) and abutting a contact surface of the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020, 4020), and
a slider cap (4014a) extending from a distal end of the arm and overlapping a portion of the outer surface, wherein the slider cap (4014a) is adapted to slide over the outer surface to pushes the plunger (4014c) against the contact surface.

5. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the earbud (2006, 10006) is adapted to be, optionally, detachably coupled with the housing (2002, 4002).

6. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biosensor electrode (2018) is adapted to sense and analyze at least one physiological parameter comprising at least one of brainwave, heart rate, blood pressure, and a temperature of the user.

7. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biosensor electrode (2018) comprising at least one of solid or semi-solid or flexible form of:
- Graphene or Graphene Oxide based electrode,
- Carbon nanotube based electrode,
- Conductive polymer substrate based electrode,
- Silver-based / Gold-based electrode, and/or
- material with conductive properties.

8. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (1000b) of the ear-wearable device (1000) is provided with at least an interface unit, a touch module (1004) and a display module (1006), wherein the controller (1000b) is adapted for controlling at least one or more settings of the ear-wearable device (1000) for operation and displaying at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode (2018).
9. The ear-wearable device (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ear-wearable device (1000) is adapted to be communicatively coupled with at least one User Equipment (UE) (9000b).
10. A neuro-bud (1000a) of an ear-wearable device (1000) for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user, the neuro-bud (1000a) comprising:
a housing (2002);
a clip core structure (2016) disposed in the housing (2002), the clip core structure (2016) having at least one flexible contacting arm (2020);
an earbud (2006) mounted on the housing (2002) and adapted to receive the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020);
a biosensor electrode (2018) mounted at a distal end of the at least one contacting arm (2020) and disposed in the earbud (2006), wherein the biosensor electrode (2018) is adapted to be in a contact with an ear canal for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a user; and
an actuation mechanism (2014) disposed on an outer surface of the housing (2002) and adapted to move relative to the outer surface to actuate the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020) to change a proximity of the biosensor electrode (2018) with respect to the ear canal;
a controller (1000b, 2023) in communication with the biosensor electrode (2018) and adapted to:
receive at least one value of the at least one physiological parameter detected by the biosensor electrode (2018); and
generate health insights of the user based on the at least one physiological parameter.

11. The neuro-bud (1000a) as claimed in claim 10, wherein actuation mechanism (2014) is a slider mechanism (2014a) comprising:
a slider bar slidably disposed in a groove (2014b) on the outer surface, and
a plunger (2014c) extending in the housing (2002) and abutting a contact surface of the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020), wherein the plunger (2014c) slides against the contact surface upon the movement of the slider in the groove (2014b).

12. The neuro-bud (1000a) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the actuation mechanism (2014) is a push button mechanism (3014) comprising:
an arm pivotably disposed in a groove (3014b) the outer surface, and
a plunger (3014c) extending from a distal end of the arm and abutting the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020, 3020), wherein the plunger (3014c) pushes the at least one arm upon the pivoting of the arm in the groove (3014b).

13. The neuro-bud (1000a) as claimed in claim 10, wherein actuation mechanism (2014) is a slider cap mechanism (4014) comprising:
a plunger 4014c) extending in the housing (2002, 4002) and abutting a contact surface of the at least one flexible contacting arm (2020, 4020), and
a slider cap (4014a) extending from a distal end of the arm and overlapping a portion of the outer surface, wherein the slider cap (4014a) is adapted to slide over the outer surface to pushes the plunger (4014a) against the contact surface.

14. The neuro-bud (1000a) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the earbud (2006, 10006) is adapted to be, optionally, detachably coupled with the housing (2002, 4002).

15. The neuro-bud (1000a) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the neuro-bud (1000a) is adapted to be communicatively coupled with at least one User Equipment (UE) (9000b).
16. A method (11000) of operation of an ear-wearable device (1000), wherein the method (11000) comprising:
receiving (11002), by a controller, an electrophysiological signal sensed by a neuro-bud installed in an ear canal of a user, the neuro-bud comprising a biosensor electrode disposed in housing mounted on a flexible connecting arm; and adapted to move relative to the outer surface to actuate the at least one flexible connecting arm to change a proximity of the biosensor electrode with respect to the ear canal;
processing (11004), by the controller, the electrophysiological signal to generate at least one value corresponding to at least one physiological parameter; and
generating (11006) health insights of the user based on the generated at least one physiological parameter.

17. The method (11000) as claimed in claim 16, wherein actuation mechanism is actuated to change a fidelity of the electrophysiological signal.