Back in September of 2009, I wrote a blog post that I titled Google’s 10 Oddest Patents. The first of those that I included in that list was one named Instrument for medical purposes, I included it mostly because Google was a search company, and it felt odd that Google would have a patent on a medical process. That one used “ultrasonic sound to investigate the structural makeup of biological tissue in organs and vessels.”
Times have changed, and since that time, Google has restructured and put itself under a holding company structure with the name Alphabet running all elements of the company. A branch of the Company had evolved that was being referred to as “Google Life Sciences,” and it changed names recently as well, to Verily Life Sciences.
What role and what kind of impact might these new subsidiary have? I was wondering if Google would make changes to the patent assignments it had made along with the name changes, and I was surprised to see them do so, where they assigned 148 patents to Verily Life Sciences on two different days. It’s an interesting list, and I’ve provided it here. They may technically have ownership under other patents as well, but this list points to a number that could possibly become products that the company offers to the public, after any government approval that they may need to pursue.
This recent story highlights the kind of approval that medical devices need to acquire before they are used for medical purposes: Google offshoot Verily reveals connectivity device to aggregate medical data.
Verily may become involved in medical studies, like this one described to be between Vanderbilt and Verily: Vanderbilt, Google’s Verily to Launch Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort.
This article provides some possible valuations as to what kinds of money are potentially available to companies providing healthcare products and benefits to people: How Alphabet Is Eyeing The Lucrative Healthcare Industry With Verily.
This article presents healthcare as a potentially very lucrative field for Google to be entering: New Miniature Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices from DexCom and Verily (Google Life Sciences) Promise to Make Glucose Monitoring Wearable and Affordable.
This followup to that story shows that plans are being made to release products over the next few years: Google’s Verily, Dexcom aim to launch mini glucose monitor in 2018, with next-gen by 2021.
I’ve written about one of these patents in the past, in the post Google Files Patent For Wearable Nanotechnology Anti-Cancer Technology, and that patent is included in the assignment, as is a patent for a Star Trek like Needle free blood draw device that was published this past December.
I decided to publish links to these patent filings, and information about the dates they were filed, and when they were either published (for the pending patent applications) or granted (for the many that have been granted so far). There are many contact lens focused patents in the group, but other ones that have different purposes as well. If any stand out to you as interesting in some way, please share with us, and let us know why.
There seem to be many opportunities available to Google to pursue, and I’m excited that so many options are open to them. I also like that now that I’m seeing patents that describe medical devices coming from Google, that enough has changed that I no longer think of them as “odd,” but am instead excited to see how those may be used. These are exciting times, and it appears that Google is off to a good start addressing medical problems.
Contact Lenses
Inventors: Brian Otis, Babak Amirparviz
Filed Jul 10, 2014
Granted Aug 5, 2014
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods for facilitating iris-scanning contact lenses and/or biometric identification employing iris scanning contact lenses are provided. In one implementation, the contact lens can include: a transparent substrate formed to cover at least a portion of an iris of an eye; and a circuit. The circuit can include: one or more light sensors disposed on or within the transparent substrate and that detects light filtered through the iris and incident on the one or more light sensors; readout circuitry, operably coupled to the one or more light sensors, that outputs information indicative of the light filtered through the iris and incident on the one or more light sensors; and a power component that supplies power to the readout circuitry. In various implementations, the contact lens can be employed in systems and/or methods associated with authentication and identification.
Contact Lenses With Hybrid Power Sources
Inventors: Nathan Pletcher, Brian Otis
Filed Jul 26, 2012
Published Jul 10, 2014
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods of contact lenses with power sources are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens can include a substrate; and a circuit. The circuit can include: one or more sensors disposed on or within the substrate; circuitry disposed on at least a portion of the substrate; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed on at least a portion of the substrate; and a hybrid power component that supplies at least one of two or more different types of power to the circuitry, wherein at least one of the two or more different types of power is radio frequency/inductive power. In various aspects, other types of power can be solar and/or microelectromechanical system power. Additionally, in various aspects, photovoltaic cells can be arrayed in different configurations and/or over a significant portion of a viewing surface of the contact lens. In some aspects, the photovoltaic cells can be transparent.
Contact Lens Employing Optical Signals for Power and/or Communication
Inventors: Nathan Pletcher, Brian Otis
Filed Jul 26, 2012
Granted Oct 13, 2015
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lens sensors are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least a portion of the body of the contact lens; an optical communication device disposed on or within the substrate; and a photodetector disposed on or within the substrate, wherein the photodetector harvests light emitted from a device and generates power from the harvested light. In some aspects, an apparatus comprises a tag having a circuit including: an optical communication device; and a photodetector that harvests light received and generates power from the harvested light. The tag can be disposed on or within a contact lens in various aspects.
Actuatable Contact Lenses
Inventors: Harvey Ho
Filed Aug 2, 2012
Granted Dec 30, 2014
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods for facilitating actuatable contact lenses are provided. In one aspect, the contact lens can include: a substrate comprised of a material that is actuatable to at least one of change a base curvature from a first curvature to a second curvature or change a thickness from a first thickness to a second thickness; and a control component, operably coupled to the material, that outputs actuation information to cause the material to actuate and at least one of change the base curvature of the material or change the thickness of the material. The contact lens can be actuated based on a condition associated with an environment surrounding the contact lens, a sensed prescription for an eye over which the contact lens is placed or based on a focal point of the eye. The material can include piezoelectric film, a shape memory alloy, hydrogel and/or silicone elastomer.
Contact Lenses Having Two-Electrode Electrochemical Sensors
Inventors: Zenghe Liu
Filed Aug 6, 2012
Published Jul 10, 2014
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lenses with two-electrode electrochemical sensors are provided. In some aspects, the contact lens includes: a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens; and a circuit, disposed on or within the substrate, and including a two-electrode electrochemical sensor. The two-electrode electrochemical sensor can include: a working electrode; and a combination reference-counter electrode. The electrochemical sensor can be an amperometric sensor that senses a biological feature of a wearer of the contact lens. The working electrode can generate a signal indicative of the sensed analyte, and the combination reference-counter electrode can pass the signal generated from the working electrode. The signal can be employed to determine the analyte concentration of a solution in contact with the contact lens.
Contact Lens with Integrated Pulse Oximeter
Inventors: Harvey Ho, Babak Amirparviz
Filed Aug 21, 2012
Granted Mar 3, 2015
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods employing a contact lens having a pulse oximetry sensor to detect information indicative of a blood oxygen content and/or pulse rate of a wearer of the contact lens, are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and a pulse oximetry sensor located on or within the substrate that detects information associated with at least one of blood oxygen content or a pulse rate of a wearer of the contact lens. The pulse oximetry sensor comprises one or more light emitting diodes that illuminate a blood vessel of at least one of a region of an eye or an eyelid and a detector that receives light reflected from the blood vessel and generates the information.
Passive Surface Acostic Wave Communication
Inventors: Harvey Ho, Babak Amirparviz
Filed Sep 5, 2012
Granted Sep 2, 2014
Abstract:
This disclosure relates to systems and/or methods for detection of eye blinking by interrogating a passive surface acoustic wave based contact lens using an interrogation signal and interpreting reflections of the interrogation signal from the passive surface acoustic wave based contact lens.
In-Situ Tear Sample Collection and Testing Using a Contact Lens
Inventors: Zenghe Liu, James Etzkorn
Filed Sep 7, 2012
Published Jul 10, 2014
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lenses having one or more sensor that sense an analyte in tear fluid and one or more recesses that collect the tear fluid. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and a recess formed within the substrate configured to collect tear fluid when the contact lens is worn. The contact lens further includes at least one sensor disposed within the substrate configured to sense presence of an analyte in the collected tear fluid.
Sensor
Inventors: Zenghe Liu, Babak Amirparviz
Filed Sep 17, 2012
Published Jul 24, 2014
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lenses having an electrochemical sensor to detect ethanol concentration of a wearer of the contact lens are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and an electrochemical sensor, disposed on or within the substrate, that detects information related to concentration of alcohol present in blood of a wearer of the contact lens.
Contact Lens that Facilitates Antenna Communication Via Sensor Impedance Modulation
Inventors: Brian Otis, Nathan Pletcher
Filed Sep 24, 2012
Granted Oct 28, 2014
Abstract:
Systems, contact lenses and methods that facilitate antenna communication via sensor impedance modulation are provided. In one aspect, a system can include a contact lens and a radio frequency (RF) reader. The contact lens can include a substrate; an RF antenna, disposed on or within the substrate; and a sensing component, disposed on or within the substrate, and directly coupled to the RF antenna, wherein the RF antenna is configured to change impedance value as a sensed value of the sensing component changes. The RF reader is external to the contact lens, and configured to interrogate the RF antenna with an RF signal. The RF reader can receive a reflected RF signal from the RF antenna in response to the interrogation. The magnitude, phase and/or a frequency of the reflected RF signal can be based on the impedance value of the RF antenna.
Contact Lens That Restricts Incoming Light To The Eye
Inventors: James Etzkorn, Brian Otis
Filed Sep 24, 2012
Granted Feb 24, 2015
Abstract:
This disclosure generally relates to systems and/or methods to restrict light entering an opening of an eye pupil by detecting pupil dilation, detecting incoming light intensity or direction, and adjusting light restricting properties of one or more light restricting regions of the contact lens based upon the detected pupil dilation parameters and incoming light intensity or direction.
Information Processing Method
Inventors: Ehsan Saeedi, Babak Amirparviz
Filed Sep 25, 2012
Published Mar 27, 2014
Abstract:
Systems, apparatus and methods including a contact lens that facilitates collection and/or processing of information associated with sensed features are provided. In one aspect, a system can include a contact lens and an analysis component external to the contact lens. The contact lens can include: a substrate; and a circuit, disposed on or within the substrate. The circuit can include: a plurality of sensors configured to sense respective features associated with a wearer of the contact lens; and a communication component configured to communicate information indicative of sensed features. The analysis component can be configured to: receive the information indicative of the sensed features; and generate statistical information based, at least, on the information indicative of the sensed features.
Facilitation of Temperature Compensation For Contact Lens Sensors and Temperature Sensing
Inventors: Zenghe Liu, Nathan Pletcher, Brian Otis
Filed Sep 25, 2012
Published Mar 17, 2015
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lens sensors are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate and a circuit. The circuit can include: one or more sensors disposed on or within the substrate, that sense a feature associated with a wearer of the contact lens; and a compensation circuit disposed on or within the substrate, coupled to the sensor(s) and that outputs information to adjust an output of the sensor(s). The compensation circuit can include: a temperature component that senses the temperature of the sensor(s); and a communication component that outputs information indicative of the temperature of the sensor(s), and receives information associated with adjusting the output of the sensor(s). In other aspects, a contact lens includes a circuit that senses the body temperature, or ambient temperature outside of the body, of the contact lens wearer. Sensor fusion and/or calibration can be performed based on the information.
Contact Lens Having a Chip Integrated Into a Polymer Substrate and Method of Manufacture
Inventors: James Etzkorn
Filed Sep 25, 2012
Published Mar 27, 2014
Abstract:
Contact lenses and methods of manufacture are provided. In one aspect, a method includes: positioning components in predefined locations on a first surface; applying pressure on the components employing a second surface; providing molten material between the first surface and the second surface and around the components; embedding the components in a substrate by cooling the molten material and causing the molten material to harden, the substrate being a substantially solid form of molten material; and removing the first surface and the second surface after embedding the components in the substrate. The method can also include: providing, on or within a contact lens, one of the components and the substrate into which the component is embedded. The first surface can include molds sized to receive and maintain the components at the predefined locations. The first surface and/or the second surface can be pre-treated with a non-stick coating such as Polytetrafluoroethylene.
Wearable Device
Inventors: Babak Amirparviz, Harvey Ho
Filed Sep 25, 2012
Granted Mar 24, 2015
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods employing a contact lens that generates information indicative of a hydration level of an eye in which the lens is worn, are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and a hydration component that generates information associated with a hydration level of an eye in which the contact lens is worn.
Assembling Thin Silicon Chips on a Contact Lens
Inventors: James Etzkorn
Filed Sep 26, 2012
Granted Feb 24, 2015
Abstract:
A contact lens having a thin silicon chip integrated therein is provided along with methods for assembling the silicon chip within the contact lens. In an aspect, a method includes creating a plurality of lens contact pads on a lens substrate and creating a plurality of chip contact pads on a chip. The method further involves applying assembly bonding material to the each of the plurality of lens contact pads or chip contact pads, aligning the plurality of lens contact pads with the plurality of chip contact pads, bonding the chip to the lens substrate via the assembly bonding material using flip chip bonding, and forming a contact lens with the lens substrate.
Contact Lens Having an Uneven Embedded Substrate and Method of Manufacture
Inventors: James Etzkorn, Babak Amirparviz
Filed Sep 26, 2012
Granted Mar 24, 2015
Abstract:
Contact lenses and methods of manufacturing contact lenses are provided. In one aspect, a method includes: forming a substrate having an uneven surface; providing a sensor at a first region of the substrate; providing a chip at a second region of the substrate; and encapsulating the substrate, sensor and chip in a polymer. The method also includes: patterning interconnections from the first region of the substrate to the second region of the substrate; and patterning metal pads proximate to the second region of the substrate. The chip can be provided on a metal pad. The uneven surface can be a sloped surface or one or more sloped channels in the substrate, and the channels can be wide enough to receive interconnections for the chip and to receive the chip. Further, the substrate can be ring-shaped and curved prior to encapsulation.
In-Vitro Contact Lens Testing
Inventors: Zenghe Liu, James Etzkorn
Filed Sep 26, 2012
Granted Sep 2, 2014
Abstract:
Contact lens testing apparatuses and method for testing contact lenses for analytes are presented. In an aspect, a device is provided that includes a housing configured to hold one or more contact lenses, and a testing compartment provided within the housing and comprising a reagent, the reagent configured to facilitate a chemical reaction in response to the existence of a predetermined biomarker disposed on or within a contact lens placed in the testing compartment, wherein the chemical reaction produces a known result related to state information of an individual from which the biomarker was generated.
Facilitation of Tear Sample Collection and Testing Using a Contact Lens
Inventors: James Etzkorn, Zenghe Liu
Filed Sep 26, 2012
Published Mar 27, 2014
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lens sensors are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate and a circuit. The circuit can include: one or more sensors disposed on or within the substrate, that sense a feature associated with a wearer of the contact lens; and a compensation circuit disposed on or within the substrate, coupled to the sensor(s) and that outputs information to adjust an output of the sensor(s). The compensation circuit can include: a temperature component that senses the temperature of the sensor(s); and a communication component that outputs information indicative of the temperature of the sensor(s), and receives information associated with adjusting the output of the sensor(s). In other aspects, a contact lens includes a circuit that senses the body temperature, or ambient temperature outside of the body, of the contact lens wearer. Sensor fusion and/or calibration can be performed based on the information.
Image Capture Component on Active Lens
Inventors: Nathan Pletcher, Olivia Hatalsky, Babak Amirparviz
Filed Oct 8, 2012
Published Apr 10, 2014
Abstract:
This disclosure relates to systems and/or methods for capturing image data representing a scene in a gaze of a viewer via a thin image capture component integrated on or within a contact lens, processing the image data, and employing the processed image data to perform functions locally on the contact lens or remotely on one or more remote devices.
In-vitro Calibration Of An Ophthalmic Analyte Sensor
Inventors: Brian Otis, Zenghe Liu
Filed Oct 12, 2012
Published Apr 17, 2014
Abstract:
An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a reagent that selectively reacts with an analyte to generate a sensor measurement related to a concentration of the analyte in a fluid to which the eye-mountable device is exposed. A calibration-solution measurement is obtained while the eye-mountable device is exposed to a calibration solution. A calibration value is determined based on at least the calibration-solution measurement and an analyte concentration of the calibration solution. A tear-film measurement is obtained while the eye-mountable device is mounted to an eye so as to be exposed to tear film. The analyte concentration of the tear film is determined based on at least the tear-film measurement and the calibration value.
Contact Lens and Method of Manufacture to Improve Sensor Sensitivity
Inventors: Jeffrey George Linhardt, James Etzkorn
Filed Oct 24, 2012
Granted Nov 3, 2015
Abstract:
Contact lenses and methods of manufacture are provided. A contact lens can include: an electronics substrate having components formed thereon and disposed within a contact lens forming (CLF) polymer, wherein a first one of the components is positioned at a first region of the electronics substrate and a second one of the components is positioned at a second region of the electronics substrate, the second region being opposite the first region; and a plurality of CLF polymer layers molded such that the plurality of CLF polymer layers has a first thickness in a region of the electronics substrate associated with the first one of the components and has a second thickness in a region of the electronics substrate associated with the second one of the components.
Encapsulated Electronics
Inventors: James Etzkorn, Babak Amirparviz
Filed Jan 15, 2013
Granted Oct 28, 2014
Abstract:
An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor includes a working electrode and a reference electrode that reacts with an analyte to generate a sensor measurement related to a concentration of the analyte in a fluid to which the eye-mountable device is exposed. An example assembly process includes: forming a sacrificial layer on a working substrate; forming a first layer of a bio-compatible material on the sacrificial layer; providing an electronics module on the first layer of the bio-compatible material, forming a second layer of the bio-compatible material to cover the electronics module; and annealing the first and second layers of the bio-compatible material together to form an encapsulated structure having the electronics module fully encapsulated by the bio-compatible material.
Method of Ring-Shaped Structure Placement in an Eye-Mountable Device
Inventors: Jeffrey George Linhardt, Harvey Ho
Filed Jan 17, 2013
Published Jul 17, 2014
Abstract:
An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor applies a stabilization voltage between a working electrode and a reference electrode to allow the amperometric current to stabilize before powering measurement electronics configured to measure the amperometric current and communicate the measured amperometric current. The electrochemical sensor consumes less power while applying the stabilization voltage than during the measurement. The measurement is initiated in response to receiving a measurement signal at an antenna in the eye-mountable device.
Standby Biasing Of Electrochemical Sensor To Reduce Sensor Stabilization Time During Measurement
Inventors: Nathan Pletcher, Brian Otis
Filed Jan 25, 2013
Published Jul 31, 2014
Abstract:
An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor applies a stabilization voltage between a working electrode and a reference electrode to allow the amperometric current to stabilize before powering measurement electronics configured to measure the amperometric current and communicate the measured amperometric current. The electrochemical sensor consumes less power while applying the stabilization voltage than during the measurement. The measurement is initiated in response to receiving a measurement signal at an antenna in the eye-mountable device.
Systems and Methods for Encapsulating Electronics in a Mountable Device
Inventors: James Etzkorn
Filed Mar 26, 2013
Granted Oct 20, 2015
Abstract:
A mountable device includes a bio-compatible structure embedded in a polymer that defines at least one mounting surface. The bio-compatible structure has a first side defined by a first layer of bio-compatible material, a second side defined by a second layer of bio-compatible material, an electronic component, and a conductive pattern that defines sensor electrodes. A portion of the second layer of bio-compatible material is removed by etching to create at least one opening in the second side in which the sensor electrodes are exposed. The etching further removes a portion of the first layer of bio-compatible material so as to create at least one opening in the first side that is connected to the at least opening in the second side. With this arrangement of openings, analytes can reach the sensor electrodes from either the first side or the second side of the bio-compatible structure.
Systems and Methods for Encapsulating Electronics in a Mountable Device
Inventors: James Etzkorn
Filed Mar 27, 2013
Granted Aug 25, 2015
Abstract:
A mountable device includes a bio-compatible structure embedded in a polymer that defines at least one mounting surface. The bio-compatible structure includes an electronic component having electrical contacts, sensor electrodes, and electrical interconnects between the sensor electrodes and the electrical contacts. The bio-compatible structure is fabricated such that it is fully encapsulated by a bio-compatible material, except for the sensor electrodes. In the fabrication, the electronic component is positioned on a first layer of bio-compatible material and a second layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the first layer of bio-compatible material and the electronic component. The electrical contacts are exposed by removing a portion of the second layer, a conductive pattern is formed to define the sensor electrodes and electrical interconnects, and a third layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the conductive pattern. The sensor electrodes are exposed by removing a portion of the third layer.
Utilizing Oscillator Frequency Divider Settings As A Temperature Sensor In Radio Frequency Applications
Inventors: Brian Patrick Otis, Nathan Pletcher, Daniel Yeager
Filed May 24, 2013
Granted May 5, 2015
Abstract:
Methods and systems for utilizing oscillator frequency divider settings as a temperature sensor are described herein. An example method may involve a reader device transmitting an RF signal to a tag device that includes an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator signal with an oscillator frequency and a frequency adjuster configured to adjust the oscillator frequency with a frequency adjustment factor to provide a resulting frequency, the oscillator frequency being dependent on a temperature of the tag device and the resulting frequency being based on a reference frequency provided by the RF signal. The method may also involve the reader device receiving data from the tag device, the data being indicative of the oscillator frequency. The method may further involve the reader device determining an estimate of the temperature of the tag device based on at least the received data and a predetermined relationship between temperature and oscillator frequency.
Body-Mountable Devices and Methods for Embedding a Structure in a Body-Mountable Device
Inventors: James Etzkorn, Stephen O’Driscoll
Filed Jun 14, 2013
Published Dec 18, 2014
Abstract:
Body-mountable devices and methods for embedding a structure in a body-mountable device are described. A body-mountable device includes a transparent polymer and a structure embedded in the transparent polymer. The transparent polymer defines a posterior side and an anterior side of the body-mountable device. The structure has an outer diameter and an inner diameter and includes a sensor configured to detect an analyte and an antenna. The antenna includes a plurality of conductive loops spaced apart from each other between the outer diameter and the inner diameter.
Physiological Measurement Using Wearable Device
Inventors: Andrew Conrad, Eric Peeters
Filed Jun 21, 2013
Published Dec 25, 2014
Abstract:
A wearable device includes a detector configured to detect a response signal transmitted from a portion of subsurface vasculature, the response signal being related to binding of a clinically-relevant analyte to functionalized particles present in a lumen of the subsurface vasculature. Program instructions stored in a computer readable medium of the device, and executable by a processor, may cause the device to determine a concentration of the clinically-relevant analyte based on the response signal detected by the detector; determine whether a medical condition is indicated based on at least the concentration of the clinically-relevant analyte; and, in response to a determination that the medical condition is indicated, transmit data representative of the medical condition via the communication interface. The device may also include a signal source configured to transmit an interrogating signal into the portion of subsurface vasculature, thereby generating a response signal in response to the interrogating signal.
Test Platform for Wrist-Mounted Physiologic Measurement Device
Inventors: Andrew Conrad, Eric Peeters
Filed Jun 21, 2013
Published Dec 25, 2014
Abstract:
A test model has an outer polymer layer that models an exterior surface of a human arm and includes at least a wrist portion, an inner polymer core that is at least partially surrounded by the outer polymer layer and extends into the wrist portion, and polymer tubing adjacent to the inner polymer core. The polymer tubing is at least partially surrounded by the outer polymer layer and extends into the wrist portion. The polymer tubing has a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet. The test model is substantially free of metallic and magnetic materials.
Physiological Measurement Using Wearable Device
Inventors: Andrew Conrad, Eric Peeters
Filed Jun 21, 2013
Published 20140378777
Dec 25, 2014
Abstract:
A method for real-time, high-density physiological data collection includes automatically measuring, by a wearable device, one or more physiological parameters during each of a plurality of measurement periods, and upon conclusion of a measurement period, for each of the plurality of measurement periods, automatically transmitting by the wearable device data representative of the physiological parameters measured during that measurement period, to a server, the server configured to develop a baseline profile based on the data transmitted by the wearable device for the plurality of measurement periods. The measurement periods may extend through a plurality of consecutive days, and each of the consecutive days may include multiple measurement periods. At least some of the physiological parameters are measured by non-invasively detecting one or more analytes in blood circulating in subsurface vasculature proximate to the wearable device.
Container
Inventors: Jeffrey George Linhardt, Daniel Barrows
Filed Jun 24, 2013
Granted Jun 2, 2015
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides an apparatus including a first chamber containing an eye-mountable device. The apparatus may also include a second chamber containing an aqueous solution. The apparatus may also include a membrane positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane may be configured to rupture based on application of a force to the apparatus. The ruptured membrane may allow the aqueous solution to engage with the eye-mountable device. The apparatus may also include a lid to seal one or more of the first chamber and the second chamber.
Device Identification
Inventors: Daniel Yeager, Brian Otis, Andrew Nelson
Filed Jun 28, 2013
Published Jan 1, 2015
Abstract:
An eye-mountable device includes a controller embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The controller is electrically connected to an antenna included in the eye-mountable device. The controller is configured to: (i) receive an indication of an interrogation signal via the antenna, (ii) responsive to the interrogation signal, output a substantially unique identification sequence; and (iii) use the antenna to communicate the substantially unique identification sequence. The substantially unique identification sequence can then be used by external readers to associate the eye-mountable device with device-specific information without storing such information on the eye-mountable device.
Methods for Adhering a Substrate to a Polymer Layer
Inventors: Zenghe Liu, Jeffrey George Linhardt
Filed Jun 28, 2013
Published Jan 1, 2015
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a method including forming a polymer layer defining a side of an eye-mountable device. The method may also include providing an adhesive in a ring-shaped pattern on a ring-shaped substrate or on the first polymer layer. The method may also include providing the ring-shaped substrate on the first polymer layer in a predetermined rotational orientation. The method may also include applying a force to one or more of the ring-shaped substrate and the polymer layer to adhere the first polymer layer to the ring-shaped substrate. The method may also include curing the ring-shaped substrate and the first polymer layer.
Chemically Reactive Enzyme Immobilization
Inventors: Zenghe Liu, Jeffrey George Linhardt
Filed Jun 28, 2013
Published Jan 1, 2015
Abstract:
An analyte sensor for the continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of physiological parameters and a method for making the analyte sensor are disclosed. The analyte sensor includes a crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer sensing layer in contact with a surface of an electrode, where the sensing layer includes methacrylate-derived backbone chains having covalent bonds to an analyte sensing component. The method includes combining the precursor components of the sensing layer, depositing the combined mixture on a surface of an electrode, and curing the deposited mixture.
Porous Polymeric Formulation Prepared Using Monomer
Inventors: Zenghe Liu, Jeffrey George Linhardt
Filed Jun 28, 2013
Published Jan 1, 2015
Abstract:
An analyte sensor for the continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of physiological parameters and a method for making the analyte sensor are disclosed. In one aspect, the analyte sensor includes a crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer in contact with a surface of an electrode, and an analyte sensing component embedded within the crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer. The crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer has methacrylate-derived backbone chains of first methacrylate-derived units, second methacrylate-derived units and third methacrylate-derived units. The first and second methacrylate-derived units have side chains that can be the same or different, and the third methacrylate-derived units in different backbone chains are connected by hydrophilic crosslinks.
Porous Polymeric Formulation Prepared Using Porogens
Inventors: Jeffrey George Linhardt, Zenghe Liu, Huanfen Yao
Filed Jun 28, 2013
Published Jan 1, 2015
Abstract:
An analyte sensor for the continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of physiological parameters and a method for making the analyte sensor are disclosed. The analyte sensor includes a crosslinked copolymer network in contact with a surface of an electrode. The copolymer network has voids formed by the removal of a porogen, and an analyte sensing component is immobilized within the network. The method involves forming a solution of the precursors of the copolymer, depositing the mixture on a surface of an electrode, and curing the deposited mixture to provide the analyte sensor.
Enzyme Immobilization by Crosslinking
Inventors: Zenghe Liu
Filed Jun 28, 2013
Published Jan 1, 2015
Abstract:
An analyte sensor for the continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of physiological parameters and a method for making the analyte sensor are disclosed. In one aspect, the analyte sensor includes an electrode, a sensing layer in contact with a surface of the electrode, and a protective membrane. The sensing layer is a crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer including poly(alkylene oxide) and poly(vinyl pyridine), and an analyte sensing component is immobilized within the crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer. The protective membrane is a crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer including alkylene oxide, vinyl pyridine and styrene units. The method involves the formation of a sensing layer on a surface of an electrode, followed by the formation of a protective membrane on a surface of the sensing layer.
Methods for Forming a Channel Through a Polymer Layer Using One or More Photoresist Layers
Inventors: Huanfen Yao, Babak Parviz, Jeffrey George Linhardt
Filed Jun 28, 2013
Granted May 12, 2015
Abstract:
A method may involve forming one or more photoresist layers over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the one or more photoresist layers. The sensor is configured to detect an analyte. The method may involve forming a first polymer layer. Further, the method may involve positioning the structure on the first polymer layer. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure, such that the structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the one or more photoresist layers. The method may also involve removing the one or more photoresist layers to form a channel through the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.
Devices and Methods for a Contact lens with an Outward Facing Light Source
Inventors: Brian Otis, Robert Francis Wiser, Andrew Nelson
Filed Jun 28, 2013
Granted Sep 16, 2014
Abstract:
A body-mountable device can include a transparent material and a substrate at least partially embedded in the transparent material. The transparent material can have a mounting surface and a surface opposite the mounting surface. A light source can be disposed on the substrate and configured to emit light through the surface opposite the mounting surface. The light source can be controlled by circuitry disposed on the substrate. The circuitry can be configured to receive modulation instructions and modulate the light emitted by the light source based on the modulation instructions.
Devices and Methods for a Contact lens with an Inward Facing Light SourceE
Inventors: Brian Otis, William James Biederman
Filed Jun 28, 2013
Published Jan 1, 2015
Abstract:
An eye-mountable device can include a transparent material and a substrate at least partially embedded in the transparent material. The transparent material can have a concave surface and a convex surface, with the concave surface configured to removably mount the eye-mountable device on a corneal surface overlaying a pupil. A light source can be disposed on the substrate and configured to emit light through the concave surface and towards the corneal surface such that the emitted light is viewable through the pupil. The light source can be controlled by circuitry disposed on the substrate. The circuitry can be configured to modulate the light emitted by the light source to provide modulated light.
Reader Communication with Contact Lens Sensors and Display Device
Inventors: Frank Honoré, Andrew Nelson, Brian Otis
Filed Jun 28, 2013
Granted Dec 30, 2014
Abstract:
A reader for communicating with both an eye-mountable device and a display device is provided. The reader can transmit radio frequency power to a tag that is part of the eye-mountable device. The reader can communicates with the tag using a first protocol. Communicating with the tag can include having the reader request data from the tag and receive the requested data from the tag. The reader can process the received data. The reader can store the processed data. The reader can communicates with the display device using a second protocol, where the first and second protocols can differ. Communicating with the display device can include having the reader transmit the stored data to the display device. The display device can receive the transmitted data, process the transmitted data, and generate one or more displays including the transmitted and/or processed data.
Using Unique Identifiers to Retrieve Configuration Data for Tag Devices
Inventors: Alice Lin, Andrew Nelson, Daniel Yeager, Brian Otis
Filed Aug 22, 2013
Granted Feb 2, 2016
Abstract:
Methods and systems for using unique identifiers to retrieve configuration data for tag devices are described herein. An example method may involve obtaining a unique identifier associated with a tag device. The tag device may include an antenna and a sensor configured to obtain sensor readings that can be wirelessly transmitted to a reader device via the antenna. The method may also involve determining configuration parameters associated with the tag device based on the unique identifier. The method may further involve storing, in at least one memory, at least a portion of the configuration parameters in association with the unique identifier.
Sacrificial Layers for Bio-Compatible Devices
Inventors: James Etzkorn, Harvey Ho, Huanfen Yao
Filed Aug 27, 2013
Published Mar 5, 2015
Abstract:
A method may involve: forming a sacrificial layer on a working substrate; forming a first bio-compatible layer on the sacrificial layer such that the first bio-compatible layer adheres to the sacrificial layer; forming a conductive pattern on the first bio-compatible layer; mounting an electronic component to the conductive pattern; forming a second bio-compatible layer over the first bio-compatible layer, the electronic component, and the conductive pattern; and removing the sacrificial layer to release the bio-compatible device from the working substrate. The first bio-compatible layer defines a first side of a bio-compatible device. The second bio-compatible layer defines a second side of the bio-compatible device.
Nanoparticle Phoresis
Inventors: Andrew Jason Conrad
Filed Sep 5, 2013
Published Mar 5, 2015
Abstract:
Functionalized particles in the blood are able to selectively bind to targets in the blood that have adverse health effects. The binding of the particles to the targets allows the targets to be selectively modified or destroyed by energy from outside the body such that the adverse health effects are reduced or eliminated. The energy is generated by a wearable device which is able to direct the energy into the subsurface vasculature of the wearer of the wearable device. Further, one or more of the functionalized particles may be magnetic, allowing a magnetic field generated by the wearable device and directed into the subsurface vasculature to concentrate the bound targets in a lumen of the subsurface vasculature proximate to the wearable device.
Delivery of Functionalized Particles
Inventors: Andrew Jason Conrad
Filed Sep 5, 2013
Published Mar 5, 2015
Abstract:
A device includes a capsule sized to pass through a lumen of a gastrointestinal tract, a plurality of functionalized particles disposed within the capsule, one or more tissue penetrating members configured to puncture a wall of the lumen of the intestinal tract; and an actuator having a first configuration and a second configuration. The actuator is configured to retain the plurality of functionalized particles within the capsule in the first configuration. The actuator is further configured to advance the plurality of functionalized particles from the capsule into a wall of the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract via the one or more tissue penetrating members by the actuator transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration. Systems including the device and methods of delivering functionalized particles to the body are also provided.
Assembling Thin Silicon Chips on a Contact Lens
Inventors: James Etzkorn
Filed Sep 12, 2013
Granted Jun 9, 2015
Abstract:
A contact lens having a thin silicon chip integrated therein is provided along with methods for assembling the silicon chip within the contact lens. In an aspect, a method includes creating a plurality of lens contact pads on a lens substrate and creating a plurality of chip contact pads on a chip. The method further involves applying assembly bonding material to the each of the plurality of lens contact pads or chip contact pads, aligning the plurality of lens contact pads with the plurality of chip contact pads, bonding the chip to the lens substrate via the assembly bonding material using flip chip bonding, and forming a contact lens with the lens substrate.
Devices and Methods for a Contact lens with an Outward Facing Light Source
Inventors: Brian Otis, Robert Francis Wiser, Andrew Nelson
Filed Sep 16, 2013
Granted Sep 9, 2014
Abstract:
A body-mountable device can include a transparent material and a substrate at least partially embedded in the transparent material. The transparent material can have a mounting surface and a surface opposite the mounting surface. A light source can be disposed on the substrate and configured to emit light through the surface opposite the mounting surface. The light source can be controlled by circuitry disposed on the substrate. The circuitry can be configured to receive modulation instructions and modulate the light emitted by the light source based on the modulation instructions.
Devices and Methods for a Contact lens with an Inward Facing Light Source
Inventors: Brian Otis, William James Biederman
Filed Sep 16, 2013
Granted Jul 1, 2014
Abstract:
An eye-mountable device can include a transparent material and a substrate at least partially embedded in the transparent material. The transparent material can have a concave surface and a convex surface, with the concave surface configured to removably mount the eye-mountable device on a corneal surface overlaying a pupil. A light source can be disposed on the substrate and configured to emit light through the concave surface and towards the corneal surface such that the emitted light is viewable through the pupil. The light source can be controlled by circuitry disposed on the substrate. The circuitry can be configured to modulate the light emitted by the light source to provide modulated light.
Reader Communication With Contact Lens Sensors and Display Device
Inventors: Brian Otis, Frank Honoré, Andrew Nelson
Filed Sep 16, 2013
Granted Sep 8, 2015
Abstract:
A reader for communicating with both an eye-mountable device and a display device is provided. The reader can transmit radio frequency power to a tag that is part of the eye-mountable device. The reader can communicates with the tag using a first protocol. Communicating with the tag can include having the reader request data from the tag and receive the requested data from the tag. The reader can process the received data. The reader can store the processed data. The reader can communicates with the display device using a second protocol, where the first and second protocols can differ. Communicating with the display device can include having the reader transmit the stored data to the display device. The display device can receive the transmitted data, process the transmitted data, and generate one or more displays including the transmitted and/or processed data.
Device With Dual Power Sources
Inventors: Nathan Pletcher, Daniel Yeager, William James Biederman, Andrew Nelson
Filed Sep 16, 2013
Granted Jun 3, 2014
Abstract:
A wearable device includes a sensor, auxiliary electronics, a primary power supply configured to harvest radio frequency (RF) radiation received from an external reader and use the harvested RF radiation to power the sensor, and an auxiliary power supply configured to harvest energy other than that received from the external reader and use the harvested energy to supply power to the sensor and/or the auxiliary electronics. The external reader may supply less power in response to operation of the auxiliary power supply. Additionally or alternatively, in response to a determination that the auxiliary power supply is unable to supply power, the wearable device may disable all auxiliary electronics but for the sensor. In response to a determination that the primary power supply is unable to supply power but the auxiliary power supply is able to supply power, the wearable device may retain operating parameters in the memory storage unit using the auxiliary power supply.
Contact Lenses Having Two-Electrode Electrochemical Sensors
Inventors: Zenghe Liu
Filed Sep 17, 2013
Published Jul 10, 2014
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lenses with two-electrode electrochemical sensors are provided. In some aspects, the contact lens includes: a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens; and a circuit, disposed on or within the substrate, and including a two-electrode electrochemical sensor. The two-electrode electrochemical sensor can include: a working electrode; and a combination reference-counter electrode. The electrochemical sensor can be an amperometric sensor that senses a biological feature of a wearer of the contact lens. The working electrode can generate a signal indicative of the sensed analyte, and the combination reference-counter electrode can pass the signal generated from the working electrode. The signal can be employed to determine the analyte concentration of a solution in contact with the contact lens.
Contact Lens with Integrated Pulse Oximeter
Inventors: Harvey Ho, Babak Amirparviz
Filed Sep 17, 2013
Granted Dec 9, 2014
Abstract:
Apparatus, systems and methods employing a contact lens having a pulse oximetry sensor to detect information indicative of a blood oxygen content and/or pulse rate of a wearer of the contact lens, are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and a pulse oximetry sensor located on or within the substrate that detects information associated with at least one of blood oxygen content or a pulse rate of a wearer of the contact lens. The pulse oximetry sensor comprises one or more light emitting diodes that illuminate a blood vessel of at least one of a region of an eye or an eyelid and a detector that receives light reflected from the blood vessel and generates the information.
In-vitro Calibration Of An Ophthalmic Analyte Sensor
Inventors: Brian Otis, Zenghe Liu
Filed Sep 19, 2013
Published Apr 17, 2014
Abstract:
An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a reagent that selectively reacts with an analyte to generate a sensor measurement related to a concentration of the analyte in a fluid to which the eye-mountable device is exposed. A calibration-solution measurement is obtained while the eye-mountable device is exposed to a calibration solution. A calibration value is determined based on at least the calibration-solution measurement and an analyte concentration of the calibration solution. A tear-film measurement is obtained while the eye-mountable device is mounted to an eye so as to be exposed to tear film. The analyte concentration of the tear film is determined based on at least the tear-film measurement and the calibration value.
Encapulated Electronics
Inventors: James Etzkorn, Babak Amirparviz
Filed Sep 19, 2013
Granted Nov 11, 2014
Abstract:
An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor includes a working electrode and a reference electrode that reacts with an analyte to generate a sensor measurement related to a concentration of the analyte in a fluid to which the eye-mountable device is exposed. An example assembly process includes: forming a sacrificial layer on a working substrate; forming a first layer of a bio-compatible material on the sacrificial layer; providing an electronics module on the first layer of the bio-compatible material, forming a second layer of the bio-compatible material to cover the electronics module; and annealing the first and second layers of the bio-compatible material together to form an encapsulated structure having the electronics module fully encapsulated by the bio-compatible material.
Standby Biasing Of Electrochemical Sensor To Reduce Sensor Stabilization Time During Measurement
Inventors: Nathan Pletcher, Brian Otis
Filed Sep 20, 2013
Granted Jan 6, 2015
Abstract:
An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor applies a stabilization voltage between a working electrode and a reference electrode to allow the amperometric current to stabilize before powering measurement electronics configured to measure the amperometric current and communicate the measured amperometric current. The electrochemical sensor consumes less power while applying the stabilization voltage than during the measurement. The measurement is initiated in response to receiving a measurement signal at an antenna in the eye-mountable device.
Systems and Methods for Encapsulating Electronics in a Mountable Device
Inventors: James Etzkorn
Filed Sep 20, 2013
Granted Feb 10, 2015
Abstract:
A mountable device includes a bio-compatible structure embedded in a polymer that defines at least one mounting surface. The bio-compatible structure includes an electronic component having electrical contacts, sensor electrodes, and electrical interconnects between the sensor electrodes and the electrical contacts. The bio-compatible structure is fabricated such that it is fully encapsulated by a bio-compatible material, except for the sensor electrodes. In the fabrication, the electronic component is positioned on a first layer of bio-compatible material and a second layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the first layer of bio-compatible material and the electronic component. The electrical contacts are exposed by removing a portion of the second layer, a conductive pattern is formed to define the sensor electrodes and electrical interconnects, and a third layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the conductive pattern. The sensor electrodes are exposed by removing a portion of the third layer.
Systems and Methods for Encapsulating Electronics in a Mountable Device
Inventors: James Etzkorn
Filed Sep 23, 2013
Granted Apr 21, 2015
Abstract:
A mountable device includes a bio-compatible structure embedded in a polymer that defines at least one mounting surface. The bio-compatible structure includes an electronic component having electrical contacts, sensor electrodes, and electrical interconnects between the sensor electrodes and the electrical contacts. The bio-compatible structure is fabricated such that it is fully encapsulated by a bio-compatible material, except for the sensor electrodes. In the fabrication, the electronic component is positioned on a first layer of bio-compatible material and a second layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the first layer of bio-compatible material and the electronic component. The electrical contacts are exposed by removing a portion of the second layer, a conductive pattern is formed to define the sensor electrodes and electrical interconnects, and a third layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the conductive pattern. The sensor electrodes are exposed by removing a portion of the third layer.
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