Wearable sensor patches — miniature biotelemetric units — have been proposed for use in measuring temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and possibly other physiological parameters. The sensor patches would be small and could be mass-produced inexpensively by use of state-of-the-art techniques for batch fabrication of integrated circuits and microelectromechanical systems.
Each patch would be no larger than a few centimeters on a side — comparable in size to an ordinary adhesive bandage. The patch could even be held on the wearer's skin by the same adhesive as that used on bandages. The patch (see figure) would contain a noninvasive microelectromechanical sensor integrated with electronic circuitry that would process the sensor output and transmit a radio signal modulated by the processed sensor output.
The patch would not contain a battery. Instead, the patch would contain a circuit for extracting power from an incident radio beam that would be present during readout. For readout, a hand-held radio transceiver would be positioned near the patch; the transceiver would transmit the radio beam to supply power to the patch circuitry and would receive the modulated radio signal transmitted from the patch.
This work was done by Gisela Lin and William Tang of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Bio-Medical category.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to
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Refer to NPO-20651, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Wearable sensor patches for physiological monitoring
(reference NPO-20651) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines the development of innovative wearable sensor patches for physiological monitoring, primarily aimed at remote sensing of human vital signs during space travel. Invented by Gisela Lin and William C. Tang at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), these patches are designed to monitor critical health indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature in real-time, particularly in the unique conditions of space, where understanding the effects of radiation and zero-gravity on human health is crucial.
The primary challenge addressed by this technology is the need for non-invasive, efficient monitoring methods that can operate remotely. Traditional methods of monitoring vital signs often involve cumbersome equipment, such as chest straps for heart rate or cuffs for blood pressure. The proposed solution leverages Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, which allows for the batch fabrication of tiny sensors that can be integrated into a patch no larger than a few centimeters. This miniaturization makes the patches easy to adhere to the skin, similar to existing drug delivery patches.
The document details the innovative features of the Health Patch, including its wireless, self-adhesive design that eliminates the need for straps or bulky equipment. The patch is equipped with sensors and signal processing electronics, enabling it to transmit data wirelessly to a handheld unit, wristwatch, or mobile pager. This capability allows for continuous monitoring and immediate feedback on the wearer’s health status.
Additionally, the adhesive used in the patch is designed to be sweat-resistant and non-irritant, ensuring comfort and reliability during use. The document emphasizes the novelty of this approach, as current market solutions are primarily passive, focusing on drug delivery rather than active health monitoring.
In summary, the document presents a significant advancement in wearable health technology, combining MEMS sensor technology with innovative packaging and wireless communication to create a practical solution for real-time physiological monitoring. This development not only has implications for space travel but also holds potential for broader applications in healthcare and personal health monitoring on Earth.
