Systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters with capacitive sensing
Inventors
Assignees
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Publication Number
US-11622717-B1
Publication Date
2023-04-11
Expiration Date
2036-08-17
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Abstract
A smart object may be used to monitor physiological parameters of a user. The object has at least one capacitive sensor to sense a change in capacitance when a tissue of the user comes into contact with the at least one capacitive sensor. The change in capacitance can be used to detect physiological parameters of a user such as heart rate, inter-beat interval and respiratory rate. The smart object may also be used with another smart object to determine the identity of the user or other physiological parameters of the user such as blood pressure.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters of a user through the use of smart objects equipped with capacitive sensors. A smart object, such as a container or handheld device, incorporates at least one capacitive sensor capable of detecting changes in capacitance when user tissue, typically a finger, contacts the sensor. The system uses the change in capacitance generated by physiological processes, including heartbeats and respiration, to determine corresponding physiological parameters such as heart rate, inter-beat interval, and respiratory rate.
The problem addressed by the invention is the lack of practical and unobtrusive methods for monitoring hydration status, physiological parameters, and user identification in everyday contexts. Existing solutions often involve complex setups, such as infrared optical spectroscopy or whole-body bioelectric impedance analysis, which are not suitable for continuous or widespread deployment. The disclosed smart object offers a low-power and robust alternative for vital sign and hydration monitoring by integrating capacitive sensing into objects of everyday use.
Additionally, the smart object can be teamed with other smart devices, such as wearable sensors, to corroborate the physiological measurements or determine user identity. The capacitive data, possibly combined with optical sensor information or motion data, enhances the reliability of user identification and monitoring. The object communicates with electronic devices or servers to store, analyze, and relay physiological data, enabling a range of monitoring and alert functionalities suitable for health, hydration, and safety-related applications.
Claims Coverage
The claims define multiple inventive features relating to systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters of a user using capacitive sensing integrated into objects.
Capacitive sensor with galvanically isolated electrodes for physiological monitoring
A system comprising an object with at least one sensor having a first and second electrode that are galvanically isolated, positioned on the exterior surface of the object to allow user tissue contact, and configured to generate an electric field to sense at least one parameter indicative of tissue capacitance. The system includes at least one processor that calculates physiological parameters of the user, such as heart rate or respiration rate, based on changes in tissue capacitance caused by physiological processes, specifically analyzing changes due to breathing.
Processor analysis of capacitance signal for physiological parameters
A processor is configured to receive signals indicative of tissue capacitance from the capacitive sensor, identify physiological parameters by analyzing changes in capacitance that occur as a result of variations in the tissue's dielectric constant. The processor identifies peaks related to physiological activities (e.g., heartbeats, respiration), eliminates noise, removes signal baseline, performs filtering, and uses the processed signal to determine metrics such as inter-beat intervals or heart rate variability.
Integration with wearable devices and multiple sensors for user identification and multi-parameter monitoring
The system can include multiple sensors on the object, as well as additional sensors (such as optical or inertial sensors) and be integrated with wearable devices that have compatible sensors. This allows comparison of physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate or motion data) across devices to determine user identity, confirm handling, or monitor additional health parameters such as blood pressure via pulse wave velocity.
Method for physiological monitoring using capacitive sensing and signal processing
A method involving positioning a capacitive sensor with galvanically isolated electrodes on the object's surface to contact user tissue, generating an electric field, measuring tissue capacitance, digitizing signals, processing the signal to identify peaks due to physiological changes (including steps like noise elimination, baseline removal, filtering, and signal differentiation), and determining physiological parameters from the processed data.
Object equipped with capacitive sensor and communication interface for physiological data transmission
An object comprising a body with an exterior surface, at least one capacitive sensor with galvanically isolated electrodes positioned for user tissue contact, a processor to receive and analyze capacitance parameters to determine physiological parameters based on changes in the tissue's dielectric constant due to breathing, and a communication interface to transmit the derived physiological parameters to an electronic device accessible by the user.
The inventive features highlight a capacitive sensing system integrated into objects for user physiological monitoring, including specific sensor configurations, advanced signal processing, interfaces with wearable devices, and real-time transmission of physiological data.
Stated Advantages
Provides robust and low-power physiological parameter monitoring through unobtrusive integration into everyday objects.
Enables precise and real-time monitoring of hydration and physiological status, improving feedback and alerting for users and healthcare professionals.
Reduces human error and medical staff workload in clinical environments by automating measurement and analysis of physiological parameters and fluid intake or outflow.
Allows for straightforward user identification and monitoring without complex biometric image processing or intrusive methods.
Facilitates seamless communication of data to electronic devices or servers for enhanced tracking, analysis, and networked health management.
Documented Applications
Monitoring hydration and liquid consumption for users, including feedback and warnings for personalized hydration regimens.
Measuring and monitoring physiological parameters such as heart rate, inter-beat interval, respiratory rate, and blood pressure through capacitive sensing.
Identifying users via physiological signals in smart objects, including biometric user authentication.
Medical monitoring, such as tracking urine or blood output in catheter bags to provide early alerts for conditions like kidney failure.
Integration with fitness or health applications to track vital signs and activity, including stress monitoring and medication adherence.
Nutritional monitoring by measuring liquid intake and correlating with nutritional content data.
Use in smart homes and healthcare facilities for continuous, unobtrusive monitoring of vital signs and object usage.
Detection of unauthorized access or handling of smart objects, e.g., alarms for unwanted access to medication-containing bottles.
Incorporation into wearable devices and objects such as rings, watches, exercise equipment, utensils, and canes for continuous health monitoring.
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