Method for optimizing training based on body temperature variations
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12239883-B2
Publication Date
2025-03-04
Expiration Date
2041-05-11
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
The present disclosure introduces a method for providing substantially optimal training instructions to a user based on temperature measurements performed by a wearable device. The algorithm determines non-REM sleep phases of the user, measures the maximum temperature of the NREM sleep phase or an averaged value among the maximum values of several NREM sleep phases in a night, and it determines most appropriate training instructions for the user based on that temperature information. Gender and age may also have an effect in the training instruction determinations. Training information and alerts can be given via a smartphone application to the user.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and system for delivering substantially optimal training instructions to a user by analyzing skin temperature variations measured by a wearable device, such as a smart ring. The method involves collecting user-specific data including age and gender, obtaining skin temperature data during sleep, particularly during non-REM (NREM) sleep phases, and determining a representative temperature value for at least one pre-selectable time period. This temperature data is used to establish a day-to-day temperature cycle by processing successive values, which informs the generation of tailored training instructions based on the latest temperature value's relationship to the established cycle.
The problem addressed by the invention is the absence of reliable methods to optimize and personalize training guidance based solely on body temperature measured via skin sensors on wearable devices. Conventional approaches face challenges such as large skin temperature variability due to environmental factors, difficulty accurately estimating basal body temperature from skin readings, and lack of effective use of temperature cycles, including menstrual cycles in females, for training personalization. Additionally, existing methods do not integrate this temperature information into daily or future training plans effectively, nor do they leverage feedback from multiple users to improve instruction quality.
The disclosed method overcomes these issues by focusing on stable, maximum skin temperature readings during defined NREM sleep periods when skin temperature is closer to core temperature, using advanced signal processing to filter and average maximum values across relevant sleep phases nightly. It further refines the temperature cycle through moving averages and extrapolations to forecast future temperatures, facilitating both immediate and planned training instruction adjustments. The system also incorporates gender, age, and physiological feedback to tailor training intensity, duration, and rest recommendations, delivering instructions and alerts via a smartphone interface.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims include one independent method claim, one independent system claim, and one independent computer program product claim, encompassing methods, apparatus, and software for providing training instructions based on skin temperature data from a wearable ring device.
Method for providing training instructions using skin temperature during sleep
Collecting user information including age and gender; obtaining measured skin temperature data via sensors on a wearable ring device during user's sleep; determining representative temperature values within pre-selectable time periods; establishing a day-to-day temperature cycle from successive representative values; formulating training instructions for the current day based on the latest temperature, gender, and its relation to the temperature cycle; and displaying those instructions via a user interface.
Use of maximum skin temperature during defined NREM sleep periods for representative temperature determination
Selecting maximum skin temperature values averaged over 10-30 minute windows within defined sleeping periods, particularly non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep phases, and combining multiple NREM sleep phase values by median, minimum, maximum, or average to obtain representative temperatures.
Temperature cycle processing with moving average and extrapolation for training planning
Processing daily temperature values by applying moving averages of three to five successive values to smooth data; extrapolating temperature cycles by estimating future temperature values; and utilizing these estimates in determining current and future training instructions.
Tailoring training instructions based on the latest temperature value and user gender
If the latest temperature is higher than average, recommending lower intensity or longer duration exercises; if lower than average, suggesting higher intensity, shorter duration exercise, stretching, or rest; differentiating instructions by user gender.
System configuration for training instructions delivery
A system comprising a computer, personal smartphone, and a wearable ring device, configured to collect user data, receive skin temperature measurements, determine representative temperature values and temperature cycles, and generate gender-specific training instructions for display via a smartphone user interface.
Collection and utilization of user feedback to optimize training instructions
Measuring user activity during training, collecting subjective feedback on training experience, and modifying training instructions based on aggregated feedback and the relationship between temperature values and temperature cycles across multiple users.
Overall, the claims cover an integrated method, system, and software for measuring skin temperature during sleep with a wearable ring, processing temperature cycles, and providing gender- and age-specific training instructions that adapt in real time and over future days, incorporating user feedback for continuous optimization.
Stated Advantages
The use of ring-based wearable devices offers more reliable and stable skin temperature measurements compared to wrist devices due to better skin contact and less removal.
The method enables accurate estimation of basal body temperature by analyzing stable maximum skin temperature values during NREM sleep, overcoming variability in skin temperature readings.
Training instructions personalized according to individual temperature cycles, gender, and age improve training effectiveness and safety.
The system forecasts future temperature values allowing planning of training instructions and rest days ahead of time.
Incorporation of user activity and subjective feedback into the algorithm enables continuous improvement and personalization of training guidance.
Documented Applications
Personalized training guidance for individuals based on their skin temperature cycles and physiological data.
Optimizing exercise intensity, type, duration, and timing for both male and female users considering circadian and menstrual cycle temperature variations.
Use in sports and fitness applications via smartphone interfaces delivering alerts and tailored instructions.
Monitoring and adjusting training during illness or stress states indicated by deviations in temperature cycles.
Collecting and analyzing group user data to refine and improve training recommendations.
Interested in licensing this patent?