Systems and methods for monitoring hydration
Inventors
Assignees
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Publication Number
US-12274541-B1
Publication Date
2025-04-15
Expiration Date
2036-08-17
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Abstract
A smart object may be used to monitor the hydration level of a person. The object has at least two impedance sensors that can be used to sense the complex impedance of a person when a tissue of the user comes into contact with the impedance sensors. The measured impedance can then be used to determine the hydration level of the person. In addition to using the impedance sensors to determine the hydration level of the person, the impedance sensors can also be used to capture an electrocardiogram for the person. 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 the hydration level of a user using a smart object, such as a container, that is equipped with at least two impedance sensors on its exterior surface. When the user's tissue comes into contact with these sensors during use, the smart object measures the complex impedance of the user. The measured impedance is then used to determine the user's hydration level. This approach enables monitoring without the need for specialized electrodes applied to the body, integrating seamlessly with objects of everyday use.
Existing clinical and consumer devices for hydration monitoring are often impractical for continuous or real-time assessment, as they require direct skin contact with specialized electrodes and can interfere with daily activities. Devices like smart weight scales can only measure bioimpedance when the user stands on them with bare feet, and clinical-grade devices need electrodes applied to limbs. The patent addresses these limitations by allowing hydration status to be monitored unobtrusively through sensors in regular objects, like beverage containers.
In addition to hydration monitoring, the same impedance sensors can also capture electrocardiograms and other physiological parameters, such as blood pressure, when used alone or in conjunction with another smart object. The system is capable of identifying the user and can be integrated with other monitoring devices, servers, or electronic devices to provide a comprehensive assessment of hydration and physiological state, with potential for calibration and data sharing across platforms.
Claims Coverage
There are three independent claims in the patent, each covering a key inventive feature related to systems and methods for monitoring hydration using sensors integrated in an object for user bioimpedance detection.
System for hydration monitoring via object with multiple electrodes
A system is provided that includes: - An object with at least one sensor positioned on its exterior surface so a user's hand contacts the sensor while holding the object. - The sensor comprises a plurality of electrodes. - A controller is connected to the electrodes, configured to select a first and second electrode from the plurality, both in contact with the user's hand tissue. - The sensor is configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of the bioimpedance of the user's hand tissue via these electrodes. - A processor is configured to calculate a hydration level for the user based on the sensed bioimpedance parameter.
Method of monitoring hydration using selectable electrodes on an object
A method includes: - Positioning a plurality of electrodes on the exterior of an object to allow a user's hand to contact at least two electrodes. - Selecting, by a controller, a first and second electrode from the plurality, each in contact with the hand's tissue when the object is held. - Sensing at least one parameter indicative of the bioimpedance of the user's hand tissue using the selected electrodes. - Calculating, with a processor, a hydration level for the user based on the bioimpedance parameter.
System for hydration monitoring using four electrodes for both hands
A system includes: - An object with at least one sensor on the exterior, with a first, second, third, and fourth electrode positioned so that the first and second contact a first hand and the third and fourth contact a second hand when the user holds the object. - A controller is connected to the four electrodes, with the sensor configured to sense at least two parameters indicative of the bioimpedance of the user's upper trunk with the four electrodes. - At least one processor calculates a hydration level for the user based on these parameters.
The claims cover systems and methods that enable an object, such as a container, to use selectable electrodes on its exterior to sense user bioimpedance, thereby calculating hydration levels, including approaches for both single-hand and dual-hand contact, and a method for performing these steps.
Stated Advantages
Allows unobtrusive and seamless monitoring of user hydration through objects of everyday use, avoiding interference with daily activities.
Enables real-time and frequent hydration assessments without the need for specialized clinical setups or continuous contact with dedicated devices.
Facilitates integration with user identification and monitoring of additional physiological parameters, such as heart rate and blood pressure, via the same or additional sensors.
Permits personalized and more accurate hydration measurement when combined with data from other devices (e.g., body composition scales) and server-based calibration.
Documented Applications
Monitoring user hydration during use of everyday objects, such as beverage containers, mugs, cups, and bottles.
Providing feedback and warnings to users if their liquid consumption or hydration level deviates from a desired profile or regimen.
Measuring additional physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure using sensors integrated into the same object.
Identifying the user by comparing physiological data (heart rate or motion) from the object to data from a wearable device.
Dynamic and continuous monitoring of hydration, optimized for health applications including those for patients with kidney or heart problems.
Monitoring and optimizing consumption regimens for sports, fitness, and hydration-related health conditions.
Monitoring nutritional intake by identifying consumed liquids and calculating related nutritional information.
Integration into objects such as toilet seats for assessing hydration via urine color detection.
Incorporation into handles of canes, wearables, exercise equipment, and various household items for continuous or event-based physiological monitoring.
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