Systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters with capacitive sensing
Inventors
Assignees
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Publication Number
US-12343164-B1
Publication Date
2025-07-01
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 present disclosure describes smart objects, such as smart beverage containers, equipped with capacitive sensors to monitor physiological parameters of a user. These smart containers include capacitive sensors positioned on or within the container to detect changes in capacitance caused by the presence of a user’s tissue in contact with the sensor. By sensing these changes, the system can determine physiological parameters such as heart rate, inter-beat interval, and respiratory rate. Additionally, these smart objects can interact with other smart objects or wearable devices to determine user identity or other physiological parameters like blood pressure.
The invention addresses challenges in monitoring hydration and physiological parameters unobtrusively, overcoming limitations of existing methods requiring complex setups or high power consumption. It also addresses biometric authentication challenges for everyday objects, such as pill bottles, by providing an easy and reliable sensor-based method to detect unauthorized handling, for example by children. The system includes processing modules, communication interfaces, and user interfaces to provide feedback and integrate with external devices for comprehensive monitoring.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains several independent claims focusing on systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters using capacitive sensors integrated with objects held by a user.
System for monitoring physiological parameters using a capacitive sensor on a beverage container
A beverage container with at least one capacitive sensor on its exterior surface that senses capacitance changes when contacted by a user's tissue, and a processor that calculates physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate, respiration rate) by analyzing changes in capacitance.
Method for monitoring physiological parameters via capacitive sensing
Processing a signal from a capacitive sensor on an exterior surface of a beverage container held by a user. The method processes the signal to remove noise, identifies peaks, and determines physiological parameters based on those peaks.
Beverage container incorporating capacitive sensors and communication interface
A beverage container having capacitive sensors on its exterior configured to measure capacitance changes due to contact with the user’s tissue, a processor to determine physiological parameters based on changes in capacitance, and a communication interface to transmit data to an electronic device.
System combining an object with capacitive sensors and a wearable device to measure physiological parameters and blood pressure
An object held by a user includes a capacitive sensor to detect pulse waves, and a wearable device also includes capacitive sensors. The system calculates physiological parameters and determines blood pressure by measuring time delay between pulse waves detected by sensors on the object and wearable device.
The independent claims cover inventive features related to capacitive sensing integrated in objects, especially beverage containers, for physiological monitoring, signal processing techniques to derive physiological parameters from capacitance changes, and systems combining wearable devices and objects to determine identity and blood pressure based on pulse wave velocity.
Stated Advantages
Enables unobtrusive, low power, and robust vital sign monitoring through capacitive sensing integrated in everyday objects, reducing complexity compared to existing methods.
Permits continuous monitoring of hydration status and physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
Facilitates biometric authentication and unauthorized handling detection of objects like pill bottles to enhance safety.
Allows integration and communication with external devices and servers for advanced monitoring, analysis, and personalized feedback.
Documented Applications
Monitoring user hydration by sensing the amount of liquid consumed from smart beverage containers.
Monitoring physiological parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, inter-beat interval, and blood pressure through capacitive sensing.
Biometric authentication and detection of unauthorized handling, such as preventing child access to medication containers.
Medical fluid monitoring, for example urine or blood in catheter bags, to provide early alerts for medical conditions like kidney failure.
Integration with wearable devices for user identification and health monitoring.
Measurement of emotional response via galvanic skin resistance and monitoring of hand tremors related to diseases like Parkinson's.
Use in multiple objects including smartphones, exercise equipment, blood pressure cuffs, and other everyday objects for physiological parameter monitoring.
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