Smart device for monitoring stomach acid levels

Abstract

Intelligent device for real-time monitoring of stomach acidity and food sensitivity, including: an oromucosal sensor configured to detect the acidity in saliva by measuring the pH of the saliva, wherein the pH sensor is calibrated to detect pH values ​​in the range of 1.0 to 7.0, with a threshold pH of 3.5 or less indicating possible gastric reflux or acid-related disturbances; a food sensitivity sensor comprising an arrangement of chemical sensors, each sensor being able to detect specific organic compounds in saliva that correlate with foods known to increase gastric acidity, the sensors being able to identify food-derived compounds present in saliva and associate them with specific foods; a processor configured to receive and process data from both the oral cavity sensor and the food sensitivity sensor, wherein the processor determines the acidity of the saliva and identifies food-related acidity triggers based on the detected organic compounds and provides feedback on the pH values ​​and the identified food triggers; a wireless communication module configured to transmit the processed data from the processor to a mobile device via Bluetooth, the transmitted data including the real-time acidity level and identified food triggers, and enabling user interaction with a mobile application that provides nutritional recommendations based on the detected food sensitivity and acidity level; a mobile application configured to receive and display the transmitted data, providing the user with real-time feedback on their stomach acid levels and food sensitivity triggers, and offering suggestions for dietary adjustments to effectively manage acidity; and a power supply unit with a rechargeable battery configured to power the sensors, processor and communication module, the battery enabling continuous operation of the device for at least one week on a single charge.

Description

Scope of the invention:

[0001] The present invention relates to an intelligent gastric acid monitoring device, particularly for determining gastric acid levels and identifying foods that contribute to increased acidity through saliva analysis. Background of the invention:

[0002] One of the most common acid-related complications is heartburn, and most acid-related conditions fall under the category of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The human stomach, as is its job, secretes acid to aid in the digestion of food. However, when this acid leaks into the esophagus, it can be uncomfortable and painful and cause long-term damage if left untreated. Certain foods can cause increased production of stomach acid, thus worsening the symptoms of acid-related conditions. Existing methods for diagnosing and monitoring such conditions require either the intervention of a professional medical provider or the use of medications, which can also have undesirable side effects if overused.Therefore, a practical home device that measures stomach acid levels and helps identify specific trigger foods would be very useful so that people can avoid those foods in the future.

[0003] Excess stomach acid is one of the most common health problems worldwide, affecting millions of patients and responsible for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, and heartburn. The stomach naturally produces acid to help break down food. However, in some people, too much or too little stomach acid can lead to discomfort and chronic health problems. GERD is a chronic condition that occurs when stomach acid frequently backs up into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as chest pain, heartburn, and belching. Unfortunately, one of the biggest challenges in treating acid reflux and similar conditions is the impossibility of continuously monitoring stomach acid levels and the effects of food on acid levels.Current solutions mainly focus on diagnosis or symptom relief, while real-time monitoring or prevention methods that allow the patient to proactively control their health are limited.

[0004] Detecting acid reflux or gastric hyperacidity using clinical tests such as pH monitoring, esophageal manometry, and endoscopy are traditional diagnostic methods. These tests are outside the scope of professional medical services and are uncomfortable for patients. The 24-hour pH monitoring test, for example, involves inserting a small tube into the esophagus and measuring acidity over time. While this method is accurate, it is invasive, painful, and requires extensive preparation and follow-up care. Another widely used method, endoscopy, involves inserting a flexible tube with an attached camera into the esophagus, allowing doctors to visually examine the damage caused by acid reflux.While endoscopy is helpful in diagnosing more severe cases of GERD, it is invasive, expensive, and not typically used for regular monitoring. While this diagnostic technique serves its purpose, it lacks the real-time monitoring that patients with chronic hyperacidity need to better manage their symptoms on a daily basis.

[0005] Disclaimer: Treatment for acid problems typically involves lifestyle changes, medication, or, in extreme cases, surgery. Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antacids are often prescribed to reduce stomach acid production and relieve discomfort. While helpful in the moment, these medications do not address the underlying cause of acid reflux and often have side effects. Excessive PPI use, for example, has been linked to increased risks ranging from bone fractures to kidney disease and an increased risk of infection. Furthermore, the recommended medications do not offer a customized solution for acid control. They are also universal and generally reduce acidity, regardless of individual triggers or acid-producing patterns.On a broader level, such impersonal care can lead to poor patient outcomes, with patients continuing to experience symptoms or worsening conditions even after taking medication.

[0006] This gap highlights the need for an inventive remedy: a smart device leveraging IoT technology as described in this invention that not only displays the acidity of food in real time but also provides triggers for consuming food tailored to you and your dietary habits. Summary of the invention:

[0007] The invention provides a smart device that measures stomach acid levels and identifies foods that contribute to increased acidity by analyzing saliva in the mouth. This device integrates IoT technology, allowing it to communicate with a mobile application via Bluetooth to provide real-time feedback. The user places the device in their mouth, where it measures the acidity of the saliva, which is an indication of the acidity of the stomach. The device also detects certain types of foods that can increase acidity based on organic compounds found in saliva. This information is relayed to a paired mobile device, which processes the data and displays the results for the user to interpret.The device allows users to monitor their own acid levels and identify potential triggers so they can make informed decisions about their diet and health.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention aims to develop a device that offers a more personalized approach to treating hyperacidity. Unlike general hyperacidity tests, which only measure pH, this device also identifies specific organic compounds in saliva that correlate with food triggers, allowing users to pinpoint which foods contribute to their symptoms. This personalized feedback helps users tailor their diet to their individual sensitivity profile, enabling more effective management of their condition compared to a one-size-fits-all approach. Short description of the figure

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a smart device for real-time monitoring of gastric acidity and food sensitivity. Detailed description of the invention:

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] See Fig.1, a block diagram of an intelligent device for real-time monitoring of gastric acidity and food sensitivity, comprising: an oral cavity sensor 102 configured to detect acidity in saliva by measuring the pH of the saliva, wherein the pH sensor is calibrated to detect pH values ​​in the range of 1.0 to 7.0, with a threshold pH of 3. The pH sensor is calibrated to detect pH values ​​in the range of 1.0 to 7.0, with a threshold pH of 3.5 or lower indicating potential gastric reflux or acid-related disorders;a food sensitivity sensor 104 comprising an array of chemical sensors, each sensor capable of detecting specific organic compounds in saliva that correlate with foods known to increase gastric acidity, the sensors capable of identifying food-derived compounds present in saliva and associating them with specific foods; a processor 106 configured to receive and process data from both the oral cavity sensor and the food sensitivity sensor, the processor determining salivary acidity and identifying food-related acidity triggers based on the detected organic compounds, and providing feedback on the pH levels and the identified food triggers;a wireless communication module 108 configured to transmit the processed data from the processor to a mobile device via Bluetooth, wherein the transmitted data includes the real-time acid level and identified food triggers and enables the user to interact with a mobile application that provides dietary recommendations based on the detected food sensitivity and acid level; a mobile application 110 configured to receive and display the transmitted data and provide the user with real-time feedback on their stomach acid level and food sensitivity triggers, and offer suggestions for dietary adjustments to effectively manage acid levels;a power supply unit 112 including a rechargeable battery 112(a) configured to power the sensors, the processor, and the communications module, the battery enabling continuous operation of the device for at least one week on a single charge;

[0012] In one embodiment, the oral cavity sensor 102 is a pH sensor specifically calibrated to detect low pH levels indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), wherein the sensor provides a real-time output when the pH falls below a predetermined threshold of 3.5, indicating an acid reflux event.

[0013] In one embodiment, the food sensitivity sensor 104 includes a plurality of chemical sensors, each sensor configured to detect organic compounds associated with specific food types, including but not limited to fatty acids, citric acid, and capsaicin, with the system identifying and associating the detected compounds with their respective food categories in real time.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processor 106 further includes a technique that processes the data from the sensors to correlate detected organic compounds with food types, the technique including a data mapping function to compare detected compounds to a predefined database of food-related organic compounds to provide accurate food sensitivity results.

[0015] In one embodiment, the wireless communication module 108 utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit the processed data to a paired mobile device, and wherein the mobile device application provides a user interface that displays real-time acidity data, food trigger warnings, and personalized nutritional recommendations, and further supports historical tracking of acidity levels over time.

[0016] In one embodiment, the device is configured with a compact, ergonomic form factor to fit comfortably in the user's oral cavity and includes a user interface with two buttons, one for triggering the acidity measurement and the other for detecting food sensitivity, with each button associated with a dedicated sensor for the respective measurement.

[0017] In one embodiment, the rechargeable battery 112(a) includes a power management system that optimizes power consumption to extend the life of the battery so that it can operate continuously for up to one week without needing to be recharged, and it can be charged via a micro-USB or a wireless charging system.

[0018] In one embodiment, the mobile application 110 also includes an alert feature that notifies the user when their determined acidity exceeds a predefined threshold or when certain foods identified as triggers are detected, and provides actionable recommendations, such as avoiding certain foods or consulting a doctor if necessary.

[0019] In one embodiment, the oral cavity sensor 102 and the food sensitivity sensor are integrated into a single compact device designed to be ergonomically placed in the user's mouth, and wherein the sensors are activated by user-pressable buttons to initiate the measurement process and provide real-time results within a timeframe of approximately one minute.

[0020] In one embodiment, the processor 106 includes a temporal analysis module that monitors fluctuations in acidity over time and compares these fluctuations with food consumption data so that the mobile application can provide the user with personalized feedback and long-term nutritional recommendations based on their individual acidity profile.

[0021] The smart device consists of a sensor array and an interface for the mobile application. The sensor has two sensors for determining the acid concentration in saliva and for detecting relevant food molecules that can increase acidity. It has a small footprint, like a row of plants that you put in your mouth. It is powered by a rechargeable battery to help you get through the day.

[0022] The device works by placing it in your mouth and pressing one of two buttons on the device. The first button starts the acidity measurement, while the second button activates the food sensitivity sensor. When you press the acidity measurement button, it takes about a minute for the device to take a saliva measurement. The sensor measures the pH of the saliva, and if the pH is above 3.5, the device indicates that the user has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The acidity measurement is sent via the mobile app and displayed to the user for interpretation.

[0023] At the same time, the second button activates the food sensitivity sensor, which analyzes saliva for organic compounds normally found in foods that can increase stomach acidity. Using chemical analysis, these compounds are identified, and the device sends this data to the mobile app, which returns a list of foods that may cause an increase in acidity. This alerts users to foods that could worsen their symptoms.

[0024] The device offers customers an easy way to log their acidity levels and food sensitivity tests. It provides personalized feedback on the user's acidity levels over time and recommendations for dietary changes based on the sensor's readings. It also helps ensure that users turn the device on before, not after, as this could interfere with the device's measurements and lead to much less accurate results.

[0025] The device operates in two modes: acidity measurement and food sensitivity detection. To use the device, the user places it in the mouth and initiates the acidity measurement. It then analyzes saliva for one minute and measures the pH level to determine if the acidity is indicative of GERD. The device triggers an alarm, providing information about the potential likelihood of GERD, if the pH threshold of 3.5 is exceeded.

[0026] At the same time, the device analyzes the saliva for organic compounds associated with increased acidity when the food sensitivity button is activated. The compounds are associated with various foods, and the device detects the triggers by measuring their presence in the saliva. The device sends the results to the mobile app within one minute, so the user knows exactly which foods affect their acidity.

[0027] This was a non-intrusive and simple method that allowed people to monitor their stomach consumption. The device is designed to prevent chronic diseases or gastroparesis by working in close proximity with real-time feedback, protecting the user from stroke, heart attack, or cancer.

[0028] The device is designed to have broad commercial potential and is aimed at individuals suffering from acidosis disorders such as GERD, acid reflux, and other digestive disorders. It provides an affordable and convenient way for individuals to test and monitor their health at home without the need for frequent doctor visits or medications. Training set by October 2023. This innovation is expected to have a very broad market potential, ranging from health-conscious individuals, patients with chronic acidosis, and physicians seeking reliable methods to non-invasively monitor patients. The simplicity and ease of use of medical devices is a key selling point, and there are a growing number of smart health devices in this market, but few match the device's effectiveness and affordability.

[0029] The oral cavity sensor measures the pH of saliva, providing an instant overview of the acidity in the mouth. In this example, the pH sensor has been calibrated to detect a wide range of acidity, from a low pH of 1.0 (highly acidic) to 7.0 (neutral). The sensor monitors for pH levels that fall below a certain threshold of 3.5, which indicates high acidity and can occur in conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other acid-related illnesses. The embedded technology processes the pH data and determines whether the acidity is within the normal range or represents a potential health problem, such as acid reflux.If the measured pH value is outside the specified threshold, the technology flags it as a potential case and links it to the user's symptoms (burning or chest discomfort), which could also indicate GERD. The analysis is performed in real time, so the results are available to the end user at any time.

[0030] In addition to the pH sensor, the device includes a food sensitivity sensor, which uses a series of chemical sensors to identify specific organic compounds in saliva. These sensors are designed to detect specific compounds found in common food triggers (like capsaicin, fatty acids, and citric acid, which we all know worsen acidity, among other things), and they are sensitive to compounds that help monitor various other food triggers. The food sensitivity sensor evaluates the chemical composition of saliva when someone consumes food and can thus detect specific foods and the compounds that indicate the presence of certain foods that can increase stomach acidity.For example, the presence of citric acid can indicate the consumption of citrus fruits, while the presence of capsaicin can indicate the consumption of spicy foods. The sensor detects these compounds in real time and sends the information to the device's integrated processor for further analysis.

[0031] In this case, the processor at the center of the device is responsible for synthesizing data from each sensor: the pH sensor and the food sensitivity sensor—and analyzing the consumer's nutritional profile against the database (460 foods) to create a food value index for the consumer. The system processes the raw data from the sensors to obtain valuable insights using an integrated technique. This technique compares the oral pH value received from the sensor with a predefined threshold of 3.5. If the pH is below this threshold, the method classifies the pH as high, leading to further analysis of possible causes. The processor works with data from the food sensor, which evaluates the presence of certain organic compounds in saliva.These are compared with an extensive database of foods known to increase stomach acidity.

[0032] The device aims to detect correlations between the identified compounds and food categories. If the technology detects high levels of citric acid, it links it to foods like citrus fruits or tomatoes. If the system detects fatty acids, for example, it can link them to foods like fried or greasy foods. The signals from both sensors are then combined to create a detailed picture of the user's body. If both high acidity and specific food compounds are detected, the technology recognizes this as a case of acid reflux, or increased stomach acid, and warns the user about possible dietary culprits.

[0033] This technology processes the data and sends the results to a mobile device via a wireless communication module (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)). This enables real-time feedback on the user's acidity level and food triggers via a mobile application. The application features an easy-to-use interface that allows the user to see not only their current acidity level but also a list of foods they have come into contact with that may be contributing to this acidity level. Furthermore, the mobile application can also alert the user to potential health risks due to high acidity through alerts based on a pre-determined acidity threshold, as well as the types of foods that can be avoided.In addition, the app can help combat symptoms by providing advice on food and doctors when needed.

[0034] Power is supplied by an integrated battery that can be charged via the USB-C port and provides continuous operation for a week on a single charge. Built-in power management systems regulate consumption, ensuring a short period of time before you need to recharge the device. The system communicates with the mobile device via a low-power Bluetooth system, which extends battery life and minimizes charging time. References 102 Sensor for the oral cavity 104 Food sensitivity sensor 106 processor 108 Wireless communication module 110 Mobile Application 112 Power supply unit 112a Rechargeable Battery

Claims

[1] Intelligent device for real-time monitoring of gastric acidity and food sensitivity, comprising: an oral cavity sensor configured to detect acidity in saliva by measuring the pH of the saliva, wherein the pH sensor is calibrated to detect pH values ​​in the range of 1.0 to 7.0, with a threshold pH of 3.5 or less indicating possible gastric reflux or acid-related disorders; a food sensitivity sensor comprising an array of chemical sensors, each sensor capable of detecting specific organic compounds in saliva that correlate with foods known to increase gastric acidity, the sensors capable of identifying food-derived compounds present in saliva and associating them with specific foods; a processor configured to receive and process data from both the oral cavity sensor and the food sensitivity sensor, wherein the processor determines the acidity of the saliva and identifies food-related acidity triggers based on the detected organic compounds and provides feedback on the pH levels and the identified food triggers; a wireless communication module configured to transmit the processed data from the processor to a mobile device via Bluetooth, wherein the transmitted data includes the real-time acidity level and the identified food triggers and enables the user to interact with a mobile application that provides nutritional recommendations based on the detected food sensitivity and acidity level; a mobile application configured to receive and display the transmitted data and provide the user with real-time feedback on their stomach acid levels and food sensitivity triggers, and offer suggestions for dietary adjustments to effectively manage acidity; and a power supply unit having a rechargeable battery configured to power the sensors, the processor, and the communication module, the battery enabling continuous operation of the device for at least one week on a single charge. [2] The intelligent device of claim 1, wherein the oral cavity sensor is a pH sensor specifically calibrated to detect low pH levels indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the sensor providing a real-time output signal when the pH falls below a predetermined threshold of 3.5, indicative of an acid reflux event. [3] The intelligent device of claim 1, wherein the food sensitivity sensor comprises a plurality of chemical sensors, each sensor configured to detect organic compounds associated with specific food types, including but not limited to fatty acids, citric acid, and capsaicin, wherein the system identifies the detected compounds and links them to their respective food categories in real time. [4] The intelligent device of claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises a technique that processes the data from the sensors to correlate detected organic compounds with food types, the technique comprising a data mapping function to compare detected compounds with a predefined database of food-related organic compounds to provide accurate food sensitivity results. [5] The intelligent device of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication module uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit the processed data to a paired mobile device, and wherein the mobile device application provides a user interface that displays real-time acidity data, food trigger alerts, and personalized dietary recommendations, and also supports historical tracking of acidity levels over time. [6] The intelligent device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured with a compact, ergonomic form factor to fit comfortably in the user's oral cavity and comprises a user interface with two buttons, one for initiating the acidity measurement and the other for detecting food sensitivity, each button being associated with a dedicated sensor for the respective measurement. [7] The smart device of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery includes a power management system that optimizes power consumption to extend battery life and supports up to one week of continuous operation without recharging, and can be charged via a micro-USB or wireless charging system. [8] The smart device of claim 1, wherein the mobile application further includes an alert feature that notifies the user when their detected acidity level exceeds a predefined threshold or when certain foods identified as triggers are detected, and provides actionable recommendations, such as avoiding certain foods or consulting a doctor if necessary. [9] The intelligent device of claim 1, wherein the oral cavity sensor and the food sensitivity sensor are integrated into a single compact device designed to be ergonomically placed in the user's mouth, and wherein the sensors are activated by user-pressable buttons to initiate the measurement process and provide real-time results within a timeframe of approximately one minute. [10] The intelligent device of claim 1, wherein the processor includes a temporal analysis module that monitors fluctuations in acidity over time and compares those fluctuations with food consumption data so that the mobile application can provide the user with personalized feedback and long-term dietary recommendations based on their individual acidity profile.

Images