Method and apparatus for comparing personal biometric data of two users

Abstract

A wearable device comprising a memory storing data related to a user's personal biology, a short-range wireless transceiver for receiving data related to a peer user's personal biology from a peer wearable device, and a processor for comparing the received data to the data stored in the memory to determine if there is a match. The device further comprises an indicator for generating a visual, audio, or other sensory indication of a match when a match is determined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a wearable device for comparing personal biological data of two users. Background Art

[0002] Semiconductor, nanotechnology, and optical technologies have made significant contributions to people's lifestyles, particularly by facilitating hardware miniaturization. Their application in the sequencing and genotyping industries has made so-called "lab-on-a-chip" systems possible. Primers / probes (often referred to as "biomarkers") are designed accordingly based on the biological question / gene of interest. Biomarkers are oligonucleotides, such as DNA molecules, and can target specific genes / variants. Alternatively, biomarkers can be, for example, antibodies or antigens. By applying / selecting different types of biomarkers on such systems, a customer can test their biological sample—DNA, RNA, protein, etc. (extracted locally or remotely by a third party from saliva, blood, urine, tissue, feces, hair, etc.)—for specific characteristics, perhaps dictated by certain lifestyle factors or interests.

[0003] This type of "personalized" genetic or biological information can make medical decisions more effective, for example, by selecting treatments or drug dosages that are more likely to be effective for a specific patient. Identifying individual differences at the molecular level also allows lifestyle and dietary recommendations to be tailored to the needs of individuals or specific categories of individuals. For example, personal care products such as cosmetics and nutraceuticals can be selected based on how effective these products are for individuals with certain single nucleotide polymorphisms in their DNA. To cater to the growing consumer genetics market, numerous private companies have been created, and new genetic traits are being described every day, generating an ever-expanding catalog of biomarkers that have the potential to provide insights into the health, well-being, and, in the context of genetic variation, phenotype of many individuals.

[0004] As mentioned above, this “unlocking” of an individual’s genetic data could benefit them in many different ways, but the abstract nature of the data may make it difficult for individuals to appreciate its value. For example, individuals may not feel they have “ownership” of their data or may be deterred from using their data due to its complexity or inaccessibility. Privacy concerns may also prevent individuals from using their data.

[0005] US2017 / 0323057A1 describes a wearable device for providing product recommendations based on a user's biological information (e.g., genetic data). The wearable device contains a laser scanner or barcode reader, which the wearer uses to identify products they are interested in purchasing or consuming. The device then provides an indication of whether the product is recommended for the wearer based on their biological information. For example, an analysis of a user's DNA may indicate that they metabolize caffeine more slowly than most other people. In this case, the wearable device might recommend that they avoid coffee. However, users of the wearable device described in US2017 / 0323057A1 are not easily able to compare product recommendations or biological information with one another. For example, while two users can scan the same product and see whether the recommendations provided by their respective wearable devices are the same, this process can be cumbersome and does not necessarily allow users to identify which aspects of their biological or genetic characteristics differ or which aspects they may have in common. Users can certainly discuss their biological information while viewing it on their smartphones. However, a fast, almost instantaneous method for comparing this information is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a wearable device is provided, comprising: a memory storing data associated with a user's personal biometrics; a short-range wireless transceiver for receiving data associated with the peer user's personal biometrics from a peer wearable device; and a processor for comparing the received data with data stored in the memory to determine whether there is a match. The device also includes an indicator for generating a visual, auditory, or other sensory indication of the match when the data is determined to match.

[0007] The device may be operable to receive data from a peer wearable device in response to detecting that the peer wearable device is within a predetermined distance or in contact with the peer wearable device. Detecting that another wearable device is within the predetermined distance of the wearable device may include detecting that the strength or quality of a signal transmitted from the peer wearable device exceeds a predetermined value. The transceiver may operate using a Bluetooth protocol, preferably the Bluetooth Low Energy specification, or a Near Field Communication protocol. The predetermined distance may be less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, or possibly less than 0.5 cm.

[0008] The indicator may be configured to generate a visual, audible, or other sensory indication of the mismatch when the data does not match.

[0009] The data associated with the user's personal biology may include one or more scores that indicate whether the user is prone to or has an associated personal behavior or condition. For example, the data may indicate the user's ability to metabolize caffeine, his or her sensitivity to calories and carbohydrates, etc., all of which may be derived from an analysis of certain parts of the user's genetics.

[0010] Wearable devices are wrist-worn devices, such as wristbands or wristbands.

[0011] The transceiver may be configured to transmit data associated with the user's personal biometrics stored in the memory to the peer device in response to detecting the peer device being within a predetermined distance or in contact.

[0012] The wearable device may include a sensor, such as an accelerometer, for detecting user input or gestures. The device is configured to switch from a first mode in which data is not exchanged with a peer device to a second mode in which data is exchanged upon detecting such input or gestures.

[0013] The device may include a memory storing a product code and a product code recommendation, and a product code reader for reading the product code from the product. The processor may be configured to obtain a product recommendation for the read product code, and the indicator may be configured to generate a visual, audible, or other sensory indication of the obtained product recommendation. The product code reader may be a barcode scanner.

[0014] A wearable device can be a smartphone.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for allowing a user to compare data associated with his or her personal biology with that of a peer user. The system comprises a wearable device according to the first aspect of the present invention and a computer device in wireless communication with the wearable device, the computer device allowing the user to select data to be matched from a set of data stored in a memory of the wearable device. The wearable device may be a wrist-worn device, and the computer device may be a smartphone. The wearable device may be configured to store information identifying the user and transmit this information to a program running on the smartphone. When the data of two users are determined to match, they can be added as friends in the program.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method is provided for comparing data associated with individual biological data of respective users stored on respective wearable devices. The method includes detecting, by the wearable devices, that the wearable devices are within a predetermined distance of one another or in contact with one another, and in response to the detection, exchanging the data between the devices via a wireless interface. The method further includes comparing the user's data on one or both devices to determine whether the data matches, and, when the data is determined to match, operating an indicator on one or both devices to provide a visual, audible, or other sensory indication of the match.

[0017] The method may include providing controls for individually selecting or deselecting categories of biometric information to be shared with others via an external computer device, such as a smartphone in communication with the wearable device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates a pair of users exchanging personal biometric information using wearable devices;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 System diagram of wearable devices;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a further explanation Figure 1 A sequence diagram of how wearable devices are used to exchange personal biometric information; and

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a user interface for displaying a user's biological information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The embodiments described herein aim to address the aforementioned issues by allowing users to compare their personal biometric information in a convenient and secure manner. This personal biometric data is typically derived from a person's biological data, such as genetic characteristics. The personal biometric information is stored on a wearable device, which includes a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting the biometric data between the wearable devices when the wearable devices are close to or in contact with each other. After the biometric data has been exchanged, the wearable device compares the two sets of data to determine aspects of the data that are common to the two users and / or differences between the two sets of data. Performing the comparison on the wearable device helps ensure that the process is fast and reliable, for example because it does not require communication with a remote server. Of course, this does not preclude the involvement of a remote server (e.g., in the "cloud"). The comparison results are then presented to the user. For example, while a pair of friends / users may each know that they have a gluten intolerance, they may not be aware that their friend has the same intolerance. Conversely, one user may have a tendency to avoid consuming too much red meat, while another user may have a tendency to anemia, requiring them to consume a diet rich in iron / meat. Thus, a comparison based on the biological information of two users might encourage them to discuss how best to manage a particular condition or decide on a meal they can share or a restaurant that would be suitable for them.

[0023] Allowing users to "share and compare" their biometric information with simple collaborative gestures provides an entertaining and social dimension to what would otherwise be a rather abstract activity. For example, when a "match" in the biometric information of two users is found, the social connection between the two users can be strengthened, or the comparison process can act as an "icebreaker" to foster further interaction and discussion between the two users. Furthermore, these social aspects may encourage users to gain greater understanding of their biometric identity and guide or "nudge" them to make better health and lifestyle decisions.

[0024] The compared personal biological data is not limited to nutrition-related data, but can be extended to any characteristics derived from personal biological data. For example, the compared data may be related to skin care and cosmetics / cosmeceuticals, fitness / activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.

[0025] The user's personal biological information can include personal genetic or epigenetic data or proteomic data obtained by analyzing a biological sample (e.g., an oral swab) provided by the user. For example, a primer, a chain of a short nucleic acid sequence, can be used as the starting point of DNA synthesis to analyze the biological sample. As known in the prior art, such primers can be used to detect genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), more specifically, for determining the variant type (or allele) of the tested individual for a given SNP. Alternatively or additionally, personal biological information can include information related to the user's microbiome, such as the presence or absence of certain intestinal bacteria (e.g., Helicobacter pylori). Such microbiome data can be obtained by breath testing. Personal biological information can also include information about the user's physiological characteristics (e.g., the user's current or historical heart rate), which in some cases can be obtained by sensing devices integrated in wearable devices.

[0026] Personal biometric information may also be derived from one or more of the above-mentioned types of data. For example, personal biometric data may include recommendations for certain products or services or categories of products or services that analysis of the above-mentioned types of data has revealed to be particularly suitable for the user or to be avoided by the user. These recommendations may come from biofilter codes that map to corresponding products or services or categories of products or services, but do not explicitly identify the user's genetic or biological information. For example, there may be a biofilter code that indicates that a user may be adversely affected by high-cholesterol foods (due to his or her genetic profile). In this case, by comparing biofilter codes (or the biometric information used to derive the filter codes), users can see whether they are likely to be recommended for similar products or services. This can encourage more interaction and discussion between users and can create positive "synergies" in which users are more likely to notice product recommendations and / or are more likely to compare their biofilter codes.

[0027] Figure 1Two users are shown exchanging personal biometric information using wrist-worn wearable devices 100 and 102. In the example shown in the figure, the expanded curve indicates that information is being sent from one device 100 and received by another device 102. In this case, the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol can be used to exchange biometric information, although other protocols designed for data transmission over relatively short distances, such as the Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, can also be used. When using the NFC protocol, it is generally necessary to limit the distance between the devices to within 5 cm in order to establish a communication channel between them. An ISP 1507 (NFC and ANT BLE) module based on the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52 chip is used, which is integrated with a Cortex M4 CPU, flash memory, RAM memory and an optimized antenna. The range for establishing a "connection" can be (user) configurable.

[0028] Sending personal biometric information only over a short range means that users are required to keep their devices relatively close together. This assures users that their data cannot be intercepted by third parties (introducing a high level of privacy) and adds a social element to the process of exchanging biometric information, similar to a handshake. In some examples, wearable devices may need to touch (or "tap" each other) in order to exchange data or initiate an exchange. Biometric information can also be exchanged in encrypted form. For example, biometric information can be encrypted using a public key associated with the intended recipient and then decrypted using a corresponding private key stored in the recipient's wearable device. The recipient's wearable device can also store the received biometric information for only a short time (e.g., less than 30 seconds), or no longer than required for comparison.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic system diagram of wearable devices 100, 102. Each wearable device 100, 102 includes a gesture sensor for triggering a mode for exchanging data, a receiver 202 for receiving data 204, and a transmitter 206 for transmitting data 208 according to the wireless communication protocol discussed above. The gesture sensor, receiver 202, and transmitter 206 communicate with a processor 210, which is connected to a memory 212 containing personal biometric information 214 of a user associated with the wearable device 100, 102. In use, the processor 210 retrieves the personal biometric information 214 from the memory 212 and transmits the information using the transmitter 206. The personal biometric information 214 received by the receiver 202 may also be stored in the memory 212, thereby allowing the processor 210 to compare the received personal biometric information 214 with the personal biometric information 214 of the user.

[0030] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating how wearable devices 100, 102 (designated in the figure as "band 1" and "band 2") can be used to exchange personal biometric information. In steps 300 and 300', the respective wearers of the bands perform an action that causes the devices to enter "pairing mode." In this example, a "double-tap" gesture is used, but this gesture is detected by, for example, an accelerometer / gyroscope (an MPU-6050 combining a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer) in the wearable device, although other gestures or user input modes, such as buttons or a touch screen, may also be used. Each device may remain in pairing mode for a predetermined period of time, such as 10-15 seconds, and then turn off pairing mode.

[0031] In steps 301 and 301', the devices scan for other devices and simultaneously advertise their availability for matching. In steps 302 and 302', each device waits until it finds another device in matching mode. Each device measures a relative received signal strength indicator (RSSI) (steps 303 and 303'). The measured RSSI value represents the power level of the signal received by each device from the other device. Typically, RSSI values ​​are provided on a negative scale starting from -100 and ending at 0, where RSSI values ​​closer to 0 indicate a stronger received signal. Other scales for measuring received signal strength may also be used, such as decibels referenced to 1 milliwatt (dBm) or the Received Channel Power Indicator (RCPI) scale, part of the IEEE 802.11 standard. If the RSSI value exceeds a certain value (e.g., RSSI > -80 or a received signal strength of -80 dBm), the devices may connect to each other to exchange biometric information (steps 304 and 304'). In the example shown in the figure, the transfer (exchange) of biometric information between the devices is unidirectional.

[0032] One of the devices (here, Strip 1) receives the personal biometric data from Strip 2. Strip 1 then compares the received biometric information with the biometric information stored in its memory and then transmits the comparison results to the other device (steps 305 and 305'), so that both strips now know the results. The comparison of users' personal biometric information can be performed in different ways depending on what type of information is being exchanged. For example, if the information relates to specific genes, SNPs, or DNA sequences, the comparison can involve determining whether those genes, SNPs, or DNA sequences are common to both users. Similarly, if the personal biometric information includes a set of biofilter codes for each user, these sets can be compared to see if there is any overlap. The comparison can also include determining the probability that users have a specific characteristic in common, in order to provide users with a measure of the likelihood or rarity of their sharing that characteristic.

[0033] The results of the comparison can be presented to each user (steps 306 and 306′), for example, by illuminating a light-emitting diode (LED). For example, a green LED might indicate a match between the two users' biometric information, while a red LED might indicate a mismatch. Other means of presenting the comparison results to the user can also be used, such as a display, a haptic device that applies force or vibration to the wearer of the band, or an audible alarm or speech synthesizer. In one embodiment, each band temporarily stores the results in its RAM memory while displaying them. After a period of time, such as 10 seconds, the indication turns off, and the results are deleted from the memory of both bands.

[0034] Wearable devices may have limited ways to accept user input. Therefore, the device may be able to communicate with an external computer device such as a smartphone, for example using a Bluetooth interface. The smartphone may be configured with an application that allows the user to control settings on the wearable device. Figure 4 A graphical user interface 400 is shown that is provided on a smartphone display via an installed application for displaying information related to a user's personal biometric information. In this example, the personal biometric information includes a numerical score such as "calorie sensitivity" or "fat sensitivity." The numerical score is mapped to a user-friendly text description, such as "very high," "high," "medium," "low," or "slow," for presentation in the user interface. The different categories are displayed as graphical user elements 401. In some implementations, a user can individually select or deselect graphical user elements to control whether biometric information associated with that category should be shared with other users and / or the user's biometric information should be used in comparisons. For example, in Figure 4 In the example, a user selected four panels to share: "Caffeine Metabolism," "Calorie Sensitivity," "Carbohydrate Sensitivity," and "Fat Sensitivity" (selections are shown in the figure). Such controls may be useful for users to avoid directly or indirectly revealing information they would prefer to remain private. Comparison of two users' biological information can include comparing the numerical scores in each category to determine whether any scores match or are approximately the same, i.e., differ only by a small relative or absolute amount. Alternatively, weighted differences in the scores can be used to define a similarity metric that indicates how "similar" the users are.

[0035] In the event that two peer users have selected different match categories, this may be indicated by lighting up an LED of a third color, for example white, to indicate to the users that a match is not possible and that they should consider selecting a different category.

[0036] The wearable device can also report the comparison results to the user's smartphone. Knowing the identity of the peer user can allow the results to be recorded on the smartphone / app. Based on the comparison results, the user may then be able to share information about purchased products, fitness activities, and so on via their smartphone. In other words, the ability to compare biometric information can form the basis of many different social networking opportunities.

[0037] For example, when two wearable devices are paired with each other, information identifying the user (e.g., a user identifier) ​​can be transferred from one wearable device to the other wearable device. The user identifier is stored locally in the wearable device and can be transmitted to a mobile application running on a smartphone when the wearable device is synchronized with the application. For example, when it is determined that the data of two users matches, the two users can be added as friends. In another example, these users can further communicate with each other (e.g., through a messaging or networking service that can form part of the mobile application).

[0038] More generally, a user may be added as a member of a social network, or invited to join the social network, in response to his or her wearable device being in proximity to the wearable device of another user who is already a member of the social network. In some cases, a user may only join or be invited to join a social network if the user matches (or perhaps only attempts to match) with a user who is already a member of the social network. In other cases, both users may be added to the social network even if neither user is a member. The social network may be configured to add the user as a friend in response to obtaining a match, i.e., create a link or "edge" in the network to join the user. The social network may be configured to allow users to compare their data with users who are friends of their friends without having to use their wearable devices for matching, i.e., a user may be matched with another user who has been removed from them twice in the social network. The match may involve a user inviting another user to match and the other user accepting the invitation.

[0039] Although not described in detail herein, the band may be provided with a product code reader to allow the band to read product codes from products being considered for purchase or consumption. Such a reader may be a barcode scanner and may allow the user to obtain product recommendations based on the product data stored in the band.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is certainly possible that only one of the two peer users possesses a band, while the other possesses only a smartphone. In this case, there might be an option within the smartphone's app to display a code, such as a barcode, on the phone's GUI to identify the user's personal biometric data. The peer user possessing the band could then scan this code using the band's product code reader and perform the comparison described above. Of course, in this case, the results might only be displayed on the band, but since both users can see the results, this may be sufficient.

[0041] It will be further appreciated that, provided both smartphones are equipped with suitable short-range wireless transceivers, the present invention can be implemented using a pair of smartphones without the need for a wireless band.

[0042] It should also be understood that various means can be implemented to place the tape in a read-to-match state. For example, a tape may switch to this mode when a double click with another tape is detected.

Claims

1. A wearable device, characterized in that: include: a memory storing a first biofilter code associated with a user's personal biology, a product code, and a product recommendation derived from the first biofilter code; wherein the first biofilter code maps to a corresponding product, service, or category of product or service without explicitly identifying genetic or biological information of the user; a product code reader for reading a product code from a product; a processor configured to obtain a product recommendation for the read product code based on product data stored in the wearable device; an indicator for generating a visual, auditory, or other sensory indication of the obtained product recommendation; a short-range wireless transceiver for receiving, from a peer wearable device, a second biofilter code associated with the personal biology of the peer user; wherein the second biofilter code maps to a corresponding product, service, or category of products or services but does not explicitly identify genetic or biological information of the peer user; wherein the wearable device is operable to receive the second biofilter code from the peer wearable device in response to detecting that the peer wearable device is within a predetermined distance of less than 10 cm; wherein the processor is further configured to compare the second biofilter code to the first biofilter code to determine whether there is a match; wherein the wearable device is configured to store the second biofilter code for no longer than a time required to perform the comparison of the second biofilter code with the first biofilter code; and The indicator is further configured to generate a visual, audio, or other sensory indication of a match when it is determined that the second biofilter code matches the first biofilter code.

2. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The wearable device is operable to receive the second biofilter code from a peer wearable device in response to detecting that the peer wearable device is in contact.

3. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: Detecting that the peer wearable device is within a predetermined distance of less than 10 cm from the wearable device includes detecting that a strength or quality of a signal transmitted from the peer wearable device exceeds a predetermined value.

4. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The transceiver operates using the Bluetooth protocol or the Near Field Communication protocol.

5. The wearable device according to claim 4, wherein: The transceiver operates using Bluetooth low energy mode.

6. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined distance is less than 5 cm.

7. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The indicator is configured to generate a visual, audio, or other sensory indication of the mismatch when the first biofilter code does not match the second biofilter code.

8. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The wearable device is a wrist-worn device.

9. The wearable device according to claim 8, wherein: This includes wristbands or bracelets.

10. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The transceiver is configured to transmit the first biofilter code associated with the user's personal biology stored in the memory to the peer wearable device in response to detecting the peer wearable device is within a predetermined distance or in contact.

11. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a sensor for detecting a user input or gesture, the wearable device being configured to switch from a first mode in which the first biofilter code is not exchanged with the peer wearable device to a second mode in which the first biofilter code is exchanged with the peer wearable device upon detecting such input or gesture.

12. The wearable device according to claim 11, wherein: The sensor is an accelerometer.

13. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The product code reader is a barcode scanner.

14. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The wearable device is a smartphone.

15. A system for allowing a user to compare data associated with his or her personal biology with peer users, characterized in that The system comprises: The wearable device according to claim 1; and A computer device in wireless communication with the wearable device, the computer device allowing a user to select data to be matched thereto from a set of data stored in a memory of the wearable device.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein: The wearable device is a wrist-worn device, and the computer device is a smartphone.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein: The wearable device is configured to store information identifying the users and transmit the information to an application running on the smartphone; and wherein when it is determined that the data of two users matches, the two users are added as friends in the application.

18. A computer-implemented method for comparing biofilter codes associated with the personal biology of each user stored on each wearable device, characterized in that: The method comprises: On one or both of the wearable devices, a product code reader of the corresponding wearable device is used to read the product code to obtain a corresponding product recommendation; The product recommendation is based on product data stored in the wearable device and is derived from the biofilter code stored in the corresponding wearable device; wherein the biofilter code maps to a corresponding product, service, or product or service category but does not explicitly identify genetic or biological information of the corresponding user; operating an indicator on one or both devices to provide a visual, audible, or other sensory indication of a corresponding recommendation for said product; The wearable device detects that the wearable device is within a predetermined distance of less than 10 cm; responsive to said detecting, exchanging said data associated with the personal biology of the respective users between said devices via a wireless interface; comparing the biofilter codes associated with the personal biology of the respective users on one or both of the devices to determine whether the biofilter codes match; wherein each of the wearable devices stores the biofilter code sent by the other wearable device for no longer than necessary to perform the comparison; When a match is determined between the biofilter codes associated with the respective users' personal biology, an indicator is operated on the one or both devices to provide a visual, audio, or other sensory indication of the match.

19. The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein: include: Provides controls for individually selecting or deselecting categories of biometric information to be shared with others via external computer devices.

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, wherein: The external computer device includes a smartphone in communication with the wearable device.

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