Drinking behavior monitoring equipment

Abstract

A drinking behavior monitoring device is provided, comprising: a stress level detection sensor (300) for detecting a stress level of an infant (20); a sucking frequency detection sensor (200) for detecting a sucking frequency during a feeding process of the infant; and an analyzer (400) for analyzing the infant's drinking behavior based on the detected stress level and the detected sucking frequency. The analyzer (400) compares the analyzed drinking behavior with a typical or predetermined drinking behavior and outputs a notification based on the analyzed drinking behavior.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a drinking behavior monitoring device, a method for monitoring the drinking behavior of an infant and a drinking bottle for an infant. Background Art

[0002] Usually, a baby bottle with a nipple is used to feed the baby. In particular, such a baby bottle is used to feed the baby with milk. When breastfeeding, the baby can adjust the flow rate by himself, but this is not so easy when using a baby bottle. Here, the flow rate is determined by the nipple (especially the size of the holes / holes and the number of holes / holes) and the negative pressure applied by the baby. If the nipple has too many holes / holes or if the holes are too large, the flow rate will be too large, which will lead to a waste of milk. However, if the holes are too small, the flow rate will be too low and the baby will not get enough milk and thus not enough nutrition.

[0003] In particular, it is difficult for new parents to determine whether a baby's drinking behavior is sufficient and correct. Sometimes, it is difficult for new parents to correctly interpret the clues given by the baby during the drinking process. New parents often wonder if the baby is drinking enough water and whether the baby is sucking too much air. Therefore, it would be helpful for parents to understand the drinking behavior.

[0004] US2015 / 0208979A1 discloses a device for assessing the strength and coordination of an infant's tongue during the drinking process. An optical sensing device is provided to detect deformation of a nipple element. Furthermore, an indication of which type of nipple element is to be used may be output.

[0005] US2008 / 0039778 discloses a computer controlled bottle system, particularly for premature infants, which monitors sucking pressure and breathing characteristics to control milk delivery to the infant. The bottle system also determines when the premature infant no longer requires active bottle assistance.

[0006] US2018 / 0243173 discloses a bottle with a sensor for monitoring parameters of a baby bottle such as pressure, flow and temperature, thereby monitoring the amount being drunk. A recommendation to change to a different nipple can then be given. Summary of the invention

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a drinking behavior monitoring device that can effectively monitor the behavior of an infant during the drinking stage.

[0008] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a drinking behavior monitoring device is provided. The monitoring device includes: a pressure level detection sensor that distinguishes between at least a high pressure level and a low pressure level, the pressure indicating that the flow rate of milk is too low or too high; a sucking frequency detection sensor that detects the sucking frequency during feeding of an infant; and an analyzer that analyzes the drinking behavior of the infant based on the detected pressure level and the detected sucking frequency. The analyzer compares the analyzed drinking behavior with a typical or predetermined drinking behavior, and can output a notification based on the analyzed drinking behavior based on whether the flow rate is too low or too high. Therefore, a non-invasive drinking behavior monitoring device can be provided to detect and analyze the drinking behavior of an infant.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the stress level detection sensor is configured to detect a stress level of a baby during a feeding process using a baby bottle with a nipple, and the sucking frequency detection sensor is configured to detect a sucking frequency during feeding of the baby using the baby bottle.

[0011] According to an embodiment, in case the analyzed drinking behavior does not correspond to a predetermined or typical drinking behavior, the analyzer can output a suggestion to change the nipple of the baby bottle. Thus, the parents of the baby can obtain valuable information about which nipple to use.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the nipple is capable of adjusting the flow rate and the analyzer outputs a suggestion for adjusting the flow rate of the nipple of the baby bottle. Thus, the flow rate can be adjusted automatically without any interaction from the baby's parents.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for monitoring the drinking behavior of an infant using a baby bottle with a nipple is provided. The stress level of the infant is detected by a pressure level detection sensor, thereby distinguishing at least between a high stress level and a low stress level, the pressure indicating that the flow rate of milk is too low or too high. The sucking frequency of the infant is detected using a sucking frequency sensor. The drinking behavior of the infant is determined based on the detected stress level and the detected sucking frequency. The drinking behavior is compared with a typical or predetermined drinking behavior, and a notification can be output if the current drinking behavior is different from the predetermined drinking behavior. Accordingly, non-invasive monitoring of the drinking behavior of an infant can be provided, while valuable information about the optimal nipple for the baby bottle can be obtained.

[0014] According to an embodiment, a suggestion about changing the pacifier used in a baby bottle can be output based on the baby's drinking behavior. Therefore, parents of babies fed with baby bottles can obtain valuable information about which pacifier to use.

[0015] The stress level detection sensor may be implemented as a vital sign sensor, such as a heart rate sensor. The heart rate sensor may, for example, be implemented as a wrist device with a heart rate sensor, which may be attached to the baby's wrist during the feeding process.

[0016] The sucking frequency sensor may be implemented as an optical sensor that optically detects changes in the baby, as an auditory sensor (such as a microphone) that detects drinking noise, or as a pressure sensor that detects pressure differences or an accelerometer on the bottle.

[0017] The pressure level detected by the pressure level detection sensor and the sucking frequency detected by the sucking frequency sensor can be forwarded to an analyzer, where the sucking frequency and pressure level are analyzed to determine the drinking behavior of the infant. The determined drinking behavior is compared with a typical or predetermined drinking behavior, and a notification is output if the detected drinking behavior does not correspond to a typical or predetermined drinking behavior.

[0018] According to an embodiment, a method of monitoring an infant's drinking behavior using a baby bottle is provided. Based on monitoring the drinking behavior, an increase in the infant's stress level may indicate that the flow rate is not optimal, while an increase in the sucking frequency may indicate that the flow rate is too low. Knowledge of this analysis can be used to inform parents to select the best nipple for the baby bottle.

[0019] According to an embodiment, a drinking behavior monitoring device and a method for monitoring the drinking behavior of an infant are provided. The monitoring device is used to help parents determine whether the pacifier currently in use is correct. In particular, it is difficult for novice parents to determine whether the infant is satisfied during the drinking process, so the drinking behavior monitoring device can give parents some guidance. It should be noted that usually each infant has his or her own drinking behavior, resulting in a flow rate specific to the infant during the drinking process. A monitoring device and method for monitoring the drinking behavior of an infant are provided, so that parents can determine whether the current milk flow rate is sufficient to meet the needs of the infant. If the current drinking behavior is not enough, the pacifier can be replaced. In particular, with the aid of the monitoring device, the drinking behavior can be determined, for example, whether the flow rate is too low, appropriate or too high. Therefore, a flow rate that is too low, appropriate or too high can be distinguished.

[0020] According to an embodiment, a baby bottle with an adjustable flow rate is provided. The adaptability of the flow rate can be controlled based on the baby's drinking behavior, which can be determined by the detected pressure level and the detected sucking frequency.

[0021] Thus, drinking behavior can be fed back to the baby bottle to adjust the flow rate. This is advantageous because only one teat is used and the parent does not have to change teats.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the analyzer analyzes the drinking behavior, such as the flow rate or estimates the flow rate of the baby bottle based on the detected pressure level and sucking frequency. Then, in case the analyzed drinking behavior is not suitable, such as the flow rate is too low or too high, the analyzer can output a notification. The analyzer is used to analyze the feedback of the baby in terms of its pressure level and sucking frequency. It can be determined from these two feedback factors of the baby whether the current baby bottle settings are correct for the current time.

[0023] In particular, the baby's reactions, such as stress level and sucking frequency, are determined, and based on these reactions or feedback indications, the analyzer can analyze the current drinking behavior to determine whether the current drinking behavior is sufficient. If the drinking behavior is sufficient or if the drinking behavior is insufficient (flow rate is too high or too low), a notification can be output.

[0024] It shall be understood that a preferred embodiment of the invention may also be any combination of the dependent claims or the above-mentioned embodiments with the respective independent claim.

[0025] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the following figures:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a baby during a feeding process;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a baby bottle is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a baby during the feeding process is shown. Figure 1 In the figure, mother 10 is feeding her baby 20 using baby bottle 100. Baby bottle 100 includes container 110 containing liquid such as milk, adapter 120 and nipple 130. Nipple 130 is inserted into mouth 22 of baby 20, and the baby starts sucking behavior to take liquid (milk) from container 110. The nipple has a plurality of holes or apertures to allow liquid (such as milk) to pass through.

[0030] The pressure level detection sensor 300 may be attached to, for example, the wrist 21 of the baby. Figure 1 It is implemented as a heart rate sensor 300.

[0031] The sucking frequency sensor 200 is disposed in or attached to the baby bottle 100 to determine the sucking frequency of the baby.

[0032] The output of the sucking frequency sensor 200 and the output of the pressure level detection sensor 300 are forwarded to the analyzer 400, which analyzes the sucking frequency and the detected pressure level to determine the drinking behavior of the baby. The analyzer 400 can be implemented as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a computer, a smart watch or any other smart device. Based on the output of the sucking frequency sensor 200 and the pressure level detection sensor 300, the analyzer 400 can determine the drinking behavior of the baby bottle during the drinking process. The determined drinking behavior can be compared with a typical or predetermined drinking behavior to determine whether the flow rate is too high, too low or correct. If the flow rate is too high or too low, the result can be output by the analyzer 400 to the person 10 feeding the baby. The analyzer 400 can have a display 410 for outputting the flow rate. This may include a suggestion to replace the pacifier if the flow rate is too high or too low.

[0033] The typical drinking frequency or sucking frequency of an infant is about 1 Hz. If the sucking frequency detected is > 1.5 Hz, such sucking frequency can be considered to be too high.

[0034] With a monitoring device according to an embodiment, including a pressure level detection sensor and a sucking frequency detection sensor, the flow rate of the baby can be assessed in a non-invasive manner. If the flow rate of the baby bottle is too low or too high for the baby, this may cause increased stress for the baby. If the milk flow rate is too low for the baby, the sucking frequency will increase. If the sucking frequency is normal but the pressure level is high, this may mean that the milk flow rate is too high. If the pressure level is high and the sucking frequency is high, this may mean that the milk flow rate is too low. If the pressure level is low and the sucking frequency is normal, this may mean that the milk flow rate is normal.

[0035] If the milk flow rate is too low, this may mean that the teat must be replaced with one with a larger or more holes or holes. If the milk flow rate is too high, this may mean that the teat must be replaced with one with smaller or fewer holes. This information may be output by the analyzer.

[0036] Stress level detection may be performed using a vital sign sensor such as a heart rate sensor. The heart rate sensor may be, for example, an optical sensor such as a PPG sensor that detects the heart rate of a user. Such a sensor is advantageous because it may detect the heart rate of a user in a non-invasive manner. Typically, such a PPG heart rate sensor may detect the heart rate of a user and may output an electrical signal that may be analyzed in an analyzer.

[0037] Determining the stress level from the heart rate can be done in a known manner. In particular, the deviation from the resting heart rate for a particular baby is correlated with the stress level.

[0038] Thus, a normal heart rate for an infant may first be determined, for example at the beginning of a feeding procedure (before the infant becomes stressed by not being able to feed properly). A resting rate may be established, for example, within a first time period, for example within less than 30 seconds, for example less than 20 seconds or even less than 10 seconds. An increase in heart rate from this base reference during feeding indicates an increase in stress. The system may store information about a particular infant to be able to more quickly determine a reference heart rate level for that infant.

[0039] The increased pressure may be the result of excessive milk intake. This pressure is similar to the pressure of potential drowning and is a fight or flight response through which hormones are produced that affect the autonomic nervous system.

[0040] However, the increased stress may alternatively be due to an inability to extract proper milk. This stress is more like an emotional upset than a fight or flight response. However, it may also lead to the production of (different) hormones, which may lead to an increased heart rate.

[0041] You can distinguish between these two possible causes of increased stress by additionally considering the frequency of sucking: if the baby is not getting the right amount of milk, the sucking frequency will increase, and if the baby is getting too much milk, the sucking frequency will decrease.

[0042] For example, hormones that respond to stress levels are cortisol and testosterone.

[0043] Stress caused by a fight or flight response or by anger / frustration may be detected by other sensing modalities other than or in addition to heart rate. Some detection methods may be detectable using current technology, while others may be more easily detectable using future technology. For example, current technology may be invasive in some cases (e.g., requiring a blood sample), while future technology may enable non-invasive measurements and therefore may be suitable for infant bottle feeding.

[0044] The hormones produced themselves can be detected. Similarly, stress-related brain activity and the production of these hormones can be monitored.

[0045] Image processing can be used to measure pupil dilation. The pupil dilates in response to pressure.

[0046] During periods of anger or frustration, the skin color changes to a more reddish color (increased blood perfusion), which can again be measured using image processing.

[0047] Other physiological effects that can be monitored are shivering, sweating (based on electrodermal activity sensing), and breathing rate.

[0048] One or more such physiological parameters may be monitored and a default threshold value may be set that defines the boundary between a normal (non-stress) response and a response in the event of elevated stress levels. Thus, a baseline level of one or more monitored parameters may be defined that sets the boundary between a low stress state and a high stress state.

[0049] It is known to monitor stress levels in infants, for example as disclosed in GB 2504299. The system is based on heart rate monitoring and electrodermal activity sensing.

[0050] The pressure level can simply be determined as normal (low) or abnormal (high), so a binary indication is sufficient. However, multi-level pressure indication is also possible.

[0051] Similarly, the final output notification may be a binary indication, ie, "too much" or "too little." Likewise, multiple levels of indication are possible.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the analysis of sucking frequency detection and heart rate detection can be optionally performed in real time. The analyzer 400 can be implemented as a smart device. The communication between the heart rate detection sensor 300 and the sucking frequency detection sensor 200 can be performed in a wireless manner, so that the analyzer 400 can receive sensor data in real time. Therefore, the optical heart rate sensor can be used as a stress level detection sensor to detect the stress level of the baby.

[0053] The sucking frequency detection sensor 200 can be an optical sensor, an auditory sensor, and a pressure sensor and / or an accelerometer. Optical sensors can be used to detect changes in the baby, such as changes in the shape of the baby's chin. In addition, optical sucking frequency detection can be used by analyzing images of the baby. Auditory sensors can be used to detect the drinking noise of the baby, from which the sucking frequency can be determined. Pressure sensors can be used in the bottle or in the mouth to measure the pressure. From these pressure measurements, the alternating pressure containing the sucking frequency can be determined.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the nipple 130 can adjust the flow rate, for example by closing and opening a hole or hole in the nipple. The nipple can adjust the flow rate based on the output of the analyzer, which corresponds to a suggestion to adjust the nipple flow rate. Thus, the baby bottle can automatically adapt or adjust the flow rate.

[0055] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a baby bottle is shown. The baby bottle 100 comprises a container 110, an adapter 120 and a nipple 130 having at least one adjustable hole 131. The baby bottle 100 may further comprise a sucking frequency sensor 200, a control device 500 and optionally a receiving unit 600. The receiving unit 600 may receive an output signal from the pressure level detector 300 or the analyzer 400. The control unit 500 may adjust the flow rate of the baby bottle. The adjustment of the flow rate may be performed by adjusting the hole 131 in the nipple or by adjusting the negative pressure in the bottle 100.

[0056] In this embodiment, the baby bottle can automatically adjust the flow rate based on feedback from the pressure level detector 300 or analyzer 400. This is advantageous because parents do not have to worry about whether they are using the correct nipple 130. The baby bottle 100 will adjust the flow rate based on the baby's feedback indicators (sucking frequency, pressure level), thereby regulating the output of milk.

[0057] The sucking frequency detection sensor 200 can also be implemented together with the pressure level detection sensor 300 and can be worn on the wrist of the baby, for example. Here, the sucking frequency detection sensor can be implemented as a noise sensor or a microphone to detect noise, especially the sucking sound of the baby. Based on the sucking sound of the baby, the sucking frequency can be extracted.

[0058] The analyzer may implement a machine learning algorithm that receives the monitored physiological signals and the suck detection signal to assess whether the milk flow rate is too low, too high, or acceptable.

[0059] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0060] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the singular form does not exclude a plural form.

[0061] A single unit or device may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0062] The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, provided together with or as a part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A drinking behavior monitoring device, comprising: a pressure level detection sensor (300) configured to distinguish between at least a high pressure level and a low pressure level of the infant (20) during a feeding process, the pressure indicating that the milk flow rate is too low or too high and wherein the pressure level detection sensor (300) is configured to detect one or more physiological parameters; a sucking frequency detection sensor (200) configured to detect a sucking frequency during a feeding process; as well as an analyzer (400) configured to analyze the drinking behavior of the infant based on the detected stress level and the detected sucking frequency, The analyzer (400) is configured to compare the analyzed drinking behavior with typical drinking behavior and output a notification based on the analyzed drinking behavior and whether the flow rate is too low or too high. 2 . The drinking behavior monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the stress level detection sensor comprises at least a heart rate sensor adapted to detect a heart rate of the infant.

3. The drinking behavior monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the stress level detection sensor is configured to detect the stress level of the baby during a feeding process using a baby bottle (100) with a pacifier (130), and wherein the sucking frequency detection sensor (200) is configured to detect the sucking frequency during the feeding process using the baby bottle (100).

4. The drinking behavior monitoring device according to claim 3, wherein the analyzer (400) is configured to output a suggestion to replace the nipple (130) of the baby bottle (100) if the analyzed drinking behavior does not correspond to a predetermined drinking behavior.

5. The drinking behavior monitoring device according to claim 3, wherein the nipple (130) is configured to adjust a flow rate, and wherein the analyzer (400) is configured to output a recommendation to adjust the flow rate of the nipple of the baby bottle (100).

6. A drinking behavior monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drinking behavior includes the flow rate of the liquid during the drinking process, and wherein the analyzer (400) is configured to output the notification if the analyzed flow rate does not correspond to a predetermined flow rate range.

7. The drinking behavior monitoring device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the sucking frequency sensor (200) is attached at or on the baby bottle.

8. The drinking behavior monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pressure level detection sensor (300) and the sucking frequency detection sensor (200) are provided in a single device.

9. A method of monitoring the drinking behavior of an infant (20) during feeding of the infant, comprising using a drinking behavior monitoring device, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a stress level of the infant (20) using a stress level detection sensor (300) configured to detect one or more physiological parameters to distinguish between at least a high stress level and a low stress level, the stress indicating that the milk flow rate is too low or too high, using a sucking frequency detection sensor (200) to detect the sucking frequency of the baby (20); Use the analyzer of the drinking behavior monitoring device to: analyzing the infant's drinking behavior based on the detected stress level and the detected sucking frequency, comparing the analyzed drinking behavior with a predetermined drinking behavior, and A notification is output based on the analyzed drinking behavior and based on whether the flow rate is too low or too high.

10. The method of monitoring an infant's drinking behavior according to claim 9, wherein detecting stress levels comprises at least monitoring heart rate.

11. The method for monitoring the drinking behavior of an infant according to claim 9, wherein the sucking frequency of the infant (20) is detected using a sucking frequency detection sensor (200) at or on a baby bottle (100), and wherein the feeding of the infant (20) is performed using a baby bottle (100) having a nipple (130).

12. The method for monitoring the drinking behavior of an infant (20) according to claim 9, 10 or 11, further comprising the following steps: Based on the analyzed drinking behavior, a suggestion for changing the teat is output.

13. A baby drinking bottle (100), comprising: A container (110), an adapter (120) and a teat (130), the teat having at least one hole (131), Drinking behavior monitoring equipment, the drinking behavior monitoring equipment comprising: A pressure level detection sensor (300) configured to detect the stress level of the infant (20) during a feeding process, thereby distinguishing between at least a high stress level and a low stress level, the pressure indicating that the milk flow rate is too low or too high, and wherein the pressure level detection sensor (300) is configured to detect one or more physiological parameters, a sucking frequency detection sensor (200) configured to detect the sucking frequency during a feeding process, an analyzer (400) configured to analyze the drinking behavior of the infant based on the detected stress level and the detected sucking frequency, and A controller (500) is adapted to control the flow rate based on the drinking behavior and based on whether the flow rate of the baby bottle (100) is too low or too high.

14. The baby drinking bottle (100) according to claim 13, wherein the controller (500) is adapted to adjust the negative pressure in the at least one hole (131) or the bottle (100) to control the flow rate.

15. A computer program product, comprising a computer program for operating a drinking behavior monitoring device, the computer program comprising program code means for causing the drinking behavior monitoring device defined in claim 1 to perform the steps of the method for monitoring an infant's drinking behavior defined in claim 9 when the computer program is run on a computer controlling the drinking behavior monitoring device.

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