Method and apparatus for determining salt concentration in biological liquid

Abstract

Disclosed is an electronic device and method for determining a salt concentration in a biological liquid, the method comprising: obtaining sensor data comprising first sensor data from a first electrode pair associated with a polymer composition comprising a hydrocolloid and in which at least some of the biological liquid is absorbed; determining a first parameter indicative of a first electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data; determining a second parameter indicative of a second electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data; determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid based on the first parameter and the second parameter; and providing concentration data indicative of the salt concentration via the interface.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to the analysis of biological liquids and, in particular, to methods and devices for determining the salt concentration in biological liquids. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the embodiments and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the embodiments. Many other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of the embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding like parts.

[0003] Figure 1 An exemplary sensor system according to this disclosure is shown,

[0004] Figure 2 An exemplary sensor device according to this disclosure is shown,

[0005] Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example method for determining the salt concentration according to this disclosure,

[0006] Figure 4 A shows a measurement graph of biological liquids with different salt concentrations,

[0007] Figure 4 B shows a measurement graph of biological liquids with different salt concentrations,

[0008] Figure 4 C shows a measurement graph of biological liquids with different salt concentrations, and

[0009] Figure 4 D shows a measurement graph of biological liquids with different salt concentrations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Various exemplary embodiments and details are described below with reference to the related drawings. It should be noted that the drawings may or may not be drawn to scale, and elements having similar structures or functions are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. The drawings are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Additionally, the embodiments shown need not have all aspects or advantages shown. Aspects or advantages described in connection with a particular embodiment need not be limited to that embodiment and may be practiced in any other embodiment even if not so shown or not so expressly described.

[0011] The use of the terms "substantially" or "about" as modifiers of certain features or effects in this disclosure is intended simply to mean that any deviation is within the tolerances normally expected by a person skilled in the relevant art.

[0012] The use of the term "substantially" as a modifier of certain features in this disclosure is intended for structural features simply to mean that most or the major part of such a feature exhibits the property in question, and for functional features or effects is intended to mean that most of the results involving that property provide that effect, but exceptional results do not provide that effect.

[0013] This disclosure relates to sensor systems and their devices, such as electrode assemblies / sensor patches / sensors, and one or more electronic devices (such as sensor devices and / or one or more accessory devices). The sensor system may include accessory devices. Further, methods related to the sensor systems and their devices are disclosed. The sensor device (also referred to as an external device) may be a personal computer, a mobile phone, or other handheld device, such as a tablet. The sensor device may be a personal electronic device, such as a wearable device, such as a watch or other wrist-worn electronic device. The accessory device (also referred to as an external device) may be a personal computer, a smart device (such as a smartphone), a mobile phone, or other handheld device (such as a tablet). The accessory device may be a personal electronic device, such as a wearable device, such as a watch or other wrist-worn electronic device. The sensor device and the accessory device may be different and / or separate devices. The sensor system may include a server device. The server device may be operated and / or controlled by a service center.

[0014] This disclosure provides a sensor system and its devices, such as sensor patches / sensors, sensor devices, and optionally one or more accessory devices, which alone or together facilitate reliable classification, determination, and monitoring of the salt concentration in a biological liquid.

[0015] A sensor is disclosed that includes a polymer composition and one or more electrode pairs, the one or more electrode pairs including a first electrode pair associated with (such as integrated in or in contact with) the polymer composition. The sensor may be a sensor patch. The polymer composition optionally includes a hydrocolloid and is configured to absorb at least some biological liquid therein.

[0016] The polymer composition may be an adhesive layer, such as a skin adhesive layer, i.e., an adhesive layer configured to adhere to the user's skin.

[0017] In one or more examples, the polymer composition is or comprises a first composition. The first composition can comprise one or more polyisobutenes and / or styrene-isoprene-styrene. The first composition can comprise one or more hydrocolloids. The first composition can comprise one or more water-soluble or water-swellable hydrocolloids. The first composition can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition suitable for medical purposes, comprising a rubbery elastomeric substrate and optionally one or more water-soluble and / or water-swellable hydrocolloids. The first composition can comprise one or more polybutenes, one or more styrene copolymers, one or more hydrocolloids, or any combination thereof. The combination of the adhesive properties of polybutene and the absorbent properties of the hydrocolloid makes the first composition suitable for use in sensors (including sensors for attachment to human skin). The styrene copolymer can be, for example, a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, or a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer. Preferably, one or more styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) block copolymers are employed. The amount of the styrene block copolymer can be from 5% to 20% of the total polymer composition. The butene component is suitably a conjugated butadiene polymer selected from polybutadiene and polyisoprene. Polybutene is preferably present in an amount of 35%-50% of the total polymer composition. Preferably, the polybutene is polyisobutene (PIB). The hydrocolloids suitable for incorporation into the first composition are selected from natural hydrocolloids, semi-synthetic hydrocolloids, and synthetic hydrocolloids. In one or more examples, the first composition can comprise 20%-60% of the hydrocolloid. The first composition can optionally contain other components, such as one or more of fillers, tackifiers, plasticizers, and other additives.

[0018] The polymer composition (such as the adhesive layer) can have a substantially uniform thickness. The adhesive layer can have a certain thickness, for example, defined as the distance between the outer surface of the polymer composition and the first electrode of the first electrode pair, in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, for example, in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, such as 0.8 mm or 1.0 mm. In one or more example sensors, the thickness of the polymer composition can be greater than 1.5 mm, for example, in the case where the first electrode is embedded (i.e., surrounded by the polymer composition).

[0019] In one or more examples, the polymer composition is hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). In other words, the polymer composition can comprise hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). In an embodiment, HEC is the only type of hydrocolloid in the polymer composition / adhesive layer.

[0020] In one or more examples, the polymer composition is carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). In other words, the polymer composition / adhesive layer may include carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). In an embodiment, CMC is the only type of hydrocolloid in the polymer composition / adhesive layer.

[0021] A method for determining the salt concentration in a biological fluid is disclosed.

[0022] In one or more examples, the biological fluid is sweat and / or urine. Thus, the present disclosure can facilitate reliable monitoring and determination of the salt concentration in sweat and / or urine, which may be important, for example, for optimizing fluid intake during exercise and other activities.

[0023] In one or more examples, the biological fluid is, for example, body waste from a human or an animal.

[0024] In one or more examples, the biological fluid is sewage or blood, such as plasma. In one or more examples, the biological fluid may have a dry matter content of at least 5% v / v.

[0025] A method for determining the salt concentration in a biological fluid and / or therein is disclosed, the method being performed, for example, in an electronic device (such as a sensor device, an accessory device, or a server device), the method comprising: obtaining sensor data, the sensor data including first sensor data from a first electrode pair associated with (e.g., integrated in and / or in contact with) a polymer composition, the polymer composition including a hydrocolloid and having absorbed at least some biological fluid; determining a first parameter indicative of a first electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data (such as the first sensor data); determining a second parameter indicative of a second electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data (such as the first sensor data); determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid based on the first parameter and the second parameter; and providing concentration data indicative of the salt concentration via an interface. The method as disclosed herein may be performed in a sensor device, such as a sensor device mechanically and electrically coupled to a sensor (such as coupled to the electrodes of the sensor). The method as disclosed herein may be performed in an accessory device of a sensor system, wherein obtaining the sensor data may include obtaining the sensor data from a sensor device coupled to the sensor. The method as disclosed herein may be performed by a server device. The method as disclosed herein and its different parts may be shared among the respective processing capabilities of the sensor device, the accessory device, and / or the server device. In other words, the method as disclosed herein may be distributed among and performed by the sensor device, the accessory device, and / or the server device.

[0026] When exposed to a liquid, the polymer composition or the adhesive layer (especially its hydrocolloid) hydrates (e.g., the hydrocolloid absorbs the liquid / moisture), and the electrical properties of the polymer composition change. The change in the electrical properties depends on the nature and / or volume of the biological liquid with which the polymer composition hydrates and / or in which it absorbs. In other words, the change in the electrical properties is associated with the nature (content, type) of the biological liquid that causes the change. In other words, the method as described herein allows for the determination of one or more properties of the biological liquid that causes the hydration of the polymer composition / adhesive layer, such as the salt concentration. Thus, the method as described herein allows for the differentiation and / or characterization of the biological liquid in the polymer composition / adhesive layer by means of the measurement principle that forms part of the disclosed method. The method as disclosed herein allows for communicating to the user via a suitably determined operating state whether the biological liquid absorbed in the polymer composition has a first salt concentration or a second salt concentration. Thereby, the user can take appropriate action.

[0027] The sensor data can include first sensor data from a first electrode pair associated with the polymer composition (such as integrated in and / or in contact with the polymer composition). In other words, the method can include obtaining the first sensor data from the first electrode pair associated with the polymer composition. The first sensor data can indicate the impedance between the electrodes of the first electrode pair. The sensor data (such as the first sensor data) can be obtained by applying a voltage at one or more frequencies (such as the main frequency and / or the secondary frequency) and measuring the resulting current. In other words, obtaining the sensor data can include applying a voltage to one or more electrode pairs including the first electrode pair and measuring the resulting current through the polymer composition between the corresponding electrode pairs. The sensor data (such as the first sensor data) can be obtained by applying a current at one or more frequencies (such as the main frequency and / or the secondary frequency) and measuring the resulting voltage. In other words, obtaining the sensor data can include applying a current to one or more electrode pairs including the first electrode pair and measuring the resulting current through the polymer composition between the corresponding electrode pairs. The first sensor data can indicate the impedance at one or more frequencies, e.g., at the main frequency and / or the secondary frequency. The first electrode pair can include a first and a second electrode associated with the polymer composition / adhesive layer such that current can propagate through the polymer composition from the first electrode to the second electrode (and vice versa).

[0028] The impedance Z of the polymer composition includes a real part Z', which has been shown to depend on both the hydration level and the ion concentration of the polymer composition. Further, the impedance Z of the polymer composition includes an imaginary part Z", which has been shown to depend primarily on the hydration level of the polymer composition.

[0029]

[0030] wherein, R el is the resistance of the polymer composition / adhesive layer (indicating the mobile electrolyte / ions absorbed therein), and Q0 is the constant phase constant and a measure of the hydration level of the polymer composition / adhesive layer and can represent the double layer capacitance formed in the system. R el has a relationship with the conductance G as G = 1 / R el , which can be normalized by the electrode area and distance d to determine the conductivity σ by σ = Gd / A = d / (A R el ). The impedance Z is dominated by Q0 at low frequencies and by R el (i.e., the conductivity σ) at high frequencies.

[0031] The present invention allows decoupling the hydration level and ion concentration effects in the polymer composition and then using them to classify / determine the salt concentration of the biological liquid absorbed in the polymer composition.

[0032] In one or more examples, determining a first parameter includes determining the first parameter at a first time and a second time, and wherein, determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid includes determining the salt concentration based on the first parameter at the first time and the second time.

[0033] In one or more examples, determining a second parameter includes determining the second parameter at a first time and a second time, and wherein, determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid includes determining the salt concentration based on the first parameter at the first time and the second time.

[0034] In one or more example methods, determining one or more parameters indicative of the respective electrical properties of the polymer composition based on sensor data (such as first sensor data) may include: determining a first parameter indicative of a first electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data (such as first sensor data and / or second sensor data). In one or more examples, the first parameter is conductivity or conductance. Conductivity (also referred to as σ) may represent the real part of the impedance. In other words, the first parameter may be a conductance or conductivity parameter. The first parameter may indicate conductance.

[0035] The first parameter may be resistivity. In other words, the first parameter may be a resistance or resistivity parameter. The first parameter may indicate resistance.

[0036] In one or more example methods, determining one or more parameters indicative of respective electrical properties of a polymer composition based on sensor data, such as first sensor data, can include determining a second parameter indicative of a second electrical property of the polymer composition based on sensor data, such as first sensor data and / or second sensor data. The second electrical property can be different from the first electrical property. The second parameter can be different from the first parameter. In one or more examples, the second parameter is capacitance or capacity. Capacitance (also referred to as C) can represent the imaginary part of impedance. In other words, the second parameter can be a capacitance or capacity parameter. The second parameter can indicate capacitance.

[0037] The second parameter can be a constant phase parameter or a double layer capacitance, also referred to as Q0, which can be derived from or based on the imaginary part of impedance. In other words, the second parameter can indicate the constant phase impedance of a constant phase element.

[0038] In one or more examples, the second parameter can indicate a change in the capacity and / or capacitance of the polymer composition. Thus, in one or more examples, the second parameter, being capacitance, is measured or determined at a high frequency, such as greater than 200 kHz or even greater than 1 MHz, and the above equation will be extended to:

[0039]

[0040] In one or more examples, the second parameter can indicate the effective capacitance of an adhesive layer.

[0041] In one or more example methods, determining the salt concentration of a biological fluid based on one or more parameters, such as the first parameter and / or the second parameter, can include determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid based on the first parameter and the second parameter, e.g., by mapping the first parameter and the second parameter to the salt concentration. Determining the salt concentration can include inputting the first parameter and / or the second parameter into a function, a look-up table, a neural network, or a model, such as a machine learning model. In other words, determining the salt concentration can be based on a function, a look-up table, a neural network, or a model, such as a machine learning model. In one or more examples, the salt concentration can be based on relationships such as the ratio and / or difference between, for example, the first parameter and the second parameter.

[0042] The method includes providing concentration data indicative of the salt concentration via an interface. Providing the concentration data via the interface can include transmitting the concentration data and / or displaying a salt concentration representation indicative of the salt concentration, such as a number.

[0043] In one or more examples, determining the salt concentration of a biological fluid includes, for example, determining the ion concentration in a polymer composition based on a first parameter and / or a second parameter, and determining the salt concentration based on the ion concentration (e.g., by mapping the ion concentration to the salt concentration). In other words, determining the salt concentration of a biological fluid can include determining the ion concentration in a polymer composition based on a first parameter and / or a second parameter, and mapping the ion concentration to the salt concentration.

[0044] Determining the ion concentration can include inputting the first parameter and / or the second parameter into one or more of a function, a lookup table, a neural network, or a model (such as a machine learning model). In other words, determining the ion concentration can be based on a function, a lookup table, a neural network, or a model (such as a machine learning model).

[0045] In one or more examples, determining the salt concentration of a biological fluid includes determining the hydration level and / or the ion mobility in a polymer composition based on a first parameter and / or a second parameter, and determining the salt concentration based on the hydration level and / or the ion mobility (e.g., by mapping the hydration level and / or the ion mobility to the salt concentration). In other words, determining the salt concentration of a biological fluid can include determining the hydration level and / or the ion mobility in a polymer composition based on a first parameter and / or a second parameter, and mapping the hydration level and / or the ion mobility to the salt concentration.

[0046] In one or more example methods, determining the salt concentration of a biological fluid includes determining the salt concentration based on the ion concentration and / or the hydration level of a polymer composition.

[0047] Determining the hydration level can include inputting the first parameter and / or the second parameter into one or more of a function, a lookup table, a neural network, or a model (such as a machine learning model). In other words, determining the hydration level can be based on a function, a lookup table, a neural network, or a model (such as a machine learning model).

[0048] In one or more examples, determining the salt concentration of a biological fluid includes determining whether a polymer composition is in a first operating state, the first operating state indicating that the polymer composition is wetted by a biological fluid having a first salt concentration.

[0049] In one or more examples, determining the salt concentration of a biological fluid includes determining whether a polymer composition is in a second operating state, the second operating state indicating that the polymer composition is wetted by a biological fluid having a second salt concentration.

[0050] In one or more examples, determining the first parameter includes determining the first parameter at one or more (electrical) frequencies (e.g., including a first main frequency and / or a first sub-frequency). Thus, determining the first parameter optionally includes determining the first parameter at the first main frequency and / or the first sub-frequency.

[0051] The first main frequency can be within the main frequency range, such as from 10 Hz to 500 Hz or from 500 Hz to 100 kHz. In one or more examples, the first main frequency is less than 200 kHz, such as 100 Hz or 64 kHz. A first main frequency of 500 Hz to 100 kHz can achieve energy-saving sensing. The main frequency (such as the first main frequency and / or the second main frequency) can be less than 200 kHz, such as approximately 47 kHz, 62.5 kHz, 93.75 kHz, 100 kHz, 125 kHz, or 187.5 kHz. The main frequency (such as the first main frequency and / or the second main frequency) can be less than 10 Hz.

[0052] Determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid is optionally based on a first parameter at the first main frequency. The first parameter at the first main frequency is also referred to as the first main parameter.

[0053] In one or more examples, the first frequency is within the sub-frequency range, such as from 10 kHz to 200 kHz or from 200 kHz to 15 MHz. Determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid can be based on a first parameter at the first frequency. The first parameter at the first frequency is also referred to as the first parameter. In one or more examples, the first frequency is 100 kHz or 4 MHz. A first frequency of 10 kHz to 200 kHz can achieve energy-saving sensing. The sub-frequency (such as the first frequency and / or the second frequency) can be greater than 200 kHz, such as greater than 500 kHz or even greater than 1 MHz. In one or more examples, the sub-frequency (such as the first frequency and / or the second frequency) is 250 kHz, 375 kHz, 750 kHz, 1 MHz, 1.5 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, 4 MHz, 6 MHz, 8 MHz, or 12 MHz.

[0054] In one or more examples, determining the second parameter includes determining the second parameter at one or more (electrical) frequencies (e.g., including the second main frequency and / or the first frequency). Thus, determining the second parameter optionally includes determining the second parameter at the second main frequency and / or the first frequency.

[0055] The second main frequency can be within the main frequency range from 10 Hz to 500 Hz or from 500 Hz to 100 kHz. In one or more examples, the second main frequency is less than 200 kHz, such as 100 Hz or 64 kHz. A second main frequency of 500 Hz to 100 kHz can achieve energy-saving sensing. Determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid is optionally based on a second parameter at the second main frequency. The second parameter at the second main frequency is also referred to as the second main parameter. The second main frequency can be the same as the first main frequency and is then collectively referred to as the main frequency.

[0056] In one or more examples, the second frequency is within a sub-frequency range, such as from 10 kHz to 200 kHz or from 200 kHz to 15 MHz. Determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid can be based on a second parameter at the second frequency. The second parameter at the second frequency is also referred to as the second parameter. The second frequency can be the same as the first frequency and then collectively referred to as the sub-frequency.

[0057] In one or more examples, the sub-frequency range can be different from the main frequency range, such as non-overlapping. The sub-frequency range can partially overlap with the main frequency range (e.g., one endpoint of the sub-frequency range can be within the main frequency range and one endpoint of the sub-frequency range can be outside the main frequency range), or can completely overlap (i.e., from endpoint to endpoint).

[0058] It should be understood that the first parameter and the second parameter can be determined at the corresponding main frequency and / or sub-frequency.

[0059] In one or more examples, obtaining sensor data includes obtaining second sensor data from a second electrode pair associated with a polymer composition that includes a hydrocolloid and in which at least some biological fluid is absorbed. Determining one or both of the first parameter and the second parameter can be based on the second sensor data.

[0060] An electronic device is disclosed, such as a sensor device and / or an accessory device, the electronic device including an interface and one or more processors, and optionally a memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to perform the methods disclosed herein.

[0061] An electronic device is disclosed, such as a sensor device and / or an accessory device, the electronic device including an interface and one or more processors, and optionally a memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: obtain sensor data via the interface, the sensor data including first sensor data from a first electrode pair associated with a polymer composition that includes a hydrocolloid and in which at least some biological fluid is absorbed; determine a first parameter indicative of a first electrical property of the polymer composition based on the first sensor data; determine a second parameter indicative of a second electrical property of the polymer composition based on the first sensor data; determine the salt concentration of the biological fluid based on the first parameter and the second parameter; and provide concentration data indicative of the salt concentration via the interface.

[0062] In one or more examples, the interface includes a first interface configured to couple to at least a first electrode of a polymer composition. The interface may include a second interface configured to provide concentration data. The second interface is optionally configured to provide the concentration data by means of a wireless signal, by means of a user interface on a display, and / or by storing the concentration data in a memory.

[0063] In one or more example electronic devices, for example, where the electronic device is a sensor device, the interface includes a first interface configured to couple to at least a first electrode of a polymer composition. The interface may include a second interface configured to provide concentration data. The second interface is optionally configured to provide the concentration data by means of a wireless signal, by means of a user interface on a display, and / or by storing the concentration data in the memory of the electronic device.

[0064] The first interface and the second interface may be the same or connected. The first interface may be an interface adapted to obtain or collect sensor data, for example, via an electrical connection (e.g., to a sensor) or a wireless connection. The second interface may be an interface adapted to communicate the concentration data wirelessly, and / or the second interface may include a display / graphical user interface configured to communicate the concentration data by displaying a representation of the concentration data.

[0065] The sensor may include an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode pair (first sensor) optionally disposed on or embedded in the polymer composition, the first electrode pair forming a first sensor for providing first sensor data. The electrode assembly may include a plurality of electrode pairs, the plurality of electrode pairs including a second electrode pair (second sensor) optionally disposed on or embedded in the polymer composition, the second electrode pair forming a second sensor for providing second sensor data. The first electrode pair and the second electrode pair may share a common electrode. The sensor / electrode assembly may include a sensor interface for connecting the electrodes of the electrode assembly to the terminals of the first interface of the sensor device.

[0066] A computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more programs is also disclosed, the one or more programs including instructions that, when executed by an electronic device having an interface and one or more processors, cause the electronic device to be configured to operate according to the methods described herein.

[0067] Note that the description of an electronic device (such as a sensor device and / or an accessory device) configured to perform an action also applies to the corresponding action in a method, and vice versa.

[0068] This disclosure provides a reliable and accurate determination of the salt concentration in a biological liquid, which may otherwise be difficult to determine due to, for example, the dry matter and other components of the biological liquid.

[0069] Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0070] Figure 1 An exemplary sensor system 1 for determining the salt concentration in a biological fluid, such as sweat, is shown. The sensor system 1 includes a sensor 2 embodied as a sensor patch 2A, which includes a polymer composition 3 and a first electrode pair 4. The polymer composition forms an adhesive layer and at least has the first electrode pair embedded therein or in contact therewith. Further, the sensor system 1 includes a sensor device 6 and, optionally, an accessory device 8 (e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a smart phone). The sensor device 6 can be connected to the sensor 2 via first connectors of the sensor device 6 and the sensor 2, respectively, such as to an electrode assembly having the first electrode pair, or mounted to the sensor 2. The sensor device 6 is optionally configured to communicate wirelessly with the accessory device 8 via a connection 9. Optionally, the accessory device 8 is configured to communicate with an optional server device 10 of the sensor system 1 via a network 12, for example. The server device 10 can be operated and / or controlled by a sensor manufacturer and / or a service center. Sensor data, including first sensor data, is obtained from the first electrode pair 4 (first electrode 4A and second electrode 4B) of the electrode assembly embedded in or in contact with (e.g., disposed distally thereof) the polymer composition 3 forming the adhesive layer of the sensor 2 by / using the sensor device 6. The sensor device 6 processes and / or transmits to the accessory device 8 one or more of the sensor data, the first parameter, the second parameter, and the salt concentration. In the shown sensor system, the accessory device 8 is a mobile phone, but the accessory device 8 can be embodied as another electronic device, such as a handheld device, such as a tablet device, or a wearable device, such as a watch or other wrist-worn electronic device.

[0071] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary electronic device, such as the sensor device 6. The sensor device 6 includes a sensor device housing 100, a processor 101, and an interface that includes a first interface 102 (sensor interface) and a second interface 104 (accessory interface). The sensor device 6 includes a memory 106. The memory 106 is optionally connected to the processor 101.

[0072] The first interface 102 is configured as an appliance interface for electrically and / or mechanically connecting the sensor device 6 to the sensor 2. The first interface 102 includes a plurality of terminals for making electrical connections with corresponding terminals / electrodes 4A, 4B of the sensor 2 (electrode assembly). The first interface 102 includes a first terminal 110 and a second terminal 112, which are respectively configured for electrical connection to the first electrode 4A and the second electrode 4B of the sensor 2. Additional terminals, such as a third terminal 114 and / or a fourth terminal 116, may be provided in the first interface 102, for example for electrical connection to additional electrodes (such as a second electrode pair) of the sensor 2. The first interface 102 of the sensor device 6 includes a coupling portion 120 for forming a mechanical connection, such as a releasable coupling, between the sensor device 6 and the sensor 2 (e.g., using a sensor patch). The coupling portion 120 and the terminals 110, 112, 114 and 116 of the first interface 102 form at least a part of the first connector of the sensor device 6. The second interface 104 of the sensor device 6 is optionally configured as an accessory interface for connecting the sensor device 6 to an accessory device 8. Accordingly, the second interface 104 optionally includes an antenna 122 and a wireless transceiver 124 (also referred to as a transceiver module), the wireless transceiver 124 being connected to the processor 101 and being configured for wireless communication with the (multiple) accessory devices, such as being configured for connecting the sensor device 6 to the accessory device 8 of the sensor system and optionally transmitting concentration data to the accessory device 8. Optionally, the second interface 104 includes a speaker 126 and / or a visual interface, such as a display 128 and / or a set of indicators (such as LEDs), for providing a corresponding audio signal and / or visual display representing the concentration data / salt concentration to the user.

[0073] The processor 101 is optionally configured to: obtain sensor data via the first interface 102, the sensor data including first sensor data from a first electrode pair associated with a polymer composition, the polymer composition including a hydrocolloid and having absorbed at least some biological fluid; determine a first parameter indicating a first electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data (such as the first sensor data); determine a second parameter indicating a second electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data (such as the first sensor data); determine the salt concentration of the biological liquid based on the first parameter and the second parameter; and provide concentration data indicating the salt concentration via the second interface 104. Providing the concentration data via the second interface may include transmitting a signal indicating the concentration data to an accessory device. Providing the concentration data via the second interface may include displaying a representation of the operating state in a graphical user interface of the second interface.

[0074] The processor 101 may be configured to execute Figure 3Any operation disclosed therein (such as any one or more of S202, S204, S206, S208). The operations of the sensor device 6 can be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (such as lines of code, software programs, etc.), which are stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as the internal memory and / or external memory 106 in the processor 101) and executed by the processor 101.

[0075] In addition, the operations of the sensor device 6 can be considered as methods that the sensor device 6 is configured to perform. Moreover, although the described functions and operations can be implemented in software, such functions can also be performed via dedicated hardware or firmware or some combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software.

[0076] The memory 106 can be one or more of a buffer, flash memory, hard disk drive, removable medium, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical arrangement, the memory 106 can include non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and volatile memory that serves as the system memory of the processor 101. The memory 106 can exchange data with the processor 101 via a data bus. There can also be control lines and address buses ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 not shown in) between the memory 106 and the processor 101. The memory 106 is considered a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0077] Figure 3 A flowchart of an example method 200 for determining the salt concentration in a biological fluid using, for example, an electronic device (such as the sensor device 6 and / or the accessory device 8) as disclosed herein is shown. The method 200 includes: obtaining S202 sensor data, the sensor data including first sensor data from a first pair of electrodes associated with a polymer composition, the polymer composition including a hydrocolloid and in which at least some biological fluid is absorbed; determining S204 one or more parameters based on the sensor data (such as the first sensor data), including determining S204A a first parameter indicating a first electrical property (such as conductivity) of the polymer composition based on the sensor data (such as the first sensor data), and determining S204B a second parameter indicating a second electrical property (such as capacitance) of the polymer composition based on the sensor data (such as the first sensor data); determining S206 the salt concentration of the biological fluid based on the first parameter and the second parameter; and providing S208 concentration data indicating the salt concentration via an interface.

[0078] In method 200, determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid at S206 includes: determining the ion concentration in the polymer composition at S206A based on the first parameter and / or the second parameter, and mapping the ion concentration at S206B to the salt concentration.

[0079] In method 200, determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid at S206 includes: determining the hydration level in the polymer composition at S206C based on the first parameter and / or the second parameter, and mapping the hydration level at S206D to the salt concentration.

[0080] In method 200, determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid at S206 optionally includes determining whether the polymer composition at S206E is in a first state, where the first state indicates that the polymer composition is wetted by a biological liquid having a first salt concentration or a salt concentration within a first range.

[0081] In method 200, determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid at S206 optionally includes determining whether the polymer composition at S206F is in a second state, where the second state indicates that the polymer composition is wetted by a biological liquid having a second salt concentration or a salt concentration within a second range.

[0082] In method 200, determining the first parameter at S204A includes determining the first parameter at S204C at one or more frequencies including the first main frequency, where the first main frequency is optionally within a main frequency range of 10 Hz to 500 Hz, and where determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid at S206 is based on the first parameter at the first main frequency.

[0083] In method 200, determining the first parameter at S204A includes determining the first parameter at S204D at a first secondary frequency, where the first secondary frequency is optionally within a secondary frequency range of 10 kHz to 200 kHz, and where determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid at S206 is based on the first parameter at the first secondary frequency.

[0084] Determining the first parameter at S204A (such as at S204C and / or S204D) optionally includes determining the first parameter at a first time and / or a second time, and where determining the salt concentration of the biological liquid at S206 includes determining the salt concentration based on the first parameter at the first time and / or the second time.

[0085] In method 200, determining the second parameter at S204B includes determining the second parameter at S204E at one or more electrical frequencies including the second main frequency, where the second main frequency is within a main frequency range of 10 Hz to 500 Hz, and where determining the operating state of the adhesive layer is based on the second parameter at the second main frequency.

[0086] In method 200, determining the second parameter S204B includes determining the second parameter S204F at a second frequency, where the second frequency is in the sub-frequency range of 10 kHz to 200 kHz, and where determining the operating state of the adhesive layer is based on the second parameter at the second frequency.

[0087] Determining the first parameter S204B (e.g., S204E and / or S204F) optionally includes determining the second parameter at a first time and / or a second time, and where determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid S206 includes determining the salt concentration based on the second parameter at the first time and / or the second time.

[0088] In method 200, obtaining the sensor data S202 includes obtaining the second sensor data S202B from a second pair of electrodes associated with the adhesive layer; and where determining one or both of the first parameter and the second parameter is based on the second sensor data.

[0089] Figure 4 A to Figure 4 D show measurement graphs of a polymer composition with an adhesive layer comprising only CMC hydrocolloid when exposed to various aqueous solutions at skin temperature (32 °C): 1000 mM NaCl (dotted line), 150 mM NaCl (small dashed line), and 50 mM NaCl (large dashed line). The measurements were made using a first pair of electrodes associated with (such as embedded in or in contact with) the adhesive layer, and the measurements were made during continuous exposure to solutions with different NaCl contents.

[0090] In Figure 4 A, the complex impedance │Z│ is measured as a function of time. The conductivity σ and the constant phase parameter Q0 can be derived from this measurement, see Figure 4 C and Figure 4 B.

[0091] The conductivity σ (see Figure 4 C) as the first parameter represents the number and mobility of ions in the adhesive and increases with the number of ions in the liquid, the amount of liquid in the adhesive, and the number of ions in the hydrocolloid. Over time, the adhesive layer absorbs more and more liquid, so the number of ions in the liquid, the amount of liquid in the adhesive, and the number of ions in the particles all increase.

[0092] The constant phase parameter Q0 (see Figure 4 B) as the second parameter represents the hydration level or amount of liquid in the adhesive layer.

[0093] Figure 4 D shows the relationship between the conductivity σ and the constant phase parameter Q0. Figure 4D clearly shows the benefit of classifying the operating state of the adhesive layer using a combination of a first parameter and a second parameter. The operating state can indicate, for example, concentration data representing the salt concentration. In particular, Figure 4 D clearly shows that different salt concentrations are distinguishable when performing a method comprising the steps of: obtaining sensor data comprising first sensor data from a first electrode pair associated with a polymer composition comprising a hydrocolloid and in which at least some biological fluid is absorbed; determining a first parameter σ indicative of a first electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data; determining a second parameter Q0 indicative of a second electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data; determining the operating state of the biological liquid, such as the salt concentration, based on the first parameter and the second parameter; and providing, via an interface, concentration data indicative of the salt concentration.

[0094] The difference in behavior of biological liquids having different salt concentrations allows the determination of the salt concentration of the biological liquid. For example, the presence of sweat having a first salt concentration can be detected and communicated, for example, as a first operating state of the polymer composition, while the presence of sweat having a second salt concentration can be detected and communicated, for example, as a second operating state of the polymer composition.

[0095] The use of the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not imply any particular order but is included to identify separate elements. Furthermore, the use of the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather, the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. It should be noted that the words "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. are used herein and elsewhere for labeling purposes only and are not intended to denote any particular spatial or temporal order.

[0096] Furthermore, the marking of a first element does not imply the existence of a second element, and vice versa.

[0097] It will be understood that the accompanying drawings include some modules or operations shown in solid lines and some modules or operations shown in dashed lines. The modules or operations included in the solid lines are the modules or operations included in the broadest exemplary embodiments. The modules or operations included in the dashed lines are exemplary embodiments that may be included in, or be a part of, or be additional modules or operations that may be employed in addition to the modules or operations of the solid-line exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these operations need not be performed in the order presented. Further, it should be understood that not all of the operations need to be performed. The exemplary operations may be performed in any order and in any combination.

[0098] Note that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the existence of other elements or steps beyond those listed.

[0099] Note that the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the existence of a plurality of such elements.

[0100] It should be further noted that any reference numerals do not limit the scope of the claims, that the exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0101] The various exemplary methods, devices, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps, which on the one hand may be implemented by a computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium and including computer-executable instructions such as program code executed by a computer in a networked environment. The computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc. In general, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for performing the steps of the methods disclosed herein. A particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in these steps or processes.

[0102] Although the features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0103] List of Reference Numerals

[0104] 1 Sensor system

[0105] 2 Sensors

[0106] 2A sensor patch

[0107] 3 Polymer composition

[0108] 4 First electrode pair

[0109] 4A First electrode

[0110] 4B Second electrode

[0111] 6 Sensor devices

[0112] 8 Accessories, smartphones

[0113] 9 Connections between sensor devices and accessory equipment

[0114] 10 Server Equipment

[0115] 12 Network

[0116] 100 Sensor device housing

[0117] 101 Processor

[0118] 102 First Interface

[0119] 104 Second interface

[0120] 106 Memory

[0121] 110 First terminal of sensor device

[0122] 112 Second terminal of sensor device

[0123] 114 Third terminal of sensor device

[0124] 116 Fourth terminal of sensor device

[0125] 120 connection part

[0126] 122 Antenna

[0127] 124 Wireless transceivers, transceiver modules

[0128] 126 speakers

[0129] 128 monitors

[0130] 200 Methods for Monitoring Adhesion Layers

[0131] S202 Obtain sensor data

[0132] S202A obtains first sensor data from a first electrode pair associated with the polymer composition

[0133] S202B obtains second sensor data from a second electrode pair associated with the polymer composition

[0134] S204 determines one or more parameters

[0135] S204A determines a first parameter based on the (first) sensor data

[0136] S204B determines a second parameter based on the (first) sensor data

[0137] S206 determines the salt concentration of the biological fluid

[0138] S206A determines the ion concentration in the polymer composition

[0139] S206B maps the ion concentration to the salt concentration

[0140] S206C determines the hydration level in the polymer composition

[0141] S206D maps the hydration level to the salt concentration

[0142] S206E determines whether the polymer composition is in a first state

[0143] S206F determines whether the polymer composition is in a second state

[0144] S208 provides concentration data indicating the salt concentration via the interface

Claims

1. A method for determining the salt concentration in a biological fluid, the method comprising: obtaining sensor data, the sensor data including first sensor data from a first electrode pair associated with a polymer composition, the polymer composition including a hydrocolloid and having absorbed at least some of the biological fluid; determining a first parameter indicative of a first electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data; determining a second parameter indicative of a second electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data; determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid based on the first parameter and the second parameter; and providing concentration data indicative of the salt concentration via an interface.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Determining the first parameter includes determining the first parameter at a first time and a second time, and wherein determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid includes determining the salt concentration based on the first parameter at the first time and the second time.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The first parameter is conductivity.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The second parameter is capacitance.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid includes determining the ion concentration in the polymer composition and mapping the ion concentration to the salt concentration.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein Determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid includes determining the hydration level in the polymer composition and mapping the hydration level to the salt concentration.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein Determining the first parameter includes determining the first parameter at one or more frequencies including a first main frequency, wherein the first main frequency is in a main frequency range of 10 Hz to 500 Hz, and wherein determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid is based on the first parameter at the first main frequency.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein Determining the first parameter includes determining the first parameter at a first sub - frequency, wherein the first sub - frequency is in a sub - frequency range of 10 kHz to 200 kHz, and wherein determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid is based on the first parameter at the first sub - frequency.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein Determining the second parameter includes determining the second parameter at one or more frequencies including a second main frequency, wherein the second main frequency is in a main frequency range of 10 Hz to 500 Hz, and wherein determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid is based on the second parameter at the second main frequency.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein Determining the second parameter includes determining the second parameter at a second sub - frequency, wherein the second sub - frequency is in a sub - frequency range of 10 kHz to 200 kHz, and wherein determining the salt concentration of the biological fluid is based on the second parameter at the second sub - frequency.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, Obtaining sensor data includes: obtaining second sensor data from a second electrode pair associated with the polymer composition, the polymer composition including a hydrocolloid and having absorbed at least some of the biological fluid; and wherein one or both of determining the first parameter and determining the second parameter are based on the second sensor data.

12. An electronic device includes an interface and one or more processors, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An electronic device, comprising an interface and one or more processors, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to: Obtain sensor data via an interface, the sensor data including first sensor data from a first electrode pair associated with a polymer composition, the polymer composition including a hydrocolloid and having absorbed at least some biological liquid; Determine a first parameter indicative of a first electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data; Determine a second parameter indicative of a second electrical property of the polymer composition based on the sensor data; Determine a salt concentration of the biological liquid based on the first parameter and the second parameter; and Provide concentration data indicative of the salt concentration via the interface.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, The interface includes a first interface configured to be coupled to at least the first electrode pair of the polymer composition and a second interface configured to provide the concentration data.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein, The second interface is configured to provide the concentration data by means of a wireless signal.

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