Device for monitoring biological parameters.

Abstract

Biological parameter monitoring device. A user's biological parameter monitoring device comprising: • goggles (11) equipped with at least one first impedance electrode (131); • an additional measurement area (12) equipped with at least one second impedance electrode (132), the device enabling the measurement of impedance between a user's thigh placed in contact with the first impedance electrode (131) and a user's hand in contact with the second impedance electrode (132), the monitoring device further being equipped with a photoplethysmographic sensor (14) enabling the measurement of the user's heart rate and / or heart rate variability and / or blood pressure and / or oxygen saturation of the user's blood and / or blood glucose level. Figure for the abstract: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Device for monitoring biological parameters.

[0001] The invention relates to a device for monitoring biological parameters.

[0002] The delayed management of pathologies, even benign ones, leads to permanently degraded health in patients and a significant additional financial cost in the treatment of these pathologies.

[0003] Prevention is a key concept in the field of health and relies on regular monitoring of individuals' health. However, establishing regular monitoring is complex, as access to care can be difficult. Furthermore, implementing regular monitoring can be burdensome and negatively impact individuals' quality of life. Current measurement devices require remembering to use them, taking the time to use them, and knowing how to use them. Moreover, they do not allow for comparison of measurements or monitoring of the patient's health.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a device for monitoring a user's biological parameters. In particular, an object of the invention is to create a monitoring device that is simple to use and allows for regular, even daily, monitoring of a user's biological parameters, without altering their lifestyle.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a device for monitoring the biological parameters of a user, comprising: • a telescope equipped with at least one first impedance electrode, • an additional measurement area equipped with at least one second impedance electrode, the device for measuring impedance between a user's thigh placed in contact with the first impedance electrode and a user's hand in contact with the second impedance electrode, the monitoring device is further equipped with a photoplethysmographic sensor allowing measurement of the user's heart rate and / or heart rate variability and / or blood pressure and / or oxygen saturation of the user's blood and / or blood glucose level of the user.

[0006] In one embodiment, the telescope includes a connecting means for the additional measuring zone, the connecting means being removable or not.

[0007] In one embodiment, the additional measurement area comprises a first main surface and a second main surface arranged so as to be simultaneously in contact with a hand touching the additional measurement area, and the photoplethysmographic sensor is arranged on the first main surface or on the second main surface of the additional measurement area, and / or the first and second main surfaces are substantially parallel, and separated from each other by a distance strictly less than two centimeters or even by a distance strictly less than one centimeter.

[0008] In one embodiment, the photoplethysmographic sensor is located in a hollow portion of a surface of the additional measurement area, such that a finger resting on the photoplethysmographic sensor prevents light from reaching the sensor.

[0009] In one embodiment, a third impedance electrode is arranged on the additional measurement area so that a hand grasping the additional measurement area is simultaneously in contact with the second and third impedance electrodes.

[0010] In one embodiment, the additional measuring area is mounted with adjustable height and / or is mounted with adjustable height in at least one other direction relative to the telescope, and / or The device includes a means for adjusting a given distance between the additional measuring area and the telescope, the given distance being suitable for preventing contact between a hand of a user grasping the additional measuring area and a body of the user sitting on the telescope.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first impedance electrode is arranged so as to be in contact with a distal end of the thigh of a user sitting on the goggles, and / or the telescope being further equipped with a fourth impedance electrode capable of measuring an impedance at the level of a proximal end of a thigh of a user sitting on the telescope, the thigh being simultaneously in contact with the first impedance electrode and the fourth impedance electrode.

[0012] In one embodiment, the glasses have a non-planar shape adapted to impose a positioning of a thigh on at least one impedance electrode.

[0013] In one embodiment, the goggle includes a central protrusion adapted to prevent contact between a first and second thigh of a user.

[0014] In one embodiment, the goggles have an opening intended to accommodate the buttocks of a user, the opening of the goggles being delimited by a flared rim guiding the placement of the buttocks in the opening and / or the goggles comprising a stop intended to prevent the buttocks from sliding back towards a rear area of ​​the goggles, the flared rim and the stop being able to impose a given position of the user's buttocks in the opening, so that the given position is identical during different occurrences of use of the monitoring device by the same user.

[0015] In one embodiment, the glasses are equipped with two first impedance electrodes, aligned in a direction of a user's thigh sitting on the glasses.

[0016] In one embodiment, the glasses are equipped with at least one load sensor for measuring the mass of a user's body.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the toilet seat is in a folded position on a toilet bowl, at least one load sensor constitutes a support point between the bowl and the toilet seat.

[0018] In one embodiment, the monitoring device includes a means for orienting the scope so that a front part of the scope can be positioned higher than a rear part of the scope, in particular at a given angle greater than one degree, or even two degrees, or even three degrees, relative to a horizontal plane.

[0019] In one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises a mat, and - the mat is equipped with at least one load sensor, the mat being arranged so that a user sitting on the seat exerts a weight on the mat via at least one foot, and / or - the mat is equipped with at least one fifth electrode, capable of measuring impedance at the level of one of the user's feet.

[0020] In one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises an electronic processing unit and a current generator, and the impedance electrodes and / or the photoplethysmographic sensor are connected to the electronic processing unit by a wired or wireless communication device, such that the electronic processing unit is configured to - on the one hand, to control the transmission, via the impedance electrodes, of a current from the current generator to the user's body, and - on the other hand, receive impedance measurements taken via impedance electrodes.

[0021] In one embodiment, the electronic processing unit and the current generator are configured to allow, via the first impedance electrode and the fourth impedance electrode, an impedance measurement in a user's entire thigh and / or an electromyogram measurement at the level of a user's thigh, and / or - via the fifth impedance electrode and at least one electrode taken from the first impedance electrode, the second impedance electrode, the third impedance electrode and the fourth impedance electrode, a whole-body impedance measurement of a user.

[0022] In one embodiment, the scope is equipped with at least two given impedance electrodes intended to be in contact respectively with a first and second thigh of a user, and the electronic processing unit and a current generator are configured to allow, via the two given impedance electrodes, an impedance measurement between the first and second thigh of a user.

[0023] In one embodiment, the electronic processing unit is configured for an impedance measurement at the level of a user's body by injecting a current of intensity between 8 and 96 pA, or even around 32 pA plus or minus 10%, and according to a frequency sweep extending from 125 Hz to 850 kHz, or even extending between 4 kHz and 500 kHz.

[0024] In one embodiment, the monitoring device includes a connecting piece linking the toilet seat to a toilet bowl, and the electronic processing unit is arranged within the connecting piece and / or an energy accumulator is arranged within the connecting piece, and / or within the toilet seat.

[0025] In one embodiment, the monitoring device includes a movable cover rotating around the bowl and the cover includes a housing for an energy accumulator and the cover is equipped with a connection linking the energy accumulator to the electronic processing unit.

[0026] In one embodiment, the monitoring device includes - a temperature sensor, in particular disposed on the bezel, and / or - at least one electrocardiogram electrode, in particular disposed on the bezel and / or on the additional measurement area.

[0027] In one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises hardware and / or software elements configured to perform the following operations: - measurement of a user's body impedance, and / or measurement of a user's blood oxygen saturation level, and / or measurement of a user's heart rate, and / or measurement of a user's blood pressure, and / or measurement of a user's heart rate variation, and / or measurement of a user's blood sugar level, - and optionally measurement of a user's electromyogram, - and optionally measurement of a user's mass, - and optionally measurement of a user's temperature, - and optionally measurement of a user's electrocardiogram, - and optionally, measurement of a user's body fat percentage, - and optionally calculate a malnutrition and / or dehydration index for a user, - and optionally calculate a user cramp indicator, - and optionally calculate an indicator of a user's maximum oxygen consumption, - and optionally a cell membrane permeability indicator for a user, - and optionally an estimate of a user's aerobic potential, and / or at least one of the measurements and / or at least one of the calculated indicators and / or at least one of the calculated indices is used to identify a user.

[0028] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a schematic top view of a monitoring device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a top view of a monitoring device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a front view of a monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a top view of a monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a toilet bowl equipped with a monitoring device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a monitoring device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Figure 8 represents a toilet bowl equipped with a monitoring device according to the invention.

[0037] Fig. 9 schematically represents a processing unit of a monitoring device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] An example of a monitoring device 10 for a user's biological parameters according to a first embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to [Fig.1].

[0039] In the remainder of this document, the term "toilet seat" refers to a toilet accessory that allows a user to sit on the toilet bowl of the bathroom. The toilet seat is used while avoiding contact with it. The rest of the document describes the toilet seat in a toilet bowl, but it could be used on any other toilet seat.

[0040] In the terminology used, the term "bezel" does not include a cover. A cover may be attached to the bezel, as will be described later in the document.

[0041] The monitoring device comprises: • a telescope 11 equipped with at least one first electrode 131, • an additional measuring zone 12 equipped with at least one second electrode 132, the device for measuring impedance between a user's thigh placed in contact with the first electrode 131 and a user's hand placed in contact with the second electrode 132, the device is further equipped with a photoplethysmographic sensor 14 allowing measurement of the user's heart rate and / or the variability of the user's heart rate and / or blood pressure and / or the user's blood oxygen saturation and / or the user's blood glucose and / or other indices.

[0042] In the remainder of the document, the electrodes equipping the monitoring device 10 are referred to as "electrode set 13".

[0043] The monitoring device 10 may also be called a "telemedicine device" or "health prevention kiosk". The monitoring device 10 allows a user to perform biological measurements intended to be analyzed by a physician, in particular by a physician communicating remotely with the monitoring device 10.

[0044] Advantageously, the monitoring device 10 includes an application enabling immediate measurements, as well as a monthly health report and SMS alerts or notifications in the event of measurements of biological constants that are discordant and / or alarming compared to a history of measurements and / or abnormal.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the measurements could be accessible to various professionals, for example a nutritionist, a sports coach, or the measurements could be accessible to a person involved in monitoring the user's biological parameters, for example a caregiver, a parent...

[0046] In the remainder of this document, the term "electrode" refers to electrodes used in particular for impedance measurements. Additionally, these same electrodes can be used for other measurements, according to embodiments that will be detailed later.

[0047] The measuring means used to perform measurements other than impedance, for example a temperature measurement, or an ECG measurement, are referred to in the rest of the document as "sensor" or "measuring means".

[0048] Impedance electrodes are used to inject a known electric current via at least one electrode, called the "emitter," and to measure the induced voltage between two electrodes, called the "receiver," connected to a tensiometer. The impedance is then determined by the relationship between the measured voltage and the injected current.

[0049] The electrodes described in this document measure electrical impedance, that is, the opposition of an electrical circuit, in particular a fabric or material, to the passage of a sinusoidal alternating current. Alternatively, the injected electrical current may be a square wave signal.

[0050] In the remainder of the document, - An electrode through which an electric current is injected into the user's body, particularly into the user's hand or thigh, is called an "emitting electrode". - a receiving electrode is an electrode at which a measuring sensor, such as a voltage sensor 36, measures an electrical data, such as the voltage induced by an injected current.

[0051] Each electrode in the electrode assembly 13 can be used as a transmitting electrode and / or as a receiving electrode. Depending on the number of electrodes in the electrode assembly 13, the electrodes can be used, for example, in a bipolar, tripolar, or quadripolar configuration.

[0052] By means of a multiplexing system between the different electrodes, impedance measurements are obtained relating to different segments, in particular impedance measurements relating to a right arm, a left arm, a trunk, a right leg, a left leg.

[0053] In a conventional toilet, the toilet seat 11 is generally rotatable relative to the bowl, the term "toilet seat" referring to the rotatable part. In the remainder of this document, the axis of rotation of the toilet seat relative to the bowl is referred to as the axis of rotation 112.

[0054] The geometric shape of the toilet seat 11 is a toilet seat shape intended to be placed on a toilet bowl.

[0055] The telescope 11 extends mainly along a first plane 100.

[0056] Advantageously, the monitoring device 10 includes a connecting piece 111 linking the seat 11 to the cabinet bowl. This connecting piece 111 may include hinges for attaching the seat to a bowl.

[0057] In the remainder of the document, the term "additional measuring area" refers to a measuring area intended to be grasped, touched, pinched by a user's hand. An additional measuring area can take various forms, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a plate shape, a cylindrical shape...

[0058] The additional measuring area 12 is intended to be in contact with a hand of a user sitting on the bezel 11. In one embodiment, the bezel 11 includes a connecting means 110 between the additional measuring area 12 and the bezel 11, the connecting means 110 being removable or not.

[0059] In addition, the additional measuring area may have a variable length, and / or optionally a variable width, the length of the additional measuring area being measured along the axis 112 and the width of the additional measuring area being measured along a given direction located in the first plane 100 and perpendicular to the axis 112.

[0060] The additional measuring zone 12 can thus be fixed to the toilet seat 11. Alternatively, the additional measuring zone 12 can be detachable by means of the removable connecting means 110. The additional measuring zone 12 can then be mounted on a support other than the toilet seat 11, for example it can be mounted on a wall placed near the toilet.

[0061] Alternatively, the linking means 110 between the additional measuring zone 12 and the telescope 11 may be non-removable.

[0062] In one embodiment, the additional measuring zone 12 is mounted adjustable in height and / or in at least one other direction relative to the plane of the telescope 11.

[0063] The monitoring device 10 can then include a means for adjusting the height of the additional measuring area 12 relative to the first plane 100 of the telescope 11.

[0064] In addition, or alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means allows for the adjustment of a projected distance in the first plane 100 between the additional measuring zone 12 and the telescope 11. This embodiment is more specifically described by Figures 2 and 3, which represent a configuration of the device 10 in which a right-hand additional measuring zone 125 is in the retracted position, and a left-hand additional measuring zone 126 is in the extended position. Figure 2 shows the device in a top view, and Figure 3 shows the device in a bottom view. In this embodiment, a sliding mechanism 127 allows the additional measuring zone 12 to be moved closer to or further from the telescope 11.

[0065] Thus, the position of the additional measuring zone 12 can be adapted to the size and build of the user, so that when a user is sitting on the glasses 11, one of their hands can easily grasp the additional measuring zone 12. Furthermore, such an adjustment also prevents the risk of short circuits due to contact between the hand grasping the additional measuring zone 12 and the user's body. In other words, the device includes a means for adjusting a given distance between the additional measuring area 12 and the telescope 11, the given distance being suitable for preventing contact between a hand grasping the additional measuring area 12 and a body of the user sitting on the telescope 11.

[0066] In one embodiment, the adjustment means is part of the connecting means 10.

[0067] Advantageously, the additional measuring area 12 may comprise a first main surface 121 and a second main surface 122 arranged so as to be simultaneously in contact with a hand grasping the additional measuring area 12, and / or the first main surface 121 and the second main surface 122 may be substantially parallel and separated by a distance strictly less than two centimeters or even strictly less than one centimeter. In one embodiment, the distance between the first and second main surfaces is between 2 millimeters and 8 millimeters, or even between 2 millimeters and 5 millimeters.

[0068] In other words, the additional measuring area 12 is suitable for being pinched between at least two areas of a hand, for example, between a palm and at least one finger. In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the additional measuring area 12 are adapted to different hand sizes, for example, a woman's, a man's, or a child's hand size. The two main surfaces 121, 122 are thus, for example, parallel and substantially horizontal.

[0069] The electrode assembly 13 may include a third electrode 133 arranged on the additional measuring area 12 such that a hand grasping the additional measuring area is simultaneously in contact with the second electrode 132 and the third electrode 133. Thus, one electrode of the additional measuring area 12 can be used as a receiving electrode, while another electrode of the additional measuring area 12 can be used as a transmitting electrode.

[0070] In one embodiment, the photoplethysmographic sensor 14 is arranged on a given surface taken from the first main surface 121 or the second main surface 122 of the additional measurement area 12.

[0071] In particular, the photoplethysmographic sensor 14 is located in a hollow portion of the given surface 121, 122, so that a finger pressing on the photoplethysmographic sensor 14 prevents light from reaching the sensor.

[0072] In other words, the given surface 121, 122 includes a hollow housing 123 at the bottom of which the photoplethysmographic sensor 14 is disposed, the hollow housing 123 having an opening 124 designed to receive a fingertip of a user, and the opening 124 being dimensioned so that the fingertip of a user completely covers the opening 124 of the hollow housing 123 so as to prevent the entry of outside light into the hollow housing 123.

[0073] The photoplethysmographic sensor 14 is referred to as the "PPG 14 sensor" in the remainder of this document. The PPG 14 sensor is capable of measuring the concentration of a compound in the blood. The PPG 14 sensor may comprise a light beam source at at least one wavelength, preferably two or three LED sources of different wavelengths, and at least one photodiode receiver, preferably two photodiodes.

[0074] Advantageously, - a first LED emits at a wavelength between 475 and 575 nm, - a second LED emits at a wavelength between 610 and 760 nm, - a third LED emits at a wavelength between 660 and 1000 nm.

[0075] Preferably, three LED sources are used, with wavelengths of 536 nm, 660 nm, and 940 nm, respectively. Most preferably, the wavelength is within a wavelength range centered on wavelengths suitable for measuring at least one of the following compounds: total hemoglobin, desoxyhemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, myoglobin, and blood glucose. The light beam source is arranged so that the emitted light beam strikes a part of the human body, in particular a finger, constituting a backscattering source. The photodiode receiver is arranged to receive said backscattered light beam.

[0076] In one embodiment of the telescope 11, electrodes arranged on the telescope 11 may be visible (made of stainless steel, for example, or other biocompatible conductive metal), as is more specifically illustrated by figures 1 to 5.

[0077] In addition or alternatively, as illustrated by [Fig.6], in a third embodiment, electrodes arranged on the telescope 11 may be invisible, in particular when they have been created by a deposition of Indium / Tin Oxide and / or a deposition of another transparent conductive substrate such as a transparent polymer layer containing conductive carbon nanotubes or other silicone containing carbon black.

[0078] In one embodiment, the second electrode 132 and the PPG sensor 14 are arranged on the additional measuring area 12 so that a hand of the user grasping the additional measuring area 12 can be in contact simultaneously or successively with the second electrode 132 and / or the third electrode 133 and / or the PPG sensor 14.

[0079] The monitoring device 10 further includes an electronic processing unit 16, particularly represented by [Fig.9].

[0080] This unit integrates at least one computer 30 and a connector 32 allowing a connection from the computer 30 to sensors, in particular a PPG sensor 14 and a set of electrodes 13 of the monitoring device 10. The computer 30 can thus The electronic processing unit 16 further includes a data storage medium or electronic memory 31. It also includes a power source 34, optionally associated with a multiplexer 33, and connected to all or some of the electrodes, thus allowing the injection of electrical current via the transmitting electrodes. It further includes at least one voltage sensor 36 for collecting physiological data via the receiving electrodes. This voltage sensor 36 may alternatively be located at a receiving electrode, or remotely, within the electronic processing unit 16, as shown. Finally, the electronic processing unit 16 includes a communication device 35, which allows it to transmit electronic data externally, such as voltage and blood pressure measurements, and / or to receive data externally, such as parameter settings.The electronic memory 31 also allows measurements to be stored.

[0081] The data in the electronic memory 31 can be read by the computer 30, or even on any other computer in the electronic processing unit 16, on which a computer program for the operation of the monitoring device 10 is stored.More specifically, said computer program or instructions recorded on a data recording medium enable a measurement of a user's body impedance and / or measurement of a user's blood oxygen saturation level, and / or measurement of a user's heart rate and / or measurement of a user's blood pressure and / or measurement of a user's heart rate variation, and / or measurement of a user's mass, and / or measurement of a user's body fat percentage, and / or measurement of a user's blood glucose level, and / or measurement of a user's pulse wave, and / or measurement of a user's muscle strength and / or thigh stiffness and / or other measurements or indicators.

[0082] The electronic processing unit 16 can thus control the operation of the monitoring device 10 by commanding bioimpedance measurements between a patient's thigh and hand, or between a patient's thigh and thigh. To this end, an electrical source 34 can generate an electric current via the electrode array 13 and then measure induced electrical data, notably via the voltage sensor 36. The voltage induced by the passage of the current is measured at at least one receiving electrode by the voltage sensor 36, and the application of Ohm's law makes it possible to determine the bioelectrical impedance of the medium traversed, i.e., the patient's body.

[0083] In one embodiment, the electronic processing unit 16 of the device 10 is arranged at the connecting piece 111 linking the toilet seat 11 to the toilet bowl, or more precisely, is arranged within the connecting piece 111. Alternatively, an energy accumulator can be arranged within the connecting piece 111.

[0084] The monitoring device 10 advantageously comprises a movable cover 18 that rotates around the bowl. Furthermore, the cover includes a housing 181 for an energy accumulator and is equipped with a connector linking the energy accumulator to the electronic processing unit 16 located in the connecting piece 111. Alternatively, the electronic processing unit 16 could be located in the cover 18. In addition, the energy accumulator could be located in the bezel 11, in a hinge between the bezel 11 and the cover 18.

[0085] When folded down onto the bowl, the lid has an outer face 182 oriented in a direction opposite to the bowl. Advantageously, access to the housing is provided through an opening located on the outer face 182 of the lid.

[0086] With reference to the first plane 100, we define an upper face 113 of the telescope 11 located above the first plane 100 and an lower face 114 of the telescope 11 located below the first plane 100.

[0087] When the telescope 11 is in a folded position PI on a toilet bowl, the connecting piece 111 and the telescope 11 lie in a second plane 200 that is substantially horizontal. By convention, we use the adjective horizontal for any plane parallel to the ground, considering the monitoring device in its functional position on a toilet bowl. In the folded position, the first and second planes 100, 200 coincide. In other words, the second plane 200 determines the folded position of the telescope 11.

[0088] With reference to [Fig.8], a direct orthonormal frame RI (XI, Yl, Zl) is defined, such that - the Y1 axis coincides with the rotation axis 112 of the telescope 11, - the XI and Yl axes are contained in the second plane 200, and - the Zl axis is perpendicular to the second plane and directed upwards.

[0089] In the remainder of the document, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined relative to the XL axis. Thus, for example, if we consider a first point of a "front zone" of the telescope 11 and a second point of a "rear zone" of the telescope 11, the coordinate along the XI axis of the first point will be greater than the coordinate along the XI axis of the second point.

[0090] When a user is seated on the seat 11, their body is positioned along a plane of symmetry XI, Zl, with the user's back oriented in a direction opposite to the axis XI, and the user's torso oriented along the direction of the axis XL

[0091] In this position, the user's thighs extend in a direction forming a separation angle with the axis XI, the separation angle being, for example, between 5 and 45 degrees.

[0092] The lower faces of the thighs are then oriented downwards (that is to say in a direction opposite to the axis Zl) and in contact with the upper face 113 of the telescope on which at least one first electrode 131 is arranged.

[0093] A first embodiment of a monitoring device 10 is more specifically described by [Fig.1]. In this embodiment, the electrodes and the PPG sensor 14 are located on the same side of the monitoring device 10, i.e. in the same hemispace delimited by a vertical plane of symmetry of the toilet cabinet.

[0094] The upper surface 113 of the goggles 11 is equipped with at least one first electrode 131. Preferably, this at least one first electrode 131 is arranged so as to be in contact with a distal end of the thigh of a user sitting on the goggles 11, that is to say, near their knee; in particular, this at least one first electrode 131 is arranged in a front area of ​​the goggles. In one embodiment, the goggles 11 are equipped with two first impedance electrodes 131, aligned in the direction of the thigh of a user sitting on the goggles 11.

[0095] In an advantageous embodiment, the upper face 113 of the frame has a recessed area 118 around at least one electrode 131, the recessed area 118 facilitating the placement of one of the user's thighs in contact with at least one electrode 131. In other words, the frame 11 has a non-planar shape, adapted to impose an orientation of one thigh on at least one impedance electrode. Its shape may, for example, form a groove with dimensions compatible with a user's thigh. According to another variant, a convex area 119, or central protrusion 119, particularly shown in Figures 7 and 8, is advantageously arranged in an area at the front of the frame 11 to impose a separation space between the two thighs of a user.Indeed, the separation space thus created avoids contact between the two thighs which would generate short circuits during impedance measurements, thereby distorting the impedance measurements.

[0096] The hollow area 118 and the convex area 119 further promote the reproducibility of impedance measurements.

[0097] In an embodiment illustrated by [Fig.7], the telescope 11 includes an ergonomic arrangement designed to promote the reproducibility of measurements taken by the device 10. The ergonomic arrangement is defined so that the position of the user's body, in particular the position of the user's buttocks in an opening 115 of the telescope 11, is identical between different occurrences of use of the monitoring device 10 by the same user.

[0098] For this purpose, the opening 115 of the bezel 11 may include a flared rim 116 guiding the placement of the buttocks in the opening 115. In addition or Alternatively, the lunette 11 may include a stop 117 (or protrusion 117) intended to prevent the buttocks from moving backward towards a rear area of ​​the lunette 11.

[0099] A second embodiment of a monitoring device 10 is more specifically described by figures 2 to 5. The second embodiment implements an arrangement of electrodes symmetrical with respect to the plane (XI, Zl).

[0100] In the second embodiment, the telescope 11 is further equipped with a fourth electrode 134 capable of measuring an impedance at the level of a proximal end of a thigh of a user sitting on the telescope 11, the thigh then being simultaneously in contact with the first electrode 131 and the fourth electrode 134.

[0101] In this embodiment, the electronic processing unit and the current generator are configured to allow, via the first impedance electrode 131 and the fourth impedance electrode 134, a bipolar impedance measurement in a user's entire thigh. The first impedance electrode 131 and the fourth impedance electrode 134 also allow an electromyogram measurement in a user's thigh. Furthermore, in a quadrupolar configuration, the first impedance electrode 131 and the second impedance electrode 132, coupled to the fourth impedance electrode 134, allow a quadrupolar impedance measurement in a user's entire thigh.

[0102] Advantageously, electrodes symmetrical to the first and fourth electrodes 131, 134 with respect to the (XI, ZI) plane are also arranged on the telescope 11. More generally, the telescope 11 can advantageously be equipped with at least two given electrodes intended to be in contact respectively with a first and second thigh of a user. Furthermore, the electronic processing unit and the current generator can be configured to allow, via the two given impedance electrodes, an impedance measurement between the first and second thighs of a user.

[0103] In addition, the scope 11 can be equipped with at least one load sensor 151, 152, 153, 154 for measuring the mass of a user's body. In particular, the lower face 114 of the telescope 11 can be equipped with at least one load cell 151, 152, 153, 154. When the telescope 11 is located in the second plane 200, at least one load cell 151, 152, 153, 154 is in contact with the cup 1. In other words, at least one load cell 151, 152, 153, 154 constitutes a support point between the cup 1 and the telescope 11. Advantageously, the telescope 11 is equipped with four load cells 151, 152, 153, 154.

[0104] Thus, when a user is seated on the seat 11, at least one of his thighs is advantageously in contact with at least one electrode or at least two electrodes 131, 134. In addition, the user's weight exerts pressure on at least one load sensor 151, 152, 153, 154 via the bezel 11.

[0105] In an advantageous embodiment, the monitoring device 10 includes a means for orienting the telescope 11 so that a front portion of the telescope 11 can be positioned higher than a rear portion of the telescope 11, in particular at a given angle greater than one degree, or even two degrees, or three degrees. The given angle of inclination of the telescope corresponds to the inclination of the seat of a user seated on the telescope 11.

[0106] Indeed, the weight of a user seated on the seat is distributed between a first percentage of the weight exerted on the seat 11 and a second percentage of the weight exerted on the user's feet. Thanks to the tilt of the seat 11, the first percentage of weight is increased. In other words, the weight exerted on the load sensors will be more representative of the user's total weight thanks to the tilt of the seat 11.

[0107] In one embodiment, the monitoring device 10 could incorporate a mat 19 equipped with load sensors, the mat 19 being arranged so that a user seated on the seat 11 can place their feet on the mat 19. The mat 19 would advantageously be connected to the processing unit to allow measurement of the weight exerted by at least one foot of the user. Thus, the total weight of the user could be measured by the monitoring device 10.

[0108] Alternatively or in addition, the mat 19 could be equipped with at least one fifth impedance electrode 135, capable of measuring impedance at the level of a user's foot. Advantageously, the electronic processing unit and the current generator could be configured to allow, via the fifth impedance electrode and at least one electrode taken from among the first impedance electrodes 131, second impedance electrode 132, third impedance electrode 133 and fourth impedance electrode 134, an impedance measurement in a user's whole body.

[0109] In one embodiment, a skin and / or body temperature sensor 17 can be fitted to the upper face 113 of the goggle 11.

[0110] In addition, one or more electrocardiogram electrodes may be fitted to the upper face 113 of the scope 11 and / or the additional measuring area 12.

[0111] In particular, in one embodiment the device comprises two additional measuring zones 12, an electrocardiogram electrode 20 being placed on each additional measuring zone 12. In addition, a reference electrode 21 can be placed on the scope 11. Thus, an electrocardiogram tracing can then be performed with the device 10. The electrocardiogram measurements allow measure heart rate, heart rate variability, pulse wave velocity.

[0112] In one embodiment, the electronic processing unit is capable of measuring impedance at the level of a user's body by injecting a current of intensity between 8 and 96 pA, or even around 32 pA plus or minus 10%, and according to a frequency sweep extending from 125 Hz to 850 kHz, or even extending between 4 kHz and 500 kHz.

[0113] The device 10 according to the invention comprises hardware and / or software elements configured to implement the following processes: - measurement of a user's body impedance, and / or measurement of a user's blood oxygen saturation level, and / or measurement of a user's heart rate, and / or measurement of a user's blood pressure, and / or measurement of a user's heart rate variation, and / or measurement of a user's blood sugar level, - and optionally, measurement of a user's electromyogram, including a strength and stiffness index of a user's thigh, - and optionally measurement of a user's mass, - and optionally measurement of a user's temperature, - and optionally calculation of a user's body fat percentage, - and optionally measurement of a user's electrocardiogram and / or pulse wave velocity.

[0114] In other words, the device 10 according to the invention makes it possible to measure one or more biological constants taken from among: a heart rate, a heart rate variability, a blood pressure, a pulse wave velocity, a blood oxygenation rate, a blood glucose level, a body mass, a body temperature, a muscle-tendon strength and / or stiffness, a body composition, in particular in water, fat and cell membrane permeability.

[0115] From the measured constants, the device 10 according to the invention makes it possible to calculate one or more indicators taken from among: biomarkers of pathologies, muscle monitoring, detection of sarcopenia and / or osteopenia, an index of malnutrition and / or dehydration, an estimation of ionic concentrations, in particular intracellular and extracellular concentrations of sodium and potassium (Na, K), an indicator of cramps - which may take into account in particular the volumes of extra and intracellular water as well as the phase angle - an estimation of hematocrit, an indicator of maximum oxygen consumption, an indicator of cell membrane permeability (phase angle) and an estimation of aerobic potential.

[0116] In one embodiment, at least one of the aforementioned indices or indicators is used to identify a given user; for example, three indicators are used. to identify a user. The given user is identified from a set of users, for example from all the people sharing the same toilet cubicle as the given user.

[0117] User identification allows for monitoring of changes in measured biological parameters. User identification is necessary when different users are likely to use the same monitoring device 10.

[0118] Conversely, the identification of the given user is carried out by analyzing the continuity of the measured biological parameters, for example by analyzing the continuity of a weight measurement.

[0119] During the installation of device 10, a calibration phase of device 10 may be implemented, for example for weight measurements.

[0120] During an initial period of use of the device 10, which may last, for example, between one and seven days, the main sensors of the device 10 may be calibrated. Subsequently, further calibration may be performed, for example, periodically, with intervals of approximately one year. Further calibration may also be performed in specific situations, for example, following hospitalization or in the event of illness. Alternatively, calibration of the sensors may not be necessary.

[0121] The tare may include a comparison of a weight measurement by device 10 with a weight measurement by a bathroom scale. Subsequently, only the measurement from device 10 will be sufficient.

Claims

1. Demands A device for monitoring a user's biological parameters, comprising: • a telescope (11) equipped with at least one first impedance electrode (131); • an additional measurement zone (12) equipped with at least one second impedance electrode (132), the device for measuring impedance between a user's thigh placed in contact with the first impedance electrode (131) and a user's hand in contact with the second impedance electrode (132), the monitoring device being further equipped with a photoplethysmographic sensor (14) enabling measurement of the user's heart rate and / or heart rate variability and / or blood pressure and / or oxygen saturation of the user's blood and / or blood glucose level of the user, characterized in that it comprises an electronic processing unit (16) and a current generator, and in that the impedance electrodes and / or the photoplethysmographic sensor are connected to the electronic processing unit (16) by a wired or wireless communication device, such that the electronic processing unit (16) is configured to - on the one hand, to control the transmission, via the impedance electrodes, of a current from the current generator to the user's body, and - on the other hand, to receive impedance measurements taken via impedance electrodes, and in that the electronic processing unit is configured for impedance measurement at the level of a user's body by injecting a current of intensity between 8 and 96 pA, or even around 32 pA plus or minus 10%, and according to a frequency sweep extending from 125 Hz to 850 kHz, or even extending between 4 kHz and 500 kHz, and in that the scope (11) has an opening (115) intended to accommodate a user's buttocks, in that the opening (115) of the scope is delimited by a flared rim (116) guiding a placement of the buttocks in the opening and in that the scope includes a stop (117) intended to prevent the buttocks from moving backward towards a rear area of ​​the scope (11), the flared rim (116) and the stop (117) being able to impose a given position of the user's buttocks in the opening (115), so that the given position is identical during different occurrences of use of the monitoring device by the same user, in that the scope (11) includes a central protrusion (119) able to prevent contact between a first and second thigh of a user, and in that the monitoring device includes a means of orienting the scope (11) so that a front part of the scope (11) is positioned higher than a rear part of the scope (11), corresponding to an inclination of the seat of a user sitting on the scope (11).

2. Monitoring device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the scope (11) includes a linking means (110) for the additional measuring area, the linking means being removable or not.

3. A monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional measurement area (12) comprises a first main surface (121) and a second main surface (122) arranged so as to be simultaneously in contact with a hand touching the additional measurement area (12), in that the photoplethysmographic sensor (14) is arranged on the first main surface (121) or on the second main surface (122) of the additional measurement area (12), and / or in that the first and second main surfaces are substantially parallel, and separated from each other by a distance strictly less than two centimeters or even by a distance strictly less than one centimeter.

4. A monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photoplethysmographic sensor (14) is located in a hollow portion of a surface of the additional measuring area (12), such that a finger resting on the photoplethysmographic sensor (14) prevents light from reaching the sensor.

5. Monitoring device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a third impedance electrode (133) is disposed on the additional measuring area (12) such that a hand grasping the additional measuring area is simultaneously in contact with the second (132) and the third impedance electrode (133).

6. A monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional measuring area (12) is mounted adjustable in height and / or mounted adjustable in at least one other direction relative to the telescope (11), and / or in that the device includes a means for adjusting (110) a given distance between the additional measuring area (12) and the telescope (11), the given distance being suitable for preventing contact between a hand of a user grasping the additional measuring area (12) and a body of the user sitting on the telescope (11).

7. A monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first impedance electrode (131) is arranged so as to be in contact with a distal end of a thigh of a user sitting on the telescope (11), and / or in that the telescope (11) is further equipped with a fourth impedance electrode (134) capable of measuring an impedance at the level of a proximal end of a thigh of a user sitting on the telescope (11), the thigh being simultaneously in contact with the first impedance electrode (131) and the fourth impedance electrode (134).

8. A monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scope (11) has a non-planar shape (118) adapted to impose a positioning of a thigh on at least one impedance electrode.

9. A monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the goggles (11) are equipped with two first impedance electrodes (131), aligned in a direction of a thigh of a user sitting on the goggles (11).

10. Monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scope (11) is equipped with at least one load sensor (151, 152, 153, 154) for measuring the mass of a user's body.

11. Monitoring device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that when the toilet seat (11) is in a folded position on a bowl (1) of a cabinet, at least one load sensor (151, 152, 153, 154) constitutes a support point between the bowl (1) and the toilet seat (11).

12. A surveillance device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it includes a means for orienting the scope (11) so that a front part of the scope can be positioned higher than a rear part of the scope, in particular at a given angle greater than one degree, or even two degrees, or even three degrees, relative to a horizontal plane.

13. A monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a mat (19), and in that - the mat is equipped with at least one load sensor, the mat (19) being arranged so that a user sitting on the seat (11) exerts a weight on the mat (19) via at least one foot, and / or - the mat is equipped with at least one fifth electrode (135), capable of measuring an impedance at the level of one of the user's feet.

14. A monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic processing unit and the current generator are configured to allow, - via the first impedance electrode (131) and the fourth impedance electrode (134), an impedance measurement in a whole thigh of a user and / or an electromyogram measurement at the level of a thigh of a user, and / or - via the fifth impedance electrode (135) and at least one electrode taken from the first impedance electrode (131), the second impedance electrode (132), the third impedance electrode (133) and the fourth impedance electrode (134), an impedance measurement in a whole body of a user.

15. A monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the goggles (11) are equipped with at least two electrodes of given impedance intended to be in contact respectively with a first and a second thigh of a user, and in that the electronic processing unit and a current generator is configured to allow, via the two given impedance electrodes, an impedance measurement between the first and second thigh of a user.

16. A monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a connecting piece (111) linking the seat (11) to a toilet bowl, characterized in that the electronic processing unit (16) is arranged within the connecting piece (111) and / or in that an energy accumulator is arranged within the connecting piece (111), and / or within the seat (11).

17. Monitoring device according to any one of claims 13 to 16 characterized in that it comprises a movable cover rotating around the bowl and in that the cover comprises a housing for an energy accumulator and is equipped with a connector linking the energy accumulator to the electronic processing unit.

18. Monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises - a temperature sensor (17), in particular disposed on the bezel (11), and / or - at least one electrocardiogram electrode (20), in particular disposed on the bezel (11) and / or on the additional measuring area (12).

19. A monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises hardware (1, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 36, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 151, 152, 153, 154) and / or software configured to perform the following operations: - measurement of the impedance of a user's body, and / or measurement of a saturation level in oxygen in a user's blood, and / or measurement of a user's heart rate, and / or measurement of a user's blood pressure, and / or measurement of a user's heart rate variation, and / or measurement of a user's blood sugar level, - and optionally measurement of a user's electromyogram, - and optionally measurement of a user's mass, - and optionally measurement of a user's temperature, - and optionally, measurement of a user's electrocardiogram, - and optionally, measurement of a user's body fat percentage, - and optionally calculate a malnutrition and / or dehydration index for a user, - and optionally calculate a user cramp indicator, - and optionally calculate an indicator of a user's maximum oxygen consumption, - and optionally a cell membrane permeability indicator for a user, - and optionally an estimate of a user's aerobic potential, and / or in that at least one of the measures and / or at least one of the calculated indicators and / or at least one of the calculated indices is used to identify a user.

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