Devices and method for detecting body hydration status

Abstract

A device for detecting a hydration status of a user is disclosed. The device includes a red LED, an infrared LED, and at least one first photodetector, each positioned against the skin of a user. The device further includes a control circuit and at least one second photodetector positioned to detect light directly from the red LED and infrared LED. The control circuit is configured to receive data from the at least one first photodetector, receive data from the at least one second photodetector, determine an amount of red light absorbed by the skin and an amount of infrared light absorbed by the skin, determine a ratio of the absorbed red light to absorbed infrared light, determine an oxygen saturation of the user's blood, determine a hydration level based on the oxygen saturation, and transmit a notification based on the hydration level being more or less than a threshold range.

Description

DEVICES AND METHOD FOR DETECTING BODY HYDRATION STATUSBACKGROUND

[0001] Ostomy surgery involves creating a surgical opening in the abdomen (such as the colon, ileum, or bladder) to reroute bodily waste, or dejecta, allowing it to pass through a stoma and be collected in an external ostomy pouch. It's commonly performed for individuals with conditions like colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, bladder cancer, or trauma resulting in the rerouting of the digestive or urinary system. Ostomates rely on external ostomy pouches or bags to collect waste, which can lead to various challenges, including skin irritation, leaks, and concerns related to hydration state.

[0002] Intermittent catheterization is necessary forthose with spinal cord injury (SCI), paraplegia, or tetraplegia with residual hand function or neurogenic bladders, caused by multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, diabetes, spinal bifida, spinal tumors, cerebral palsy, multiple system atrophy, spinal cord injury, and motor neuron disease. The preservation of bladder and kidney health is dependent on properly timed catheterization for bladder drainage and hydration status.

[0003] A prevalent issue among ostomates and intermittent catheter users is overhydration and dehydration. If the user has a stoma, then the stoma, being a direct passage for waste, can often result in increased fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance. This phenomenon may occur due to the stoma’s location in the digestive, or urinary tract, disrupting the body's natural absorption of fluids and nutrients. For example, a jejunostomy is particularly impactful on dehydration risk, as this anatomy tends to lead to a high-output ostomy, due to loss of water and electrolyte absorbing intestinal tissue. Intermittent catheter users may lack the sensation related to bladder filling and must rely on other indicators to time bladder emptying. In urostomy, the urine is continuously draining into the pouch, and therefore excretion may be more difficult to track than in an individualwith a bladder and discrete micturition events. As such, ostomates and intermittent catheter users may experience higher levels of water loss, making them more susceptible to dehydration if not managed effectively. Oral rehydration can also impact hydration state, with the timing, volume, or the ingestion of hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic fluids potentially impacting the hydration state, without the sensory cues and / or homeostatic physiologic responses in those without an ostomy or neurogenic bladder. In some cases, this can cause acute kidney damage and / or failure. Thus, hydration monitoring is a critical aspect of healthcare, especially for ostomates and intermittent catheter users. Managing a stoma and ostomy pouch also involves monitoring skin health around the stoma site, detecting leakage, and preventing complications like infections and skin irritation. Managing the use of an intermittent catheter also carries the risk of urethral trauma and urinary tract infection (UTI) with each catheterization event.

[0004] Maintaining proper hydration levels is essential for overall health and well-being of a person. For ostomates and intermittent catheter users, imbalances in hydration can lead to complications such as hypovolemic shock, electrolyte imbalances, seizures, and / or kidney failure. Dehydration in intermittent catheter users may lead to infection, insufficient bladder emptying, and / or kidney damage. The need for accurate and continuous hydration monitoring in these populations is evident due to the 7-20% hospital readmission of ostomy patients within 30 days of having surgery.

[0005] Currently, hydration monitoring primarily relies on subjective assessments by healthcare providers, ostomates, or intermittent catheter users themselves, using methods like measuring body mass, tracking fluid intake, measuring stoma dejecta or urine output volume, or monitoring urine color and frequency, or monitoring urinalysis parameters. However, these methods are often cumbersome to the ostomate or intermittent catheter user and lack precision and real-timemonitoring capabilities. Wearable sensors and devices for hydration monitoring have emerged in recent years but are not specifically tailored for ostomates or intermittent catheter users. Existing solutions often face challenges related to accuracy, comfort, and usability for these specific user groups.

[0006] Commercially available hydration monitoring devices often focus on general population needs rather than catering to the unique requirements of ostomates and intermittent catheter users. For example, the Nix hydration biosensor is a device mainly used for users who work in outdoor environments or athletes to test their fluid and electrolyte loss through their sweat. It also contains an app which tracks the user’s activity and recommends a certain amount of water the user should drink from the data collected at that moment. However, this type of device may not work well for an ostomate or an intermittent catheter user because these populations are generally dry individuals (e.g., there are many older individuals) who are not subject to much physical activity. Additionally, a sensor that only provides data in the presence of sweat would likely not be sufficient for the needs of these users, who would benefit from more frequent and / or continuous monitoring.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] In one aspect, a device for detecting a hydration status of a user. The device includes a red LED positioned against a skin of the user, an infrared LED positioned against the user’s skin, and at least one first photodetector positioned against the skin of a user. The at least one first photodetector detects light from the red LED and infrared LED that is re-emitted out of the user’s skin. The device further includes at least one second photodetector positioned to detect light directly from the red LED and infrared LED, and a control circuit electrically coupled to the red LED, infrared LED, the at least one first photodetector, and the at least one second photodetector. The control circuit includes a processor and a memory. The memory storing instructions executedby the processor to transmit power to the red LED and infrared LED, receive first data from the at least one first photodetector, and receive second data from the at least one second photodetector.The memory storing instructions executed by the processor to determine an amount of red light absorbed by the skin and an amount of infrared light absorbed by the skin both based on the first data and the second data, determine a ratio of the absorbed red light to absorbed infrared light, and determine an oxygen saturation of the user’s blood based on the ratio. The memory storing instructions executed by the processor to determine a hydration level based on the oxygen saturation, compare the hydration level to a threshold range, and transmit a notification based on the hydration level being more than or less than the threshold range.

[0008] In an embodiment, the device further includes a housing enclosing the control circuit. The red LED, the infrared LED, the at least one first photodetector, and the at least one second photodetector are mounted to the housing.

[0009] In an embodiment, the device further includes a display screen mounted to the housing. The memory stores further instructions executed by the processor to display the notification on the display screen.

[0010] In an embodiment, the device further includes a user interface button mounted to the housing. The user interface button may allow the user to provide input to the control circuit.

[0011] In an embodiment, the device further comprises a band attached to the housing. The band may be configured to maintain the housing against the skin of the user.

[0012] In an embodiment, the notification includes an alert and instructions for a user to drink water and / or other beverages, or reduce the intake of water and / or other liquids.

[0013] In an embodiment, the at least one first photodetector includes two first photodetectors configured to detect the light from the red LED and infrared LED that is re-emitted out of theuser’s skin, and the at least one second photodetector includes two second photodetectors configured to detect the light directly from the red LED and infrared LED.

[0014] In an embodiment, the memory stores instructions executed by the processor to receive the first data from the two first photodetectors indicative of light from the red LED and infrared LED absorbed by the skin of the user, receive the second data from the two second photodetectors indicative of light from the red LED and infrared LED, and determine the amount of red light absorbed by the skin and the amount of infrared light absorbed by the skin both based on the first data and the second data.

[0015] In an embodiment, the red LED, the infrared LED, and the at least one first photodetector are arranged in the housing proximate a user facing surface of the device, such that at least a portion of each of the red LED, the infrared LED, and the at least one first photodetector is exposed to the user’s skin.

[0016] In an embodiment, the at least one second photodetector is arranged above the red LED and the infrared LED and spaced away from the user facing surface.

[0017] In one aspect, a device for detecting a hydration status of a user. The device includes a housing defining a user facing surface positionable against a skin of the user, a red LED mounted proximate the user facing surface of the housing, and an infrared LED mounted proximate the user facing surface of the housing. The device further includes a first plurality of photodetectors mounted proximate the user facing surface of the housing. At least a portion of each of the red LED, the infrared LED, and the first plurality of photodetectors are exposed to the user’s skin. The first plurality of photodetectors detect light from the red LED and infrared LED that is re-emitted out of the user’s skin. The device further includes a second plurality of photodetectors mounted within the housing and spaced away from the user facing surface. Second plurality ofphotodetectors are positioned to detect light directly from the red LED and infrared LED. The device further includes a control circuit electrically coupled to the red LED, infrared LED, the first plurality of photodetectors, and the second plurality of photodetectors. The control circuit includes a processor and a memory. The memory storing instructions executed by the processor to transmit power to the red LED and infrared LED, receive first data from the first plurality of photodetectors, and receive second data from the second plurality of photodetectors. The memory storing further instructions executed by the processor to determine an amount of red light absorbed by the skin and an amount of infrared light absorbed by the skin both based on the first data and the second data, determine a ratio of the absorbed red light to absorbed infrared light, and determine an oxygen saturation of the user’s blood based on the ratio. The memory storing further instructions executed by the processor to determine a hydration level based on the oxygen saturation, compare the hydration level to a threshold range, and transmit a notification based on the hydration level being more than or less than the threshold range.

[0018] In an embodiment, the device further includes a display screen mounted to the housing, wherein the memory stores further instructions executed by the processor to display the notification on the display screen.

[0019] In an embodiment, the device further comprises a user interface button mounted to the housing, and the user interface button is to allow the user to provide input to the control circuit.

[0020] In an embodiment, the device further includes a band attached to the housing, and the band is configured to maintain the user facing surface of the housing against the skin of the user.

[0021] In an embodiment, the notification includes an alert and instructions for a user to drink water and / or other beverages, or reduce the intake of water and / or other liquids.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first plurality of photodetectors include two first photodetectorsconfigured to detect the light from the red LED and infrared LED that is re-emitted out of the user’s skin, and the second plurality of photodetectors include two second photodetectors configured to detect the light directly from the red LED and infrared LED.

[0023] In an embodiment, the memory stores further instructions executed by the processor to receive the first data from the two first photodetectors indicative of light from the red LED and infrared LED absorbed by the skin of the user, receive the second data from the two second photodetectors indicative of light from the red LED and infrared LED, and determine the amount of red light absorbed by the skin and the amount of infrared light absorbed by the skin both based on the first data and the second data.

[0024] In an embodiment, the second plurality of photodetectors are arranged above the red LED and the infrared LED.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The benefits and advantages of the present embodiments will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] FIG. l is a top view of a simplified device for measuring the hydration level of a person, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 taken along cross section line 4-4 of FIG 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 taken along cross section line 5-5 of FIG 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the controller of the device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 7 is an example electrical schematic diagram for powering a red LED of the device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 8 is an example electrical schematic diagram for powering an infrared LED of the device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0034] FIG. 9 is an example electrical schematic diagram illustrating a measurement taken by the device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DESCRIPTION

[0035] While the present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described presently preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated. The words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular. The words “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like may be used in the present disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these words. These words are only used to distinguish one category of information from another. The directional words “top,” “bottom,” up,” “down,” front,” “back,” and the like are used for purposes of illustration and as such are not limiting. Depending on the context, the word “if’ as used herein may be interpreted as “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining.”

[0036] As discussed above, ostomates and intermittent catheter users face unique challenges inmaintaining hydration leading to potential imbalances in fluid intake and absorption. Ostomates may have issues maintaining hydration due to alterations in their digestive systems and intermittent catheter users may have issues maintaining hydration due to a loss of sensation of bladder filling and emptying. One example solution may be to use pulse oximetry to monitor the hydration level of ostomates and intermittent catheter users. This method may involve measuring oxygen saturation levels in user’s blood. The measured oxygen saturation levels may be analyzed to determine how much oxygen the user’s blood has compared to the maximum amount of oxygen the blood can hold. In terms of hydration, when an individual is dehydrated, there may be a change (e.g., an increase) in hemoglobin concentration in the blood compared to when they are hydrated to a normal level. In the case of overhydration, the change may be a corelating decrease in hemoglobin concentration compared to when they are hydrated to a normal level. These changes may be analyzed to determine a hydration status of the user. The Beer-Lambert Law states that the absorption of light that goes through a non-absorbing solvent using a specific wavelength is proportional to the product of the solute concentration. By using light absorption, the level of oxygen saturation within the blood may be determined, which may be correlated to the level of hydration of an individual. Moreover, incorporating pulse oximetry into wearable devices may provide ostomates and intermittent catheter users with personalized hydration alerts.

[0037] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an example device 100 for detecting dehydration of a user using pulse oximetry. The device 100 may include a first band 102, a second band 110, a device housing 104, a display screen 106, a control circuit 120, a user interface button 108, a red LED 114, an infrared LED 116, a first plurality of photodetectors 119, a second plurality of photodetectors 139, and a battery 128. The first band 102 and the second band 110 may be attached to the housing 104 on opposite sides. The display screen 106 may be positioned on a top surface of the housing 104 andmounted to the housing 104. At least one user interface button 108 may be attached to the housing 104, For example, the user interface button 108 may extend into the housing 104 on a side of the housing 104. The user interface button 108 may allow a user to provide input to the control circuit 120 (FIG. 6) housed or enclosed inside of the housing 104.

[0038] The housing 104 may define a bottom sensor surface 136. When the device 100 is positioned on a user, the bottom sensor surface 136 may be positioned against the user’s skin. As such, the bottom sensor surface 136 may be considered a user facing surface. For example, the bands 102, 110 may wrap around a limb of a user to hold the device 100 in position with the bottom sensor surface 136 against the user’s skin. The bands 102, 110 may be designed to mechanically couple together to position the housing 104 against the user’s limb 144. For example, a pin on the band 102 may be positioned within one of a plurality of holes defined in the band 110 to mechanically couple the bands 102, 110 together around a limb of the user. In an alternative aspect, the device 100 may not include the bands 102, 110 and the housing 104 may be attached to the user with an adhesive. The adhesive may be placed on the bottom sensor surface 136 to attach the bottom sensor surface 136 to the user. The adhesive may be placed to not blocking the red LED 114, the two photodetectors 118, or the infrared LED 116 allowing the device 100 to function properly.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the first plurality of photodetectors 119 may include two photodetectors 118, wherein the two photodetectors 118, the red LED 114, and the infrared LED 116 may be mounted proximately the bottom sensor surface 136. When the device 100 is positioned on a limb of a user, at least a portion of each of the first plurality of photodetectors 119, the red LED 114, and the infrared LED 116 is exposed to the user’s skin. The red LED 114 and infrared LED 116 may shine red light and infrared light on and into the user’s skin. The twophotodetectors 118 may detect the light signal re-emitted from the user’s skin, tissue, and blood.Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in an embodiment, the second plurality of photodetectors 139 may include two photodetectors 138, wherein one of the photodetectors 138 may be positioned above the infrared LED 116 and the other photodetector 138 may be positioned above the red LED 114. Both photodetectors 138 may be positioned away from the bottom sensor surface 136. While the photodetectors 118 at the bottom sensor surface 136 detect the light signal absorbed into the user’ s skin, tissue, and blood, the photodetectors 138 positioned above the red LED 114 and infrared LED 116 detect the light signal directly from LEDs 114, 116.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 6, the control circuit 120 may include at least one processor 122 and at least one memory 124. The processor 122 may be communicably coupled to the memory 124. The memory 124 may be configured to store instructions that are executed by the processor 122 to perform various operations of the device 100. The device 100 may include multiple processors 122 and multiple memories 124 that are all communicably coupled together to perform operations of the device 100.

[0041] The user interfaces 126 may include the user interface button 108 and the display screen 106. For example, the display screen 106 may be a touch display screen that may be configured to receive touch input from the user. Additionally, the control circuit 120 may be communicable coupled to a mobile device (i.e., cell phone, tablet, etc.) of the user through a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth) and receive information from the user via the mobile device. As such, the control circuit 120 may transmit data to the mobile device to provide the user with a notification.

[0042] The control circuit 120 may be electrically coupled to a battery 128 and powered by the battery 128. The battery 128 may be housed within the housing 104. The battery 128 may be rechargeable. For example, the battery may last for 5 days without being charged. The device 100may be designed to work for at least 60 days. The device 100 may incorporate a sleep mode or standby mode to conserve power when not in active use to minimize recharging of the battery 128,The battery 128 may have a minimum capacity of 64 watt-hours.

[0043] The control circuit 120 may be electrically coupled to the first plurality of photodetectors 119, the second plurality of photodetectors 139, the red LED 114, and the infrared LED 116. The control circuit 120 may deliver current to the red LED 114 and infrared LED 116 and may be configured to measure the light signal absorbed by the blood, skin, and tissue with the first plurality of photodetectors 119 and also measure the original light from the red LED 114 and infrared LED 116 with the second plurality of photodetectors 139.

[0044] In an embodiment, the pulse oximetry sensor 140 may comprise the red LED 114, infrared LED 116, the first plurality of photodetectors 119, and the second plurality of photodetectors 139, wherein the pulse oximetry sensor 140 may be configured and arranged to be positioned against the user’s skin when the device 100 is attached to the user. The pulse oximetry sensor 140 may be housed within the housing 104. The control circuit 120 may be configured to measure the saturation of oxygen in user’s blood with the pulse oximetry sensor 140 to determine an overall dehydration level of the user. The control circuit 120 may be configured to deliver current to the red LED 114 and infrared LED 116 and receive the re-emitted photo-signals with the first plurality of photodetectors 118, where the re-emitted photo-signals are light that was absorbed by the user’ s skin, tissue, and blood and then re-emitted. The control circuit may also receive the original photosignals from the red LED 114 and infrared LED 116 with the second plurality of photodetectors 138. The control circuit 120 may be configured to compare the photo-signals from the first plurality of photodetectors 119 with the photo-signals from the second plurality of photodetectors 138 to determine how much infrared light and red light was absorbed by the tissue. For example, the firstplurality of photodetectors 119 may detect the light re-emitted from the tissue and the second plurality of photodetectors 138 may detect the light directly from the LEDs 114, 116. The light absorbed by the tissue may be determined through the data from the first plurality of photodetectors119 and the second plurality of photodetectors 138. For example, the absorbed light may be determined by comparing the data from the first plurality of photodetectors 119 and the data from the second plurality of photodetectors 138 with the difference between the two being the amount of light absorbed. This calculation may be taken with data indicative of the red light absorbed from the red LED 114 and infrared light absorbed from the infrared LED 116. As such, there is an amount of red light absorbed by the tissue and an amount of infrared light absorbed by the tissue.

[0045] If the blood is sufficiently saturated with oxygen, then the blood may produce a bright red color and the blood may become darker brown as the oxygen level decreases. The control circuit120 may be configured to determine the ratio of absorbed red light to absorbed infrared light, determine the oxygen saturation of the skin, tissue, and blood based on the ratio, and determine the hydration level of the user based on the oxygen saturation. Additionally, the control circuit 120 may be configured to determine the user’s heart rate from the data from the first plurality of photodetectors 119. For example, the control circuit 120 may be configured to analyze the reemitted photo-signal data to determine the pulses from the heartbeat that pumped the tissue and determine the heart rate based on the counted pulses.

[0046] In one aspect, the control circuit 120 may always transmit the hydration level to the display screen 106 as a notification to the user. In an alternative aspect, the hydration level notification may be transmitted to the user only if the control circuit 120 determines that the hydration level is above or below a threshold range. In any case, the control circuit 120 may also transmit the hydration level alert or notification to a mobile device.

[0047] The threshold range may be determined based on patient history and baseline testing beforehand. For example, a physician may analyze the patient’s history and perform some baseline testing to determine the patient’s acceptable hydration levels or range. The physician may inform the patient what hydration levels are acceptable and what hydration levels must be immediately addressed. If the user’s hydration levels remain below the threshold range (e.g., below the lower end of the threshold range), then the chance of the user being hospitalized due to dehydration may increase. The alert in this case may provide the user with a notification that they need to drink water or some other beverage to hydrate themselves. Alternatively, if the user’s hydration levels remain above the threshold range (e.g., above the upper end of the threshold range), then the chance of hospitalization due to hypoosmotic conditions may increase. The alert in this case may notify the user that they need to reduce fluid intake or use a diuretic depending on the user’s current hydration level.

[0048] The control circuit 120 may determine a hydration level for the user periodically through the day. For example, the control circuit may determine a hydration level at a time interval throughout the day. For example, the time interval may be every 2 hours. In at least one aspect, the hydration level of the user may be determined at least once every 6 hours. The control circuit 120 may go into standby mode between measurements to conserve power in the battery 128. In at least one aspect, pressing the user interface button 108 may cause the control circuit to immediately determine the hydration level of the user.

[0049] FIG. 7 provides an example electrical schematic diagram 130 of a circuit powering the red LED 114. FIG. 8 provides an example electrical schematic diagram 132 of a circuit powering the infrared LED 116. Power enters these at the input voltage and the 5 volts powering the red LED and infrared LED. In at least one aspect, the input voltage may be supplied through the controlcircuit 120. As such, the control circuit 120 may transmit power to the red LED and infrared LED.

[0050] FIG. 9 provides an example electrical schematic diagram 134 of taking a pulse oximetry measurement. Power may enter the circuit at the input voltage Yin. In at least one aspect, the input voltage may be supplied through the control circuit 120. The input voltage may power the red LED 114 and the infrared LED 116. The light may be absorbed by the skin, tissue, and blood and may then be re-emitted to be recorded by the first plurality of photodetectors 119. The signals from the first plurality of photodetectors 119 may pass through an op-amp and be transmitted to the control circuit 120 for analysis. The control circuit 120 may also be configured to receive signals of the original light from the red LED 114 and the infrared LED 116 that were not absorbed by the skin, tissue, and blood from the second plurality of photodetectors 138 (not shown in FIG. 9). As discussed above, the control circuit 120 may be configured to analyze the signals from the first and second plurality of photodetectors 119, 139 to determine a hydration level of the user.

[0051] The device 100 may be configured to measure or approximate water content of the user. For example, as discussed above, the device 100 may determine the user’s water level and transmit a hydration alert to the user if the user’s water level is above or below the threshold range. For example, the hydration alert may provide the user with an indication to hydrate or cease hydrating themselves. For example, the hydration alert may indicate to the user that they are becoming dehydrated and that they need to drink water or another beverage to hydrate. In another example, the alert may notify of overhydration and indicate a to the user to reduce fluid intake or use a diuretic.

[0052] The device 100 may be configured to be a low maintenance device such that it may not require servicing by the user aside from occasionally charging the battery 128. The device may have a weight that is 2 lbs or less. The device 100 may collect pulse oximetry data and report onhydration of the user at increments that do not allow the user to become dehydrated. For example, the hydration of the user may be determined at least once every 6 hours.

[0053] From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

[0054] Instructions used to program logic to perform various disclosed aspects can be stored within a memory in the system such as dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), cash, flash memory, or other storage. Furthermore, the instructions can be distributed via network or by way of other computer readable media. Thus a machine- readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), but is not limited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc, read-only memory (CD-ROMS), and magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROMS), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or a tangible, machine-readable storage used in the transmission of information over the internet via electrical, optical, acoustical, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Accordingly, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes any type of tangible machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).

[0055] As used in any aspect herein, the term “control circuit” may refer to, for example, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., a computer processor including one or moreindividual instruction processing cores, processing unit, processor, microcontroller, microcontroller unit, controller, digital signal processor (DSP), programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), or field programmable gate array (FPGA)), state machine circuitry, firmware that stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry, and any combination thereof. The control circuit may, collectively or individually, be embodied as circuitry that forms part of a larger system, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on-chip (SoC), desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, servers, smart phones, etc. Accordingly, as used herein “control circuit” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and / or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and / or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical -electrical equipment). Those who have skill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A device for detecting a hydration status of a user, the device comprising: a red LED positioned against a skin of the user; an infrared LED positioned against the user’s skin; at least one first photodetector positioned against the skin of a user, wherein the at least one first photodetector detects light from the red LED and infrared LED that is re-emitted out of the user’s skin; at least one second photodetector positioned to detect light directly from the red LED and infrared LED; and a control circuit electrically coupled to the red LED, infrared LED, the at least one first photodetector, and the at least one second photodetector, the control circuit including a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executed by the processor to: transmit power to the red LED and infrared LED; receive first data from the at least one first photodetector; receive second data from the at least one second photodetector; determine an amount of red light absorbed by the skin and an amount of infrared light absorbed by the skin both based on the first data and the second data; determine a ratio of the absorbed red light to absorbed infrared light; determine an oxygen saturation of the user’s blood based on the ratio; determine a hydration level based on the oxygen saturation; compare the hydration level to a threshold range; andtransmit a notification based on the hydration level being more than or less than the threshold range.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a housing enclosing the control circuit, wherein the red LED, the infrared LED, the at least one first photodetector and the at least one second photodetector are mounted to the housing.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a display screen mounted to the housing, wherein the memory stores further instructions executed by the processor to display the notification on the display screen.

4. The device of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the device further comprises a user interface button mounted to the housing, and wherein the user interface button is to allow the user to provide input to the control circuit.

5. The device of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the device further comprises a band attached to the housing, wherein the band is configured to maintain the housing against the skin of the user.

6. The device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the notification includes an alert and instructions for a user to drink water and / or other beverages, or reduce the intake of water and / or other liquids.

7. The device of any one of claims 2-6, wherein the at least one first photodetector includes two first photodetectors configured to detect the light from the red LED and infrared LED that is re-emitted out of the user’s skin; and the at least one second photodetector includes two second photodetectors configured to detect the light directly from the red LED and infrared LED.

8. The device of claims 7, wherein the memory stores instructions executed by the processor to: receive the first data from the two first photodetectors indicative of light from the red LED and infrared LED absorbed by the skin of the user; receive the second data from the two second photodetectors indicative of light from the red LED and infrared LED; and determine the amount of red light absorbed by the skin and the amount of infrared light absorbed by the skin both based on the first data and the second data.

9. The device of any one of claims 2-9, wherein the red LED, the infrared LED, and the at least one first photodetector are arranged in the housing proximate a user facing surface of the device, such that at least a portion of each of the red LED, the infrared LED, and the at least one first photodetector is exposed to the user’s skin.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the at least one second photodetector is arranged above the red LED and the infrared LED and spaced away from the user facing surface.

11. A device for detecting a hydration status of a user, the device comprising: a housing defining a user facing surface positionable against a skin of the user;a red LED mounted proximate the user facing surface of the housing; an infrared LED mounted proximate the user facing surface of the housing; a first plurality of photodetectors mounted proximate the user facing surface of the housing, wherein at least a portion of each of the red LED, the infrared LED, and the first plurality of photodetectors are exposed to the user’s skin, and wherein the first plurality of photodetectors detect light from the red LED and infrared LED that is re-emitted out of the user’s skin; a second plurality of photodetectors mounted within the housing and spaced away from the user facing surface, wherein second plurality of photodetectors are positioned to detect light directly from the red LED and infrared LED; and a control circuit electrically coupled to the red LED, infrared LED, the first plurality of photodetectors, and the second plurality of photodetectors, the control circuit including a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executed by the processor to: transmit power to the red LED and infrared LED; receive first data from the first plurality of photodetectors; receive second data from the second plurality of photodetectors; determine an amount of red light absorbed by the skin and an amount of infrared light absorbed by the skin both based on the first data and the second data; determine a ratio of the absorbed red light to absorbed infrared light; determine an oxygen saturation of the user’s blood based on the ratio; determine a hydration level based on the oxygen saturation; compare the hydration level to a threshold range; and transmit a notification based on the hydration level being more than or less than the threshold range.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a display screen mounted to the housing, wherein the memory stores further instructions executed by the processor to display the notification on the display screen.

13. The device of any one of claims 11-12, wherein the device further comprises a user interface button mounted to the housing, and wherein the user interface button is to allow the user to provide input to the control circuit.

14. The device of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the device further comprises a band attached to the housing, wherein the band is configured to maintain the user facing surface of the housing against the skin of the user.

15. The device of any one of claims 11-14, wherein the notification includes an alert and instructions for a user to drink water and / or other beverages, or reduce the intake of water and / or other liquids.

16. The device of any one of claims 12-15, wherein the first plurality of photodetectors include two first photodetectors configured to detect the light from the red LED and infrared LED that is re-emitted out of the user’s skin; and the second plurality of photodetectors include two second photodetectors configured to detect the light directly from the red LED and infrared LED.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the memory stores instructions executed by the processor to:receive the first data from the two first photodetectors indicative of light from the red LED and infrared LED absorbed by the skin of the user; receive the second data from the two second photodetectors indicative of light from the red LED and infrared LED; and determine the amount of red light absorbed by the skin and the amount of infrared light absorbed by the skin both based on the first data and the second data.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the second plurality of photodetectors are arranged above the red LED and the infrared LED.

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