Wearable device for determining thermoregulatory fitness score

Abstract

A wearable device 100 for determining a thermoregulatory fitness score is disclosed The wearable device 100 includes a thermal sensor 108 for detecting peripheral temperature of the user 202. The device 100 further transmits the peripheral temperature and corresponding timestamp to a user device 204. The user device 204 may calculate a temperature recovery time based on the peripheral temperature and the corresponding timestamp of the user. Further, the user device may 204 may be configured to determine a strain tolerance score based on the temperature recovery time. Further, the application 210 may generate personalized recommendations for physical training and recovery strategies to the user 202 based on the strain tolerance score. Further, the user device 204 may render the strain tolerance score and the thermoregulatory fitness score to the user via the UI 214.

Description

[0001] WEARABLE DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THERMOREGULATORY FITNESS SCORE

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] [1] The present invention relates to a wearable device. More specifically the present invention relates to a wearable device configured to capture temperature related data and physical strain related data of a user to determine thermoregulatory fitness score.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] [2] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.

[0006] [3] Regular health monitoring is important for accomplishing long term wellness goals. Today, there are many wearable devices such as smart watches, available to collect a plurality of health parameters non-invasively. Wearable devices may collect health parameters using a plurality of sensors such as, SpO2 sensor, ECG sensor, etc.

[0007] [4] Some wearable devices may be configured to collect physiological data from users. Acquired physiological data may be used to analyze the user's movement and other activities, such as physical activity and exercises. Some of the users have a desire for more insight regarding their physical health, including their exercise recovery rate, sleeping patterns, activity, and overall physical well-being. Some wearable devices may be configured to acquire data from a user, and determine when a user is engaged in physical activity.

[0008] [5] These wearable devices are not capable of interpreting the thermal regulation of a user’ s body. However, such wearable devices are precise in monitoring heartbeat, SpO2 level, or exercise mode of the user but lacks in determining an optimum time to cool the body between two consecutive fitness or training sessions or after a given training session.

[0009] [6] An inability to differentiate and provide a thermoregulatory fitness score and exercise recovery rate or temperature recovery time may lead to incomplete activity measurements for the user, as different types of activity may exhibit varying levels of, physical exertion, and the like.

[0010] [7] Accordingly, there remains a need for a system capable for providing detailed and comprehensive thermoregulatory fitness score of the user’s body in a real-time and in continuous manner.

[0011] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [8] A general objective of the invention is to provide a wearable device capable of monitoring temperature of the user in real-time.

[0013] [9] Another objective of the invention is to provide a wearable device capable of calculating a temperature recovery time of the user, upon completion of a training session.

[0014]

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to compute a temperature recovery time i.e. the interval for peripheral temperature to return to pre-exercise levels as a primary physiological marker for recovery and fatigue.

[0015]

[0011] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a central marker for recovery or fatigue management.

[0016]

[0012] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a wearable device capable of determining a thermoregulatory fitness score and strain tolerance score of the user.

[0017]

[0013] Still another objective of the present invention is to generate a training and recovery suggestion based on the state of the user’s body at the start of the fitness session.

[0018]

[0014] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a time-stamped recovery score.

[0019]

[0015] Still another objective of the present invention is to generate the training and recovery suggestion specifically tied to the thermoregulatory fitness score and the strain tolerance or sensitivity score.

[0020]

[0016] Yet another objective of the present invention is to enable fatigue management and adaptation of exercise plans based on the real-time, user specific physiological data.

[0017] Yet another objective of the present invention is to enable users to define specific activity periods tailored to their nature body temperature cycles or in the case of women based on their menstrual cycle progression.

[0021]

[0018] Still another objective of the present invention is to allow the system to adapt to recovery assessments to individual baselines in order to allow for personalized insights and recommendations.

[0022] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023]

[0019] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.

[0024]

[0020] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to the present invention of a smart wearable device capable of determining a thermoregulatory fitness score of a user and the aspects are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0025]

[0021] In an aspect, a system to determine thermoregulatory fitness score of a user, the system comprises: a smart wearable device configured to be worn continuously by the user, the smart wearable device comprises: one layer coupled to a flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB), the PCB comprises: at least one sensor configured to continuously measure a peripheral temperature of the user in real time; at least one microcontroller operatively coupled to the sensor to receive, store, and process the peripheral temperature values; and at least one wireless communication module configured to transmit the temperature values to an external user device.

[0026]

[0022] In another aspect an external user device is communicatively coupled with the smart wearable device , the user device comprises: a processor; a memory storing instructions executable by the processor; an application stored in the memory and executable by the processor, the application configured to: receive the peripheral temperature values with corresponding timestamps from the smart wearable device ; compute a temperature recovery time based on the time required for the peripheral temperature to return to a baseline after physical exertion; compute a time-stamped, thermoregulatory fitness score based at least on the temperature recovery time, user's temperature recovery profile, physiological history, and pre-defined exertion thresholds.

[0027]

[0023] In one aspect, the system to calculate the thermoregulatory fitness score includes a user interface (UI) configured to display to the user: the real-time and historical peripheral temperature data; the calculated temperature recovery time; the thermoregulatory fitness score; and personalized training and recovery recommendations based on the scores.

[0028]

[0024] In an aspect, the system of calculate the thermoregulatory fitness score includes a cloud storage system communicatively coupled with the user device ,the cloud storage system configured to: store the peripheral temperature values, computed recovery time, and thermoregulatory fitness score for a long term; enable secure access and retrieval of the peripheral temperature values, computed recovery time, and the thermoregulatory fitness score across multiple sessions or devices to the user; and facilitate personalized training and recovery recommendations to the user.

[0029]

[0025] In another aspect, the smart wearable device can be a smart ring or band or any other wearable device.

[0030]

[0026] In another aspect, the sensor is a thermal sensor which can have different forms including contact and contact-less.

[0031]

[0027] In another aspect, the thermoregulatory fitness score includes at least one of a thermoregulatory score and a strain tolerance score.

[0032]

[0028] In another aspect, the strain tolerance score is computed using one or more of: heart rate variability, sleep patterns, temperature profiles of the night and day period before the exercise sessions, changes in menstrual phase of women, historical recovery profiles, historical performance data, and physical activity logs.

[0033]

[0029] In another aspect, the temperature recovery time is used as a primary physiological marker for recovery and fatigue.

[0030] In another aspect, the temperature recovery time is the interval for peripheral temperature to return to pre-exercise levels.

[0034]

[0031] In an aspect, the cloud storage system is a decentralized storage system.

[0035]

[0032] In another aspect, the wireless communication module supports one or more of: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), or radio frequency communication.

[0036]

[0033] In one aspect, the application and the long-term, cloud storage system are configured to store and visualize historical scores and physiological trends for the user over time to detect subtle but long-term trends that indicate changes in user baseline over months and years..

[0037]

[0034] In an aspect, the user interface (UI) is further configured to render comparative analytics, progress tracking, alerts, or visual graphs based on the thermoregulatory fitness and strain tolerance / sensitivity scores.

[0038]

[0035] In one aspect, the flexible PCB is a rigid-flex PCB providing mechanical integrity and compact integration of electronic components within the smart ring form factor.

[0039]

[0036] In one aspect, the application is configured to detect and exclude non-physiological temperatures that can be erroneously conveyed by the sensor in high sampling rates.

[0040]

[0037] In an aspect, a method for determining thermoregulatory fitness score of a user comprises: receiving the peripheral temperature values with corresponding timestamps from the smart wearable device ; computing a temperature recovery time based on the time required for the peripheral temperature to return to a baseline after physical exertion; computing a time- stamped, thermoregulatory fitness score based at least on the temperature recovery time, user's temperature recovery profile, physiological history, and pre-defined exertion thresholds.

[0041]

[0038] displaying, using a UI on a user device: the real-time and historical peripheral temperature data; the calculated temperature recovery time; the thermoregulatory fitness score; and personalized training and recovery recommendations based on the scores.

[0042]

[0039] In an aspect, a method for determining thermoregulatory fitness score of a user comprises storing the peripheral temperature values, computed temperature recovery time, and thermoregulatory fitness score in a cloud storage system for a long term, wherein the cloud storage system is configured for : enabling secure access and secure access and retrieval of the peripheral temperature values, computed recovery time, and the thermoregulatory fitness score across multiple sessions or devices to the user ; and facilitating personalized training and recovery recommendations to the user.

[0043]

[0040] In an aspect, the method for determining thermoregulatory fitness score of a user comprises a smart wearable device wherein the smart wearable device can be a smart ring or band or any other wearable device.

[0044]

[0041] In an aspect, the method for determining thermoregulatory fitness score of a user comprises thermoregulatory fitness score including at least one of a recovery score and a strain sensitivity / tolerance score.

[0045]

[0042] In an aspect, the method for determining thermoregulatory fitness score of a user comprises strain tolerance / sensitivity score, the strain tolerance / sensitivity score is computed using one or more of: heart rate variability, sleep patterns, temperature profiles of the night and day period before the exercise sessions, changes in menstrual phase of women, historical recovery profiles, historical performance data, and physical activity logs.

[0046]

[0043] In an aspect, the method for determining thermoregulatory fitness score of a user comprises a temperature recovery time which is used as a primary physiological marker for recovery and fatigue.

[0047]

[0044] In an aspect, the method for determining thermoregulatory fitness score of a user uses a temperature recovery time, wherein the temperature recovery time is the interval for peripheral temperature to return to pre-exercise levels.

[0048]

[0045] In an aspect, the method for determining thermoregulatory fitness score of a user includes a user device, wherein the user device includes a wireless communication module to support one or more of: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), or radio frequency communication.

[0049]

[0046] In an aspect, the cloud storage system is configured to store and visualize historical scores and physiological trends for the user over time to detect subtle but long-term trends that indicate changes in user baseline over months and years.

[0047] In an aspect, the method for determining thermoregulatory fitness score of a user uses a (UI) , wherein the UI is configured to render comparative analytics, progress tracking, alerts, or visual graphs based on the thermoregulatory fitness and strain tolerance / sensitivity scores.

[0050]

[0048] In an aspect, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer program code for execution by one or more processors of a system, the computer program code configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to: receive peripheral temperature values with corresponding timestamps from a smart wearable device ; compute a temperature recovery time based on the time required for the peripheral temperature to return to a baseline after physical exertion; compute a time-stamped, thermoregulatory fitness score based at least on the temperature recovery time, user's temperature recovery profile, physiological history, and pre-defined exertion thresholds; and display, using a UI on the user device , the real-time and historical peripheral temperature data, the calculated temperature recovery time, the thermoregulatory fitness score and personalized training and recovery recommendations based on the scores; and store the peripheral temperature values, computed temperature recovery time, and thermoregulatory fitness score in a cloud storage system for a long term, wherein the cloud storage system is configured to : enable secure access and secure access and retrieval of the peripheral temperature values, computed recovery time, and the thermoregulatory fitness score across multiple sessions or devices to the user; and facilitate personalized training and recovery recommendations to the user.

[0051]

[0049] In an aspect, the smart wearable device can be a smart ring or band or any other wearable device.

[0052]

[0050] In an aspect, the thermoregulatory fitness score includes at least one of a recovery score and a strain sensitivity / tolerance score.

[0053]

[0051] In an aspect, the strain tolerance / sensitivity score is computed using one or more of: heart rate variability, sleep patterns, temperature profiles of the night and day period before the exercise sessions, changes in menstrual phase of women, historical recovery profiles, historical performance data, and physical activity logs.

[0054]

[0052] In an aspect, temperature recovery time is used as a primary physiological marker for recovery and fatigue.

[0053] In an aspect, temperature recovery time is the interval for peripheral temperature to return to pre-exercise levels.

[0055]

[0054] In an aspect, the user device includes a wireless communication module to support one or more of: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), or radio frequency communication.

[0056]

[0055] In an aspect, the cloud storage system is configured to store and visualize historical scores and physiological trends for the user over time to detect subtle but long-term trends that indicate changes in user baseline over months and years.

[0057]

[0056] In an aspect, the (UI) is configured to render comparative analytics, progress tracking, alerts, or visual graphs based on the thermoregulatory fitness and strain tolerance / sensitivity scores.

[0058]

[0057] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprises computer program code for execution by one or more processors of a system, the computer program code configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to: configure a smart wearable device to be worn continuously by the user, the smart wearable device comprises: one layer coupled to a flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB), the PCB comprises: at least one sensor configured to continuously measure a peripheral temperature of the user in real time; at least one microcontroller operatively coupled to the sensor to receive, store, and process the peripheral temperature values; a wireless communication module configured to transmit the temperature values to an external user device; and communicatively couple a user device with the smart wearable device , the user device comprises: a processor; a memory storing instructions executable by the processor; an application stored in the memory and executable by the processor.

[0059]

[0058] In an aspect the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for calculating thermoregulatory fitness score comprises an application configured to: receive the peripheral temperature values with corresponding timestamps from the smart wearable device; compute a temperature recovery time based on the time required for the peripheral temperature to return to a baseline after physical exertion; compute a time-stamped, thermoregulatory fitness score based at least on the temperature recovery time, user's temperature recovery profile, physiological history, and pre-defined exertion thresholds; a user interface (UI) configured to display to the user: the real-time and historical peripheral temperature data; the calculated temperature recovery time; the thermoregulatory fitness score; and personalized training and recovery recommendations based on the scores.

[0060]

[0059] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

[0061] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062]

[0060] The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the description and are used to provide further understanding of the present invention. Such accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiments of the present invention which are used to describe the principles of the present invention. The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this invention are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and they mean at least one. In the drawings:

[0063]

[0061] Fig. 1 illustrates a wearable device capable of determining a thermoregulatory fitness score, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064]

[0062] Fig. 2 illustrates a system architecture for thermoregulatory fitness monitoring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0065]

[0063] Fig. 3 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method for computing thermoregulatory fitness score and delivering personalized recommendations, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066]

[0064] A more complete understanding of the present invention and its embodiments thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0067] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068]

[0065] Exemplary embodiments now will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0069]

[0066] It is to be noted, however, that the reference numerals used herein illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter, and are therefore, not to be considered for limiting its scope, for the subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0070]

[0067] The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0071]

[0068] The present invention relates to a wearable device capable of determining thermoregulatory fitness score of a user. The wearable device may be a smart watch, smart band, or an electronic ring. Although the details have been provided successively with reference to a smart ring merely for the sake of explanation, it must be understood that the invention could be fairly implemented in a similar manner using any other wearable device, such as the ones listed above.

[0072]

[0069] The present invention relates to wearable device designed for fitness recovery and exertion modeling in healthy individuals. However, the wearable device disclosed in the present invention may not be limited specifically to healthy individuals and may be used for the diagnosis and general wellness. The wearable device of the present invention is activity based and measures real-time physiological recovery post exercise. The wearable device of the present invention generates a thermoregulatory fitness score in a continuous manner.

[0073]

[0070] Determination of the thermoregulatory fitness score may allow an athlete to optimize the performance by optimizing a strategy related to training and recovery. In an embodiment, the wearable device may alert an individual to potential heat stress or hypothermia risk. Further, the device may send alerts to the user regarding significant deviation in temperature and other vital signs which may be early indicators of illness. The continuous and regular alerts may enable the user to make better decisions about clothing, hydration, and other activity levels in various environments.

[0074]

[0071] Fig. 1 illustrates a wearable device 100 capable of determining a thermoregulatory fitness score of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 may be a smart ring. In one embodiment, the smart ring 100 may be made using a hypoallergenic material for allowing comfortable and continuous wear by the user. The smart ring 100 may comprise an outer layer 102, a middle layer 104, and an inner layer 106. The outer layer 102 may be made of a rigid and antirust material, such as titanium, transparent material, translucent material such as hardened glass, fibre, sapphire glass, or any other scratch proof hard material. The purpose of using such material for making outer layer is to provide durability and protection for internal electronics.

[0075]

[0072] In an embodiment, the outer layer 102 may be nonconductive in order to reduce electromagnetic interference. Further, the outer layer 102 may be chemically inert to achieve an improved longevity. In an embodiment, a middle layer 104 is positioned between the outer layer 102 and the inner layer 106. The middle layer 104 may provide a structural support to embedded electronics while allowing conformability with a curved form factor of the ring 100. The inner layer 106 may be made up of a biocompatible, hypoallergenic material such as medical-grade silicone, polyurethane, or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).

[0076]

[0073] The inner layer 106 may be made of a semi-transparent, or completely transparent material. Transparency of the inner layer 106 would allow the sensors to obtain reading from the finger of the user. The inner layer 106 is configured to remain in continuous contact with a skin of a user. The inner layer 106 may include an embedded capacitive sensor for the skin contact validation.

[0077]

[0074] The middle layer 104 may be configured to accommodate miniature surface mounted components such as a flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The flexible PCB (or rigid Flex) may include embedded electrical interconnections and house a plurality of sensors to capture health parameters of the user. The PCB may include one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensor may be a thermal sensor 108 configured to measure a peripheral temperature of the user in real-time. In another embodiment, the PCB may be configured to include a sensor module (similar to 108), the sensor module may comprise one or more sensors such as thermistors, infrared temperature sensors, skin contact thermopiles etc.

[0078]

[0075] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 108 may be located near an inner surface to ensure a direct thermal coupling with skin. The one or more sensors 108 may be configured to continuously measure a peripheral skin temperature with a high temporal resolution. In an embodiment, a sampling rate for the one or more sensor 108 may be dependent on a battery (also referred to as power source) and processing constraints. The one or more sensor may capture minute thermal variations indicative of post exercise cooling, or recovery rate.

[0079]

[0076] Further, a microcontroller 110 may be mounted on the flexible PCB. The thermal sensor 108 mounted on the flexible PCB may be connected to the microcontroller. The thermal sensor 108 may transmit values of the peripheral temperature detected by the thermal sensor 108 to the microcontroller, in real-time. The microcontroller 110 may be interfaced with the thermal sensor 108 to acquire time stamp data.

[0080]

[0077] Further, in another embodiment, the microcontroller 110 may be configured to pre- process a data received from the thermal sensor 108. The microcontroller 110 may also store values of the peripheral temperature of a user in its own memory or a separate memory element mounted on the flexible PCB. In another embodiment, the microcontroller 110 may be configured to coordinate a wireless communication with an external smart device (also referred to as a user device).

[0081]

[0078] In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 includes a wireless module 112 configured to be mounted on the flexible PCB to wirelessly communicate the peripheral temperature to a user device, such as a smartphone or a laptop. The wireless communication module 112 may enable a bi-directional communication between the wearable device and an external user device. The wireless module 112 may work on one or more of Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi, a radio frequency, and Near Field Communication (NFC). In one embodiment, the wireless communication module 112 may perform encrypted transmission to protect user health related data. In another embodiment, the wireless communication module 112 may also have an optional MAC address randomization for anonymized data transfer.

[0082]

[0079] Further, the wearable device 100 includes a power source 114, the power source may be a compact rechargeable battery. The power source 114 may have a Battery Management System BMS integrated with the microcontroller 112.

[0083]

[0080] Fig. 2 illustrates a system architecture 200 for thermoregulatory fitness monitoring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system architecture 200 includes a wearable device 100 worn by a user 202, wherein the wearable device 100 may wirelessly and a user device 204. The wearable device 100 (illustrated in Fig. 1) includes a peripheral temperature sensor 108, the peripheral temperature sensor 108 may be a biometric sensor responsible to continuously monitor the peripheral temperature of the skin of the user 202 continuously in real time. The user 202 may want to calculate a thermoregulatory fitness score for a training session.

[0084]

[0081] In one embodiment, the thermoregulatory fitness score may utilize a skin temperature (T_skin), wherein the (T_skin) may be measured by one or more of key points namely:

[0085] Before workout (T_pre)

[0086] During workout (T_during)

[0087] After workout (T_post)

[0088]

[0082] Further, the thermoregulatory fitness score may utilize Ambient Temperature (T_ambient), wherein T_ambient is recorded alongside T_skin throughout the session to account for environmental conditions.

[0089]

[0083] Further, in one embodiment, the thermoregulatory fitness score may utilize Recovery Time (T_recovery) which is the time taken for skin temperature to return to baseline (T_pre) after workout ends. In another embodiment, the thermoregulatory fitness score may be based on Thermal Load (AUC), wherein the thermal load may be represented by the area under the curve of skin temperature over time, above the baseline. This reflects the total thermal strain experienced by the body of the user 202.

[0090]

[0084] In an embodiment, the thermoregulatory fitness score is calculated by analyzing how much the skin temperature increases during exercise, how long it takes to return to baseline afterward, and a total heat load (area under the curve) sustained during the session. These metrics are adjusted for ambient temperature to account for external heat stress. A lower temperature rise, quicker recovery, and smaller thermal load indicate better thermoregulation, resulting in a higher score.

[0091]

[0085] Further, the user 202 may want to calculate a strain recovery score for a training session. Thus, the user 202 may wear the smart ring 100 in one of its fingers before starting the training session. Further as explained in detail in Fig. 1, the smart ring 100 includes a thermal sensor 108 configured to detect a peripheral temperature of the user 202. Further, the thermal sensor 108 detects the peripheral temperature before starting the training session, during the training session, and after completing the training session.

[0086] The smart ring 100 may store the peripheral temperatures corresponding to their timestamps in a memory of the smart ring 100. Further, the microcontroller 110 (illustrated in Fig. 1) may be a low power embedded processor configured to receive a temperature signal continuously in real-time from the sensor 108.

[0092]

[0087] The microcontroller 110 may coordinate wireless transmission through the wireless transmission module 112. The wireless module 112 may operate as communication interface and enable a bidirectional wireless information exchange with the user device 204. In an embodiment, the wireless module 112 support low latency and secure an energy efficient connectivity. In another embodiment, a power source 114 may be configured to power the wearable device 100.

[0093]

[0088] In another embodiment, the power source 114 may include a power management circuitry for optimized energy consumption during idle or sleep modes. The system architecture further includes the user device 204, wherein the user device 204 may be a mobile device, a smartphone, a tablet, or a smartwatch configured to interface with the wearable device 100 to host a core processing software. The user device 204 may include a processor 206. The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU) of the user device 204 for executing an application logic. The processor may handle computationally intensive tasks, such as timeseries analysis, trend detection, and scoring algorithms.

[0094]

[0089] Further the user device 204 includes a memory 208 configured to store an application 210. The memory 208 further stores a user-specific physiological history, exertion thresholds and logs of past temperature and score data for trend visualization and Al training. The memory 208 is communicatively coupled with the processor 206, and the memory 208 stores program instructions executable by the processor 206 to run an application 210. In one embodiment, a lightweight executable version of the application 210 may be configured to run on the wearable device 100.

[0095]

[0090] The processor 206 may include one or more general purpose processors (e.g., INTEL® or Advanced Micro Devices® (AMD) microprocessors or similar processors) and / or one or more special purpose processors (e.g., digital signal processors or Xilinx® System On Chip (SOC) Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) processor or similar processors), MIPS / ARM- class processor, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a microcontroller, a state machine, or any type of programmable logic array.

[0091] The memory 208 may include, but is not limited to, non-transitory machine-readable storage devices such as hard drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, Compact Disc Read-Only Memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, such as ROMs, Random Access Memories (RAMs), Programmable Read-Only Memories (PROMs), Erasable PROMs (EPROMs), Electrically Erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media / machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0096]

[0092] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other processor and memory types, including various computer-readable media, may be used to store and execute program instructions pertaining to the techniques described herein. Also, while the description illustrates various processes, it is expressly contemplated that various processes may be embodied as modules configured to operate in accordance with the techniques herein (e.g., according to the functionality of a similar process). Further, while the processes have been shown separately, those skilled in the art will appreciate that processes may be routines or modules within other processes.

[0097]

[0093] In one embodiment, the user device 204 includes the application 210, the application may be a dedicated software application stores in the memory 208 and executed by the processor 206. The application may be configured to receive peripheral temperature data with timestamps from the wearable device. Further, the application 210 may compute a temperature recovery time, derive a thermoregulatory fitness score, and generate personalized training and recovery recommendation for the user 202. The application 210 may be configured to determine a temperature recovery time, the temperature recovery time is the time taken for peripheral temperature to return to pre-training temperature levels after completing the training based on the peripheral temperatures and their corresponding timestamps.

[0098]

[0094] Further, the user device 204 is configured to determine a thermoregulatory fitness score based on the temperature recovery time. The thermoregulatory Fitness Score may provide a practical marker for the user’s ability to handle physical strain and recover efficiently. Further, the application (212) may generate personalized recommendations for physical training and recovery strategies to the user (202) based on the thermoregulatory fitness score.

[0099]

[0095] Further, the user device may 204 may be configured to determine a strain tolerance score based on the temperature recovery time. The strain tolerance score may provide a practical marker for the user’s ability to handle physical strain and recover efficiently. Further, the application 210 may generate personalized recommendations for physical training and recovery strategies to the user 202 based on the strain tolerance score.

[0100]

[0096] The user device 204 further includes a wireless module 212, wherein the wireless module is similar to the wireless communication module 112 configured to enable wireless receipt of data from the wearable device 100. In an embodiment, the wireless communication module 212. In an embodiment, the wireless module 212 may support a dual operation mode and ensure a secure, authenticated and a real-time data transfer.

[0101]

[0097] Furthermore, the user device 204 is configured to include a User Interface (also referred to as UI) 214 to provide a graphical and interactive interface for the user 202. In an embodiment, the UI 214 may display a real time peripheral temperature value, the value may be displayed in a form of temperature graph. Further, the UI 214 may display a historical data trend, calculated value of recovery time, historical temperature trend, calculated temperature recovery time, thermoregulatory fitness score, and insights requiring actions, the actions may be related to workout rest suggestion, hydration etc.

[0102]

[0098] Further, the architecture 200 depicts a system level interaction, the system including a wearable device 100 continuously capturing temperature data from the user 202 and sending the captured temperature data to the user device 204. The user device 204 may process the temperature data and display an actionable insight via the UI 214.

[0103]

[0099] In an embodiment, the architecture 200 is configured to function as a real-time feedback loop, allowing the user 202 to monitor their thermoregulatory performance post-exertion and adapt their training or rest accordingly. The architecture 200 is configured to work as a distributed architecture, the distributed architecture is configured to enable localization of data acquisition at the wearable device 100. Further, the architecture 100 is configured to centralize processing and visualization in the user device 204. The distributed architecture thus reduces power and processing burden on the wearable device 100.

[0104]

[0100] In one embodiment, the architecture 200 further includes a cloud storage system 216 communicatively coupled with the user device 204. The cloud storage system 216 is configured to securely store data transmitted from the smart wearable device 100 and processed by the user device 204, including but not limited to: peripheral temperature readings, calculated temperature recovery time, and the derived fatigue recovery fitness score. The cloud storage system 216 enables long-term archival and retrieval of historical user data across multiple sessions or user device 204. This facilitates continuous monitoring, trend analysis, and user profiling over extended periods.

[0105]

[0101] In another embodiment, the cloud system may also interface with machine learning algorithms or analytics engines to support personalized recovery insights, predictive modeling, and the enhancement of training recommendations based on the thermoregulatory scores and the related pattern. In one embodiment, the data stored in the cloud may be encrypted and access-controlled to ensure user privacy and compliance with applicable data protection standard.

[0106]

[0102] Fig.3 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method for computing thermoregulatory fitness score and delivering personalized recommendations, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, Fig.3 represents a sequential flow diagram outlining a core method 300 executed by the system 200 to derive a thermoregulatory fitness score from a measured value of peripheral temperature data and generate a personalized training recovery guidance for the user 202. The method may operate in conjunction with a smart wearable device 100 and application 210, facilitating physiological data analysis after completion of work out session.

[0107]

[0103] At step 302, the application 210 receives the measured values of peripheral temperatures with corresponding time stamps from smart wearable device. Each temperature reading is timestamped to allow a temporal analysis, enabling identification of fluctuations before, during and after completion of exercise. Each of the measured value of the peripheral temperature data may form a baseline input for all subsequent processing steps. The method 300 initiates by receiving continuous streams of peripheral (skin) temperature values, along with their respective timestamps, transmitted wirelessly from the smart wearable device 100.

[0108]

[0104] In an embodiment, the measured values of peripheral temperature data may be sampled at a predefined frequency, temporally synchronized using software, buffered and queued for processing and form a time series dataset central to all downstream computations.

[0109]

[0105] Further, at step 304, a temperature recovery time based on the return to baseline after physical exertion is determined. The system 200 analyzes the time-series data to identify when physical exertion occurred, such physical exertion may be identified using identification of a rise in skin temperature. In an embodiment, a determination of a peak value of skin temperature corresponding to maximum exertion may be marked. Further, a recovery time, that is how long it takes for the temperature to return to the baseline is computed. The temperature recovery time may be computed as duration between an end of exertion and return to pre-exertion values of the peripheral temperature. Further, the temperature recovery time may be processed for noise filtering and algorithms may be applied to prevent transient spikes from corrupting the temperature recovery time value. The temperature recovery time value may serve as a proxy for body’s thermoregulatory efficiency which may reflect recovery readiness and cardiovascular stability of the user 202.

[0110]

[0106] Further, at step 306, computation of thermoregulatory fitness score may be carried out on the basis of temperature recovery time. The temperature recovery time may be mapped to the thermoregulatory fitness score using one or more of the algorithms such as time thresholds, statistical comparison to historical or population baselines and quantification of user’s current recovery rate, independent of strain or workload. The thermoregulatory fitness score is a quantitative representation of how efficiently body of the user 202 cools down after completion of exercise and indicate a cardiovascular fitness. In an embodiment, various factors may be considered while calculation of thermoregulatory fitness score, the factors may relate to ambient temperature, time of the day, known thermoregulatory variances etc.

[0111]

[0107] At step 308, assessment of strain tolerance score is performed. In one embodiment, assessment of the strain tolerance score may be done on the basis of temperature recovery profile of the user 202, physiological history and predefined threshold values. The strain tolerance recovery score may be calculated using longitudinal recovery data of the user 202. The longitudinal recovery data may relate to trends across days / weeks.

[0112]

[0108] Further, the strain tolerance score may be calculated using a data of age, fitness level, body mass index, sleep quality, prior recovery patterns, body temperature, predefine exertion thresholds from a particular sport. The strain tolerance score may help in contextualizing recovery of the user 202 in light of the overall physiological burden of the user 202. The thermoregulatory fitness score represents physiological condition and strain tolerance score represents strain tolerance capacity of the user 202. The strain tolerance score and the thermoregulatory fitness score are complimentary in nature and both when combined produce a thermoregulatory fitness score.

[0109] At step 310, the system 200 may generate a personalized training and recovery recommendation for the user 202. The recommendations may relate to rest days, nature of training performed, hydration / nutrition suggestions, sleep optimization, coaching advice, cooling routines. Further, at 310 the system 200 may flag any abnormal recovery trend for further attention. At step 312, a User Interface UI 214 may display to the user 202 a real-time and a historical peripheral temperature data, the calculated recovery time, the thermoregulatory fitness score, and personalized training and recovery recommendations based on the thermoregulatory fitness score and the strain tolerance score.

[0113]

[0110] The final step 312, involves rendering all relevant information to the user via a graphical UI 214 on the user device 204. The UI 214 may present real-time peripheral temperature graphs, visual timelines of recovery trends, fatigue scores in simple formats using color codes / alpha numeric indicators, and actionable guidelines complying requirements of user 202 current state and targets. The UI 214 may also include a hourly or daily or weekly or monthly and yearly trend dashboard.

[0114]

[0111] Further the UI 214 may include one or more user feedback buttons to improve future recommendations. The method 300 provides a data drive, personalized recovery management system my monitoring temperature in real-time, using temperature signals to compute fitness status in real-time, combine the real-time and historical data, translate abstract data into meaningful suggestions. The system 200 is particularly beneficial for athletes, rehabilitating individuals, and fitness-conscious users aiming to avoid overtraining, enhance performance, or ensure safe progression.

[0115]

[0112] Technical advantages of the present invention:

[0116]

[0113] The present invention provides a system to measure peripheral temperature values in real-time in a continuous manner for a given period of time and correlate it with the state of the body before and after.

[0117]

[0114] The present invention provides a wearable device capable of calculating a temperature recovery time of the user, upon completion of a training session.

[0115] The present invention provides a wearable device capable of determining a thermoregulatory fitness score and strain tolerance score of the user which informs the user of their resilience to intense workouts or activity to help them optimize their performance and long-term overall wellbeing.

[0118]

[0116] The present invention provides a time-stamped recovery score.

[0119]

[0117] A system that also detects abnormal temperature readings corresponding to unphysiological temperature ranges for a human being and excluding those in real time or after the training session, to improve the accuracy of the predictive output.

[0120]

[0118] The present invention provides a training and recovery suggestion specifically tied to the thermoregulatory fitness score and the strain tolerance score.

[0121]

[0119] The present invention helps in fatigue management and adaptation of exercise plans based on the real-time, user specific physiological data.

[0122]

[0120] The present invention provides an adaption of wearable device to recovery assessments to individual baselines in order to allow for personalized insights and recommendations.

[0123]

[0121] The specification may refer to “an”, “another”, “one” or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations.

[0124]

[0122] This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0125]

[0123] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “include”, “includes”, “including” and / or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include operatively connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0126]

[0124] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0127]

[0125] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0128]

[0126] Although implementations of methods and systems calculating thermoregulatory fitness score have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations of a method and a system for calculating the thermoregulatory fitness score.

[0129]

[0127] The invention has been described above with reference to numerous embodiments and specific examples. Many variations will suggest themselves to those skilled in this art in light of the above-detailed description. All such obvious variations are within the full intended scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A system to determine thermoregulatory fitness score of a user, the system comprises: a smart wearable device (100) configured to be worn continuously by the user, the smart wearable device comprises: one layer of the wearable device (100) coupled to a flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB), the PCB comprises: at least one sensor (108) configured to continuously measure a peripheral temperature of the user in real time; at least one microcontroller (110) operatively coupled to the sensor (108) to receive, store, and process the peripheral temperature values; and at least one wireless communication module (112,) configured to transmit the temperature values to an external user device; a user device (204) communicatively coupled with the smart wearable device (100), the user device comprises: a processor (206); a memory (208) storing instructions executable by the processor; an application (210); stored in the memory and executable by the processor, the application configured to: receive the peripheral temperature values with corresponding timestamps from the smart wearable device (100); compute a temperature recovery time based on the time required for the peripheral temperature to return to a baseline after a given session of physical exertion; compute a time-stamped, recovery fitness score based at least on the temperature recovery time, user's temperature recovery profile, physiological history, user’s temperature condition at the beginning of the day or prior to exercise session and position in menstrual cycle for women users to generate pre-defined exertion thresholds;a user interface (UI) (214) configured to display to the user: the real-time and historical peripheral temperature data; the calculated temperature recovery time; the thermoregulatory fitness score; and personalized training and recovery recommendations based on the scores; and a cloud storage system (216) communicatively coupled with the user device (204), the cloud storage system configured to: store the peripheral temperature values, computed recovery time, and thermoregulatory fitness score for a long term; enable secure access and retrieval of the peripheral temperature values, computed recovery time, and the thermoregulatory fitness score across multiple sessions or devices to the user (202); and facilitate personalized training and recovery recommendations to the user (202).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the smart wearable device (100) can be a smart ring or band or any other wearable device.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is a thermal sensor.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermoregulatory fitness score includes at least one of a recovery score and a strain sensitivity / tolerance score.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the strain tolerance / sensitivity score is computed using one or more of: heart rate variability, sleep patterns, temperature profiles of the night and day period before the exercise sessions, changes in menstrual phase of women, historical recovery profiles, historical performance data, and physical activity logs.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature recovery time is used as a primary physiological marker for recovery and fatigue.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature recovery time is the interval for peripheral temperature to return to pre-exercise levels.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cloud storage system is a decentralized storage system.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless communication module (112) supports one or more of: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), or radio frequency communication.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application (210) and the long-term, cloud storage system (216) is configured to store and visualize historical scores and physiological trends for the user over time to detect subtle but long-term trends that indicate changes in user baseline over months and years.

11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface (UI) (214) is further configured to render comparative analytics, progress tracking, alerts, or visual graphs based on the thermoregulatory fitness and strain tolerance / sensitivity scores.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible PCB is a rigid-flex PCB providing mechanical integrity and compact integration of electronic components within the smart ring form factor.

13. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application is configured to detect and exclude non-physiological temperatures that can be erroneously conveyed by the sensor in high sampling rates.

14. A method for determining thermoregulatory fitness score of a user, the method comprising: receiving peripheral temperature values with corresponding timestamps from a smart wearable device (100); computing a temperature recovery time based on the time required for the peripheral temperature to return to a baseline after physical exertion;computing a time-stamped, thermoregulatory fitness score based at least on the temperature recovery time, user's temperature recovery profile, physiological history, and pre-defined exertion thresholds; and displaying using a UI (214), on a user device (204), the real-time and historical peripheral temperature data, the calculated temperature recovery time, the thermoregulatory fitness score and personalized training and recovery recommendations based on the scores; and storing the peripheral temperature values, computed temperature recovery time, and thermoregulatory fitness score in a cloud storage system (216) for a long term, wherein the cloud storage system is configured for: enabling secure access and secure access and retrieval of the peripheral temperature values, computed recovery time, and the thermoregulatory fitness score across multiple sessions or devices to the user (202); and facilitating personalized training and recovery recommendations to the user (202).

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the smart wearable device (100) can be a smart ring or band or any other wearable device.

16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein thermoregulatory fitness score includes at least one of a recovery score and a strain sensitivity / tolerance score.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein strain tolerance / sensitivity score is computed using one or more of: heart rate variability, sleep patterns, temperature profiles of the night and day period before the exercise sessions, changes in menstrual phase of women, historical recovery profiles, historical performance data, and physical activity logs.

18. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein temperature recovery time is used as a primary physiological marker for recovery and fatigue.

19. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein temperature recovery time is the interval for peripheral temperature to return to pre-exercise levels.

20. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the user device (204) includes a wireless communication module (212) to support one or more of: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), or radio frequency communication.

21. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the cloud storage system (216) is configured to store and visualize historical scores and physiological trends for the user over time to detect subtle but long-term trends that indicate changes in user baseline over months and years.

22. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the (UI) (214) is configured to render comparative analytics, progress tracking, alerts, or visual graphs based on the thermoregulatory fitness and strain tolerance / sensitivity scores.

23. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer program code for execution by one or more processors of a system, the computer program code configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to: receive peripheral temperature values with corresponding timestamps from a smart wearable device (100); compute a temperature recovery time based on the time required for the peripheral temperature to return to a baseline after physical exertion; compute a time-stamped, thermoregulatory fitness score based at least on the temperature recovery time, user's temperature recovery profile, physiological history, and predefined exertion thresholds; and display, using a UI (214) on the user device (204), the real-time and historical peripheral temperature data, the calculated temperature recovery time, the thermoregulatory fitness score and personalized training and recovery recommendations based on the scores; and store the peripheral temperature values, computed temperature recovery time, and thermoregulatory fitness score in a cloud storage system (216) for a long term, wherein the cloud storage system is configured to :enable secure access and secure access and retrieval of the peripheral temperature values, computed recovery time, and the thermoregulatory fitness score across multiple sessions or devices to the user (202); and facilitate personalized training and recovery recommendations to the user (202).

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