A system for managing liquid intake

Abstract

A system for managing liquid intake The invention provides: a system for managing liquid intake comprising: a drinking vessel; a first sensor for sensing, in use, a specific characteristic of liquid in the drinking vessel; a display unit, attachable to an outer side surface of the drinking vessel, having a display screen disposed so as to face outwardly when the display unit is attached to the drinking vessel; an electronic database of substances to be consumed as or with a dose of liquid, with information about the recommended specific characteristic of the liquid dose to be consumed for each substance; an information input, configured to receive information identifying a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel; and a processor, configured to: receive, from the information input, the identity of a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel; retrieve, if available, information from the electronic database about the recommended specific characteristic of the liquid dose to be consumed for the identified substance; monitor, in real time, the specific characteristic of liquid in the vessel as determined by the first sensor; and control the display unit to generate a user notification that the specific characteristic of the liquid in the drinking vessel is as recommended, when this is the case.

Description

[0001] A system for managing liquid intake

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003]

[0001] The invention relates to a system for managing liquid intake. In particular, the invention relates to a system for monitoring liquid comprising a novel drinking vessel and a user notification system.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005]

[0002] Everyone needs to manage their liquid intake for one reason or another. The most basic example of the management of liquid intake is maintaining healthy and comfortable levels of hydration. This is relatively straightforward for most people, since it involves nothing more than responding to the universal impulse of thirst. More complex examples include correctly maintaining medicine regimes, which often requires careful measurement of both the size and the timing of each individual dose.

[0006]

[0003] Prior art methods of managing more complex examples such as liquid medicine regimes involve several pieces of equipment, such as volume measuring vessels, timing devices, and the drinking vessel itself. It is not always convenient for a user to carry all of this equipment with them as they go about their business, which may result in forgotten or incorrectly measured or timed doses.

[0007]

[0004] Some users may struggle even to manage the most basic liquid intakes. For example, children or elderly people may not remember to drink when they are thirsty, and would find regular reminders useful.

[0008]

[0005] CN107772973 discloses a cup capable of measuring the temperature and volume of a liquid contained therein.

[0009]

[0006] CN110491473 discloses a cup capable of identifying a component of the liquid contained therein and generating a user alert if the component is not desirable.

[0007] KR101524124 discloses a tumbler with a display unit on its outer surface, which displays an amount of liquid taken in by the user over the course of the day.

[0010]

[0008] WO2015175969 discloses a drinking vessel which identifies a substance contained therein, and monitor’s the user’s drinking behaviour to monitor their hydration and nutritional intake.

[0011]

[0009] Clearly it is more convenient to have a single piece of equipment, namely a drinking vessel, which enables a user to manage their intake of a particular liquid or various particular liquids, such as medicines, nutritional drinks, protein supplements and the like. The prior art does not provide a drinking vessel which identifies a substance to be consumed in liquid and guides the user on both timings and quantities, as well as other characteristics such as temperature where required, for a variety of different substances. The present invention seeks to remedy this.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013]

[0010] The invention provides: a system for managing liquid intake comprising: a drinking vessel; a first sensor for sensing, in use, a specific characteristic of liquid in the drinking vessel; a display unit, attachable to an outer side surface of the drinking vessel, having a display screen disposed so as to face outwardly when the display unit is attached to the drinking vessel; an electronic database of substances to be consumed as or with a dose of liquid, with information about the recommended specific characteristic of the liquid dose to be consumed for each substance; an information input, configured to receive information identifying a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel; and a processor, configured to: receive, from the information input, the identity of a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel; retrieve, if available, information from the electronic database about the recommended specific characteristic of the liquid dose to be consumed for the identified substance; monitor, in real time, the specific characteristic of liquid in the vessel as determined by the first sensor; and control the display unit to generate a user notification that the specific characteristic of the liquid in the drinking vessel is as recommended, when this is the case.

[0014]

[0011] Some embodiments further comprise a record of past uses of the system; and a clock; and each time a user consumes a substance from the drinking vessel, the processor writes to the record of past uses: the time, the identified substance, and the specific characteristic of the liquid.

[0015]

[0012] In some such embodiments, the electronic database further comprises information about the minimum recommended time between doses of each substance; and the processor, upon receiving, from the information input, the identity of a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel further retrieves information from the electronic database about the minimum recommended time between doses of the identified substance; reads, from the record of past uses, the time of the last consumption of the identified substance by the user; reads, from the clock, the current time; determines if the retrieved minimum recommended time has elapsed since the last consumption of the identified substance by the user; and if the minimum recommended time has not elapsed, controls the display unit to generate a user notification of that determination.

[0016]

[0013] In some embodiments, the electronic database further comprises information relating to different values for the recommended specific characteristic of the liquid dose to be consumed for each substance, for different ranges of a physical characteristic of the user consuming the substance; and the processor, upon receiving, from the information input, the identity of a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel further retrieves, from a user information source, the value of the physical characteristic of the user consuming the substance; when retrieving information from the electronic database about the recommended specific characteristic of the liquid dose to be consumed for the identified substance, specifically retrieves the recommended specific characteristic associated with the range of the physical characteristic into which the retrieved physical characteristic of the user falls.

[0017]

[0014] In some such embodiments, the user information source is a user input on the display unit, whereas in other such embodiments, the user information source is an official medical record of the user, in remote communication with the system.

[0018]

[0015] In some embodiments, the information input comprises a barcode scanner in communication with the processor, and receiving information identifying a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel comprises using the scanner to scan a barcode on the packaging associated with the substance.

[0019]

[0016] In other embodiments, the information input comprises a second sensor configured to identify a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel by its physical or chemical characteristics.

[0020]

[0017] The specific characteristic may be, for example, volume or temperature.

[0021]

[0018] In some embodiments, the display unit comprises an audio speaker, and wherein user notifications generated by the display unit comprise visual and / or audio notifications.

[0022] Brief description of the drawings

[0023]

[0019] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawing:

[0024]

[0020] Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of the invention in diagram form.

[0025] Detailed description

[0026]

[0021] Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of the invention in diagram form. The drinking vessel 1 is, in this embodiment, a mug, although the skilled reader will appreciate that any drinking vessel will be suitable. Other drinking vessels which might form part of the invention, include water bottles, tumblers, dog bowls, or flasks, but this list is far from comprehensive.

[0022] A display unit 2 is attached to the side of the mug 1. This should be removable from the mug 1, so that the mug 1 can be washed without exposing the display unit 2 to hot soapy water. The display unit 2 may be attachable to the mug 1 by any suitable means. For example, the display unit 2 may be attachable to the mug 1 by magnetic means, or snap-fit means.

[0027]

[0023] The display unit 2 comprises a display screen 3, which is configured to display images and / or videos, preferably in colour. The display screen 3 faces outwardly when the display unit 2 is attached to the mug 2.

[0028]

[0024] The display unit 2 in the depicted embodiment also comprises an audio speaker 4, configured to output sounds, such as audio alerts or music. In other embodiments, an audio speaker may be provided elsewhere (i.e. not in the display unit 2 housing). In still other embodiments, there may not be an audio speaker at all.

[0029]

[0025] The display unit 2 in the depicted embodiment also comprises a processor 5. The processor 5 may be any device capable of reading and executing programmable logic instructions. In other embodiments, a processor may be provided elsewhere (i.e. not in the display unit 2 housing).

[0030]

[0026] The processor 5 is configured to control the display screen 3, at least by providing instructions on what images / videos the display screen 3 is to display. The processor 5 is further configured to control the audio speaker 4, at least by providing instructions on what sounds the audio speaker 4 should output.

[0031]

[0027] A sensor 6 is provided, which in the depicted embodiment is disposed at the bottom of the mug 1. The sensor 6 is configured to sense a specific characteristic of liquid in the mug 1. The sensor 6 is further configured to communicate its readings to the processor 5. In other embodiments, the sensor 6 may be disposed elsewhere, for example in the side wall of the mug 1, or in the display unit housing 2.

[0028] The particular location of the sensor 6 may depend on which specific characteristic of the liquid in the mug 1 it is configured to sense. In the depicted embodiment, the characteristic in question is mass, and it is particularly convenient to place a mass sensor, such as a force meter, beneath the mass being measured. This is because the weight of a mass is proportional to its mass, weight can be measured by the force meter, and weight is directed downwardly. If volume were to be the characteristic in other embodiments, the sensor 6 may be more usefully disposed along the side of the mug 1 in order to measure the height in the mug 1 which the liquid reaches, for use in calculating the volume.

[0032]

[0029] There are many useful characteristics which may be sensed by the sensor 6. For example, temperature, viscosity, acidity, transparency, mass, the presence or concentration of a particular substance, and volume. This is by no means a comprehensive list, and the skilled reader will appreciate that more than one characteristic might usefully be sensed in some embodiments, in which case multiple sensors 6, or multi-purpose sensors 6 may be provided.

[0033]

[0030] In the depicted embodiment, a scanner 7 is provided, integrated with a spoon which is attachable to the handle of the mug 1. The scanner 7 is configured to scan barcodes, for example from the packaging of a substance to be consumed. The scanner 7 communicates the information read from scanned barcodes to the processor 5, so that the processor can interrogate a database as discussed below, in order to identify the substance to be consumed.

[0034]

[0031] Because, in the depicted embodiment, the scanner 7 is provided integrated with a spoon, it should be protected from and / or resilient to the ingress of liquid, and to extreme temperatures, so that the spoon can be used to stir the contents of the mug 1 without damaging the scanner 7.

[0035]

[0032] Although the scanner 7 has been provided integrated with a spoon in the depicted embodiment, it could be provided elsewhere in the apparatus. For example, the scanner could be provided in the housing of the display unit 2.

[0033] Although the depicted embodiment is provided with a barcode scanner 7, any suitable information input may be used to receive identifying information about the substance to be consumed. For example, a simple keyboard data entry interface could be provided for a user to type the name or other identifying datum of the substance to be consumed, for example as part of the display unit 2 housing.

[0036]

[0034] An electronic database 8 also forms part of the system. In the depicted embodiment, this is stored remotely from the mug 1, for example in a cloud storage system, in wireless communication with the processor 5. In other embodiments, the processor may have access to a local electronic memory bank, which may be housed in the display unit 2 housing, for example, and the electronic database 8 may be stored in the local electronic memory bank.

[0037]

[0035] The processor 5 is further configured to read from and write to a usage record 9. Each time the mug 1 is used to consume a particular substance, the processor 5 causes this usage to be recorded in the usage record 9, which is preferably an electronic memory system, along with details of the substance being consumed and the time of consumption, and optionally other details such as the identity of the user, and other useful facts as will be apparent to the skilled person. The processor preferably has access to a clock 10, in order to measure the times of uses, and the time elapsing between uses.

[0038]

[0036] In the depicted embodiment, the usage record 9 and clock 10 are remote from the mug 1, for example, in a cloud system in wireless communication with the processor 5. Although the clock 10 and the usage record have been shown together in Figure 1, this is not necessarily the case. In other embodiments, the usage record 9 and / or the clock 10 may be local to the processor 5.

[0039]

[0037] An example of use will now be explained.

[0040]

[0038] A user, suffering from cold and ‘flu symptoms, wishes to consume a powdered cold and ‘flu remedy dissolved in hot water. She uses the scanner 7 to scan the barcode of the remedy’s packaging. The scanner 7 relays the information extracted from the barcode to the processor 5. The processor 5 communicates with the remote database 8 and consults the database entry for the remedy in question.

[0041]

[0039] The processor 5 reads in the database entry that the ideal volume of water to be used with one dose of the remedy is 200 ml, that the ideal temperature of the water is 80 degrees Celsius, that the maximum daily dose is four doses, and that individual doses should be at least four hours apart.

[0042]

[0040] The processor 5 communicates with the remote usage record 9 and clock 10 and determines that the user has already taken one dose of the remedy today, and that this was three and a half hours ago. The processor 5 compares this information with the information extracted from the database 8 and determines that a new dose is not permitted, but will be permitted in half an hour. The processor 5 controls the display screen 3 to display a message to the user, informing her that she must wait half an hour before taking another dose of the remedy. Optionally, a countdown timer is then displayed on the screen, and when the half hour has elapsed an audio and / or visual alert may be made.

[0043]

[0041] In some embodiments, the processor 5 may control the display unit to request a user’s identity, and this may be taken into account when determining if a dose is allowable. In such embodiments, records in the usage record 9 will also include user identifying information. The information may be input, for example, through a touch screen interface on the display screen 3. Alternatively, a remote control interface may be provided, perhaps in the spoon alongside the scanner 7.

[0044]

[0042] The user scans the barcode from the remedy’s packaging using the scanner 8 again 30 minutes later. The barcode information is once again relayed to the processor 5, which again consults the database 8 and the usage record 9 and clock 10, this time determining that a new dose is permitted.

[0045]

[0043] The processor 5 then controls the screen to inform the user that 200 ml of water at 80 degrees Celsius should be mixed with the dose in the mug 1. As water is added, the processor 5 determines in real time the volume of water in the mug 1 by reading the mass of the contents of the mug 1 from the sensor 6, and making the necessary calculations. The processor 5 controls the display unit 2 to alert the user when the correct volume of water has been added, either with an audio or a visual alert, or both.

[0046]

[0044] Although the depicted embodiment only has a mass sensor 6, other embodiments may also provide a temperature sensor. In such embodiments, the processor 5 may also monitor the temperature of the liquid in the mug 1, and control the display unit 2 to alert the user if it is too hot or too cold.

[0047]

[0045] The user may use the spoon in which the scanner 7 is embedded to stir the liquid so that the remedy dissolves more quickly in the water.

[0048]

[0046] The processor records the usage to the usage record 9, along with the time of the usage as determined by the clock 10, and optionally other details such as the identity of the user.

[0049]

[0047] In some cases, it may be desirable to ‘gamify’ the consumption of certain substances. For example, if the user is a child and the substance to be consumed is healthful but not desirable, the display unit 2 may be controlled to provide encouraging feedback, virtual achievement medals, or other rewarding outputs each time the user consumes the substance.

[0050]

[0048] Although the invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, these embodiments are not limiting. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A system for managing liquid intake comprising:a drinking vessel;a first sensor for sensing, in use, a specific characteristic of liquid in the drinking vessel;a display unit, attachable to an outer side surface of the drinking vessel, having a display screen disposed so as to face outwardly when the display unit is attached to the drinking vessel;an electronic database of substances to be consumed as or with a dose of liquid, with information about the recommended specific characteristic of the liquid dose to be consumed for each substance;an information input, configured to receive information identifying a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel; anda processor, configured to:receive, from the information input, the identity of a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel;retrieve, if available, information from the electronic database about the recommended specific characteristic of the liquid dose to be consumed for the identified substance;monitor, in real time, the specific characteristic of liquid in the vessel as determined by the first sensor; andcontrol the display unit to generate a user notification that the specific characteristic of the liquid in the drinking vessel is as recommended, when this is the case.

2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:a record of past uses of the system; anda clock; and wherein:each time a user consumes a substance from the drinking vessel, the processorwrites to the record of past uses: the time, the identified substance, and the specific characteristic of the liquid.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein:the electronic database further comprises information about the minimum recommended time between doses of each substance; andthe processor, upon receiving, from the information input, the identity of a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel:further retrieves information from the electronic database about the minimum recommended time between doses of the identified substance;reads, from the record of past uses, the time of the last consumption of the identified substance by the user;reads, from the clock, the current time;determines if the retrieved minimum recommended time has elapsed since the last consumption of the identified substance by the user; andif the minimum recommended time has not elapsed,controls the display unit to generate a user notification of that determination.

4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein:the electronic database further comprises information relating to different values for the recommended specific characteristic of the liquid dose to be consumed for each substance, for different ranges of a physical characteristic of the user consuming the substance; andthe processor, upon receiving, from the information input, the identity of a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel:further retrieves, from a user information source, the value of the physical characteristic of the user consuming the substance;when retrieving information from the electronic database about the recommended specific characteristic of the liquid dose to be consumed for the identified substance, specifically retrieves the recommended specific characteristic associatedwith the range of the physical characteristic into which the retrieved physical characteristic of the user falls.

5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the user information source is a user input on the display unit.

6. A system according to claim 4 wherein the user information source is an official medical record of the user, in remote communication with the system.

7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the information input comprises a barcode scanner in communication with the processor, and receiving information identifying a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel comprises using the scanner to scan a barcode on the packaging associated with the substance.

8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information input comprises a second sensor configured to identify a substance to be consumed from the drinking vessel by its physical or chemical characteristics.

9. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the specific characteristic is volume.

10. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the specific characteristic is temperature.

11. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the display unit comprises an audio speaker, and wherein user notifications generated by the display unit comprise visual and / or audio notifications.

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