In-Bed Temperature Sensor Array for BBT Shift Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking menstrual cycles using basal body temperature (BBT) are imprecise due to subtle temperature changes associated with ovulation, leading to high variability in predicting ovulation and menstrual cycle dates.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing system with an array of sensors positioned under the user on a bed tracks BBT over multiple nights, identifying small temperature changes by filtering and analyzing data from multiple sensors to estimate ovulation day accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional single-point BBT measurement method is used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is low due to subtle temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement function into multiple independent temperature sensors arranged in an array across the bed. Each sensor independently measures temperature at its location, and the system segments the measurement task to improve overall precision by capturing spatial temperature variations that a single sensor would miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data from multiple temperature sensors to produce a more accurate BBT measurement. By merging temperature readings from several sensors and applying filtering algorithms, the system achieves higher measurement precision than any single sensor could provide alone.
2Reliability
If temperature measurements are taken over multiple nights, then the reliability of ovulation prediction improves, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature measurements and analysis during the follicular phase (before ovulation) to establish a baseline BBT pattern. This preliminary action allows the system to detect the temperature shift more reliably and reduce the total tracking duration needed, as it can identify ovulation sooner rather than waiting through the entire luteal phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously analyzes temperature data and provides feedback about detected temperature shifts. When a significant temperature change indicating ovulation is detected, the system can notify the user and potentially stop further tracking, thereby reducing the loss of time while maintaining high reliability through continuous monitoring and adaptive decision-making.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces uncertainty in predicting ovulation and menstrual cycle dates by accurately tracking BBT changes, providing more precise estimates through extended temperature data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
receiving temperature measurements from one or more temperature sensors in an array of temperature sensors positioned under the user on a bed
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to systems and techniques for tracking menstrual cycles, which can include receiving temperature measurements from an array of temperature sensors positioned on a bed. A use period for the array can be determined when temperature measurements from at least one temperature sensor of the one or more temperature sensors exceed a first temperature threshold. In some embodiments, for each use period in a set of two or more use periods, a temperature of the user using the set of temperatures from the respective use period can be determined. After determining the temperature of the user for each use period in the set of two or more use periods, at least one change in the temperature of the user between different use periods can be identified. An ovulation day of the user based on the at least one change in the temperature of the user can be estimated.