Heart Rate Variability Analysis for Ovulation Prediction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for tracking fertile periods, such as basal body temperature thermometers and LH testing kits, require strict daily protocols and specific timing, which can be burdensome and may lead to deviations, reducing reliability and posing privacy issues.

Innovation Solution

A system using a sensor to obtain heart signals, processing units to extract heart rate variability features, and evaluation units to predict ovulation likelihood, allowing for unobtrusive and automated tracking of fertility windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If strict daily protocols with specific timing are used for BBT and LH measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs measurements and analysis without requiring user intervention. The electronic device autonomously monitors physiological parameters, processes data, and generates fertility predictions, eliminating the need for manual protocol execution while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual measurement protocols are replaced with automated electronic sensing and processing systems. The mechanical act of manual temperature measurement or urine testing is substituted with electronic sensors and algorithms that continuously monitor and analyze physiological data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If strict daily protocols with specific timing are used for BBT and LH measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs measurements and analysis without requiring user intervention. The electronic device autonomously monitors physiological parameters, processes data, and generates fertility predictions, eliminating the need for manual protocol execution while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device integrates multiple functions including sensing, processing, storage, and prediction into a single system. It can monitor various physiological parameters simultaneously and provides comprehensive fertility tracking without requiring separate devices or procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If automated measurement is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors physiological parameters and uses feedback from multiple measurements to refine predictions. The evaluation unit analyzes trends and patterns over time, adjusting predictions based on accumulated data to maintain high precision while operating automatically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary data collection and analysis over extended periods to establish baseline patterns and improve prediction accuracy. By gathering data in advance and analyzing trends before making predictions, the system ensures precision is maintained throughout automated operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3125754B1Unobtrusive ovulation tracking system and method using a subject's heart rate
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3125754B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3125754B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3125754B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for unobtrusive fertility tracking, comprising a sensor for obtaining a heart signal, a processing unit configured to determine a subject's heart rate from the heart signal, and an evaluation unit configured to analyze the subject's heart rate to predict likelihood of ovulation. The processing unit is further configured to extract heart rate variability features from the heart signal, and the evaluation unit is further configured to predict likelihood of ovulation based on the heart rate variability features.