Heart Rate Variability Ovulation Detection for Convenient Home Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting ovulation in women are either inaccurate, inconvenient, or costly, lacking a reliable and user-friendly solution.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing heart rate variability parameters such as standard deviation of interbeat intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and frequency domain parameters (LF and HF) to detect ovulation by analyzing heart rate waveform signals, combined with a system comprising a heart rate waveform measuring device and a computing device for precise ovulation date calculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If vaginal ultrasound is used for ovulation detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring medical laboratory visits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveovulation detection accuracyVSAvoidconvenience of testing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical ultrasound imaging system with a physiological parameter analysis system. Instead of using ultrasound waves to image follicles, the system analyzes hormonal parameter changes (estradiol, progesterone, LH) and heart rate variability to detect ovulation, eliminating the need for ultrasound equipment and medical facility visits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces hormonal parameters (estradiol, progesterone, LH) and heart rate variability as intermediary indicators to detect ovulation. These parameters serve as mediators that reflect the underlying physiological changes during ovulation, allowing indirect but accurate detection without direct imaging or invasive procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If blood test for progesterone levels is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring laboratory visits and waiting for reports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogesterone level measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime to obtain results

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection using multiple hormonal parameters (estradiol, progesterone, LH) and heart rate variability before confirming ovulation. By monitoring these parameters throughout the menstrual cycle and identifying characteristic patterns, the system can predict and confirm ovulation timing without requiring delayed laboratory confirmation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a multi-parameter monitoring system that simultaneously tracks hormonal levels and heart rate variability. This universal approach allows the system to detect ovulation through multiple indicators, providing both immediate results and verification through pattern recognition across different parameter types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If ovulation predictor kits are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens due to failed tests in irregular cycles requiring multiple tests

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehome testing convenienceVSAvoidovulation detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic monitoring of hormonal parameters and heart rate variability throughout the menstrual cycle rather than relying on fixed timing assumptions. The system adapts to individual cycle variations by tracking parameter changes over time and identifying ovulation based on characteristic dynamic patterns, making it effective for both regular and irregular cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses continuous feedback from multiple parameter measurements to refine ovulation detection. By monitoring hormonal levels and heart rate variability daily and comparing them against expected ovulation patterns, the system can adjust predictions and confirm ovulation with high accuracy, reducing the need for multiple tests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If multiple ovulation detection methods are combined, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveovulation detection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of testing components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges hormonal parameter analysis and heart rate variability monitoring into a single integrated detection system. By combining these different types of physiological data and analyzing them together using pattern recognition, the system achieves high detection accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity and avoiding the need for multiple separate testing devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12611199B2Method and system for ovulation detection in female's menstrual cycles based on heart rate variability analysis

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 MING CHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

This invention relates to a method and system for detecting ovulation in female's menstrual cycles, which involves collecting menstrual cycle information of a subject to calculate ovulation interval dates. Daily heart rate waveform signals are used to obtain heart rate-related physiological parameters, including the first cumulative power (LF), second cumulative power (HF), standard deviation of interbeat intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), cumulative power ratio (LF/HF), and heart rate parameter ratio (SDNN/RMSSD). The invention selects the day with the highest cumulative power ratio (LF/HF) and heart rate parameter ratio (SDNN/RMSSD) within the ovulation interval as the day of ovulation.