Wearable Device Circadian Rhythm Monitoring via Sensor Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating a person's health state and circadian rhythms are limited by infrequent measurements, invasive procedures, and lack of sensitivity, making it difficult to monitor and characterize these rhythms effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device that collects physiometric data and transmits it to a server for analysis, which determines if the data is sufficient to characterize circadian rhythms, and adjusts data collection parameters as needed to ensure accurate characterization, providing recommendations based on the analyzed rhythms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If infrequent measurements are taken using discrete devices or blood draws, then the invasiveness and complexity of the monitoring system are reduced, but the ability to detect changes in physiometric parameters and characterize circadian rhythms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, light sensor, temperature sensor) into a single wearable device that continuously monitors multiple physiometric parameters simultaneously. This integration allows comprehensive circadian rhythm characterization without requiring multiple discrete devices or invasive procedures, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device performs continuous monitoring of physiometric parameters throughout the day and night, rather than taking infrequent measurements. This continuous data collection enables accurate characterization of circadian rhythms by capturing the full cycle of physiological changes, while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring with multiple sensors is implemented, then the accuracy and reliability of circadian rhythm characterization is improved, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is designed as a multi-functional platform that performs various sensing functions (motion detection, light exposure monitoring, temperature measurement, magnetic field sensing) using a single integrated device. This universal approach improves monitoring reliability through multiple data sources while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices working in coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automated algorithms that process sensor data locally on the wearable device or connected computing system to automatically characterize circadian rhythms without requiring manual intervention or complex external processing infrastructure. The device self-calibrates and self-adjusts to provide reliable measurements.
3Measurement precision
If invasive procedures such as blood draws are used to measure cortisol and melatonin, then the measurement precision of circadian markers is improved, but the ease of operation and user compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical procedures (blood draws, needle punctures) with non-invasive electronic sensing methods. The wearable device uses optical sensors, accelerometers, and other electronic components to measure circadian-related physiometric parameters such as skin temperature, motion patterns, and light exposure, providing accurate circadian rhythm characterization without physical intrusion or user discomfort.
4Ease of operation
If actigraphy and questionnaires are used to assess circadian cycle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sensitivity and reliability of the measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device acts as an intermediary between simple user activities and accurate circadian rhythm measurement. Instead of relying on subjective user reports from questionnaires or basic motion tracking from simple actigraphy, the device incorporates multiple specialized sensors that objectively measure physiometric parameters related to circadian rhythms, providing both ease of use and high reliability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for characterizing a circadian rhythm of a wearer of a wearable device are provided. In one example, physiometric measurements are obtained over a period of time by one or more sensors of a wearable device configured to be mounted to a body surface of a wearer. A circadian rhythm of the wearer, such as a sleeping, waking, eating or movement pattern, is characterized based on the physiometric measurements. Based on the identified circadian rhythm, one or more settings of the wearable device, such as a timing or frequency of obtaining physiometric measurements, may be adjusted.