Wearable Ovulation Prediction Using Activity Pattern Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-invasive methods for determining ovulation time are not sufficiently accurate, costly, and time-consuming, causing patient distress and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive method and device that utilize patterns of physical activity, such as changes in the number and rate of steps, combined with additional physiological parameters like sleep patterns and heart rate, to predict ovulation time using wearable sensors and processing units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If repeated blood tests and ultrasound examinations are performed to determine ovulation time, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveovulation time detection accuracyVSAvoidtime required for repeated testing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring physical activity patterns throughout the menstrual cycle to predict ovulation before it occurs. The system tracks activity data over time and identifies patterns that precede ovulation, allowing users to know the fertile window in advance without waiting for confirmation tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential indicator of ovulation from complex medical procedures by focusing solely on physical activity patterns. Instead of requiring blood tests and ultrasound examinations, the system isolates and analyzes only the relevant physical activity data that correlates with ovulation, simplifying the detection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If repeated blood tests and ultrasound examinations are performed to determine ovulation time, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveovulation time detection accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of testing equipment and facilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple, low-cost wearable device that continuously monitors physical activity using standard sensors. This disposable or reusable consumer electronics approach replaces expensive, complex medical equipment like ultrasound machines and laboratory testing facilities, making ovulation detection accessible and affordable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical and invasive medical procedures (blood draws, ultrasound examinations) with electronic sensing and data analysis. The system uses accelerometers and other sensors to detect physical activity patterns, replacing the need for mechanical intervention and complex medical imaging equipment.

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

3Device complexity

If existing non-invasive methods such as basal body temperature and LH level detection are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of testing methodVSAvoidovulation time detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a wearable device that can monitor multiple physiological parameters simultaneously - physical activity, heart rate, temperature, and sleep patterns. This multi-functional approach combines the simplicity of non-invasive monitoring with the precision of comprehensive data analysis, overcoming the limitations of single-parameter methods.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously analyzing physical activity patterns and providing real-time predictions about ovulation timing. The system processes ongoing data streams, identifies pattern changes, and delivers timely notifications, creating a dynamic feedback loop that improves prediction accuracy compared to static single-point measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4225153B1Methods for determining ovulation time
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 MEDICAL RES & DEV FUND FOR HEALTH SERVICES BNAI ZION MEDICAL CENT
  • EP4225153B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4225153B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Provided herein are devices and methods for determining or predicting ovulation occurrence in human subjects, by utilizing non-invasive measurements of various activity parameters, and determination of patterns thereof over a period of time.