Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable device for air pollution and cardiovascular health that is capable of tracking vital signs and environmental factors along with alerting users regarding environmental health hazards, such as air pollution, and offers location-specific information, providing real-time health insights, thereby mitigating potential health risks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Air pollution is a growing global health concern, responsible for an estimated seven million premature deaths annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers air pollution a public health emergency, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to mitigate its impact. Cardiovascular diseases, exacerbated by air pollution, remain the leading cause of death worldwide.

[0003] Traditionally, air quality monitoring relies on stationary sensors and online platforms providing general pollution data for entire cities or regions. Individuals use separate devices to track vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure. However, these methods have significant limitations. For instance, existing air quality monitoring systems fail to provide individualized exposure assessments, neglecting variability in personal exposure levels.

[0004] US7302313B2 discloses an air monitoring system is disclosed having an air monitoring unit with at least one sensor for measuring data of an air quality parameter and a computer for storing the air quality parameter data received from the sensor. The air monitoring unit may use an installed or a portable system, or a combination of both, for measuring the air quality parameters of interest. A remote data center may be provided, and the data may be uploaded to the data center from the unit by a communications media such as the Internet. Information or instructions may also be downloaded from the data center to the unit via the communications media for controlling or modifying the function of the unit. An expert system may be provided with the air monitoring system for controlling the unit. The information or instructions downloaded to the unit may be generated by the expert system.

[0005] US10890343B2 discloses a real-time system and method for personal air pollution exposure and inhaled dose management is described. A personal device (e.g., smartphone) determines personal exposure and inhaled dose metrics (e.g., daily accumulated dose), and compares daily histories of these metrics with personal health histories (e.g., self-reported daily asthma symptoms/inhaler use) to provide notifications when adverse health effects (e.g., asthma exacerbation) are likely to occur. The system notifications provide a personalized exposure/dose management tool by recommending behavioral changes to reduce exposure/dose (e.g., change time-location, time-physical activities, building operation). These behavioral changes are then used by the system to modify the real-time exposure and dose determined by the system.

[0006] Conventionally, there exists many devices that are capable of alerting a user regarding air pollution, however these existing devices fail in providing a means to provide a real-time feedback about user’s health condition. In addition, these existing devices are also incapable of providing personalized recommendations to mitigate health risks.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of alerting the user about environmental health hazards like air pollution, and needs to offer location-specific information. Furthermore, the developed device also requires to be potent enough of predicting potential health risks and providing personalized recommendations for preventing any health irregularities.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a user with real-time feedback on their health metrics, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, body temperature, and air quality, enabling them to take prompt action to mitigate potential health risks.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting and alerting a user to potential environmental health hazards, tracking exposure levels and providing location-specific information to help users make informed decisions.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of analyzing collected data to predict potential health risks and provide users with personalized recommendations to mitigate those risks, promoting proactive health management.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a wearable device for air pollution and cardiovascular health that is capable of monitoring vital signs and environmental factors, detecting air pollution and other health hazards, and provides location-specific alerts and real-time insights to empower proactive health management and prevention of potential risks.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wearable device for air pollution and cardiovascular health, comprising a wearable body features a circular-shaped plate adapted to fit around the user's wrist, plurality of sensors are embedded on the bottom surface of the plate, designed to monitor the user's health and environmental factors, these sensors comprise optical sensors for monitoring the user's heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), a vascular strain sensor for detecting blood pressure changes, thermistors for monitoring skin temperature, and a particulate matter (PM) sensor for monitoring air pollution levels, display panel positioned on the upper section of the plate provides real-time feedback of the user's health metrics, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, body temperature, and air quality, a machine learning module is integrated with an inbuilt microcontroller that processes the collected health and environmental data, the microcontroller predicts potential health risks, which are further displayed on the display panel, including suggestions to mitigate identified risks.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the plate is integrated with a face recognition module to recognize and analyze changes in the user's facial expressions, specifically, upon detection of abnormal blinking patterns under conditions of air pollution exposure, the microcontroller provides an alert to the user via the display panel, advising to take action to reduce eye irritation, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module is integrated with the microcontroller to identify the user's specific location and track air quality levels in real-time, a timer is integrated within the microcontroller to track and monitor the duration of the user's exposure to air pollution in real-time, the microcontroller records the exact time of exposure to harmful airborne pollutants and continuously updates exposure duration data as the user moves between different environmental conditions.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a wearable device for air pollution and cardiovascular health.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a wearable device for air pollution and cardiovascular health that is capable of streamlining proactive health management by continuously monitoring vital signs and environmental factors, alerting users to potential hazards like air pollution and providing personalized, location-specific insights for proper health management.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a wearable device for air pollution and cardiovascular health, comprising a wearable body 101 having a circular-shaped plate 102, a display panel 104 positioned on upper section of plate 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the plate 102.

[0023] The developed device disclosed herein, comprises of a wearable body 101, which serves as a main structure of the device and constructed with a circular-shaped plate 102, designed to be worn by a user over their wrist such as wristband. As the user wear the body 101, multiple sensor installed with a bottom portion of the plate 102 get actuated for monitoring user’s health and environment factors.

[0024] Multiple sensors mentioned herein includes an optical sensors for monitoring user's heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), a vascular strain sensor for detecting blood pressure changes, a thermistors for monitoring skin temperature, and a particulate matter (PM) sensor for monitoring air pollution levels. The optical sensor utilizes photoplethysmography (PPG) to monitor heart rate and HRV. This sensor consists of a light emitting diode (LED), a photodiode, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The LED emits green or infrared light onto the skin, while the photodiode detects changes in light reflection caused by blood flow. The ADC then converts these detected signals into digital data, which is processed by the microcontroller to calculate heart rate and HRV using advanced protocols.

[0025] The working process of the optical sensor begins with the LED emitting light that penetrates the skin. Blood flow and oxygenation changes then alter the light reflection, which is detected by the photodiode and sent to the ADC. The ADC converts these signals into digital data, allowing the microcontroller to calculate heart rate and HRV. Simultaneously, the vascular strain sensor employs piezoresistive technology to detect blood pressure changes. This sensor comprises a piezoresistive material and electrodes. Blood pressure changes cause mechanical strain on blood vessels, which the piezoresistive material responds to by changing resistance. The electrodes measure these resistance changes and send signals to the microcontroller, enabling it to calculate blood pressure using calibration data and protocols.

[0026] The thermistors utilize thermoresistive method to monitor skin temperature. These sensors consist of thermoresistive material and electrodes. Skin temperature changes cause thermoresistive material resistance changes, which are measured by the electrodes and sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then calculates skin temperature using calibration data and protocols.

[0027] The particulate matter sensor uses laser scattering technology to monitor air pollution levels. This sensor includes a laser diode, a photodiode, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The laser diode emits light into the air, where particles scatter it. The photodiode detects this scattered light, and the ADC converts the detected signals into digital data. The microcontroller then calculates particulate matter concentration using calibration data and protocols.

[0028] A display panel 104 is positioned on the upper section of the plate 102 and provides real-time feedback of the user's health metrics. This includes heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, body 101 temperature, and air quality. The display panel 104 consists of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen. The microcontroller processes collected health and environmental data from various sensors and sends it to the display panel 104 to provide real-time feedback, empowering users with up-to-date information on their health metrics.

[0029] A machine learning module is integrated with the microcontroller, analyzing data to predict potential health risks. The module component consists of a library, training data, and a model optimizer. The library processes data to identify patterns and predict health risks, while the training data refines the model's accuracy. The model optimizer adjusts parameters for improved performance, ensuring the machine learning module provides reliable predictions.

[0030] The display panel 104 provides real-time feedback on vital health metrics, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, body 101 temperature, and air quality. Additionally, it displays predicted health risks, such as cardiovascular disease or respiratory issues, identified by the machine learning module. Suggestions to mitigate these risks, including exercise, medication, or lifestyle changes, are also provided, empowering users to take proactive measures for improved well-being.

[0031] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is installed on the plate 102 and integrated with a face recognition module to recognize and analyze changes in the user's facial expressions, specifically under conditions of air pollution exposure. This unit consists of a camera module, image processing unit (IPU), face recognition module, artificial intelligence protocol, and microcontroller interface. The camera module captures high-resolution images of the user's face using an image sensor, lens, and image signal processor (ISP). The image sensor converts light into electrical signals, while the lens focuses light onto the image sensor. The ISP then processes raw images, adjusting brightness, contrast, and noise.

[0032] The IPU enhances and normalizes images for face recognition through image filtering, edge detection, and feature extraction. Image filtering removes noise and artifacts, edge detection identifies facial features, and feature extraction isolates key facial characteristics. The face recognition module uses machine learning protocols to identify and analyze facial expressions. It detects facial landmarks, analyzes expressions, and recognizes patterns. Facial landmark detection identifies key facial points, expression analysis assesses emotional states, and pattern recognition matches facial expressions to predefined patterns.

[0033] The artificial intelligence integrates with the face recognition module to analyze changes in facial expressions under air pollution exposure by utilizing a neural network, deep learning protocols, and data storage. The neural network processes facial expression data, deep learning protocols identify patterns and anomalies, and data storage retains user-specific facial expression profiles. Upon detecting abnormal blinking patterns indicative of eye irritation, then it triggers an alert to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then sends an alert to the display panel 104, advising the user to take action to reduce eye irritation.

[0034] A GPS (Global Positioning System) module linked with the microcontroller to monitor user’s specific location to track the user’s specific location as well as air quality level in real-time for detected geographic area. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module consists of a receiver that communicates with the satellites to determine the exact location of the user. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module constantly receives signals from the satellites and calculates the coordinates.

[0035] The GPS module works by receiving signals from multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. The GPS module uses the timing of these signals and trilateration to calculate the precise location of the user. The microcontroller linked with the GPS (Global Positioning System) module processes the data received from the GPS (Global Positioning System) module and transmits the user’s precise location data including the latitude and the longitude to the user. The real-time location coordinates of the user are then sent to the microcontroller provide location-specific air pollution information and offering the user with insights into potential environmental risks in different areas.

[0036] An integrated timer designed to track and monitor the duration of the user's exposure to air pollution in real-time. This timer plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate recording of exposure duration, enabling the wearable device to provide comprehensive air pollution monitoring. The timer's primary function is to record the exact time of exposure to harmful airborne pollutants. This involves continuously monitoring the user's environment and detecting changes in air quality. Whenever the user enters an area with elevated levels of air pollution, the timer starts tracking the exposure duration. As the user moves between different environmental conditions, the timer adapts to changing air pollution levels. Whether the user transitions from a polluted urban area to a cleaner suburban environment or enters a space with varying air quality, the timer adjusts its tracking accordingly.

[0037] The present invention works best in following manner, where the wearable body 101 worn by the user and the process begins by continuously monitoring the user's vital signs and environmental factors through the embedded sensors, including optical sensors, vascular strain sensors, thermistors, and particulate matter (PM) sensors. The collected data is transmitted to the inbuilt microcontroller for processing, then the machine learning module, analyzes the data to predict potential health risks associated with air pollution exposure. Simultaneously, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, coupled with a face recognition module, detects changes in the user's facial expressions, particularly abnormal blinking patterns indicative of eye irritation. Upon identifying potential health risks or eye irritation, the microcontroller triggers alerts on the display panel 104, providing the user with real-time feedback and suggestions for mitigating identified risks. The GPS module tracks the user's location, enabling the device to deliver location-specific air pollution information and insights into potential environmental risks in different areas. As the user moves between varying environmental conditions, the timer tracks and monitors the duration of exposure to air pollution in real-time. The microcontroller records the exact time of exposure to harmful airborne pollutants and continuously updates exposure duration data.

[0038] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A wearable device for air pollution and cardiovascular health, comprising:

i) a wearable body 101 having a circular-shaped plate 102 adapted to fit around wrist of a user, wherein plurality of sensors is embedded with a bottom surface of said plate 102, designed to monitor user's health and environmental factors;
ii) a display panel 104 positioned on upper section of plate 102 that provides real-time feedback of user's health metrics, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, body 101 temperature, and air quality, wherein a machine learning module is integrated with an inbuilt microcontroller that process said collected health and environmental data, to predict potential health risks that are further displayed over said display panel 104 including suggestions to mitigate identified risks;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said plate 102 and integrated with a face recognition module to recognize and analyze changes in user's facial expressions, specifically under conditions of air pollution exposure, wherein upon detection of abnormal blinking pattern, said microcontroller provides an alert to user via said display panel 104, advising to take action to reduce eye irritation.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensors comprises of an optical sensors for monitoring user's heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), a vascular strain sensor for detecting blood pressure changes, thermistors for monitoring skin temperature, and a particulate matter (PM) sensor for monitoring air pollution levels.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a GPS (Global Positioning System) module is integrated with said microcontroller to identify user's specific location and track air quality levels in real time for detected geographic area, enabling said microcontroller to deliver location-specific air pollution information, providing users with insights into potential environmental risks in different areas.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a timer is integrated within said microcontroller to track and monitor duration of user's exposure to air pollution in real time, and said microcontroller records the exact time of exposure to harmful airborne pollutants and continuously updates exposure duration data as user moves between different environmental conditions with varying levels of air pollution.