Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a user-centric hydration management system that is capable of providing a footwear to assess user’s hydration levels by analyzing sweat profile and offers guidance on when to drink water based on the results. Additionally, the proposed system also determines the user’s electrolyte needs to prevent dehydration and prepare a dehydration treatment mixture to address dehydration, ensuring the user receives the necessary treatment to recover from dehydration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The detection of hydration levels in the body is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being, as dehydration leads to various health complications, ranging from mild discomfort to severe medical conditions. Proper hydration supports vital physiological functions such as temperature regulation, nutrient transportation, waste removal, and joint lubrication. However, many individuals fail to recognize the early signs of dehydration, often due to a lack of awareness or due to factors like physical activity, environmental conditions, and certain medical conditions that increases fluid loss. This makes the need for accurate, real-time hydration monitoring even more critical. In particular, athletes, elderly individuals, and those exposed to hot climates are at a higher risk of dehydration and may struggle to recognize their hydration needs in time. Monitoring hydration levels traditionally involves indirect methods such as urine color or feeling thirsty, but these approaches are unreliable. More advanced methods, such as assessing sweat composition, offer a direct and accurate measure of the body’s hydration status. Sweat contains valuable biomarkers, such as electrolytes and pH levels, that helps determine the body's hydration levels, preventing dehydration and its associated risks.

[0003] Several devices are used to detect hydration level in the human body, each with distinct methods and limitations. One of the most common tools is bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which measures the resistance of electrical flow through the body. BIA estimates hydration by analyzing the ratio of water to lean tissue. However, its accuracy is influenced by factors such as body temperature, food intake, and physical activity, leading to inconsistent results. Another method is the urine analysis, where the color and specific gravity of urine are used as indicators of hydration. Although simple and non-invasive, it is subjective and impacted by diet, medications, or illness, making it unreliable for precise hydration assessments. For more advanced methods, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used to assess tissue hydration levels by analyzing the absorption of light. While this method provides quick and non-invasive results, it is expensive and not yet widely accessible. Finally, devices like wearable sensors and smartwatches use sweat analysis to detect hydration. Although convenient, these devices may not always provide real-time accuracy and influenced by skin conditions, external temperature, or sensor placement. Despite advancements in technology, most hydration measurement tools still face challenges in providing accurate, reliable data across diverse individuals.

[0004] US2005070778A1 discloses a systems and techniques for monitoring hydration. In one implementation, a method includes measuring an electrical impedance of a region of a subject to generate an impedance measurement result, and wirelessly transmitting the data to a remote apparatus. The probe with which impedance is measured may in the form of a patch adhesively secured to the subject.

[0005] US2010174156A1 discloses hydration imbalance can adversely affect individuals who work in adverse environments or suffer from hydration related conditions. Rapid and continuous monitoring of at least one saliva component allows monitoring of an individual's hydration level. Interceptive preventive measures based on the detection and measurement of saliva osmolality/osmolarity at the early stages of hydration imbalance negates potential health hazards and death.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems have been developed to manage user hydration levels, however these existing systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to identification of requirement of electrolytes to prevent dehydration and lacks in preparing a dehydration treatment mixture to combat dehydration, offering real-time guidance to user for proper hydration.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that is required to provide a footwear that evaluates user’s hydration by analyzing sweat and advises for required water intake and also identifies need for electrolytes to prevent dehydration and accordingly prepares a dehydration treatment mixture to combat dehydration, offering real-time guidance to the user for proper hydration.

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 system that is capable of providing a footwear for assessing hydration level of user by analyzing sweat profile of the user and accordingly guides the user to drink water.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of determining requirement of electrolytes to be taken by user for eliminating risk of dehydration.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of preparing dehydration treatment mixture for treating dehydration of user and accordingly advising the user to consume the mixture for hydration recovery.

[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 user-centric hydration management system that is capable of tracking user’s hydration status through sweat analysis and advises when to hydrate. In addition, the system is also capable of assessing user’s need for electrolytes to avoid dehydration and prepares a dehydration treatment mixture for treating dehydration, providing guidance for maintaining optimal health.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user-centric hydration management system, comprises of a foot wearable body, embodied with a plurality of sensors located in contact with the inner sole of the foot wearable body, to evaluate one or more parameters in reference to sweat over foot of a user wearing the body, a user interface configured with a microcontroller to allow access to a user for input of details regarding physique and routine activities carried out by the user, a GPS (global positioning system) unit attached to the foot wearable body to fetch real time location of the user, an activity monitoring module installed within the foot wearable body to detect number of steps taken by the user, amount of force applied by the user’s foot, and a speaker embodied within the foot wearable body for notifying the user to hydrate.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention further comprises of a bottle containing water, embodied with one or more chambers stored with dehydration treatment solutions, the chambers include one or more electronic valves and a motorized stirrer in wireless connection with the microcontroller, selectively actuated to release and mix corresponding solution(s) within water, and one or more Bluetooth beacons installed within each of the foot wearable body and bottle, to monitor distance range between the body and the bottle, the microcontroller, generates alert through the speaker in case the distance range is more than a marginal value.

[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 user-centric hydration management system; and
Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting workflow of the proposed system.

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 user-centric hydration management system that analyzes sweat for evaluating hydration level of user and guides user to drink water accordingly along with assessing electrolyte requirements to reduce dehydration risks and prepares a dehydration treatment mixture, ensuring the user is properly hydrated.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a user-centric hydration management system and a flowchart depicting workflow of the proposed system are illustrated, respectively, comprises of a foot wearable body 101, an activity monitoring module 102 installed within the foot wearable body 101, plurality of sensors 103 located in contact with the inner sole of the foot wearable body 101, a GPS (global positioning system) unit 104 attached to the foot wearable body 101, a speaker 105 embodied within the foot wearable body 101, a bottle 106 is associated with the body, embodied with one or more chambers 107, the chambers 107 include one or more electronic valves 108 and a motorized stirrer 109, a proximity sensor 110 is integrated over the bottle 106, and a computing unit 111 of user associated with the system.

[0023] The proposed invention includes a foot wearable body 101 preferably in incorporating various components associated with the system. The body is developed to be worn by a user in foot. The body is embodied with multiple sensors 103 which are located in contact with the inner sole of the foot wearable body 101. The sensors 103 evaluate one or more parameters in reference to sweat over foot of a user wearing the body.

[0024] After wearing of the body, the user is required to access and presses a push button arranged on the body to activate the system for associated processes of the system. The push button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the system for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0025] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0026] After the activation of the system, the user accesses a user interface which is installed in a computing unit 111 linked with the microcontroller wirelessly by means of a communication module. The user interface enables the user to provide input regarding physique and routine activities carried out by the user. The communication module includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The Wi-Fi module contains transmitters and receivers that use radio frequency signals to transmit data wirelessly to the microcontroller. The wireless module typically includes components such as antennas, amplifiers, and processors to facilitate communication and further connected to networks such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks, allowing systems to exchange information over short or long distances, for interconnection to execute operative function commands.

[0027] The plurality of sensors 103 includes but not limited to pH sensor and capacitive sensor to evaluate several parameters including acidic nature of sweat and concentration of electrolytes in the sweat respectively. The pH sensor works by detecting the hydrogen ion concentration in sweat, which determines its acidity or alkalinity. The pH sensor consists of a sensitive electrode that interacts with the sweat, producing a voltage proportional to the pH level. When the sweat is acidic, the hydrogen ion concentration is high, resulting in a lower pH value (below 7), and when it's alkaline, the pH value rises above 7.

[0028] The capacitive sensor evaluates the concentration of electrolytes in sweat by measuring changes in the dielectric properties of the sweat. The capacitive sensor consists of two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material, and when sweat with varying electrolyte concentrations comes into contact with the capacitive sensor, the capacitance (the ability to store an electrical charge) changes. Higher electrolyte concentrations, such as sodium or potassium, alter the dielectric constant, increasing the capacitance. By monitoring these changes, the capacitive sensor provides real-time data on electrolyte levels.

[0029] The microcontroller is in wireless connection with the sensor to correlate the output of plurality of sensors 103 with the input details. The microcontroller assesses collected data of plurality of sensors 103 in order to evaluate parameters in reference to sweat over foot of the user wearing the body. The capacitive sensor along with pH sensor aids in monitoring electrolyte balance, and the acidic nature of sweat, respectively. The plurality of sensors 103 providing insights into the user's metabolic state, hydration levels, and overall health, contributing to personalized hydration recommendations to provide a first level of update regarding hydration required by the user.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, such sensors 103 are embodied in a pair of wearable bodies, that are provided to be worn by the user on both of the feet. Both of the bodies measure the parameters related to sweat profile of the user for collecting more accurate data.

[0031] The foot wearable body 101 incorporate a GPS (global positioning system) unit for fetching real time location of the user. The GPS (Global Positioning System) unit working in sync with a magnetometer provides enhanced positioning and orientation information of the user. The GPS unit 104 receives signals from multiple satellites in orbit around the Earth. These satellites transmit precise timing and position information of the user. The GPS unit 104 receives these signals and uses the time delay between transmission and reception to calculate the distance between the GPS unit 104 and each satellite. By triangulating the distances from multiple satellites, the GPS unit 104 determines its own position on the Earth's surface. This position is typically given in latitude and longitude coordinates.

[0032] The magnetometer measures the strength and direction of the magnetic field in its vicinity. The magnetometer detects the Earth's magnetic field, which is approximately aligned with the Earth's geographic north-south axis. By utilizing the magnetometer's measurements, the GPS unit 104 determine the band heading or orientation relative to magnetic north. The magnetometer provides information about the direction of the Earth's magnetic field, which is compared with the band position information obtained from the GPS unit 104. The outputs of the GPS unit 104 and the magnetometer are combined and processed by the microcontroller in order to determine the location of the user.

[0033] The microcontroller determines environmental condition of the location of the user, related to a temperature and humidity profile of the location. A set of temperature and humidity sensors are installed within the foot wearable body 101. In case the GPS unit 104 fails to fetch the location, the temperature and humidity sensors monitor real time temperature.

[0034] The temperature sensor used herein, is composed of two type of metal wire joint together when the sensor experiences a heat then a voltage is generated in the two terminal of the temperature sensor that is proportional to the temperature and the signal is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller calibrates the voltage in terms of temperature from the received signal of the temperature sensor in order to monitor the temperature of surroundings of the user.

[0035] Each of the humidity sensor includes a pair of electrodes in a salt medium. As humidity changes, so does the resistance of the electrodes change on either side of the salt medium. Two thermal sensors conduct electricity based upon the humidity of the surrounding air. One sensor is encased in dry nitrogen while the other measures ambient air. The difference between the two, measures the humidity and the humidity sensor accordingly send the signals to the microcontroller.

[0036] The microcontroller compares the environmental condition of the location with the user specified details, accordingly, the microcontroller provide a second level update on the level of hydration required by the user.

[0037] The foot wearable body 101 is installed with an activity monitoring module 102. A set of sensors are incorporated in the activity monitoring module 102 referring to monitor activity of the user. The activity monitoring module 102 includes but not limited to pedometer, accelerometer and force sensor.

[0038] The pedometer and accelerometer of the activity module work together to detect the number of steps taken by a user by measuring body movement. The accelerometer detects the acceleration forces caused by walking, sensing the up-and-down motion of the user’s body with each step. The accelerometer records changes in velocity and orientation in multiple directions, providing data on the user’s motion. The pedometer’s microcontroller processes these signals, filtering out non-step movements, and counts the steps based on the detected patterns. By combining the accelerometer's sensitivity to motion and the pedometer’s step-counting protocol, accurately track the user’s physical activity in real-time.

[0039] The force sensor of the activity module measures the amount of force applied by the user’s foot by detecting the pressure or force exerted on the force sensor surface. Typically, force sensor consists of a piezoelectric or strain gauge element that deforms when pressure is applied. This deformation changes the electrical resistance or generates a voltage, which is proportional to the amount of force. When the user walks or stands, the force sensor embedded in the foot wearable body 101 captures these pressure changes with each step. The data is sent to the microcontroller, allowing it to calculate the force applied and assess the user's activity level and exertion. The microcontroller evaluates the collected data of the activity module to provide a third level of update on the level of hydration required by the user.

[0040] The microcontroller aggregates the first, second and third update regarding level of hydration required for providing analyzed feedback to the user regarding requirement of hydration via a speaker 105 embodied within the foot wearable body 101. The speaker 105 works by taking the input signal from the microcontroller, it then processes and amplifies the received signal through a series of equipment in a specific order within the speaker 105, and then sends the output signal in form of audio notification through the speaker 105 for alerting the user regarding requirement of hydration to eliminate risk of dehydration due to environmental condition and activity of the user.

[0041] The foot wearable body 101 is connected wirelessly with a bottle 106 associated with the system. The user is required to access the bottle 106 and drink water from the bottle 106. A proximity sensor 110 is integrated over the bottle 106 to detect interaction of the user with the bottle 106.

[0042] The proximity sensor 110 emits infrared rays towards the user and receives the bounced back rays from the user and convert the detected data into an electric signal that is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the proximity sensor 110 in order to detect interaction of the user with the bottle 106. Post alert generation through speaker 105, in case no contact of the user with the bottle 106 is detected, the microcontroller increases the intensity of alert sound.

[0043] The bottle 106 includes a water level sensor, in connection with the microcontroller to update the user regarding low water level through the speaker 105. The level sensor, used herein, is a type of point sensor which detects the level of the water in the bottle 106 by measuring the amount of infrared light that is reflected back from the surface of the water into a photodiode associated with the level sensor. The level sensor detects the level of the water and sends to the microcontroller in the form of electrical signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes the signal of the detected level with a threshold level pre-fed in the linked database.

[0044] In case the microcontroller detects water level of the bottle 106 receding the threshold level, the microcontroller, operatively coordinates with the GPS unit 104 to fetch nearby water sources. The microcontroller via the speaker 105 informs the user to refill the bottle 106 and update the user regarding the location of nearest water sources over the user interface.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, a water flow sensor is incorporated in the bottle 106 opening to measure the amount of water intake done by the user. In case the user drinks less amount of water than the required amount for hydration, the microcontroller informs the user to drink more water.

[0046] During the activity of the user and any change in environmental condition, the microcontroller assesses real time data of the activity module, plurality of sensors 103 and GPS unit 104 to evaluate real time requirement of hydration. The microcontroller accordingly updates a central database which is accessible through the user interface. The bottle 106 contains water and embodied with one or more chambers. The chambers 107 store dehydration treatment solutions. One or more electronic valves 108 are integrated in the chambers.

[0047] In accordance to the assessment of hydration level, the microcontroller evaluates depleting level of electrolytes in the user’s body, leading to dehydration. Based upon the evaluation, the microcontroller determines requirement of dehydration treatment. In accordance to the required amount of dehydration treatment, the microcontroller selectively actuates the valves 108 to dispense corresponding solution(s) of dehydration treatment into the water of the bottle 106.

[0048] Each of the electronic valve 108, used herein, is a short tube with a taper integrated with fine-tuned valve 108 or orifice that is electronically regulated to speed up or regulate the flow of the corresponding solution(s). The valve 108 controls flow of corresponding solution(s) by varying the size of the flow passage as directed by a signal from the microcontroller. This enables the direct control of flow rate and the consequential control of process quantities such as pressure, and corresponding solution(s) level in view of dispensing the corresponding solution(s) as per the determined requirement.

[0049] The base portion of the bottle 106 is equipped with a motorized stirrer 109 wirelessly connected with the microcontroller. Post dispensing of the dehydration treatment solution into the water, the microcontroller actuates the stirrer 109 to mix the dehydration treatment solution with the water.

[0050] The motorized stirrer 109 comprises a rod that is configured with multiple propellers. The rod is rotated by the means of a DC (Direct Current) electric motor in order to provide motion to the propeller to mix up the solution(s) and the water uniformly and create a homogeneous mixture, making readily available for consumption by the user to aid the user from dehydration.

[0051] One or more Bluetooth beacons are installed in one or both the foot wearable body 101 and the bottle 106, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to monitor the distance between the two systems. Each beacon emits a signal that is received by the other. The strength of the signal, known as Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), correlates with the distance between the systems. As the user moves, the microcontroller compares the signal strength to estimate the distance. If the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, indicating that the bottle 106 is too far from the body, the system triggers an alert through the wearable's speaker 105 to notify the user to carry the bottle 106 for staying hydrated during activity time.

[0052] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0053] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed invention includes foot wearable body 101, equipped with the set of sensors 103 on the inner sole, evaluates sweat-related parameters such as pH levels and electrolyte concentration. The user interface, connected to the microcontroller, allows users to input their physique and activity details, correlating these with sensor data to estimate hydration requirements. The GPS unit 104 tracks the user's location, and environmental factors like temperature and humidity are used to refine hydration updates. The activity monitoring module 102, including sensors like the pedometer and accelerometer, further enhances hydration predictions based on physical exertion. The system communicates updates through the speaker 105, notifying users to hydrate. The bottle 106 with dehydration treatment solutions, equipped with electronic valves 108 and the motorized stirrer 109, dispenses the right mixture under the microcontroller’s control. Bluetooth beacons monitor proximity between the body and the bottle 106, alerting the user if they drift too far apart. Additional features include the proximity sensor 110 on the bottle 106, low water level detection, and nearby water source suggestions, ensuring the user always has access to hydration support. All data is synchronized with the central database for continuous monitoring.

[0054] 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 user-centric hydration management system, comprising:

i) a foot wearable body 101, embodied with a plurality of sensors 103 located in contact with the inner sole of said foot wearable body 101, to evaluate one or more parameters in reference to sweat over foot of a user wearing said body;
ii) a user interface, configured with a microcontroller to allow access to a user for input of details regarding physique and routine activities carried out by the user, wherein said microcontroller is in wireless connection with said sensor to correlate the output of sensors 103 with the input details to provide a first level of update regarding hydration required by said user;
iii) a GPS (global positioning system) unit attached to the foot wearable body 101, to fetch real time location of the user, wherein said microcontroller correlates a temperature and humidity profile of said location with the user specified details to provide a second level update on the level of hydration required by said user;
iv) an activity monitoring module 102 installed within the foot wearable body 101, wherein said module includes a set of sensors to detect number of steps taken by the user, amount of force applied by the user’s foot, to provide a third level of update on the level of hydration required by said user;
v) a speaker 105, embodied within the foot wearable body 101, wherein said microcontroller aggregates the first, second and third update regarding level of hydration required, and based on the aggregate value, relays a signal to the speaker 105 for notifying the user to hydrate;
vi) a bottle 106 containing water, embodied with one or more chambers 107 stored with dehydration treatment solutions, wherein said chambers 107 include one or more electronic valves 108 and a motorized stirrer 109 in wireless connection with said microcontroller, selectively actuated to release and mix corresponding solution(s) within water; and
vii) one or more Bluetooth beacons installed within each of said foot wearable body 101 and bottle 106, to monitor distance range between the body and the bottle 106, wherein, said microcontroller, generates alert through said speaker 105 in case the distance range is more than a marginal value.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a proximity sensor 110 is integrated over said bottle 106 to detect interaction of the user with the bottle 106.

3) The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein post alert generation through speaker 105, in case no contact of the user with the bottle 106 is detected, said microcontroller increases the intensity of alert sound.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a set of temperature and humidity sensors are installed within the foot wearable body 101 to monitor real time temperature and relay the same to said microcontroller in case GPS unit 104 fails to fetch the location.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bottle 106 includes a water level sensor, in connection with said microcontroller to update the user regarding low water level through said speaker 105.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1 & 5, wherein in case of low water level, said microcontroller, operatively coordinates with said GPS unit 104 to fetch nearby water sources and update the same over said interface.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein real time data evaluated regarding hydration is updated over a central database accessible through said user interface.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensors 103 include but not limited to pH sensor and capacitive sensor to evaluate parameters including acidic nature of sweat and concentration of electrolytes in the sweat respectively.

9) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said activity monitoring module 102 includes but not limited to pedometer, accelerometer and force sensor.