Claims:15
I/We Claim:
1. A smart wearable device (100) configured to be positioned over a portion of face of a user, the smart wearable device (100) comprising:
a body having a first surface (102) and a second surface (104), wherein the body having: 5
at least one sensor (106) disposed on the body of the smart wearable device (100), wherein the at least one sensor (106) is configured to sense health data of the user; and
a controller (108) coupled to the at least one sensor (106), wherein the controller (108) is configured to send the heath data to the user, for 10 monitoring the health of the user; and
one or more fasteners (110) coupled at a first end (112) and a second end (114) of the body.
2. The smart wearable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the smart 15 wearable device (100) is a wearable face mask and wherein the one or more fasteners (110) comprises at least one of elastic bands, straps, and/or strings.
3. The smart wearable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (106) is disposed between the first surface (102) and the second surface 20 (104) of the body.
4. The smart wearable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (106) is detachably coupled to the smart wearable device (100).
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5. The smart wearable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (106) is selected from a group of sensors including an oximetry sensor, pulse monitoring sensor, electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor,
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photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, and/or gyroscope for sensing one or more health data indicative of a user’s health.
6. The smart wearable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (108) facilitates exchange of information related to sensed health data with a 5 mobile device (704) associated with the user, wherein the health data is sent to the mobile device (704) associated with the user, via Bluetooth.
7. The smart wearable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (108) alerts the user when the health data of the user crosses a predefined 10 threshold value.
8. The smart wearable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the health data is selected from a group of heart rate, pulse rate, oxygen saturation levels in the user’s blood, speed of motion, and/or brain wave activity of the user. 15
9. A method (600) for monitoring health of a user using a smart wearable device (100), the method comprising:
determining, by at least one sensor (106), health data of a user, the health data comprises at least one of oxygen level in blood, heat rate, breath level, and 20 brain waves, wherein the at least one sensor (106) are disposed on the smart wearable device (100); and
sending, by a controller (108) of the smart wearable device (100), the health data to the user, and thereby monitoring the heath of the user, wherein the controller (108) is coupled to the at least one sensor (106), 25
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wherein the smart wearable device (100) is configured to be positioned over a portion of a face of the user.
10. The method (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (108) is configured to: 5
determine whether the health data of the user crosses a predefined threshold value; and
send an alert to the user, for taking one or more actions based at least on the determination.
10 Dated this 04th Day of August, 2020 Ishita Rustagi (IN-PA/4097) Agent for Applicant

Description:

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This invention relates to a wearable device, and more particularly related to a smart wearable device. 5
BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the 10 subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
[0003] Wearable device such as respirators or face masks are often used in certain 15 situations, mostly by professionals for a single purpose to protect themselves in medical and industrial settings, or for consumer protection in contaminated environments. Systems used in medical or industrial environments are often large, complex, and expensive.
[0004] Alongside, air pollution has become an increasing threat to humans due to 20 industrialization and deforestation, increasing cases of human respiratory, cardiovascular complications, and organ-related diseases, resulting in increased health care costs. The use of face masks has become a necessity in the recent times due to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 has changed many facets of our everyday life forcing us to adopt social distancing as a new norm. 25 Wearing face masks has become mandatory to prevent ourselves from the spread of COVID-19. It can spread through breathing and talking. According to the study
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“Rapid Expert Consultation on the Possibility of Bioaerosol Spread of SARS-CoV-2 for the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020), April 1, 2020,” even breathing or talking could possibly release tiny particles (Bioaerosols) carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID 19. Based on the study, the virus can stay suspended in the air in the ultrafine mist that is produced when infected people 5 exhale. Thus, it is recommended wearing masks while going out in public places.
[0005] However, face masks make breathing more difficult, especially those whose respiratory functions are already weak, those suffering from claustrophobia as well as healthy persons if they are carrying out physical activities like running, sports, etc. These masks are in fact intolerable to wear by people with chronic 10 obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the masks worsen their breathlessness. Moreover, with each breath in a respiratory cycle, a fraction of carbon dioxide previously exhaled is inhaled again. These two occurrences increase breathing frequency and deepness, resulting in increased amount of inhaled and exhaled air. Since, it has become mandatory for people to wear the masks; the current market 15 available products lack any improvements related to such problems.
[0006] Wearing face masks in everyday life has become common in many places around the world. Currently used face masks make use of a filter membrane to remove contaminants and viruses from ambient air that is sucked, when the user inhales. This causes chambers of the face mask to change in pressure, increased 20 relative humidity, temperature, and moisture condensation during respiratory activity. Some masks operate according to the principle of air entering and advancing through the same filter media.
[0007] However, wearing face masks for prolonged duration can limit the flow of oxygen in the body. This can severely affect the functioning of the molecular cells. 25 Moreover, the pore size on most of the existing face masks do not provide strong protection against active viruses and bacteria. It becomes inevitable to design the masks that could not only act as a barrier from getting in contact with the deadly virus through air but also at the same time, could help us in tracking bodily statistics to monitor our state of health. 30
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[0008] However, all existing face masks lack the ability to monitor the state of face masks. Therefore, there is a need for an improved face mask which is cost effective, user friendly, washable, and easy to wear.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION 5
[0009] It is an objective of the invention to provide a smart wearable device i.e. a smart face mask worn by a user, having at least one sensor to monitor the health data of a user.
[0010] It is another objective of the invention to provide a smart wearable device that provides health data to the user, for monitoring the heath. 10
[0011] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a smart wearable device that is washable i.e. waterproof, cost effective, user friendly, and easy to wear.
[0012] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a smart face mask which provides user comfort and breathing mask performance. 15
[0013] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a smart face mask which provides a barrier to facilitate protection from air-borne viruses or external sources of infection.
[0014] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a smart wearable device to monitor and manage a user’s respiratory, pulmonary, and cardiac health. 20
[0015] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a smart face mask to track a user’s health activity and protect bodily functions against the potential risks associated with sustained usage of face masks.
[0016] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a smart face mask which provides an alert to the user for taking an appropriate action when the health 25 data crosses a predefined threshold value.
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[0017] It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a smart face mask which enables the user to control/monitor the heath data continuously.
SUMMARY
[0018] The present invention relates to a smart wearable device configured to be 5 positioned over a portion of face of a user. The smart wearable device includes a body having a first surface and a second surface. Further, the body having at least one sensor disposed on the body of the smart wearable device. The at least one sensor is configured to sense health data of the user. The body further includes a controller coupled to the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to send 10 the heath data to the user, for monitoring the health of the user. Further, the body includes one or more fastening means coupled at a first end and a second end of the body.
[0019] The present invention further relates to a method for monitoring health of a user using a smart wearable device. The method includes determining, by at least 15 one sensor, health data of a user. The health data comprises at least one of oxygen level in blood, heat rate, breath level, and brain waves and the at least one sensor is disposed on the smart wearable device. Further, the method includes sending, by a controller of the smart wearable device, the health data to a user to monitor the heath of the user. Further, the controller is coupled to the at least one sensor and 20 the smart wearable device is configured to be positioned over a portion of a face of the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, 25 methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g. boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent
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one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-5 exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a smart wearable device (100) worn by a user, according to an embodiment. 10
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a left side perspective view of the smart wearable device (100) worn by the user, according to an embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a left side perspective view of the smart wearable device (100) worn by the user, according to another embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates the smart wearable device (100) showing at least one 15 sensor (106) on a second surface i.e. an inner surface (104), according to an embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a left side perspective view of the smart wearable device (100) showing, according to an embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart showing a method (600) for monitoring 20 health of a user using a smart wearable device (100), according to an embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a use case scenario (700) for the operation of the smart wearable device (100), according to an embodiment.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not 5 meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.
[0029] It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or 10 equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred, systems and methods are now described.
[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals 15 represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples. 20
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of a wearable device (100) worn by a user is disclosed, according to an embodiment. The smart wearable device (100) may be configured to be positioned over a portion of a face of the user. In one example embodiment, the smart wearable device (100) may be referred to as a wearable face mask. 25
[0032] The smart wearable device (100) may comprise a body, having a first surface i.e. an outer surface (102) and a second surface i.e. an inner surface (104). The body of the smart wearable device (100) may comprise at least one sensor (106) configured to sense health data of the user, for monitoring the health of the
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user. The body of the smart wearable device (100) may further comprise a controller (108) coupled to the at least one sensor (106) configured to send the health data to the user, for monitoring the health of the user. The body of the smart wearable device (100) may further comprise one or more fasteners (110) coupled to a first end (112) and a second end (114) of the body of the smart wearable 5 device (100).
[0033] In one embodiment, as explained in conjunction with FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the smart wearable device (100) may include an enclosed space (202). In one example embodiment, the enclosed space (202) may be formed between the smart wearable device (100) and the user’s face, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The first 10 surface (102) may be made of a waterproof material, so as to keep smart wearable device (100) water resistant. Such water resistant wearable device (100) may allow the use of the smart wearable device (100) in rains, etc. It should be noted that the first surface (102) may be on the outer side of the smart wearable device (100) or the side exposed away from the face of the user. Further, the second surface (104) 15 may be made of soft material like a piece of cloth, so as to provide comfort to the user while wearing the smart wearable device (100). As discussed above, the second surface (104) may be on the inner side of the smart wearable device (100) or the side exposed towards the face of the user.
[0034] In one example embodiment, at least one sensor (106) may be an oximetry 20 sensor for monitoring the user's oxygen saturation. In another example embodiment, the at least one sensor (106) may be a pulse monitoring sensor for monitoring the pulse of the user. In another example embodiment, the at least one sensor (106) may be a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for monitoring a heart rate of the user wearing the smart wearable device (100). In another example 25 embodiment, the at least one sensor (106) may be a gyroscope for sensing health data indicative of breathing cycle of the user wearing the smart wearable device (100). It should be noted that the at least one sensor (106) may monitor one or more aspects of the state of health of the user, without departing from the scope of the invention. 30
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[0035] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the above-mentioned at least one sensor (106) has been provided only for illustration purposes. In one example embodiment, the at least one sensor may be some other sensors as well, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0036] In one example embodiment, the sensed health data includes heart rate, 5 pulse rate, oxygen saturation levels in the user’s blood, speed of motion, and/or brain wave activity. It should be noted that the sensed health data may be sensed in real-time. In one example embodiment, the at least one sensor (106) may be disposed either on the first surface (102) or the second surface (104). It should be noted that the at least one sensor (106) may be detachably coupled to the smart 10 wearable device (100).
[0037] In one example embodiment, the at least one sensor (106) may be disposed in between the first surface (102) and the second surface (104). Further, the at least one sensor (106) may be disposed in a pouch/cavity in the body of the smart wearable device (100). It should be noted that the cavity holding the at least one 15 sensor (106) may be sealed using fastening means like VELCRO, zipper, and/or hook and eye. This allows easy removal of the at least one sensor (106) from the smart wearable device (100) which may be helpful while washing the smart wearable device (100).
[0038] In one example embodiment, the at least one sensor (106) may be 20 controlled by the controller (108), to sense health data related to the at least one sensor (106). Further, the controller (108) may be configured to exchange the information related to the sensed health data to a user’s mobile device, via an application. It should be noted that the user may be able to monitor his/her state of health from the mobile device. Further, based on the information on the mobile 25 device, the user may be able to take proper actions to keep a check on the state of health of the user. In one example embodiment, if the sensed health data indicate a change in oxygen saturation levels of the user, the user may take appropriate step, for example taking deep breaths to maintain proper oxygen saturation levels of the
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user. Preferably, the controller (108) may be configured to control the functioning of the at least one sensor (106). Preferably, the controller (108) may be configured to control the entry and exit amount of air from the enclosed space (202) into/from the smart wearable device (100). In one example embodiment, the controller (108) may be connected to an internal circuitry of the smart wearable device (100). It 5 should be noted that the sensed health data may be chosen from a group of heart rate, pulse rate, oxygen saturation levels in the user’s blood, speed of motion, and/or brain wave activity of the user.
[0039] In one example embodiment, the controller (108) facilitates exchange of information related to the sensed health data to a mobile device associated with the 10 user. Further, the controller (108) may alert the user when the health data of the user crosses a predefined threshold value. It should be noted that the threshold value may be determined by the controller (108) or may be predefined by the user.
[0040] In one example embodiment, the smart wearable device (100) may also comprise a fastener (110) for fastening the smart wearable device (100) around the 15 face of the user. The one or more fasteners (110) may be, but are not limited to, elastic bands, string, strap, or the like, suitably positioned around the user's ears (as shown in FIG. 2) and / or the top and / or back of the user's head (as shown in FIG. 3). Further, the one or more fasteners (110) may comprise a rigid component, a semi-rigid component, and / or any suitable combination of flexible components, 20 without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0041] In one example embodiment, the smart wearable device (100) may comprise an interchangeable air filter (not shown). The filter may be positioned on one side of the smart wearable device (100), or one filter may be positioned on each of the two sides, or the entire smart wearable device (100). It should be noted 25 that the filter may be placed inside the smart wearable device (100) or cover the smart wearable device (100). Further, the smart wearable device (100) may be configured to cover the user’s mouth and nostrils to provide a respiratory air
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filtration function. It should be noted that the smart wearable device (100) may cover the mouth and the nose of the user, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the smart wearable device (100) is disclosed according to an embodiment. The smart wearable device (100) may include the first surface (102) and second surface (104). In one example embodiment, the first 5 surface (102) may be made of a waterproof material, so as to keep wearable device water resistant. It should be noted that the first surface (102) may be on the outer side of the smart wearable device (100) or the side exposed away from the face of the user. Further, the second surface (104) may be made of soft material like a piece of cloth, so as to provide comfort to the user while wearing the smart 10 wearable device (100). It should be noted that the second surface (104) may be on the inner side of the smart wearable device (100) or the side exposed towards the face of the user.
[0043] In one example embodiment, the at least one sensor (106) and controller (108) may be placed inside a pocket/cavity. It should be noted that the at least one 15 sensor (106) and the controller (108) may be removable from the pocket. This enables the smart wearable device (100) to be washed, without harming the at least one (106) and the controller (108).
[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, a flow chart showing a method (600) a flow chart showing a method (600) for operation of the smart wearable device (100), 20 according to an embodiment.
[0045] The flowchart of FIG. 6 shows the architecture, functionality, and operation of the smart wearable device (100). In this regard, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It 25 should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the drawings. For example, two blocks shown in succession in FIG. 6 may be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
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functionality involved. Any process descriptions or blocks in flowcharts should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the example embodiments in which functions may be executed out of order 5 from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. In addition, the process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing decisions made by a hardware structure such as a state machine. The flowchart starts at the step (602) and proceeds to step (608). 10
[0046] At first, the at least one sensor (106) may determine health data of a user, at step 602. The health data may include, but is not limited to, at least one of oxygen level in blood, heat rate, breath level, and brain waves, wherein the at least one sensor (106) is disposed on the smart wearable device (100). Further, the sensed health data may be sent, by a controller (108) of the smart wearable device 15 (100), to the user, at step 604. It should be noted that the health data may be sent on a mobile device of the user. The controller (108) may be coupled to the at least one sensor (106) for monitoring the heath of the user. Successively, the controller (108) may be configured to determine whether the health data of the user crosses a predefined threshold value, at step 606. In one example embodiment, the 20 predefined threshold value may be predefined by the user based on the user’s state of health, through the mobile device. In another example embodiment, the predefined threshold value may be set based on ideal statistics related to the user’s state of health. Thereafter, based at least on the determination, the controller (108) may be configured to send an alert to the user, at step 608. In one case, the alert 25 may be sent to the mobile device associated with the user. In one example embodiment, the controller (108) may send an alert to the user for taking an appropriate action. In one case, the action may be to take a break while running or to drink water, to stay hydrated.
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[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, a use case scenario (700) of the operation of the smart wearable device (100) is disclosed, according to an embodiment. As discussed above, the smart wearable device (100) may comprise the at least one sensor (106). The at least one sensor (106) may be referred to as sensors 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 702-4, … 702-N. The sensors 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 702-4, … 702-N may 5 include sensors from a group consisting of an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor for monitoring the electrical activity of the brain, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for monitoring the heart rate of the user wearing the smart wearable device (100), a gyroscope for sensing heath data indicative of state of health of the user wearing the smart wearable device (100), or any sensor capable of measuring the 10 state of health of the user, or health data related to heart rate, pulse rate, oxygen saturation levels in the user’s blood, speed of motion, and/or brain wave activity. The sensed health data may be sent to a mobile device (704) of the user, via an application installed on the mobile device (704). It should be noted that the controller (108) may be capable of exchanging information related to the sensed 15 health data with the mobile device (704) associated with the user. Further, the mobile device (704) may be coupled to a server (706), for storing the sensed health data, for future usage. In one example embodiment, the user may be able to log-in/ register (708) in the application installed on the mobile device (704). In another example embodiment, the application may allow multiple users to make multiple 20 accounts on the application, depending on the usage of the smart wearable device (100).
[0048] In one example embodiment, the application on the mobile device (704) may guide the user to take appropriate actions related to user’s health. For example, based on the sensed health data, the application may suggest the user to 25 take a break while running or to drink water, to stay hydrated. In one example embodiment, the sensed health data may be communicated to the mobile device (704) associated with the user via a communication interface. In one example embodiment, the communication interface may be Bluetooth interface or any other wireless communication interface. 30
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[0049] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the above-mentioned smart wearable device (100) may include a microphone and a speaker, connected to the user’s mobile device for providing facility of audio for music and telephonic calls or interactive voice response features. In one example embodiment, the smart wearable device (100) may have the additional advantage of providing a cooling 5 sensation to the skin of the user, whether used as an aid for air release, humidity reduction, or other aforementioned advantages.
[0050] In another example embodiment, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor may be used for monitoring an electrical activity of the brain. In one example embodiment, the EEG sensor may be integrated into an EEG band, placed on a 10 forehead of the user. In one example embodiment, the EEG sensor of the EEG band may sense the brain activities and thereafter, the controller (108) of the smart wearable device (100) may send the sensed health data to the user. In another example embodiment, the EEG band may be detachably coupled to the smart wearable device (100). It should be noted that the EEG band may comprise of 15 electrodes placed around the user’s scalp and may be used to record electrical activity of the user’s brain or brain waves. Further, the EEG sensor may measure voltage fluctuations resulting from ionic current within the neurons of the brain, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0051] It has thus been seen that the smart wearable device (100) according to the 20 present invention achieves the purposes highlighted earlier. The smart wearable device (100) in any case could undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the same innovative concept; moreover, all of the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the components used, as well as the numbers, shapes, and sizes of the components can be whatever 25 according to the technical requirements. The scope of protection of the invention is therefore defined by the attached claims.