WO2021028939A1

WO2021028939A1 - A wearable device for measuring waist size, strain on waist and activity of user

Info

Publication number: WO2021028939A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050625
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vivek PLAWAT; Rishi Plawat
Original assignee: Plawat Vivek
Priority date: 2019-08-09
Filing date: 2020-07-19
Publication date: 2021-02-18

Abstract

A wearable device for measuring waist circumference of user is provided. The device includes a belt and buckle. A belt strap, its first end is operatively coupled to the belt buckle. A RFID reader in the buckle is to read the tags. Tags are positioned at a predefined distance from the second end of the belt strap. The reader tracks position of the tags by identifying the nearest tag positioned on the belt strap to the reader, measuring a waist size of a user. A strain gauge in the buckle measures the strain on the belt and the pedometer device in the buckle measures the distance travelled, idle time, steps taken and the orientation of the user.

Description

A WEARABLE DEVICE FOR MEASURING WAIST SIZE, STRAIN ON WAIST AND ACTIVITY OF USER

The following specification particularly describes the disclosure and the manner in which is to be performed. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wearable devices, and more particularly to, a wearable device for measuring waist size, strain on waist and activity of user.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Exercise and fitness have become increasingly popular and the benefits from such activities are well known. Various types of technology have been incorporated into fitness and other athletic activities.

[0003] Personal health and fitness are important. This includes the user’s waistline and physical activities. It is also important to know if users are overeating or having a gas that bloats their stomach.

[0004] Waist size, in certain circumstances, such as after a certain age when measured over time and compared, acts as an indicator for fitness. Waist size is particularly associated with a number of negative health outcomes specifically when the waist size becomes excessively large.

[0005] Measuring waist size alone does not serve the purpose if the user tightens the belt keeping the waist size same but stressing our internal organs. The stress on the internal organs may lead to life ricking factors, at least in the long run of the user’s lifetime.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a device that can overcome the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a wearable device for measuring waist size of user is provided. Wearable device includes a belt buckle comprising a first side and a second side. The device also includes a belt strap, operatively coupled to the belt buckle, wherein the belt strap comprises a first end and a second end. [0008] The device also includes a first attachment operatively coupled to the first side of the belt buckle and the first end of the belt strap. The device also includes a second attachment operatively coupled to the second side of the belt buckle and the second end of the belt strap.

[0009] The device also includes a belt circumference measurement module includes a reader and one or more tags, wherein each of the one or more tags are positioned at a predefined distance from the second end of the belt strap. The reader is operatively coupled to the belt buckle and wherein the reader is configured to track position of the one or more tags by identifying a nearest tag from the one or more tags positioned on the second end of the belt strap when the second end of the belt strap is operatively coupled to the second attachment, thereby measuring a waist size of a user.

[0010] In further embodiment of the present system, the device also includes one or more sensors configured to measure one or more corresponding parameters, wherein the one or more sensors includes a pedometer including an accelerometer and a gyro meter and a strain gauge. The one or more corresponding parameters includes number of steps taken by the user, a duration of active time of the user a duration of idle time of the user, amount of pressure around the waist implied by the device.

[0011] In further embodiment of the present system, the device also includes a waist- size history generation module configured to estimate a waist size of the user based on the tracked data and generate a waist-size history for the user based on estimated waist size of the user and sensed data from the one or more sensors.

[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, a method thereof is provided. The method includes tracking, by a reader, position of one or more tags by identifying a nearest tag from the one or more tags, wherein the one or more tags are operatively coupled to a second end of a belt strap; wherein the reader is operatively coupled to a belt buckle; wherein each of the one or more tags are positioned at a predefined distance on the belt strap from the second end of the belt strap; wherein the second end of the belt strap is adapted to be operatively coupled to the belt buckle. [0013] The method also includes measuring, by the reader, a waist size of a user based on tracked position of the one or more tags when the second end of the belt strap is operatively coupled to the belt buckle.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the disclosed method, the method also includes additional steps of measuring one or more parameters corresponding to one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors includes, a pedometer and a strain gauge. The one or more corresponding parameters comprises number of steps taken by the user, a duration of active time of the user a duration of idle time of the user, amount of strain around the waist implied by the device.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the disclosed method, the method also includes additional steps of storing at least one of tracked data, measured data and sensed data in a memory storage device.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the disclosed method, the method also includes additional steps of estimating a waist size of the user based on the tracked data; and generating a waist history for the user based on estimated waist size of the user and sensed data from the one or more sensors.

[0017] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial depiction of a wearable device for measuring waist size of user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of belt buckle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment. [0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0026] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial depiction of a wearable device (100) for measuring waist of user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] The wearable device (100) includes a belt buckle (102), a first attachment (not shown in figures), a second attachment (not shown in figures), a belt strap (104) and a belt circumference measurement module (106, 108). The belt buckle (102) includes a first side (102a) and a second side (102b). The first attachment is operatively coupled to the first side (102a) of the belt buckle (102). The second attachment is operatively coupled to the second side (102b) of the belt buckle (102). The belt strap (104) includes a first end (104a) and a second end (104b), wherein the belt strap (104) is operatively coupled to the belt buckle (102).

[0029] In addition, the first attachment is configured to be operatively coupled to the first end (104a) of the belt strap (104) and the second attachment is configured to be operatively coupled to the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104). In one embodiment, the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104) is adapted to be received into the second side (102b) of the belt buckle (102) via the second attachment.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram (200) of the belt buckle (102) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] The belt circumference measurement module (106, 108) is operatively coupled to the wearable device (100). The belt circumference measurement module (106, 108) includes a reader (106) and one or more tags (108). In one embodiment, the reader (106) may be, including but not limited to, a Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) reader (106). In one embodiment, the one or more tags (108) may be, including but not limited to, a Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) tag.

[0032] As used herein, the term “Radio-frequency Identification (RFID)” is defined as uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.

[0033] As used herein, the term “Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) tag” is defined as labels attached to the objects to be identified. Two-way radio transmitter- receivers called interrogators or readers send a signal to the tag and read its response.

[0034] An Active Reader Passive Tag (ARPT) system has an active reader, which transmits interrogator signals and also receives authentication replies from passive tags.

[0035] In one embodiment, the one or more tags (108) are operatively coupled to the belt strap (104). In one such embodiment, the one or more tags (108) are positioned at a predefined distance from the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104). The reader (106) is operatively coupled to the belt buckle. In one embodiment, the reader (106) is positioned inside of the belt buckle (102).

[0036] Further, the wearable device (100) includes a strain gauges from one or more sensors (110). In one embodiment, the strain gauge may be placed within the belt buckle (102), wherein the strain gauge is configured to measure an amount of strain experienced by the belt strap (104). In one embodiment, the wearable device may include a pressure sensor, which is configured to measure an amount of pressure experienced by the belt strap and convert measured pressure into strain. In one such embodiment, the pressure sensor is placed in the belt strap (104).

[0037] Further, the wearable device (100) includes the one or more sensors (110), including but not limited to, a pedometer including, but not limited to, an accelerometer and a gyro meter. The one or more sensors (110) are configured to measure corresponding parameters such as, including but not limited to, number of steps taken by the user and a duration of active time of the user a duration of idle time of the user. [0038] Further, the wearable device (100) includes a waist-size history generation module. In one embodiment, the waist-size history generation module (112) is configured to estimate a waist size of the user based on the tracked data and data received from the one or more sensors (110) and generate a timeline history of measured waist size of the user. In one embodiment, the timeline history includes data received from the reader (106) and the one or more sensors (110).

[0039] Further, a power supply unit (not shown in figures) is operatively coupled to the wearable device (100), wherein the power supply unit is configured to power the wearable device (100). In one embodiment, the power supply unit is placed inside the belt buckle. In one embodiment, the power supply unit is an energy storage device, such as rechargeable battery (206). In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) is configured to wirelessly receive power, via a wireless charger (202), to recharge the power supply unit. In another embodiment, wearable device (100) may be charged using wired communication technique. In one such embodiment, the wired communication technique may be, but not limited to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, magnetic connectors, C port or micro USB port.

[0040] The belt buckle further includes a includes a printed circuit board (210) and an analog to digital converter (208).

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram (200) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] A user, when tries to wear the wearable device (100) around the waist, the reader (106) receives signals from the one or more tags (108) positioned on the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104). In one embodiment, the reader (106) receives stronger signals from a tag, from the one or more tags (108), which is nearest to the reader (106) than the other tags from the one or more tags (108), thereby tracking the position of the one or more tags (108). Upon receiving the signal, the reader (106) is configured to measure a waist size of the user based on the received signal, by measuring the circumference of the belt strap.

[0043] For example, the one or more tags (108) are positioned at the predefined distance from the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104). In one embodiment, the belt strap (104) is of a predefined length and there are four tags positioned at the second end (104b) of the predefined belt strap (104), wherein the predefined length is 38 inches. A first tag is placed at 1 inch from the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104), a second tag is placed at 2 inches from the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104), a third tag is placed at 3 inches from the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104) and the fourth tag is placed at 4 inches from the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104).

[0044] As the reader (106) is positioned inside the belt buckle (102), when the user tries to wear the wearable device (100) around the waist, the reader (106) is configured to measure the waist size of the user by receiving the strongest signal from the nearest tag to the reader (106) and tracking the position of the one or more tags (108). In one embodiment, say, the area near the third tag is tucked with a hook (not shown in figures) like object which is operatively coupled to the belt buckle (102) to hold the belt strap (104) in place, and on the waist of the user. As the area near the third tag is tucked, the waist of the user is measured to be around 28-29 inches. The measured data is stored in a memory storage device (304).

[0045] In one embodiment, the memory storage device (304) may be, including but not limited to, a server. In one such embodiment, the server may be a remote server. In one such particular embodiment, the remote server may be a cloud server. In another embodiment, the memory storage device (304) is present in the wearable device (100). In one embodiment, the memory storage device (304) is operatively coupled to the remote server.

[0046] Further, in one embodiment, the strain gauge is configured to measure the amount of strain endured by the belt strap (104). In light of the aforementioned example, upon measuring the amount of strain endured by the belt strap (104), the measured data is sent to a processor (114). The processor (114) is configured to receive the measured data and compare the measure data with a predefined threshold. In one embodiment, the predefined threshold represents a calibrated strain data, by strain gauge measured and stored in the memory storage device (304), at an initial stage of using the wearable device (100) by the user, wherein the calibrated strain data represents data measured according to the user’ s body measurements without an extra amount of stress endured by the belt strap. Based on the compared data, the processor (114) is configured to alert the user, that is, if the measured strain greater or lesser than the predefined threshold, then an alert unit (not shown in figures) is configured to alert the user.

[0047] In another embodiment, when the user has worn the wearable device (belt), the strain gauge present in the wearable device is configured to measure an amount of strain experienced by the wearable device. In one embodiment the wearable device may experience an additional amount of strain, when worn around the waist of the user, compared to a predefined strain. For example, the predefined strain is 3 kilograms (Kg) and the strain experienced by the wearable device may be 4.5 kilograms (Kg). Upon comparison, the wearable device experiences an additional 1.5 kilograms (Kg) of strain when worn around the waist of the user.

[0048] In one embodiment, based on the compared data, the processor (114) is configured to generate a waist size by addition of the actual waist circumference measured and the excessive strain than the normal predefined strain of the belt.

[0049] In one embodiment, based on the compared data, the processor (114) is configured to generate an alert and transmit generated alert to the user via the alert unit. In one embodiment, the alert unit may be a buzzer, a sound emitting device or a notification, wherein the user is notified by the notification in a computing device (302) over a communication network.

[0050] In one embodiment, the computing device (302) may be, including but not limited to, a smartphone.

[0051] In one embodiment, the waist-size history of the user may be extracted from the wearable device (100) via wired and/or wireless communications, including but not limited to, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC). The waist- size history of the user is computed based on the tracked data and the compared data, thereby storing resultant data in the memory storage device (304). In one embodiment, the smartphone is configured to receive the measured data, the compared data and sensed data from the one or more sensors via the wireless communication.

[0052] In one embodiment, the Bluetooth (204) is an integral part of the wearable device which is System on Chip (SOC). [0053] As used herein, the term “system on chip” is defined as an integrated circuit that integrates all components of a computer or other electronic system. These components typically include a central processing unit, memory, input/output ports and secondary storage

[0054] The SOC is configured to get the one or more sensors to collect the data and passes on to BLE for transferring sensed data to a server and/or the smartphone.

[0055] In one embodiment, the size of the belt strap (104) may be adjusted by the user, via the computing device (302), based on the alert received by the user, wherein the size of the belt strap (104) around the wait of the user may be adjusted while the wearable device (100) is already worn by the user.

[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (400) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] The method (300) includes tracking position of one or more tags (108), in step 402. The method (400) includes tracking, by a reader (106), position of one or more tags (108) by identifying a nearest tag from the one or more tags (108). Theone or more tags (108) are positioned on the belt strap (104), wherein the belt strap (104) includes a first end (104a) and a second end. The one or more tags (108) are positioned on the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104), wherein the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104) is adapted to be received by a belt buckle. The belt buckle (102) includes a first side (102a) and a second side, wherein the first side (102a) of the belt buckle (102) is operatively coupled to the first end (104a) of the belt strap (104) via a first attachment and the second side (102b) of the belt buckle (102) is operatively coupled to the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104) via a second attachment. The reader (106) is operatively coupled to the belt buckle.

[0058] A user, when tries to wear the wearable device (100) around the waist, the reader (106) receives signals from the one or more tags (108) positioned on the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104). In one embodiment, the reader (106) receives stronger signals from a tag from the one or more tags (108) which is nearest to the reader (106) than the other tags from the one or more tags (108), thereby tracking the position of the one or more tags (108). [0059] The method (400) includes measuring a waist size of a user based on tracked position of the one or more tags (108), in step 404. The method (400) includes measuring, by the reader (106), a waist size of a user based on tracked position of the one or more tags (108) when the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104) is operatively coupled to the belt buckle.

[0060] The method (400) includes measuring one or more parameters corresponding to one or more sensors (110). The one or more sensors (110) includes, a pedometer and a strain gauge, wherein the pedometer includes an accelerometer and a gyro meter. The one or more corresponding parameters includes number of steps taken by the user, a duration of active time of the user a duration of idle time of the user, amount of pressure around the waist implied by the device. Further, the strain gauge is configured to measure the amount of pressure endured by the belt strap (104). In light of the aforementioned example, upon measuring the amount of pressure endured by the belt strap (104), the measured data is sent to a processor (114). The processor (114) is configured to receive the measured data and compare the measure data with a predefined threshold. In one embodiment, the predefined threshold represents a calibrated data of the strain gauge which was measured and stored in the memory storage device (304) at an initial stage of using the wearable device (100) by the user, wherein the calibrated data represents data measured according to the user’s body measurements. Based on the compared data, the processor (114) is configured to alert the user, that is, if the measured pressure is greater or lesser than the predefined threshold, then the alert unit alert unit the user.

[0061] The method (400) includes notifying the user. The processor (114), based on the compared data, is configured to generate an alert and transmit generated alert to the user via the alert unit. In one embodiment, the alert unit may be a buzzer, a sound emitting device or a notification, wherein the user is notified by the notification in a computing device (302) over a communication network.

[0062] The method includes (400) storing the tracked data, measured data and sensed data in the memory storage device (304). In one embodiment, the memory storage device (304) may be, including but not limited to, a server. In one such embodiment, the server may be a remote server. In one such particular embodiment, the remote server may be a cloud server. [0063] The method includes (400) estimating a waist size of the user based on the tracked data and generating a waist history for the user based on estimated waist size of the user and sensed data from the one or more sensors (110) , thereby generating a timeline history of measured waist size of the user based on the tracked data and data received from the one or more sensors (110). In one embodiment, the timeline history includes data received from the reader (106) and the one or more sensors (110).

[0064] The present disclosure provides various advantages, including but not limited to, alert the user if the belt is worn tight thereby avoiding injuries to internal organs.

[0065] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0066] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A wearable device (100) for measuring waist of a user, comprising:

A belt buckle (102) comprising a first side (102a) and a second side (102b);

A belt strap (104), operatively coupled to the belt buckle, wherein the belt strap (104) comprises a first end (104a) and a second end (104b);

A first attachment operatively coupled to the first side (102a) of the belt buckle (102) and the first end (104a) of the belt strap (104);

A second attachment operatively coupled to the second side (102b) of the belt buckle (102) and the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104);

A belt circumference measurement module (106, 108) comprising a RFID reader (106) and one or more tags (108), wherein each of the one or more tags (108) are positioned at a predefined distance from the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104);

Wherein the reader (106) is operatively coupled to the belt buckle (102); and wherein the reader (106) is configured to track position of the one or more tags (108) by identifying a nearest tag from the one or more tags (108) positioned on the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104) when the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104) is operatively coupled to the second attachment, thereby measuring a waist size of the user.

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the belt circumference measurement module (106, 108) is configured to store tracked data in a memory storage device (304).

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the belt circumference measurement module (106, 108) is configured to transmit the tracked data to a remote server via a communication network.

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising one or more sensors (110) configured to measure one or more corresponding parameters, wherein the one or more sensors (110) comprises a pedometer and a strain gauge; and wherein the one or more corresponding parameters comprises number of steps taken by the user, a duration of active time of the user a duration of idle time of the user, amount of strain endured by the wearable device (100) when worn around the waist of the user compared to a predefined strain to be endured by the wearable device (100) when worn around the waist of the user.

5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a waist- size history generation module (112) configured to: estimate a waist size of the user based on the tracked data; and generate a waist history for the user based on estimated waist size of the user and sensed data from the one or more sensors (110).

6. A method (400) for measuring a waist size comprising: tracking, by a reader (106), position of one or more tags (108) by identifying a nearest tag from the one or more tags (108); wherein the one or more tags (108) are operatively coupled to a second end (104b) of a belt strap (104); wherein the reader (106) is operatively coupled to a belt buckle; wherein each of the one or more tags (108) are positioned at a predefined distance on the belt strap (104) from the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104); wherein the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104) is adapted to be operatively coupled to the belt buckle (102); and measuring, by the reader (106), a waist size of a user based on tracked position of the one or more tags (108) when the second end (104b) of the belt strap (104) is operatively coupled to the belt buckle (102).

7. The method (400) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising measuring one or more parameters corresponding to one or more sensors (110), wherein the one or more sensors (110) comprises a pedometer and a strain gauge; and wherein the one or more corresponding parameters comprises number of steps taken by the user, a duration of active time of the user a duration of idle time of the user, amount of pressure around the waist implied by the device.

8. The method (400) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising storing at least one of tracked data, measured data and sensed data in a memory storage device (304).

9. The method (400) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising: estimating a waist size of the user based on the tracked data; and generating a waist history for the user based on estimated waist size of the user and sensed data from the one or more sensors (110).