FR3144750A1 - Device for monitoring biological parameters. - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for monitoring biological parameters. Device for monitoring the biological parameters of a user comprising: • a bezel (11) equipped with at least one first impedance electrode (131); • an additional measuring zone (12) equipped with at least one second impedance electrode (132), the device making it possible to measure an impedance between a thigh of a user placed in contact with the first impedance electrode (131) and a hand of the user in contact with the second impedance electrode (132), the monitoring device being further equipped with a photoplethysmographic sensor (14) allowing measurement of a heart rate of the user and/or a variability of a heart rate of the user and/or a blood pressure and/or oxygen saturation of the user's blood and/or blood sugar of the user. Figure for abstract: 3

Description

Device for monitoring biological parameters.

The invention relates to a device for monitoring biological parameters.

Late treatment of pathologies, even benign ones, results in patients experiencing lasting deterioration in their health and significant additional financial costs in the treatment of these pathologies.

Prevention is a key concept in the health field, and is based on regular monitoring of people's health. However, regular monitoring is complex to implement, because access to care can be difficult. In addition, implementing regular monitoring can be cumbersome and penalize people's comfort of life. Current measurement devices require thinking about using them, taking the time to use them and knowing how to use them. In addition, they do not allow measurements to be compared and the patient's health to be monitored.

The purpose of the invention is to provide a device for monitoring biological parameters of a user. In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a monitoring device that is simple to use and allows regular, or even daily, monitoring of biological parameters of a user, without changing his lifestyle.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for monitoring the biological parameters of a user comprising:
• a telescope equipped with at least one first impedance electrode,
• an additional measuring zone equipped with at least a second impedance electrode,
the device for measuring an impedance between a user's thigh placed in contact with the first impedance electrode and a user's hand in contact with the second impedance electrode,
the monitoring device being further equipped with a photoplethysmographic sensor allowing measurement of a user's heart rate and/or variability of a user's heart rate and/or blood pressure and/or oxygen saturation of a user's blood and/or blood sugar level of a user's blood.

In one embodiment, the scope includes a connecting means for the additional measuring area, the connecting means being removable or not.

In one embodiment, the additional measurement area comprises a first main surface and a second main surface arranged to be in simultaneous contact with a hand touching the additional measurement area, and
the photoplethysmographic sensor is arranged on the first main surface or on the second main surface of the additional measuring area, and/or
the first and second main surfaces are substantially parallel, and separated from each other by a distance strictly less than two centimeters or even by a distance strictly less than one centimeter.

In one embodiment, the photoplethysmographic sensor is located in a hollow portion of a surface of the additional measurement area, such that a finger resting on the photoplethysmographic sensor blocks light from reaching the sensor.

In one embodiment, a third impedance electrode is disposed on the additional measurement area such that a hand grasping the additional measurement area is simultaneously in contact with the second and third impedance electrodes.

In one embodiment, the additional measuring area is mounted adjustable in height and/or mounted adjustable in at least one other direction relative to the telescope, and/or
the device comprises means for adjusting a given distance between the additional measuring area and the bezel, the given distance being capable of preventing contact between a hand of a user grasping the additional measuring area and a body of the user seated on the bezel.

In one embodiment, the first impedance electrode is arranged to contact a distal end of a thigh of a user seated on the goggle, and/or
the goggles being further equipped with a fourth impedance electrode capable of measuring an impedance at a proximal end of a thigh of a user seated on the goggles, the thigh being simultaneously in contact with the first impedance electrode and the fourth impedance electrode.

In one embodiment, the bezel has a non-planar shape suitable for imposing positioning of a thigh on at least one impedance electrode.

In one embodiment, the bezel includes a central protrusion capable of preventing contact between a first and second thigh of a user.

In one embodiment, the bezel has an opening for receiving a buttock of a user, the opening of the bezel being defined by a flared rim guiding a placement of the buttock in the opening and/or the bezel comprising a stop for preventing a recoil of the buttock toward a rear area of the bezel,
the flared rim and the stop being able to impose a given position of the user's buttocks in the opening, so that the given position is identical during different instances of use of the monitoring device by the same user.

In one embodiment, the goggle is equipped with two first impedance electrodes, aligned in a direction of a thigh of a user seated on the goggle.

In one embodiment, the bezel is equipped with at least one load sensor for measuring a mass of a body of the user.

In one embodiment, when the seat is in a folded position on a bowl of a cabinet, the at least one load sensor constitutes a support point between the bowl and the seat.

In one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises a means for orienting the bezel such that a front portion of the bezel can be positioned higher than a rear portion of the bezel, in particular at a given angle greater than one degree, or even two degrees, or even three degrees, relative to a horizontal plane.

In one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises a mat, and
- the mat is equipped with at least one load sensor, the mat being arranged so that a user sitting on the seat exerts weight on the mat via at least one foot, and/or
- the mat is equipped with at least a fifth electrode, capable of measuring an impedance at the level of a user's foot.

In one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises an electronic processing unit and a current generator, and the impedance electrodes and/or the photoplethysmographic sensor are connected to the electronic processing unit by a wired or wireless communication device, such that the electronic processing unit is configured to
- on the one hand, control a transmission, via the impedance electrodes, of a current from the current generator to the level of a user's body, and
- on the other hand receive impedance measurements carried out via the impedance electrodes.

In one embodiment, the electronic processing unit and the current generator are configured to enable,
- via the first impedance electrode and the fourth impedance electrode, an impedance measurement in an entire thigh of a user and/or a measurement of an electromyogram at the level of a thigh of a user, and/or
- by means of the fifth impedance electrode and at least one electrode taken from among the first impedance electrode, the second impedance electrode, the third impedance electrode and the fourth impedance electrode, an impedance measurement in a whole body of a user.

In one embodiment, the goggle is equipped with at least two given impedance electrodes intended to be in contact respectively with a first and a second thigh of a user, and the electronic processing unit and a current generator are configured to allow, via the two given impedance electrodes, an impedance measurement between the first and the second thigh of a user.

In one embodiment, the electronic processing unit is configured for an impedance measurement at the level of a user's body by injecting a current of intensity between 8 and 96 µA, or even around 32 µA at plus or minus 10%, and according to a frequency sweep extending from 125 Hz to 850 kHz, or even extending between 4kHz and 500kHz.

In one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises a connecting piece connecting the bezel to a toilet bowl, and the electronic processing unit is arranged within the connecting piece and/or an energy accumulator is arranged within the connecting piece, and/or within the bezel.

In one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises a cover movable in rotation around the bowl and the cover comprises a housing for an energy accumulator and the cover is equipped with a connector connecting the energy accumulator to the electronic processing unit.

In one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises
- a temperature sensor, in particular located on the bezel, and/or
- at least one electrocardiogram electrode, in particular arranged on the bezel and/or on the additional measurement zone.

In one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises hardware and/or software elements configured to implement the following processing:
- measurement of an impedance of a user's body, and/or measurement of an oxygen saturation rate in a user's blood, and/or measurement of a user's heart rate, and/or measurement of a user's blood pressure and/or measurement of a variation in a user's heart rate, and/or measurement of a user's blood sugar level,
- and optionally measurement of a user's electromyogram,
- and optionally measurement of a user's mass,
- and optionally measurement of a user's temperature,
- and optionally measurement of a user's electrocardiogram,
- and optionally measurement of a user's body fat percentage,
- and optionally calculation of a user's malnutrition and/or dehydration index,
- and optionally calculation of a user cramp indicator,
- and optionally calculation of an indicator of a user's maximum oxygen consumption,
- and optionally an indicator of permeability of a user's cell membranes,
- and optionally an estimate of a user's aerobic potential,
and/or at least one of the measures and/or at least one of the calculated indicators and/or at least one of the calculated indices is used to identify a user.

These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

There is a schematic top view of a monitoring device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

There is a top view of a monitoring device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

There is a bottom view of a monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

There is a front view of a monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

There is a top view of a monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

There is a perspective view of a toilet bowl equipped with a monitoring device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

There is a perspective view of a monitoring device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

There represents a toilet bowl equipped with a monitoring device according to the invention.

There schematically represents a processing unit of a monitoring device according to one embodiment of the invention.

An example of a device 10 for monitoring biological parameters of a user according to a first embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the .

In the remainder of the document, the term "seat" refers to a toilet accessory that allows a user to sit on the toilet bowl of the toilet while avoiding contact with it. In the remainder of the document, the seat is described on a toilet, but it could be used on any other seat.

In the terminology used, the term "bezel" does not include a cover. A cover may be attached to the bezel, as will be described later in the document.

The monitoring device includes:
• a bezel 11 equipped with at least one first electrode 131,
• an additional measuring zone 12 equipped with at least one second electrode 132,
the device for measuring an impedance between a user's thigh placed in contact with the first electrode 131 and a user's hand placed in contact with the second electrode 132,
the device being further equipped with a photoplethysmographic sensor 14 allowing a measurement of a heart rate of the user and/or a variability of a heart rate of the user and/or a blood pressure and/or a saturation of the blood of the user in oxygen and/or a blood sugar level of a user and/or other indices.

In the remainder of the document, the electrodes equipping the monitoring device 10 are referred to as “set of electrodes 13”.

The monitoring device 10 may also be called a “telemedicine device” or “health prevention terminal”. The monitoring device 10 allows a user to take biological measurements intended to be analyzed by a doctor, in particular by a doctor communicating remotely with the monitoring device 10.

Advantageously, the monitoring device 10 includes an application allowing measurements to be obtained immediately, as well as a monthly health bulletin and SMS alerts or notifications in the event of measurement of biological constants that are discordant and/or alarming compared to a history of measurements and/or abnormal.

In one embodiment of the invention, the measurements could be accessible to various professionals, for example a nutritionist, a sports coach, or the measurements could be accessible to a person involved in monitoring the user's biological parameters, for example a caregiver, a parent, etc.

In the remainder of the document, the term “electrode” refers to electrodes used in particular for impedance measurements. In addition, these same electrodes can be used for other measurements, according to embodiment variants which will be detailed later.

The measuring means used to carry out measurements other than impedance, for example a temperature measurement, or an ECG measurement, are referred to in the remainder of the document as “sensor” or “measuring means”.

Impedance electrodes are used to inject a known electric current via at least one so-called "transmitter" electrode and to measure the voltage induced between two so-called "receiver" electrodes connected to a tensiometer. The impedance is then determined by the relationship between the measured voltage and the injected current.

The electrodes described in this document measure an electrical impedance, that is to say the opposition of an electrical circuit, in particular of a tissue or a material, to the passage of a sinusoidal alternating current. Alternatively, the injected electrical current can be a square signal.

In the rest of the document,
- an "emitting electrode" is an electrode through which an electric current is injected into a user's body, particularly into a hand or thigh of the user,
- a “receiving electrode” is an electrode at which a measuring sensor, such as a voltage sensor 36, measures electrical data, such as the voltage induced by an injected current.

Each electrode of the electrode assembly 13 can be used as a transmitter electrode and/or as a receiver electrode. Depending on the number of electrodes of the electrode assembly 13, the electrodes can be used for example in a bipolar, or tripolar or quadripolar configuration.

By multiplexing between the different electrodes, impedance measurements relative to different segments are obtained, in particular impedance measurements relative to a right arm, a left arm, a trunk, a right leg, a left leg.

In a conventional toilet, the seat 11 is generally rotatable relative to a bowl, the term “seat” designating the part that is rotatable. In the remainder of the document, the axis of rotation of the seat relative to the bowl is called the axis of rotation 112.

The geometric shape of the seat 11 is a form of seat intended to be placed on a toilet bowl.

The telescope 11 extends mainly along a first plane 100.

Advantageously, the monitoring device 10 comprises a connecting piece 111 connecting the bezel 11 to the toilet bowl. This connecting piece 111 may comprise hinges for fixing the bezel to a bowl.

In the remainder of the document, the term "additional measurement area" designates a measurement area intended to be grasped, touched, pinched by a user's hand. An additional measurement area can take various forms, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a plate shape, a cylindrical shape, etc.

The additional measurement zone 12 is intended to be in contact with a hand of a user seated on the bezel 11. In one embodiment, the bezel 11 comprises a connecting means 110 between the additional measurement zone 12 and the bezel 11, the connecting means 110 being able to be removable or not.

In addition, the additional measurement zone may have a variable length, and/or optionally a variable width, the length of the additional measurement zone being measured along the axis 112 and the width of the additional measurement zone being measured along a given direction located in the first plane 100 and perpendicular to the axis 112.

The additional measuring zone 12 can thus be secured to the bezel 11. Alternatively, the additional measuring zone 12 can be removable by means of the removable connecting means 110. The additional measuring zone 12 can then be mounted on a support other than the bezel 11, for example it can be mounted on a wall placed near the toilet.

Alternatively, the connecting means 110 between the additional measuring zone 12 and the bezel 11 may be non-removable.

In one embodiment, the additional measuring zone 12 is mounted adjustable in height and/or in at least one other direction relative to the plane of the telescope 11.

The monitoring device 10 can then comprise a means for adjusting a height of the additional measurement zone 12 relative to the first plane 100 of the telescope 11.

Additionally or alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means allows an adjustment of a projected distance in the first plane 100 between the additional measurement zone 12 and the telescope 11. This embodiment is more specifically described by FIGS. 2 and 3 which represent a configuration of the device 10 in which a right additional measurement zone 125 is in the retracted position, and a left additional measurement zone 126 is in the deployed position. represents the device in top view, and the shows the device viewed from below. In this embodiment, a slide mechanism 127 makes it possible to move the additional measuring zone 12 away from or closer to the bezel 11.

Thus, the position of the additional measurement area 12 can be adapted to the size and morphology of the user, so that when a user is seated on the bezel 11, one of his hands can easily grasp the additional measurement area 12. In addition, such an adjustment also makes it possible to avoid risks of short-circuiting by contact of the hand grasping the additional measurement area 12 with the user's body. In other words, the device comprises a means for adjusting a given distance between the additional measurement area 12 and the bezel 11, the given distance being capable of preventing contact between a hand grasping the additional measurement area 12 and a body of the user seated on the bezel 11.

In one embodiment, the adjustment means is part of the connecting means 110.

Advantageously, the additional measuring zone 12 may comprise a first main surface 121 and a second main surface 122 arranged so as to be simultaneously in contact with a hand grasping the additional measuring zone 12 and/or the first main surface 121 and the second main surface 122 are substantially parallel, and spaced apart from each other by a distance strictly less than two centimeters or even by a distance strictly less than one centimeter. In one embodiment, the distance between the first and second main surfaces is between 2 millimeters and 8 millimeters, or even between 2 millimeters and 5 millimeters.

In other words, the additional measuring area 12 is capable of being pinched between at least two areas of a hand, for example between a palm and at least one finger of a hand. In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the additional measuring area 12 are adapted to different hand sizes, for example a woman's, man's or child's hand size. The two main surfaces 121, 122 are thus, for example, parallel, substantially horizontal surfaces.

The electrode assembly 13 may comprise a third electrode 133 arranged on the additional measurement area 12 such that a hand grasping the additional measurement area is simultaneously in contact with the second electrode 132 and the third electrode 133. Thus, one electrode of the additional measurement area 12 may be used as a receiving electrode, while another electrode of the additional measurement area 12 may be used as a transmitting electrode.

In one embodiment, the photoplethysmographic sensor 14 is arranged on a given surface taken from the first main surface 121 or the second main surface 122 of the additional measurement zone 12.

In particular, the photoplethysmographic sensor 14 is located in a hollow portion of the given surface 121, 122, such that a finger resting on the photoplethysmographic sensor 14 prevents light from reaching the sensor.

In other words, the given surface 121, 122 comprises a hollow housing 123 at the bottom of which the photoplethysmographic sensor 14 is arranged, the hollow housing 123 having an opening 124 designed to receive a fingertip of a user, and the opening 124 being sized so that the fingertip of a user completely covers the opening 124 of the hollow housing 123 so as to prevent the entry of external light into the hollow housing 123.

The photoplethysmographic sensor 14 is referred to as “PPG sensor 14” in the remainder of the document. The PPG sensor 14 is capable of measuring a concentration of a compound in the blood. The PPG sensor 14 may comprise a source of a light beam on at least one wavelength, preferably two or three source LEDs of different wavelengths, and at least one photodiode receiver, preferably two photodiodes.

Advantageously,
- a first LED emits at a wavelength between 475 and 575 nm,
- a second LED emits at a wavelength between 610 and 760 nm,
- a third LED emits at a wavelength between 660 and 1000 nm.

Preferably, three source LEDs are used, respectively of equal wavelengths 536 nm, 660 nm, and 940 nm. Very preferably, the wavelength is included in one of the wavelength ranges centered on the wavelengths suitable for measuring at least one of the following compounds: total hemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, myoglobin and blood sugar. The source of a light beam is arranged so that the emitted light beam encounters a part of the human body, in particular a finger, constituting a backscattering source. The photodiode receiver is arranged so as to receive said backscattered light beam.

In one embodiment of the bezel 11, electrodes arranged on the bezel 11 may be visible (in stainless steel for example or other biocompatible conductive metal), as is more specifically illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 5.

In addition or alternatively, as illustrated by the , in a third embodiment, electrodes arranged on the bezel 11 may be invisible, in particular when they have been created by a deposit of Indium/tin oxide and/or a deposit of another transparent conductive substrate such as a layer of transparent polymer containing conductive carbon nanotubes or other silicone containing carbon black.

In one embodiment, the second electrode 132 and the PPG sensor 14 are arranged on the additional measurement area 12 such that a hand of the user grasping the additional measurement area 12 can be in contact simultaneously or successively with the second electrode 132 and/or the third electrode 133 and/or the PPG sensor 14.

The monitoring device 10 further comprises an electronic processing unit 16, particularly represented by the .

This unit integrates at least one computer 30, and a connector 32 allowing a connection of the computer 30 to sensors, in particular a PPG sensor 14 and a set of electrodes 13 of the monitoring device 10. The computer 30 can thus receive the data from the sensors. The electronic processing unit 16 further comprises a data recording medium or electronic memory 31. It also comprises an electrical source 34, possibly associated with a multiplexer 33, and connected to all or part of the electrodes, thus making it possible to inject electric current via the emitting electrodes. It further comprises at least one voltage sensor 36 making it possible to collect physiological data via the receiving electrodes. This voltage sensor 36 can alternatively be located at a receiving electrode, or remotely, within the electronic processing unit 16, as shown. Finally, the electronic processing unit 16 comprises a communication device 35, which allows it to transmit electronic data to the outside, such as a measurement of electrical voltage, blood pressure and/or to receive data from the outside such as parameter data. The electronic memory 31 also allows the measurements to be stored.

The data of the electronic memory 31 can be read by the computer 30, or even on any other computer of the electronic processing unit 16, on which a computer program is recorded for the operation of the monitoring device 10. More specifically, said computer program or the instructions recorded on a data recording medium allow a measurement of an impedance of a user's body and/or a measurement of an oxygen saturation rate in a user's blood, and/or a measurement of a user's heart rate and/or a measurement of a user's blood pressure and/or a measurement of a variation in a user's heart rate, and/or a measurement of a user's mass, and/or a measurement of a percentage of fat mass of a user, and/or a measurement of a blood sugar level of a user, and/or a pulse wave of a user, and/or a measurement of muscular strength and/or a stiffness of a user's thigh and/or other measurements or indicators.

The electronic processing unit 16 can thus control the operation of the monitoring device 10 by controlling bioimpedance measurements between a thigh and a hand of a patient, or between a thigh and a thigh of a patient. For this, an electrical source 34 can generate an electric current via the set of electrodes 13 and then measure induced electrical data, in particular via the voltage sensor 36. The voltage induced by the current flowing through is measured at at least one receiving electrode by the voltage sensor 36, and the application of Ohm's law makes it possible to determine the bioelectrical impedance of the medium crossed, i.e. the body of a patient.

In one embodiment, the electronic processing unit 16 of the device 10 is arranged at the level of the connecting piece 111 connecting the seat 11 to the toilet bowl, and is more precisely arranged within the connecting piece 111. In addition or alternatively, an energy accumulator can be arranged within the connecting piece 111.

The monitoring device 10 advantageously comprises a cover 18 movable in rotation around the bowl. In addition, the cover comprises a housing 181 for an energy accumulator and the cover is equipped with a connector connecting the energy accumulator to the electronic processing unit 16 arranged in the connecting piece 111. Alternatively, the electronic processing unit 16 could be arranged in the cover 18. In addition, the energy accumulator could be in the bezel 11, in a hinge between the bezel 11 and the cover 18.

The cover has, when folded over the bowl, an outer face 182 oriented in a direction opposite to the bowl. Advantageously, access to the housing is via an opening arranged on the outer face 182 of the cover.

With reference to the foreground 100, an upper face 113 of the bezel 11 located above the foreground 100 and a lower face 114 of the bezel 11 located below the foreground 100 are defined.

When the bezel 11 is in a folded position P1 on a toilet bowl, the connecting piece 111 and the bezel 11 are located in a second substantially horizontal plane 200. By convention, we use the adjective horizontal for any plane parallel to the ground, considering the monitoring device in its functional position on a toilet bowl. In the folded position, the first and second planes 100, 200 are merged. In other words, the second plane 200 determines a folded position of the bezel 11.

In reference to the , we define a direct orthonormal frame R1 (X1, Y1, Z1), such that
- the Y1 axis coincides with the rotation axis 112 of the bezel 11,
- the X1 and Y1 axes are contained in the second plane 200, and
- the Z1 axis is perpendicular to the second plane and directed upwards.

In the remainder of the document, the terms “front” and “rear” are defined relative to the X1 axis. Thus, for example, if we consider a first point of a “front zone” of the bezel 11 and a second point of a “rear zone” of the bezel 11, the coordinate along the X1 axis of the first point will be greater than the coordinate along the X1 axis of the second point.

When a user is seated on the glasses 11, his body is placed according to a plane of symmetry X1, Z1, the user's back being oriented in a direction opposite to the X1 axis, and the user's torso being oriented in the direction of the X1 axis.

In this position, the user's thighs extend in a direction forming a separation angle with the X1 axis, the separation angle being able for example to be between 5 and 45 degrees.

The lower faces of the thighs are then oriented downwards (i.e. in a direction opposite to the Z1 axis) and in contact with the upper face 113 of the bezel on which at least one first electrode 131 is arranged.

A first embodiment of a monitoring device 10 is more specifically described by the . In this embodiment, the electrodes and the PPG sensor 14 are located on the same side of the monitoring device 10, that is to say in the same hemi-space delimited by a vertical plane of symmetry of the toilet.

The upper face 113 of the bezel 11 is equipped with at least one first electrode 131. Preferably, the at least one first electrode 131 is arranged so as to be in contact with a distal end of a thigh of a user seated on the bezel 11, i.e. near his knee, in particular the at least one first electrode 131 is arranged in a front zone of the bezel. In one embodiment, the bezel 11 is equipped with two first impedance electrodes 131, aligned in a direction of a thigh of a user seated on the bezel 11.

In an advantageous embodiment, the upper face 113 of the bezel has a recessed area 118 around the at least one electrode 131, the recessed area 118 facilitating the placement of a thigh of the user in contact with the at least one electrode 131. In other words, the bezel 11 has a non-planar shape, adapted to impose an orientation of a thigh on at least one impedance electrode. Its shape can for example form a gutter of dimensions compatible with a thigh of a user. According to another variant, a domed area 119, or central protrusion 119, particularly represented by FIGS. 7 and 8 is advantageously arranged in an area located at the front of the bezel 11 to impose a separation space between the two thighs of a user. In fact, the separation space thus created prevents contact between the two thighs which would generate short circuits during impedance measurements, thus distorting the impedance measurements.

The recessed area 118 and the domed area 119 further promote the reproducibility of impedance measurements.

In one embodiment illustrated by the , the bezel 11 comprises an ergonomic arrangement intended to promote the reproducibility of the measurements carried out by the device 10. The ergonomic arrangement is defined so that the position of the user's body, in particular the position of the user's buttocks in an opening 115 of the bezel 11, is identical between different instances of use of the monitoring device 10 by the same user.

For this, the opening 115 of the bezel 11 may comprise a flared rim 116 guiding a placement of the buttocks in the opening 115. In addition or alternatively, the bezel 11 may comprise a stop 117 (or protrusion 117) intended to prevent a retreat of the buttocks towards a rear zone of the bezel 11.

A second embodiment of a monitoring device 10 is more specifically described by FIGS. 2 to 5. The second embodiment implements an arrangement of electrodes symmetrical with respect to the plane (X1, Z1).

In the second embodiment, the bezel 11 is further equipped with a fourth electrode 134 capable of measuring an impedance at a proximal end of a thigh of a user seated on the bezel 11, the thigh then being simultaneously in contact with the first electrode 131 and the fourth electrode 134.

In this embodiment, the electronic processing unit and the current generator are configured to enable, via the first impedance electrode 131 and the fourth impedance electrode 134, an impedance measurement in a bipolar configuration in an entire thigh of a user. The first impedance electrode 131 and the fourth impedance electrode 134 also enable a measurement of an electromyogram at the level of a thigh of a user. In addition, in a quadripolar configuration, the first impedance electrode 131 and the second impedance electrode 132, coupled to the fourth impedance electrode 134, enable an impedance measurement in a quadripolar configuration in an entire thigh of a user.

Advantageously, electrodes symmetrical to the first and fourth electrodes 131, 134 relative to the plane (X1, Z1) are also arranged on the bezel 11. More generally, the bezel 11 can advantageously be equipped with at least two given electrodes intended to be in contact respectively with a first and a second thigh of a user. In addition, the electronic processing unit and the current generator can be configured to allow, via the two given impedance electrodes, an impedance measurement between the first and second thighs of a user.

In addition, the bezel 11 can be equipped with at least one load sensor 151, 152, 153, 154 for measuring the mass of a user's body. In particular, the lower face 114 of the bezel 11 may be equipped with at least one load sensor 151, 152, 153, 154. When the bezel 11 is located in the second plane 200, the at least one load sensor 151, 152, 153, 154 is in contact with the bowl 1. In other words, the at least one load sensor 151, 152, 153, 154 constitutes a support point between the bowl 1 and the bezel 11. Advantageously, the bezel 11 is equipped with four load sensors 151, 152, 153, 154.

Thus, when a user is seated on the bezel 11, at least one of his thighs is advantageously in contact with at least one electrode or at least two electrodes 131, 134. In addition, the weight of the user exerts pressure on the at least one load sensor 151, 152, 153, 154 via the bezel 11.

In an advantageous embodiment, the monitoring device 10 comprises a means for orienting the bezel 11 so that a front part of the bezel 11 can be positioned higher than a rear part of the bezel 11, in particular at a given angle greater than one degree, or even two degrees, or even three degrees. The given angle of inclination of the bezel corresponds to an inclination of the seat of a user seated on the bezel 11.

Indeed, the weight of a user sitting on the bezel is distributed between a first percentage of the weight exerted on the bezel 11 and a second percentage of the weight exerted on the user's feet. Thanks to the inclination of the bezel 11, the first percentage of weight is increased. In other words, the weight exerted on the load sensors will be more representative of the total weight of the user thanks to the inclination of the bezel 11.

In one embodiment, the monitoring device 10 could incorporate a mat 19 equipped with load sensors, the mat 19 being arranged so that a user seated on the bezel 11 can place his feet on the mat 19. The mat 19 would advantageously be connected to the processing unit to allow measurement of the weight exerted by at least one foot of the user. Thus, the entire weight of the user could be measured by the monitoring device 10.

Alternatively or in addition, the mat 19 could be equipped with at least a fifth impedance electrode 135, capable of measuring an impedance at a foot of the user. Advantageously, the electronic processing unit and the current generator could be configured to allow, via the fifth impedance electrode and at least one electrode taken from among the first impedance electrodes 131, second impedance electrode 132, third impedance electrode 133 and fourth impedance electrode 134, an impedance measurement in a whole body of a user.

In one embodiment, a skin and/or body temperature sensor 17 can equip the upper face 113 of the bezel 11.

In addition, one or more electrocardiogram electrodes can equip the upper face 113 of the bezel 11 and/or the additional measurement zone 12.

In particular, in one embodiment the device comprises two additional measurement zones 12, an electrocardiogram electrode 20 being placed on each additional measurement zone 12. In addition, a reference electrode 21 can be placed on the bezel 11. Thus, an electrocardiogram trace can then be produced with the device 10. The electrocardiogram measurements make it possible to measure the heart rate, the variability of the heart rate, the pulse wave velocity.

In one embodiment, the electronic processing unit is capable of measuring impedance at the level of a user's body by injecting a current of intensity between 8 and 96 µA, or even around 32 µA at plus or minus 10%, and according to a frequency sweep extending from 125 Hz to 850 kHz, or even extending between 4 kHz and 500 kHz.

The device 10 according to the invention comprises hardware and/or software elements configured to implement the following processing:
- measurement of an impedance of a user's body, and/or measurement of an oxygen saturation rate in a user's blood, and/or measurement of a user's heart rate, and/or measurement of a user's blood pressure and/or measurement of a variation in a user's heart rate, and/or measurement of blood sugar level,
- and optionally measurement of an electromyogram of a user, in particular of a strength and stiffness index of a user's thigh,
- and optionally measurement of a user's mass,
- and optionally measurement of a user's temperature,
- and optionally calculation of a user's fat mass percentage,
- and optionally a measurement of a user's electrocardiogram and/or pulse wave velocity.

In other words, the device 10 according to the invention makes it possible to measure one or more biological constants taken from: a heart rate, a heart rate variability, a blood pressure, a pulse wave velocity, a blood oxygenation rate, a blood glycemia, a body mass, a body temperature, a musculo-tendinous strength and/or stiffness, a body composition of the body, in particular in water, in fat and in permeability of cell membranes.

From the measured constants, the device 10 according to the invention makes it possible to calculate one or more indicators taken from: biomarkers of pathologies, muscle monitoring, detection of sarcopenia and/or osteopenia, an index of malnutrition and/or dehydration, an estimation of ionic concentrations, in particular intracellular and extracellular concentrations of sodium and potassium (Na, K), a cramp indicator - which can take into account in particular the volumes of extra and intracellular water as well as the phase angle -, an estimation of the hematocrit, an indicator of maximum oxygen consumption, an indicator of permeability of cell membranes (phase angle) and an estimation of the aerobic potential.

In one embodiment, at least one of the above indices or indicators is used to identify a given user, for example three indicators are used to identify a user. The given user is identified from a set of users, for example from all people sharing the same bathroom as the given user.

User identification allows monitoring of changes in the measured biological parameters. User identification is necessary when different users are likely to use the same monitoring device 10.

Conversely, the identification of the given user is carried out by analysis of the continuity of the measured biological parameters, for example by analysis of the continuity of a weight measurement.

When installing the device 10, a taring phase of the device 10 may be implemented, for example for weight measurements.

During a first period of use of the device 10, which may last, for example, between one and seven days, a calibration of the main sensors of the device 10 may be carried out. Subsequently, a new calibration may be carried out, for example periodically, the period being of the order of one year. A new calibration may also be carried out in specific situations, for example following hospitalization, or in the event of illness. Alternatively, the calibration of the sensors may not be necessary.

The calibration may include a comparison of a weight measurement by the device 10 with a weight measurement by a scale. Subsequently, only the measurement by the device 10 will suffice.

Claims (23)

Device for monitoring the biological parameters of a user comprising:

• a bezel (11) equipped with at least one first impedance electrode (131);
• an additional measuring zone (12) equipped with at least one second impedance electrode (132),

the device for measuring an impedance between a thigh of a user placed in contact with the first impedance electrode (131) and a hand of the user in contact with the second impedance electrode (132),
the monitoring device being further equipped with a photoplethysmographic sensor (14) allowing a measurement of a heart rate of the user and/or a variability of a heart rate of the user and/or a blood pressure and/or a saturation of a blood of the user with oxygen and/or a blood sugar level of a blood of the user. Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bezel (11) comprises a connecting means (110) for the additional measuring zone, the connecting means being removable or not. Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional measuring zone (12) comprises a first main surface (121) and a second main surface (122) arranged so as to be simultaneously in contact with a hand touching the additional measuring zone (12),
in that the photoplethysmographic sensor (14) is arranged on the first main surface (121) or on the second main surface (122) of the additional measuring area (12), and/or
in that the first and second main surfaces are substantially parallel, and separated from each other by a distance strictly less than two centimeters or even by a distance strictly less than one centimeter. Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photoplethysmographic sensor (14) is located in a hollow portion of a surface of the additional measuring area (12), so that a finger resting on the photoplethysmographic sensor (14) prevents light from reaching the sensor. Monitoring device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a third impedance electrode (133) is arranged on the additional measuring area (12) so that a hand grasping the additional measuring area is simultaneously in contact with the second (132) and the third impedance electrode (133). Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional measuring zone (12) is mounted adjustable in height and/or mounted adjustable in at least one other direction relative to the bezel (11), and/or
in that the device comprises means (110) for adjusting a given distance between the additional measuring area (12) and the bezel (11), the given distance being capable of preventing contact between a hand of a user grasping the additional measuring area (12) and a body of the user seated on the bezel (11). Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first impedance electrode (131) is arranged so as to be in contact with a distal end of a thigh of a user seated on the glasses (11), and/or
in that the bezel (11) is further equipped with a fourth impedance electrode (134) capable of measuring an impedance at a proximal end of a thigh of a user seated on the bezel (11), the thigh being simultaneously in contact with the first impedance electrode (131) and the fourth impedance electrode (134). Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bezel (11) has a non-planar shape (118) adapted to impose positioning of a thigh on at least one impedance electrode. Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bezel (11) comprises a central protrusion (119) capable of preventing contact between a first and a second thigh of a user. Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bezel (11) has an opening (115) intended to accommodate a user's buttocks, in that the opening (115) of the bezel is delimited by a flared rim (116) guiding a placement of the buttocks in the opening and/or in that the bezel comprises a stop (117) intended to prevent a retreat of the buttocks towards a rear area of the bezel (11),
the flared rim (116) and the stop (117) being capable of imposing a given position of the user's buttocks in the opening (115), so that the given position is identical during different instances of use of the monitoring device by the same user. Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bezel (11) is equipped with two first impedance electrodes (131), aligned in a direction of a thigh of a user seated on the bezel (11). Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bezel (11) is equipped with at least one load sensor (151, 152, 153, 154) for measuring a mass of a body of the user. Monitoring device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that when the bezel (11) is in a folded position on a bowl (1) of a cabinet, the at least one load sensor (151, 152, 153, 154) constitutes a support point between the bowl (1) and the bezel (11). Monitoring device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a means of orienting the bezel (11) so that a front part of the bezel can be positioned higher than a rear part of the bezel, in particular at a given angle greater than one degree, or even two degrees, or even three degrees, relative to a horizontal plane. Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a mat (19), and in that
- the mat is equipped with at least one load sensor, the mat (19) being arranged such that a user sitting on the seat (11) exerts weight on the mat (19) via at least one foot, and/or
- the mat is equipped with at least a fifth electrode (135), capable of measuring an impedance at the level of a foot of the user. Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an electronic processing unit (16) and a current generator, and in that the impedance electrodes and/or the photoplethysmographic sensor are connected to the electronic processing unit (16) by a wired or wireless communication device, so that the electronic processing unit (16) is configured to
- on the one hand, control a transmission, via the impedance electrodes, of a current from the current generator to the level of a user's body, and
- on the other hand receive impedance measurements carried out via the impedance electrodes. Monitoring device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electronic processing unit and the current generator are configured to allow,
- via the first impedance electrode (131) and the fourth impedance electrode (134), an impedance measurement in an entire thigh of a user and/or a measurement of an electromyogram at the level of a thigh of a user, and/or
- by means of the fifth impedance electrode (135) and at least one electrode taken from among the first impedance electrode (131), the second impedance electrode (132), the third impedance electrode (133) and the fourth impedance electrode (134), an impedance measurement in a whole body of a user. Monitoring device according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the bezel (11) is equipped with at least two given impedance electrodes intended to be in contact respectively with a first and a second thigh of a user, and in that the electronic processing unit and a current generator are configured to allow, by means of the two given impedance electrodes, an impedance measurement between the first and second thigh of a user. Monitoring device according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the electronic processing unit is configured for an impedance measurement at the level of a user's body by injection of a current of intensity between 8 and 96 µA, or even around 32 µA at plus or minus 10%, and according to a frequency sweep extending from 125 Hz to 850 kHz, or even extending between 4kHz and 500kHz. Monitoring device according to the preceding claim comprising a connecting piece (111) connecting the bezel (11) to a toilet bowl, characterized in that the electronic processing unit (16) is arranged within the connecting piece (111) and/or in that an energy accumulator is arranged within the connecting piece (111), and/or within the bezel (11). Monitoring device according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that it comprises a cover which can move in rotation around the bowl and in that the cover comprises a housing for an energy accumulator and is equipped with a connector linking the energy accumulator to the electronic processing unit. Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises
- a temperature sensor (17), in particular arranged on the bezel (11), and/or
- at least one electrocardiogram electrode (20), in particular arranged on the bezel (11) and/or on the additional measuring zone (12). Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises hardware elements (1, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 36, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 151, 152, 153, 154) and/or software configured to implement the following processing operations:
- measurement of an impedance of a user's body, and/or measurement of an oxygen saturation rate in a user's blood, and/or measurement of a user's heart rate, and/or measurement of a user's blood pressure and/or measurement of a variation in a user's heart rate, and/or measurement of a user's blood sugar level,
- and optionally measurement of a user's electromyogram,
- and optionally measurement of a user's mass,
- and optionally measurement of a user's temperature,
- and optionally measurement of a user's electrocardiogram,
- and optionally measurement of a user's body fat percentage,
- and optionally calculation of a user's malnutrition and/or dehydration index,
- and optionally calculation of a user cramp indicator,
- and optionally calculation of an indicator of a user's maximum oxygen consumption,
- and optionally an indicator of permeability of a user's cell membranes,
- and optionally an estimate of a user's aerobic potential,
and/or in that at least one of the measures and/or at least one of the calculated indicators and/or at least one of the calculated indices is used to identify a user.