Arcuate wearable device with a circumferential or annular array of spectroscopic sensors for measuring hydration level
This invention is an arcuate wearable device with a circumferential or annular array of spectroscopic sensors which measures a person's body hydration. In an example, this invention can be embodied in a modular smart watch band, a specialized hydration-monitoring band, or a finger ring. A circumferential or annular array of spectroscopic sensors helps to ensure continuous measurement of body hydration, even if a wearable device shifts and/or rotates on a person's wrist, arm, or finger.
1. An arcuate wearable device for measuring a person's hydration level comprising:
a primary electronics housing which is configured to be worn on a dorsal surface of a person's wrist and/or arm;
a circumferential or annular series of secondary electronics housings, wherein at least one of the secondary electronics housings includes a circular or polygonal array of light emitters around a central light receiver, wherein the light emitters are configured to emit light toward the surface of a person's wrist and/or arm, and wherein the light receiver is configured to receive the light emitted from the light emitters after interaction with the person's wrist and/or arm;
a circumferential or annular series of flexible members; wherein the flexible members are selected from the group consisting of bands, straps, strips, swatches, wires, cords, threads, joints, and chain links; wherein the flexible members connect the primary electronics housing and the secondary electronics housings into an arcuate wearable band which spans at least half of the circumference of the person's wrist and/or arm; and
a data processor which is configured to analyze the spectrum of light received by the light receiver in order to measure the person's hydration level.