Patent Publication Number: US-2019196521-A1

Title: Biometric hot tub temperature control

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to temperature control systems and more particularly to the management of temperature in a hot tub. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     A hot tub is a large tub or small pool full of heated water used for hydrotherapy, relaxation or pleasure. Hot tubs come in many different sizes, colors, and styles and can be used indoors or outside. Hot tubs often have jets and adjustable temperatures that allow the users to select a desired “hot tubbing” experience. For this reason, hot tubs are fairly customizable which is positive for many reasons but ultimately leads to greater user risk. More particularly, a noticeable portion of hot tub injuries result from excessive heat exposure. For instance, the use of a hot tub is known to increase the risk of heat stress. 
     In this regard, when an individual submerges him or herself into the hot water of a hot tub, the temperature of the body of the individual rises. However, the blood pressure of the body drops. Evaporating sweat normally assists in the cooling of the body, but not in a hot tub. When super-heated, blood diverts to the skin, blood vessels dilate to help the body cool and heart rate and pulse increase to counteract the drop in blood pressure. Symptoms of skin problems, dizziness, nausea, and various heart issues result. Medications prescribed for heart conditions also contribute to the foregoing symptoms. For example, diuretics increase excretion of water and salt. 
     To counteract the detrimental effect of submerging oneself in a hot tub, an obvious solution is to simply adjust the temperature of the hot tub to a lower temperature. Indeed, most automated hot tubs permit a timed operation in which the heating of the water occurs only for a select period of time before the heating stops. But knowing when to reduce the temperature of the hot tub and for what duration remains variable and unknown to the end user. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to hot tub temperature management and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for biometric hot tub control. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for biometric hot tub control includes establishing a set point for a hot tub and electronically transmitting a directive to a temperature control system to heat water in the hot tub to maintain a temperature of the water at the set point. The method also includes detecting a presence of an end user in the hot tub and remotely sensing biometric measurements of the end user, for instance skin temperature measurements or pulse measurements, while the end user remains in the hot tub. Finally, the method includes electronically transmitting a directive to the temperature control system to change the set point in response to a most recently received one of the remotely sensed biometric measurements. 
     In one aspect of the embodiment, a command is electronically transmitted to the temperature control system to introduce cool water into the hot tub in response to a most recently received one of the remotely sensed biometric measurements. In another aspect of the embodiment, the directive is electronically transmitted on condition that the most recently received one of the remotely sensed biometric measurements exceeds a threshold value, or in the alternative, on condition that the most recently received one of the remotely sensed biometric measurements indicates a threshold change from a past received one of the remotely sensed biometric measurements that exceeds a threshold value. In even yet another aspect of the embodiment, the remotely sensed biometric measurements of the end user are received wirelessly from a smart watch affixed to the end user. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a hot tub control data processing system is configured for biometric hot tub control. The system includes a host computing platform communicatively linked to a temperature control system of a hot tub. The platform includes one or more computers, each with memory and at least one processor. The system also includes a biometric hot tub control module. The module includes program code that when executing in the memory of the platform is enabled to establish a set point for the hot tub and electronically transmit a directive to the temperature control system to heat water in the hot tub to maintain a temperature of the water at the set point, detect a presence of an end user in the hot tub, remotely sense biometric measurements of the end user while the end user remains in the hot tub, and electronically transmit a directive to the temperature control system to change the set point in response to a most recently received one of the remotely sensed biometric measurements. 
     Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a pictorial illustration of a process for biometric hot tub control; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of a hot tub control data processing system configured for biometric hot tub control; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating a process for biometric hot tub control. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention provide for biometric hot tub control. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a hot tub can be activated and water contained therein heated to a set point. A presence of an end user in the hot tub is then detected and a biometric measurement of the end user remotely sensed. On condition that the remotely sensed biometric measurement exceeds a threshold value, or on condition that the remotely sensed biometric measurement reflects a threshold change from a previously remotely sensed biometric measurement, the set point is reduced and, optionally, cooled water is introduced into the hot tub. 
     In further illustration,  FIG. 1  pictorially shows a process for biometric hot tub control. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a temperature control system  160  heats water in a hut tub  110  to a set point and maintains the temperature of the water in the hot tub  110  at the set point. Biometric hot tub control logic  140  then detects a presence of an end user  120  in the hot tub  110 . Biometric data  130  for the end user  120  thereafter is received periodically, for instance a skin temperature of the end user  120  or a pulse measurement of the end user  120 . The biometric data  130  may be received wirelessly over short range radio frequency link between an accessory worn by the end user  120  such as a smart watch, and the biometric hot tub control logic  140 . 
     Biometric hot tub control logic  140  evaluates the biometric data  130  to determine if a threshold value has been exceeded by the biometric data  130  or a change in the biometric data  130 , or a rate of change in the biometric data  130 . On condition that the threshold value has been exceeded by the biometric data  130 , or by a change in the biometric data  130  between a most recent measurement and past measurements, or a rate of change in the biometric data  130 , the biometric hot tub control logic  140  transmits a directive  150  to the temperature control system  160  to cool the water in the hot tub  110 . However, to the extent that the threshold value is not exceeded, the directive  150  may instruct the temperature control system  160  to heat the water in the hot tub  110  to the set point. 
     Of note, the biometric hot tub control logic  140  may read from temperature control system  160  not just the set point, but a duration of time during which the hot tub  110  is to remain activated, a time when the hot tub  110  first activated and thus a time at which the heating of the hot tub  110  is to discontinue. Consequently, the biometric hot tub control logic  140  may determine from the biometric data  130  a threshold rate of change predictive of an impending measurement of biometric data  130  likely to exceed the threshold value so as to necessitate a directing of the cooling of the water in the hot tub  110 . In response to detecting a threshold rate of change of the biometric data  130 , the biometric hot tub control logic  140  computes a time at which the biometric data  130  is likely to exceed the threshold value based upon the detected threshold rate of change. 
     Then, the biometric hot tub control logic  140  computes an estimated lower set point of the hot tub  110  so as to reduce the rate of change of the biometric data  130  so as to cause the time at which the biometric data  130  is likely to exceed the threshold value beyond the time when the heating of the hot tub is to discontinue. Finally, the biometric hot tub control logic  140  transmits a directive  150  to the temperature control system  160  to cool the water in the hot tub  110  to the estimated lower set point. 
     The process described in connection with  FIG. 1  may be implemented in connection with a data processing system. In further illustration,  FIG. 2  schematically illustrates a hot tub control data processing system configured for biometric hot tub control. The system includes a host computing platform  210  that includes one or more computers, each with memory and at least one processor. The host computing platform  210  is communicatively linked to a temperature control system  220  managing water temperature in a hot tub  230 . In this regard, the temperature control system  220  manages the water temperature in the hot tub  230  by receiving a temperature reading of the water in the hot tub from thermometer  240  and responding to the temperature by directing a heater  250  to heat the water until the water reaches a set point established in the temperature control system  220 . Optionally, the temperature control system  220  may direct a cooling of the water actuating a valve  260  permitting a flow of cool water  270  into the hot tub  230 . 
     Notably, a biometric hot tub control module  300  is coupled to the hot computing platform  210 . The biometric hot tub control module  300  includes computer program instructions that when executed in the memory of the host computing platform  210 , is enabled to receive in wireless biometric data receiver  280  from a wirelessly transmitting accessory, biometric data of an individual disposed within the hut tub  230 , and to compute a value for the received biometric data, such as a contemporaneous measurement of a pulse of the individual, or a contemporaneous measurement of a skin temperature of the individual. The program instructions additionally may be enabled to compute a change in value between the contemporaneous measurement of the individual and one or more past measurements. The program instructions even further may be enabled to compute a rate of change of the measurements both past and contemporaneous. 
     Based upon the computed value or values, the program instructions of the biometric hot tub module  300  is enabled to respond to a crossing of a pre-determined threshold value by transmitting a directive to the temperature control system  220  to discontinue any heating operation performed by the heater  250  and instead to permit a cooling of the water in the hot tub  230 . Optionally, the directive to the temperature control system  220  may cause the temperature control system  220  to actuate the valve  260  to permit a flow of cold water from cold water supply  270  into the hot tub  230  so as to cause a more rapid cooling of the water in the hot tub  230 . 
     In even yet further illustration of the operation of the biometric hot tub control module  300 ,  FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating a process for biometric hot tub control. Beginning in block  310 , a presence of an end user in a hot tub is sensed and, in response, biometric data is received from the end user  320 , such as a sequence of pulse measurements, or a sequence of skin temperature measurements. In block  330 , a change in the measurements or a value of the most recent measurement or measurements is computed. In decision block  340 , if the computed value or change in value exceeds a threshold, in block  360  a cooling directive is transmitted to the temperature control system of the hot tub. Otherwise, in block  350 , the temperature control system of the hot tub is permitted to continue heating the water of the hot tub to a set point. 
     The present invention may be embodied within a system, a method, a computer program product or any combination thereof. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium or media having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. 
     A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. 
     Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. 
     Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention. 
     Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. 
     These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     Finally, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     Having thus described the invention of the present application in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims as follows: