Researchers create smart earrings that monitor body temperature

Scientists Washington University have developed a smart earring that could be the future of connected fashion. Also called Thermal Earring (translated as “thermal earring“), the device that is still under development can have its sensor customized with a resin flower or precious stone to deliver style and health monitoring at the same time. Understand the details and know when it hits the market.

How works

When placed side by side with a smartwatch (the model of which was not revealed), the smart earring developed by the students Qiuyue (Shirley) Xue e Yujia (Nancy) Liu, both from the University of Washington, was able to have more effective temperature monitoring due to continuous checks.

In the first proofs of concept, the accessory was able to detect variations in body temperature related to food, exercise and stress. When it was tested on six people with a uterus, the model showed a variation of 0,32 °C, which is within the spectrum that allows ovulation and menstruation monitoring. The smartwatch showed a variation of 0,72 °C.

The study published on January 12 shows that, when testing the smart earring on five people with a fever, the accessory was able to detect a change in body temperature of 5,92 °C compared to twenty other healthy people. It is interesting to note that there are still not many studies on the continuous temperature of the earlobe, but these first results show that the smart earring could be promising.

Changing body temperature can indicate several factors, which is why so many companies are able to offer tracking features on smart bracelets and watches. The scientists cite in their studies that because the smart earring can perform continuous temperature monitoring, it can deliver more effective results than the models most used at the moment.

Current wearable devices like the Apple Watch and Fitbit have temperature sensors, but they only provide an average temperature for the day. Wrist and hand temperature readings are difficult to track ovulation. Therefore, we wanted to explore unique applications for the earring, especially applications that would appeal to women and anyone who cares about fashion.

Qiuyue (Shirley) Xue, co-creator and co-author of the study on the thermal earring

battery life

The two scientists' biggest challenge was to create an accessory that was not too heavy and that also had enough battery to work for several days. They arrived with a prototype that has a battery that promises to last up to 28 days.

But the small earring houses some very technological items: in addition to the battery, it also has two temperature sensors and an antenna. The scientists prevented it from being constantly connected to another Bluetooth device, as this would require a lot of battery power. Instead, they chose to use the function named after Bluetooth Advertising: the accessory reads and sends body temperature data to a nearby Bluetooth device and then goes to sleep for maximum energy savings.

It's a complicated balance. Typically, if you want the power to last longer, you should have a larger battery. But you sacrifice size. Making it wireless also requires more power.

Yujia (Nancy) Liu, co-creator and co-author of the study on the thermal earring.

The design is quite simple: a magnetic clip connects a temperature sensor to the user's ear, while another sensor hangs about an inch below it to estimate the ambient temperature. The sensor underneath can be fitted with a resin or precious stone accessory without having its functions affected.

Price and availability

With no price or final version to reach stores, the biggest challenge at the moment is to carry out more tests and also test the models for the most diverse use cases. The creators are also working so that it can monitor heart rate and monitor physical activities.

Another new feature that scientists want to include in the smart earring is the possibility of the battery being recharged via solar or kinetic energy from the earring's swing. Additionally, there is a desire for a whole line of smart jewelry to be created.

Eventually, I want to develop a health monitoring jewelry set. Earrings would detect activity and health metrics such as temperature and heart rate, while a necklace could serve as an electrocardiogram monitor for more effective heart health data.

Qiuyue (Shirley) Xue, co-creator and co-author of the study on the thermal earring

Would you use thermal earrings in your everyday life? Tell us Comment!

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With information: UW News l ACM Digital Library l Hackaday

reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 14 / 2 / 24.