U.S. patent application number 15/196479 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-17 for breath pacing system and method for pacing the respiratory activity of a subject.
This patent application is currently assigned to KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is Ronaldus AARTS, Jan BENNIK, Ype BRADA, Jia DU, Jan Martijn KRANS, Roy RAYMANN, Tim TIJS, Bartel VAN DE SLUIS, Maarten VAN DEN BOOGAARD, Juergen VOGT, Petronella ZWARTKRUIS-PELGRIM. Invention is credited to Ronaldus AARTS, Jan BENNIK, Ype BRADA, Jia DU, Jan Martijn KRANS, Roy RAYMANN, Tim TIJS, Bartel VAN DE SLUIS, Maarten VAN DEN BOOGAARD, Juergen VOGT, Petronella ZWARTKRUIS-PELGRIM.
Application Number | 20160331305 15/196479 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45375461 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160331305 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KRANS; Jan Martijn ; et
al. |
November 17, 2016 |
BREATH PACING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PACING THE RESPIRATORY ACTIVITY
OF A SUBJECT
Abstract
To provide a breath pacing system and a corresponding method for
pacing the respiratory activity of a subject that provide the
possibility to adapt the output signal to the respiration
characteristics of the subject automatically and effectively a
breath pacing system (10) for pacing the respiratory activity of a
subject and a respective method is proposed, comprising: an input
unit (14) for generating or determining an input signal related to
a respiration characteristic of a subject, a signal analyzing unit
(16) provided to recognize a signal pattern within the input
signal, and an output unit (12) for outputting output signals
corresponding to a desired breathing sequence, wherein said output
unit (12) is provided to be activated, upon a starting signal, to
output a sequence of output signals comprising a signal pattern
related to a previously recognized signal pattern.
Inventors: |
KRANS; Jan Martijn; (DEN
BOSCH, NL) ; VAN DE SLUIS; Bartel; (EINDHOVEN,
NL) ; VOGT; Juergen; (EINDHOVEN, NL) ; AARTS;
Ronaldus; (GELDROP, NL) ; TIJS; Tim; (HELMOND,
NL) ; BRADA; Ype; (LEEUWARDEN, NL) ; VAN DEN
BOOGAARD; Maarten; (WESTERBROEK, NL) ; BENNIK;
Jan; (URK, NL) ; RAYMANN; Roy; (WAALRE,
NL) ; ZWARTKRUIS-PELGRIM; Petronella; (NUENEN,
NL) ; DU; Jia; (EINDHOVEN, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KRANS; Jan Martijn
VAN DE SLUIS; Bartel
VOGT; Juergen
AARTS; Ronaldus
TIJS; Tim
BRADA; Ype
VAN DEN BOOGAARD; Maarten
BENNIK; Jan
RAYMANN; Roy
ZWARTKRUIS-PELGRIM; Petronella
DU; Jia |
DEN BOSCH
EINDHOVEN
EINDHOVEN
GELDROP
HELMOND
LEEUWARDEN
WESTERBROEK
URK
WAALRE
NUENEN
EINDHOVEN |
|
NL
NL
NL
NL
NL
NL
NL
NL
NL
NL
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
EINDHOVEN
NL
|
Family ID: |
45375461 |
Appl. No.: |
15/196479 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13884010 |
May 8, 2013 |
9392963 |
|
|
PCT/IB2011/055093 |
Nov 15, 2011 |
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15196479 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/08 20130101; A61B
5/0816 20130101; A61B 5/486 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 5/08 20060101 A61B005/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 23, 2010 |
EP |
10192288.8 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A breathe pacing system, comprising: an input unit configured
to receive user input; and an output unit configured to, based on
the user input, present a sequence of output signals corresponding
to periodic respiratory activity, the sequence of output signals
comprising a user configurable and perceivable characteristic
corresponding to the respiratory activity, the input unit
integrated into the output unit.
17. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein the
characteristic comprises an inhale to exhale ratio corresponding to
the respiratory activity, wherein the input unit is configured to
enable user modification of the inhale to exhale ratio.
18. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein the
characteristic comprises a frequency corresponding to the
respiratory activity, wherein the input unit is configured to
enable user modification of the frequency.
19. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein a rate of the
sequence of output signals is constant and the sequence of output
signals is independent from a present respiration activity of a
subject to which the breathe pacing system is coupled.
20. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein the output unit
comprises a tactile output unit configured to present the sequence
of output signals, according to a constant or variable pacing rate,
as tactile output signals haptically perceivable by a subject to
which the breathe pacing system is coupled.
21. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein the output unit
comprises a visual output unit configured to present the sequence
of output signals as visible output signals visually perceivable by
a subject to which the breathe pacing system is coupled.
22. The breathe pacing system of claim 21, wherein the output unit
is configured to present the visual signal dynamically with an
expand time corresponding to an inhale phase of the respiration
activity and a contract time corresponding to an exhale phase of
the respiration activity.
23. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein the output unit
comprises an acoustic output unit configured to present the
sequence of output signals as acoustic output signals acoustically
perceivable by a subject to which the breathe pacing system is
coupled.
24. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein the input unit
is configured to enable the user to preset the characteristic.
25. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein the input unit
comprises a touch screen.
26. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, further comprising a
sensor configured to sense a characteristic of a subject to which
the breathe pacing system is coupled.
27. The breathe pacing system of claim 26, wherein the output unit
is configured to present the sequence of output signals based
further on the sensed characteristic.
28. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein the breathe
pacing system comprises a watch, a wristband, or a mobile
phone.
29. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein the input unit
comprises a user interface configured to enable a subject to which
the breathe pacing system is coupled to initiate the presentation
of the sequence of output signals.
30. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein the output unit
comprises a user interface configured to output status information
of the breathe pacing system or output instructions on how to use
the breathe pacing system.
31. The breathe pacing system of claim 16, wherein the output unit
is configured as a tactile output unit configured to present the
sequence of output signals as tactile output signals and further
comprising a co-located display device configured to present, in
conjunction with the presentation of the tactile output signals, a
visual representation of an operation state of the breathe pacing
system.
32. A watch, comprising: an input unit configured to receive user
input; and an output unit configured to, based on the user input,
present a sequence of output signals corresponding to periodic
respiratory activity, the sequence of output signals comprising a
user configurable and perceivable characteristic corresponding to
the respiratory activity, wherein the touch screen display is
configured to enable a subject to whom the watch is coupled to
adjust the characteristic, the characteristic comprising one or a
combination of an inhale to exhale ratio and frequency.
33. The watch of claim 32, wherein the output unit comprises a
visual output unit configured to present the sequence of output
signals as visible output signals visually perceivable by a subject
to which the breathe pacing system is coupled, wherein the output
unit is configured to present the visual signal dynamically with an
expand time corresponding to an inhale phase of the respiration
activity and a contract time corresponding to an exhale phase of
the respiration activity.
34. A breathe pacing method, comprising: receiving at an input unit
user input; and based on the user input, presenting at an output
unit in which the input unit is integrated, a sequence of output
signals corresponding to periodic respiratory activity, the
sequence of output signals comprising a user configurable and
perceivable characteristic corresponding to the respiratory
activity.
35. The method of claim 34, further comprising presenting the
sequence of output signals as visible output signals visually
perceivable by a subject to which the breathe pacing system is
coupled, wherein the presenting comprises presenting the visual
signal dynamically with an expand time corresponding to an inhale
phase of the respiration activity and a contract time corresponding
to an exhale phase of the respiration activity.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/884,010, filed May 85, 2013,
which claims the benefit of European Patent Application No.
EP10192288.8, filed Nov. 23, 2010, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to the field of pacing the respiratory
activity of a subject, especially to a breath pacing system and a
corresponding method for pacing the respiratory activity of a
subject.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A slow and regular breathing activity is considered to be
beneficial for relaxation. To support the breathing process,
several different breath pacing devices are known to provide output
signals that correspond to a desired regular breathing rhythm and
can easily be perceived by a user.
[0004] US-20070114206 discloses a breath pacing device comprising
respiration sensors for producing a breath condition signal that is
displayed to a user as a feedback to his actual respiration. On the
reception of this signal, the user can adapt his respiration
practice for learning purposes. In this case the sensors are
integrated into an article of clothing like a shirt, for example.
This system is not suitable where relaxation is desired.
[0005] A pacing signal can also be, for example, a light that
changes its intensity, color or shape periodically according to the
desired respiration cycles. In one possible application, breath
pacers can be used in bed by a person to reduce sleep onset
latency. These breath pacers project a light spot of slowly varying
size on the ceiling of the bedroom. A further example for a pacing
signal is an audio or video signal.
[0006] One problem related to the operation and control of such
devices lies in the necessity to find a suitable operation mode at
the beginning of a pacing sequence or, in other words, a "starting
point" at which the system begins to operate. The system works most
efficient when the output signal is adapted to the present
respiration characteristics of the user. This stands especially for
the respiration rate, i.e., the frequency of the respiration cycle,
and other time characteristics within each respiration cycle (e.g.
inhalation time, exhalation time, pause times) but also for the
amplitude. An output signal synchronized to the present user's
breathing frequency helps the user to adapt to the pacing rhythm of
the apparatus. However, at present there is no efficient and
practical way to adapt the output signal to the user's respiration
rate automatically.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a breath pacing system and a corresponding method for
pacing the respiratory activity of a subject that provide the
possibility to adapt the output signal to the respiration
characteristics of the subject automatically and effectively.
[0008] This object is achieved by a breath pacing system according
to claim 1, as well as by a corresponding method according to claim
15.
[0009] In the breath pacing system according to the present
invention, an input unit is used to generate or to determine an
input signal that is related to the respiration activity of the
user. Such an input unit can be represented by a sensor that
monitors the respiration activity directly or by a user interface
to receive signals that correspond to the respiration. The input
signal is analyzed by a signal analyzing unit with regard to a
signal pattern comprised within the input signal. Upon a starting
signal, the output unit is activated to output a sequence of output
signals that comprise a signal pattern related to a signal pattern
that has been previously recognized.
[0010] When the breath pacing system is used, the output unit may
first be inactive so that it does not generate output signals. Only
the input unit, like a suitable sensor, is active to generate input
signals corresponding to the respiration activity of the user.
According to this activity, the input signal is generated and
analyzed. In the moment when the starting signal is generated, the
output unit is switched automatically into its active mode and
begins to output a sequence of output signals that have a structure
related to one that has already been recognized. Thus it is
possible to synchronize the output signals with the "breathing
rhythm" represented by the input signal. An important
characteristic of the signal pattern is, for example, the actuation
frequency or amplitude or the inhale to exhale ratio that can be
adapted to the present breathing rhythm when beginning to output an
output signal. However, other characteristics can be acknowledged
in this context.
[0011] There are several ways to generate the starting signal,
depending on an active input by the subject, for example, by means
of a user interface that is also used as the above mentioned input
unit to generate the input signal itself or an additional user
interface, or on the recognition of a signal pattern in a
monitoring process or in a previous operation period, as will be
explained in more detail in the following.
[0012] It is noted that the signal pattern of the output signal
does not necessarily have to be constantly adapted to the signal
pattern recognized within the input signal. It is rather sufficient
to adapt the signal pattern at the beginning of the sequence of
output signals and to change the signal pattern of the output
signals during a sequence according to a predetermined pattern to
correspond to a desired breathing sequence. In other words, the
adaption of the structure of the output signal may only take place
at the beginning of the sequence, while the output signal may be
independent from the present respiration activity of the subject in
the further course of the sequence.
[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the output unit is provided as a tactile output unit for
outputting tactile output signals. This embodiment provides the
advantage that the generated output signals are haptically
perceivable, and the system works even in a dark environment and
can be used without disturbing other persons.
[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the input unit is integrated into the output unit. This
leads to a compact and user-friendly design of the whole apparatus.
However, the input unit may be arranged externally to the output
unit and may be also placed outside a device comprising the output
unit. In case of an external input unit, the signal derived from
the input unit is communicated to the signal analyzing unit.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the input unit is
represented by a user interface for receiving a user input for
adjusting a characteristic of the sequence of output signals. In
this case the user can input a signal that directly represents his
present respiration characteristic, for example, by executing a
periodic movement (e.g. pressing and releasing) that mimics his
present (or a desired) respiration activity, or he directly presets
certain characteristics of the output signals. Such characteristics
can be related to, inter alia, the identity of the subject, her/his
age, gender, or physiological conditions, etc.
[0016] According to possible embodiments of the present invention,
the input unit is represented by; inter alia, a mouse wheel, a
keyboard, at least one button, a touch screen or a touch pad. For
example, a signal characteristic can be adjusted by scrolling the
wheel. Pressing the wheel may have another function, for example,
generating the starting signal to output a sequence of output
signals. The input unit can also be used to turn off the
apparatus.
[0017] According to another embodiment, a squeeze sensor or
pressure switch can be triggered by the user at the start of
inhalation and/or exhalation, to align with the user's own
respiration rate and/or inhalation and exhalation times.
[0018] According to another embodiment, the input signal is
provided to be generated by a sensor for sensing a characteristic
of the subject. By such a sensor the respiration activity of the
subject can directly be monitored without any necessity of an input
by the user.
[0019] It is noted that the above mentioned embodiments of the
input unit as a user interface and a sensor do not necessarily
exclude each other, i.e. it is possible to combine both functions
in one input unit. Thus it is possible to produce an output signal
that is based partially on a user input and to another part on a
measurement of the respiration behavior of the subject. For
example, one characteristic of the output signals can be pre-set by
the user, while this (or another) characteristic is modified in the
further progress of the sequence on the basis of the measurement
results obtained by means of the sensor.
[0020] Preferably the starting signal is provided to be generated
upon the recognition of a respiration signal pattern gained within
at least one monitoring phase for monitoring the respiration
activity of the subject. Such a monitoring phase can be, for
example, a calibration phase preceding the activation of the output
unit. In this calibration phase, the subject's respiration activity
is monitored to derive a pattern from it. When a pattern has been
identified, the output unit can begin to generate output signals
with a corresponding pattern, e.g. with a frequency synchronized to
the monitored frequency or having a certain relation to it. Another
example for a monitoring phase is a foregoing operation period of
the system wherein respiration data are acquired. These data can
also be used to choose a desired starting frequency for the pacing
process.
[0021] According to another preferred embodiment, the length of the
monitoring phase is controlled depending on the progress of the
respiration activity of the subject within the monitoring phase.
For example, the length of a calibration phase can depend on the
slope of the monitored respiration activity.
[0022] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the sequence of output signals starts with a signal
pattern related to a signal pattern gained within a previous
monitoring phase.
[0023] Preferably the sequence of output signals starts with a
frequency, an inhale to exhale ratio and/or amplitude related to a
frequency, or an inhale to exhale ratio and/or amplitude contained
in a signal pattern acquired from a previous monitoring phase. For
example, a certain inhale to exhale ratio is contained in a signal
pattern of a previous monitoring phase, and the sequence of output
signals starts with an inhale to exhale ratio that stands in a
distinct relation to it.
[0024] More preferably the further progress of the sequence of
output signals is determined on the basis of signal patterns gained
within previous monitoring phases.
[0025] According to another embodiment, the sequence of output
signals comprises a slow down phase in which the frequency of the
output signal is decreased.
[0026] More preferably the amplitude of the output signal is
increased in the slow down phase. It is further possible to
decrease its frequency at the same time.
[0027] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, the sequence of output signals comprises a fade out
phase in which the amplitude of the output signal is decreased.
During this phase the pacing frequency can be maintained.
[0028] The invention is further related to a method for pacing the
respiratory activity of a subject, comprising: generating or
determining an input signal related to a respiration characteristic
of a subject; analyzing the input signal to recognize a signal
pattern, and upon a starting signal, initiating an output of a
sequence of output signals comprising a signal pattern related to a
previously recognized signal pattern.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent
from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described
hereinafter. In the drawings:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross section through one embodiment
of a breath pacing system according to the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing schematically one
embodiment of the inventive method for pacing the respiratory
activity of a subject; and
[0032] FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams demonstrating the development of
the pacing rate over time according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The breath pacing system in FIG. 1 is provided as a tactile
breath pacing system 10 comprising a tactile output unit 12 that
determines the outer shape and appearance of the pacing system 10.
As will be further described, all functional components of the
tactile breath pacing system 10 are integrated into this tactile
output unit 12. A tactile breath pacing system 10 is only one
example of a breath pacing system according to the present
invention, and its tactile output unit 12 may be replaced by any
other suitable output unit for generating output signals that can
be perceived by a subject, for example, by an acoustic output unit
or a visual output unit. The following description will refer to a
tactile breath pacing system 10 without limiting the scope of the
present invention in this respect.
[0034] In the present example, the tactile output unit 12 may be a
cushion, pillow, pad, stuffed toy, mobile phone, wristband or
watch, although it can have different kinds of shapes and sizes.
These examples are not understood as limiting but the tactile
output unit can have any other suitable size or shape. The
respective output unit 12, like a cushion or pad, is provided to
change its size periodically, especially its thickness, and this
change is a tactile output signal perceivable by a subject that is
in close contact with the tactile output unit 12. The tactile
output signals outputted by the tactile output unit 12 serve to
pace the respiratory activity of the subject. In case of a mobile
terminal or watch, a vibrating function could be used.
[0035] A sensor 14 as an input unit may be integrated into the
tactile output unit 12 to determine a respiration characteristic,
especially the respiration rate of the subject. In the present
embodiment, the sensor 14 may be e.g. an airflow sensor represented
by a microphone. Blowing against the microphone is interpreted as
an exhale activity of the subject, while the time intervals between
two blowing intervals are interpreted as inhale phases. To measure
this airflow, the sensor is placed directly at the surface of the
tactile output unit 12. In case an airflow sensor is used to detect
air flow during exhalation (for instance when blowing) and/or
inhalation), this air flow sensor preferably comprises a
temperature sensing element, for example, a thermistor whose
resistance varies with temperature. Under technical aspects the
airflow sensor does not necessarily have to be a microphone but can
also be represented by other types of sensors, for example, by an
anemometer or a temperature sensing element like a thermistor.
Temperature differences in inhaled and exhaled air can be
interpreted to identify the inhale and exhale phases of the
respiration activity. Moreover, one option is to use the sensor to
analyze the chemical composition of the exhaled air and to measure
the percentage of CO.sub.2 contained therein. This information can
further be used to determine the character of the breathing
activity and to adapt the pacing characteristics thereto.
[0036] Alternatively, the airflow sensor used in this embodiment as
the sensor 14 could be replaced by a body motion sensor to monitor
the respiratory activity of the subject. This embodiment is based
on the idea that the respiratory activity leads to periodic
movements of the subject's body that can easily be measured by a
body motion sensor. An accelerometer is one example for such a body
motion sensor to determine the respiration rate from chest or
abdomen movements. Compared to an airflow sensor, it provides the
advantage that it can be completely integrated into the tactile
output unit 12 without being accessible from the outside. When
there is no movement measured for a certain amount of time, this
state can be interpreted as a situation where there is no contact
of the subject with the tactile output unit 12, and the tactile
breath pacing system 10 can automatically be turned off. This is
also possible in the embodiment using the airflow sensor,
interpreting a lack of input, i.e. no air flow to be measured for a
certain amount of time by the airflow sensor as a situation in
which the tactile breath pacing system 10 is not used.
[0037] The body motion sensor can also comprise a motion detector
in the form of a drop of current conducting material that can move
between a position where it facilitates a current flowing between
electrodes and a position where no current can flow, such that the
current is modulated by the movement of the drop. As described
above, such a mechanism can be used to shut down the tactile pacing
system 10 or setting it into a standby mode when no modulation
takes place.
[0038] Another embodiment of the sensor 14 is a photopletysmograph
(PPG) to analyze a respiratory pattern from a blood volume pulse
signal. In one common embodiment, the skin of the subject (for
example, on a finger or wrist) is illuminated and the change of
light absorption due to the respiratory activity as measured. The
user can operate the photopletysmograph by placing her/his finger
on top of a window present at the surface of the tactile output
unit 12.
[0039] Alternatively and/or additionally an externally arranged
radar sensor could be used for measuring a body's motion to derive
the input signal related to the respiration signal. Another
embodiment of such a remote body sensor is a weight or pressure
sensor for detecting a mechanical pressure applied by the subject,
corresponding to her/his respiration activity. Such a sensor may
comprise a pressure sensitive foil.
[0040] It is also possible to use a camera as a sensor for this
purpose.
[0041] Further operation units of the tactile breath pacing system
10 are a signal analyzing unit 16 and an actuator 18, both being
integrated into the tactile output unit 12. The signal analyzing
unit 16 receives an input signal from the sensor 14 indicative of
the respiration rate of the subject. The sensor 14 generates this
respiration signal according to the measured respiration rate. The
signal analyzing unit 16 is provided to analyze the input signal
and to search for signal patterns contained within the input
signal. Moreover, the signal analyzing unit 16 is provided to
control the actuator 18 according to the result of this analysis,
as will be described in the following. The actuator 18 is provided
to induce a movement of the tactile output unit 12 to output the
tactile output signals. That is, according to the movement of the
actuator 18, the tactile output unit 12 moves, and this motion is
perceivable by the subject. For example, the tactile output unit 12
can increase or decrease its size or can change its outer shape.
However, other haptically or tactile perceivable changes of the
outer or inner appearance of the tactile output unit 12 can be
taken into account. The tactile output unit 12 can also perform
haptically perceivable clicks or other force actions to give a
perceivable signal to the user, for instance due to rotating motor
which might give additional pacer cue information.
[0042] The tactile breath pacing system 10 may further comprise a
rechargeable power supply (not shown) like a rechargeable battery
or an accumulator. This enables a wireless operation of the pacing
device without any disturbing connections to a mains supply,
further improving its user friendliness.
[0043] The tactile output unit 12 is activated to output a sequence
of tactile output signals when an input signal is generated. In the
present embodiment, this starting signal is generated by the signal
analyzing unit 16 when a signal pattern has been recognized within
the input signal being a respiration signal. This means that at
least one respiration characteristic, for example, the respiration
rate, has been identified as the input signal. If this is the case,
the signal analyzing unit 16 controls the actuator 18 to initiate a
sequence of tactile output signals that comprises a signal pattern
that is related to the signal pattern that has been recognized. For
example, these tactile output signals have the same or a similar
frequency or amplitude as the measured respiration signals. Another
possibility is that the signal pattern of the generated tactile
output signals has a certain relation to the recognized signal
pattern. Just to give one example, the frequency of the tactile
output signals may be somewhat lower than the measured respiration
rate. Also, the ratio between expand and contract time of the
actuator maybe somewhat different than the inhale to exhale ratio
measured by the respiration sensor. The signal analyzing unit 16
may comprise a computer program to control the actuator 18
accordingly.
[0044] By generating a sequence of tactile output signals with a
signal pattern that is related to the recognized signal pattern, it
is possible to synchronize the generated tactile output signals to
the present respiration behavior of the user. In the present
embodiment the tactile output unit 12 does not generate tactile
output signals until a signal pattern has been recognized within
the input signal by the signal analyzing unit 16. Once a pattern
has been recognized, the starting signal is generated for the
tactile output unit 12 to begin with the output of the sequence of
tactile output signals. It is also possible to begin with the
generation of tactile output signals without being influenced by a
measurement taken during an initial monitoring phase and to start
the output of the sequence of tactile output signals according to a
recognized signal pattern from an earlier monitoring phase stored
within the system, upon the starting signal.
[0045] As an additional input unit, a mouse wheel 20 is provided at
the surface of the tactile output unit 12. The mouse wheel 20 is
integrated into the tactile output unit 12 so that it is accessible
from the outside. It represents a user interface to adjust a
characteristic of the sequence of tactile output signals. For
example, the user can choose and/or adjust a respiration frequency
or amplitude as an input signal for the signal analyzing unit 16.
One further function of the mouse wheel 20 could be to generate a
starting signal for initiating the output of tactile output signals
when it is pressed by the user. For example, when the user has
finished the adjusting procedure, she/he presses the mouse wheel 20
to start the pacing. In the same way the user may stop the output
of tactile output signals by pressing the mouse wheel 20 another
time.
[0046] A mouse wheel 20 is only one possible embodiment of a user
interface and can be replaced by a keyboard, one or more buttons or
switches, a touch screen, a touch pad, a squeeze sensor or pressure
switch or the like. Moreover, the user interface can be provided to
output a status information about the tactile breath pacing system.
The status information can be generated by a visual display or an
audio signal of any desired type, e.g. indicating lights, a sound
signal, or a haptic signal like a buzzer. Moreover, a speaker or a
display integrated into or connected to the tactile output unit 12
can be used to output instructions to the user on how to use the
device.
[0047] It is noted that the mouse wheel 20 may represent one
alternative to the provision of a sensor, that is, a user interface
can replace a sensor as an input unit to generate the input signal
for the signal analyzing unit 16. However, it is also possible to
combine both functions of a user interface and a sensor in one
input unit or to provide different input units, each generating
input signals for the signal analyzing unit 16. Thus a tactile
output signal can be generated that is based partially on a user
input via the user interface and to another part on a measurement
of the respiration behavior of the subject. For example, at least
one characteristic of the tactile output signals can be set by the
user according to his identity and/or other personal conditions,
like his age. This characteristic can be used to set the conditions
of the tactile output signals at the start of the pacing process.
Measurement results obtained by means of the sensor can be used
during the pacing process to adjust and to modify the sequence of
tactile output signals. The signal analyzing unit 16 can also use
previously stored parameters, characteristics or algorithms to
calculate the tactile output signals.
[0048] The flow diagram in FIG. 2 shows one scenario for a process
for generating a pacing signal. In the following description it is
supposed that the input signal is generated by the sensor 14 only.
The respiration activity of the subject is measured (step 100) by
the sensor 14 (as shown in FIG. 1) to generate an input signal
indicative of a respiration characteristic of the subject (such as
respiration rate) (step 110). This input signal represents the
periodic respiration activity including inhale and exhale phases.
The input signal is then transmitted to the signal analyzing unit
16 to be analyzed (step 120). In this analysis, the signal
analyzing unit 16 looks for signal patterns within the input
signal. Once a pattern has been recognized, the starting signal is
generated for the actuator 18, and the tactile output unit 12 is
activated (step 130) to begin with the output of a sequence of
tactile output signals. At least at the beginning of this sequence,
the tactile output signals comprise a signal pattern corresponding
to the recognized signal pattern of the input signal analyzed by
the signal analyzing unit 16 in step 120.
[0049] One possibility is to take the inhale to exhale ratio as a
reference for generating the tactile output signals. Observations
have shown that an inhale to exhale ratio smaller than 1 is
beneficial for relaxation. In the case where a present inhale to
exhale ratio of the subject is identified, for example, to be
larger than 1 or equal to 1, the tactile output unit 12 may output
a sequence of tactile output signals starting with an expand time
corresponding to the present inhale time of the subject, which is
found to be natural by most persons, but with a contract time
larger than the exhale time. Consequently the pacer rate starts
with a frequency lower than the measured respiration frequency. It
should be noted that a contraction of the tactile output unit 12
may not necessarily be linked to the exhale phase (and
consequently, an expansion of the device be linked to the inhale
phase), but the roles of the contraction and the expansion can also
be reversed.
[0050] As already mentioned, the input signal may be generated not
by a sensor 14 but can also originate from a user interface as an
input unit for adjusting a characteristic of the sequence of
tactile output signals. For example, the user adjusts a personal
respiration characteristic (frequency, amplitude or the like) by
means of the mouse wheel 20, related to her/his identity and
personal condition. This can be interpreted as an input signal by
the signal analyzing unit 16 in step 120 in FIG. 2, and according
to the result of this analysis, the tactile output unit 12 begins
to output of a sequence of tactile output signals.
[0051] As an alternative, input signals of the sensor 14 as well as
of the user interface, i.e. the mouse wheel 20 can be taken into
account. For example, the user may input personal respiration
characteristics as described above to determine preconditions for
the pacing process. The sensor 14 may then monitor the present
respiration activity of the subject, and the signal analyzing unit
16 will calculate a sequence of tactile output signals on the basis
of both kinds of input signals.
[0052] To provide guidance for the breathing activity, it is
preferred to control the length and frequency of the phases (see
FIG. 3) within the sequence of tactile output signals based on the
calibration data obtained, (or calibration data obtained during a
previous session), so that a relaxing effect takes place. The
signal analyzing unit 16 can determine the further progress of the
sequence, beginning with the frequency corresponding to the
recognized respiration frequency and changing it in the further
course of the tactile output signal.
[0053] The diagram in FIG. 3 shows one possible pacing scenario
with respect to the chronological development of the pacing rate
(frequency) of the tactile output signal. The horizontal axis of
the diagram in FIG. 3 represents the time, while the vertical axis
represents the pacing rate. The time axis is divided into five
different phases, the first phase beginning at t(1)=0 being a
calibration phase (P1), in which the tactile output unit 12 is
passive and does not output tactile output signals. The calibration
phase (P1) is followed by phases (P2), (P3), (P4) and (P5) in which
the tactile output unit 12 is active and outputs a sequence of
tactile output signals. This activity period starts with a starting
phase (P2) and is followed by a slow down phase (P3), a phase of
constant pacing rate (P4) and a fade out phase (P5).
[0054] In the calibration phase (P1), the respiration activity of
the subject is monitored by the sensor 14 that generates an input
signal. This input signal is analyzed by the signal analyzing unit
16. By this monitoring activity the progress of the respiration of
the subject can be analyzed, resulting in a curve that shows the
respiration activity. In FIG. 3, different curves are shown as
three examples of developments of the respiration rate during the
calibration phase.
[0055] Each curve represents a "respiration rate profile" of the
subject. From this profile the signal analyzing unit 16 can derive
a starting point of the pacing activity, that is, a suitable pacing
rate at the beginning of the sequence of tactile output signals.
The pacing rate (frequency) is only one possible characteristic of
the tactile output signal that can be chosen. Another
characteristic could be the pacing amplitude that is also derived
from the results of the measurements of the calibration phase (P1).
Generally speaking, the signal analyzing unit 16 tries to find a
signal pattern within the respiration profile represented by the
input signal, and when such a pattern is recognized, a starting
signal is generated for the actuator 18 to output a tactile output
signal that relates to this signal pattern.
[0056] It is also possible to acknowledge results of previous
monitoring phases in the search of the signal pattern within the
input signal. This means that the calibration phase (P1) shown in
FIG. 3 is only one example of such a monitoring phase, in which the
tactile output unit is passive. However, such a monitoring phase
can also be represented by a previous operation period of the
tactile breath pacing system 10 in which the respiration activity
of the subject has been monitored. It is also noted that a
calibration phase (P1) preceding the output of a sequence of
tactile output signals may not always be necessary. The starting
point of the pacing activity can rather be chosen merely on the
basis of history data, i.e. previous operation periods, as
described above.
[0057] When the signal pattern has been recognized and the input
signal has been generated, the pacing begins at a starting level
f(1) of the pacing rate at the time t(2) at the beginning of the
starting phase (P2). During this phase (P2) the pacing rate of the
tactile output signal slightly decreases in the present embodiment
in FIG. 3. The progress of this decrease, i.e. the slope of the
curve representing the pacing rate over time can also depend on the
calibration results. It is also possible to keep the pacing rate
constant during this phase (P2). The starting phase (P2) is
followed by a slow down phase (P3) with a stronger decrease of the
pacing rate until time t(4). During the slow down phase (P3) the
pacing rate decreases from the value f(2) to f(3). This value f(3)
corresponds to a target respiration rate of a desired breathing
sequence and can be derived from respiratory characteristics
measured during the calibration phase. According to one example,
the pacing rate f(3) may correspond to a value of 60% of the
measured respiration rate at the start.
[0058] The slow down phase (P3) is followed by a phase of constant
pacing rate (4) in which the pacing rate stays constant on the
level f(3). The length of the phase (P4) may be calculated on the
basis of previous monitoring periods, i.e. previous operation
phases of the tactile breath pacing system 10 and (optionally) the
calibration phase (P1). In the slow down phase (P3), the pacing
amplitude (not shown) can increase linearly to a certain level and
can stay on this level during the phase (P4). Other characteristics
of the tactile output signal can also be changed in a predetermined
manner during the phases (P2) to (P5).
[0059] The phase (P4) is followed by a fade out phase (P5) with a
constant pacing rate on the level f(3). In phase (P5), the pacing
amplitude may decrease to zero, so that a pacing activity ends at
the time t(6) in this example.
[0060] While the length of the phases (P4) and (P5) can be
determined on the basis of monitoring results, as described above,
their length can also be determined on the basis whether there is
an input into the sensor 14. When the sensor does not generate an
input signal, i.e. the periodic signal indicative of the
respiration rate of the subject, this can be taken as a sign that
there is no contact between the subject and the tactile output unit
12, and the tactile breath pacing system 10 is not used. It is then
possible to start the fade out phase (P5) or the finish the pacing
process completely.
[0061] The pacing process can be stopped when it has been
determined that the subject has fallen asleep or has relaxed to a
desired extent. The fade out phase (P5) can be started when a
certain characteristic or signal pattern has been recognized within
the input signal, or the system is shut down immediately in this
case. For example, the sensor 14 may measure a respiration
frequency, amplitude or inhale to exhale ratio signaling a weak
breathing activity that indicates a sleeping or deeply relaxed
state of the subject. A corresponding signal pattern of the input
signal originating from the sensor 14 will be recognized by the
signal analyzing unit 16, and it will generate a stopping signal
for the tactile output unit 12 to stop the sequence of tactile
output signals immediately or to start the fade out phase (P5) in
which the pacing amplitude decreases to zero, and the whole system
turns off. In this embodiment the signal analyzing unit 16 is
provided to control the length of the sequence of tactile output
signals based on characteristics of the input signal that may
correspond to a certain condition of the subject.
[0062] What has been described before is only one possible pacing
scenario. Another possibility is to dispense the calibration phase
(P1) and to derive the respiration rate profile only from previous
operation periods of the tactile breath pacing system 10. This
means that prior periods of use are taken as monitoring periods in
which a signal pattern can be detected. A third scenario is to
acknowledge not only an input signal generated by a sensor 14 but
also originating from a user interface like the mouse wheel 20 in
FIG. 1. For example, the user may adjust or choose personal
respiration characteristics as described above to determine
preconditions for the pacing process and input them into the user
interface. Such a personal characteristic may refer to the user's
identity, the age, gender or another personal feature. This input
can then be used as an input signal for choosing a pacing
characteristic at the beginning of the sequence of tactile output
signals as a "starting point". In the further pacing progress
during the phases (P2) to (P5) in FIG. 3, the sequence of tactile
output signals can be tuned, i.e. further adapted on the basis of
sensor signals that have been collected in a calibration phase or
in a phase of prior use as history data.
[0063] In all these scenarios it is possible to generate a stopping
signal to stop the tactile output unit 12 from further producing
tactile output signals. The stopping signal can be generated by the
signal analyzing unit 16 upon the recognition of a certain signal
pattern contained within the input signal originating from a sensor
14, as described above. However, other factors can be taken into
account, for example, the running time of the sequence so that the
stopping signal cannot be generated until a predetermined time
period has passed. It is also possible to generate the stopping
signal only on a time basis, i.e. to determine a fixed time period
as the duration of the sequence or to determine it dependent on a
user's input via the user interface. In this embodiment the signal
analyzing unit 16 is provided to control the length of the sequence
of tactile output signals based on a time schedule that may be
programmed and/or can be changed by the user.
[0064] In this version it is possible to influence the output
signal by an input unit that can be actively operated by the
subject. The user may be enabled to choose between certain
preconditions in generating the tactile output signal, for example,
to choose between a slower or faster breathing sequence at the
beginning of the starting phase (P2). However, there can be still
the influence of a signal pattern that has been previously
recognized so that the generated sequence of tactile output signals
can be still adapted to the user and is personalized to a certain
extent.
[0065] Although this is not shown in the present embodiment in FIG.
1, it is possible to provide the tactile breath pacing system 10
with display devices that show the user the operation state of the
tactile breath pacing system 10. Such a display device can be a
visual display, a light source like a LED or an audio display
device giving a sound feedback to the user. This display device can
also be arranged externally so that it is not integrated into the
tactile output unit 12.
[0066] To further explain the change of the characteristics of the
tactile output signal in the phases (P3), (P4) and (P5), reference
is made to FIG. 4, showing the development of the pacer action over
time (horizontal axis) with respect to pacing rate and amplitude.
FIG. 4 shows three different curves. The upper curve shows the
actual movement (pacer action) of the tactile output unit 12 over
time (horizontal axis), the amplitude of this movement extending on
the vertical axis. The second curve from above shows the
development of the pacing rate (vertical axis) over time, while the
third curve shows the development of the pacing amplitude (vertical
axis). The amplitude of the pacer action in the upper and the lower
curve has been normalized to a value of 1 as a maximum, while the
pacing rate is given in pacing cycles per minute.
[0067] The development of the pacing rate corresponds to that in
FIG. 3, i.e. it decreases in a slow down phase (P3) that lasts for
ca. 4 minutes in the present example but stays on a constant level
in the following phase (P4) for another 4 minutes and the fade out
phase (P5) of 2 minutes. However, the development of the pacing
amplitude is different, as it is already indicated in the upper
curve. The lower curve shows this development even more clearly: In
phase (P3), the amplitude rises linearly towards its maximum, that
is reached at the transition from phase (P3) to (P4), stays on a
constant level in (P4) and decreases linearly to zero during phase
(P5).
[0068] Moreover, a speaker and/or a display integrated into or
connected to the tactile output unit 12 can be used to output
instructions to the user on how to use the device. It is further
noted that any input unit 14 as described above can also be
connected by wire or wirelessly to the tactile output unit 12.
[0069] The output unit may preferably include a temperature
controlling element, which could be used to warm up the output
unit. Such temperature controlling element could be realized as a
heating element, which is just controlled to have fixed temperature
and/or which may have a temperature sensor for sensing the
temperature of the user who contacts the output unit. By warming up
the output unit convenience of the user in increased. Thus in case
of a cushion or hand pad or the like people having colder hands or
feeling cold may feel more comfortable. On the other hand it can
increase feeling of connectedness with the output unit. This
temperature control of the pad can be realized by integration of a
heating element in the pad.
[0070] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration
and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and
not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed
embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be
understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing
the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the
disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word
"comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the
indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The
mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different
dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these
measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the
claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
* * * * *