U.S. patent application number 17/496514 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-07 for methods for managing and improving a person's sleep employing networked groups and shared data.
The applicant listed for this patent is CONSUMER SLEEP SOLUTIONS LLC. Invention is credited to Colin Lawlor, Roy Raymann.
Application Number | 20220108797 17/496514 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220108797 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lawlor; Colin ; et
al. |
April 7, 2022 |
METHODS FOR MANAGING AND IMPROVING A PERSON'S SLEEP EMPLOYING
NETWORKED GROUPS AND SHARED DATA
Abstract
Systems and methods for managing sleep for a group of users. The
sleep of each user of the group of users are monitored to thereby
obtain monitoring data; and the monitoring data are analyzed to
identify at least one common sleep pattern shared by two or more
users. Based on the common sleep pattern, recommendations or
notifications can be sent to selected members group of users.
Inventors: |
Lawlor; Colin; (San Diego,
CA) ; Raymann; Roy; (Vista, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CONSUMER SLEEP SOLUTIONS LLC |
Carlsbad |
CA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/496514 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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63088933 |
Oct 7, 2020 |
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63088946 |
Oct 7, 2020 |
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63088950 |
Oct 7, 2020 |
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International
Class: |
G16H 40/63 20060101
G16H040/63; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00; A61B 5/11 20060101
A61B005/11 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for managing sleep for a group of
users, comprising: monitoring the sleep of each user of the group
of users to thereby obtain monitoring data; and analyzing the
monitoring data and identifying at least one common sleep pattern
shared by two or more users.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the common pattern is a shared
sleep disruption, the method further comprising: by using at least
one computer processor, providing a recommendation on an electronic
device user interface for resolving the disruption.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the common pattern is a similar
sleep schedule or similar bedtime, the method further comprising:
by using at least one computer processor, providing a notification
to at least one of the two or more users.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the common pattern is a common
sleep disorder, the method further comprising: by using at least
one computer processor, providing a notification to at least one of
the two or more users.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the common pattern is a common
sleep disorder, the method further comprising: by using at least
one computer processor, providing a notification to another in the
group of users who do not share the identified common sleep
pattern.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the group of users live in a same
community.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the group of users are members of
the same social network.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving information
from a first user of the plurality of users concerning an
environmental condition which may affect or actually adversely
affects the users' sleep; and by using at least one computer
processor, providing a recommendation to at least one of the
remaining users of the plurality of users to mitigate adverse
effects of the environmental condition.
9. A computer-implemented method for managing sleep for a group of
users, comprising: by using at least one computer processor,
predicting, based on (a) information of a current environmental
condition or a future environmental condition and (b) information
about a first user of the group of users, whether the first user's
sleep will be adversely affected at a given future time.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the information of the current
or future environmental condition is provided by other users of the
group of users.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the information of the current
or future environmental condition is provided by one or more
monitoring devices.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the information of the current
or future environmental condition is from public news sources.
13. The method of claim 9, where the information about the first
user includes the geographical location where he or she sleeps,
medical record or history, health information, and other
biographical information.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: by using at least
one computer processor, providing a recommendation for at least one
other user in the group of users to assist the first user to
mitigate the adverse impact on his or her sleep.
15. The method of claim 9, further comprising: by using at least
one computer processor, providing a recommendation on securing a
sleep-aid product for the first user to mitigate the adverse impact
on the first user's sleep.
16. The method of claim 9, further comprising: by using at least
one computer processor, ordering a sleep-aid product for the first
user to mitigate the adverse impact on the first user's sleep.
17. A computer-implemented method for managing sleep for a group of
users, comprising: monitoring the sleep of each user of the group
of users to thereby obtain monitoring data; receiving a complaint
from a first user of the users of the group about an environmental
condition that has adversely impacted or is currently adversely
impacting the sleep of the first user; by using at least one
computer processor, analyzing the environmental condition and
determining if it may be created by a second user of the group of
users; and if it is determined that the environmental condition is
created by the second user of the group of users, by using at least
one computer processor, providing an alert to the second user.
18. A computer-implemented method for managing sleep for a user,
comprising: by using at least one computer processor, predicting,
based on information of a current environmental condition or a
future environmental condition, a future event that may adversely
affect the user's sleep; and performing an action to counter the
adverse effect of the future event on the user's sleep.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the future event is the
presence of a noise, and the action performed is initiating a noise
cancelling or noise-masking mechanism to mitigate the impact of the
noise.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein performing the action comprises
sending a notice to the user about a proposed adjustment of the
user's sleep schedule.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to sleeping aids, and more
particularly, to methods and devices to monitor and manage a user's
sleep.
[0002] A prevalent and often overlooked cause to many secondary
health and social problems is insufficient and/or poor-quality
sleep. Estimates show that that 65% of the population has at least
a few nights a week suboptimal sleep. Humans require considerable
rest each night and if the sleep is broken, brain function,
problem-solving, cognitive skills, and reasoning are affected.
Other potential consequences of insufficient sleep include short
and long-term memory loss, mood changes, a weakened immunity, high
blood pressure, weight gain, insulin control, which increases the
risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, poor balance, and a lower
sex drive. Insufficient and poor-quality sleep will also affect a
person's work performance, and likely disrupt their social behavior
and social interactions, potentially damaging relationships.
[0003] Various methods of improving a person's sleep include
physical exercise, breathing exercises and optimizing the user's
ambient conditions such as music, light, temperature etc. A variety
of monitoring and sleep improvement products have been (or are) on
the market, including wearable devices such as wristwatches,
armbands, head mounted devices, and non-contact products.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide methods
and devices to monitor sleep behavior and manage sleep which
overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention provides devices, systems, and
computer-implemented methods relating to measuring, analyzing,
managing and/or improving sleep. In certain aspects, the sleep
management of the disclosure makes use of the network of people
using sleep measurements devices.
[0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a
computer-implemented method for managing sleep for a group of
users, comprising: monitoring the sleep of each user of the group
of users to thereby obtain monitoring data; and analyzing the
monitoring data and identifying at least one common sleep pattern
shared by two or more users.
[0007] In some embodiments of the method, the common pattern is a
shared sleep disruption, the method further comprising: by using at
least one computer processor, providing a recommendation via an
electronic device user interface for resolving the disruption.
[0008] In some embodiments, the common pattern is a similar sleep
schedule or similar bedtime, and the method further comprises: by
using at least one computer processor, providing a notification via
an electronic device user interface to at least one of the two or
more users.
[0009] In some embodiments, the common pattern is a common sleep
disorder, and the method further comprises: by using at least one
computer processor, providing a notification via an electronic
device user interface to at least one of the two or more users.
[0010] In some embodiments, the common pattern is a common sleep
disorder, and the method further comprises: providing a
notification to another in the group of users who do not share the
identified common sleep pattern.
[0011] In some embodiments, the group of users live in a same
community.
[0012] In some embodiments, the group of users are members of the
same social network.
[0013] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving
information from a first user of the plurality of users concerning
an environmental condition which may affect or actually adversely
affects the users' sleep; and by using at least one computer
processor, providing a recommendation to at least one of the
remaining users of the plurality of users to mitigate adverse
effects of the environmental condition.
[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a
computer-implemented method for managing sleep for a group of
users, comprising: by using at least one computer processor,
predicting, based on (a) information of a current environmental
condition or a future environmental condition and (b) information
about a first user of the group of users, whether the first user's
sleep will be adversely affected at a given future time.
[0015] In some embodiments, the information of the current or
future environmental condition is provided by other users of the
group of users. In some embodiments, the information of the current
or future environmental condition is provided by one or more
monitoring devices. In other embodiments, the information of the
current or future environmental condition is from public news
sources.
[0016] In some embodiments, the information about the first user
includes the geographical location where he or she sleeps, medical
record or history, health information, and other biographical
information.
[0017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: by using
at least one computer processor, providing a recommendation for at
least one other user in the group of users to assist the first user
to mitigate the adverse impact on his or her sleep.
[0018] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: by using
at least one computer processor, providing a recommendation on
securing a sleep-aid product for the first user to mitigate the
adverse impact on the first user's sleep.
[0019] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: by using
at least one computer processor, ordering a sleep-aid product for
the first user to mitigate the adverse impact on the first user's
sleep.
[0020] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a
computer-implemented method for managing sleep for a group of
users, comprising: monitoring the sleep of each user of the group
of users to thereby obtain monitoring data; receiving a complaint
from a first user of the users of the group about an environmental
condition that has adversely impacted or is currently adversely
impacting the sleep of the first user; by using at least one
computer processor, analyzing the environmental condition and
determining if it may be created by a second user of the group of
users; and if it is determined that the environmental condition is
created by the second user of the group of users, by using at least
one computer processor, providing an alert to the second user.
[0021] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a
computer-implemented method for managing sleep for a user,
comprising: by using at least one computer processor, predicting,
based on information of a current environmental condition or a
future environmental condition, a future event that may adversely
affect the user's sleep; and performing an action to counter the
adverse effect of the future event on the user's sleep. In some
embodiments, the future event is the presence of a noise, and the
action performed is initiating a noise cancelling or noise-masking
mechanism to mitigate the impact of the noise. In some embodiments,
performing the action comprises sending a notice to the user about
a proposed adjustment of the user's sleep schedule.
[0022] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a
computer-implemented method for analyzing the sleep of at least one
user, comprising: monitoring the at least one user's sleep using at
least one monitoring device; measuring at least one environmental
condition during the at least one user's sleep; and analyzing the
effect of the at least one environmental condition on the at least
one user's sleep. The method can further comprise: providing a
recommendation on an electronic device user interface to the user
about a proposed change in an environmental condition of the
room.
[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one user comprises a
plurality of users sleeping in a common room, or a plurality of
users sleeping within a predefined geographical location.
[0024] In some embodiments, the at least one environment condition
includes ambient temperature, humidity, air quality, sound or noise
level, light level, and vibration level.
[0025] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise:
calculating a score indicating the suitability of the environment
to the user's sleep. Calculating the score can comprise calculating
a plurality of scores for different time slots of a day.
[0026] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a system
or a monitor device comprising at least one computer processor and
an associated memory, where the memory stores instructions which
when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system or
monitor device to perform the various embodiments of the methods as
described herein.
[0027] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a
tangible computer-readable storage medium which includes a computer
program product (or software), which when executed by at least one
processor of a computing device or system, causes the device or
system to perform the various embodiments of the methods as
described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a sleep monitor, according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary bedroom,
showing a bed, a user sleeping in the bed, a side table and a sleep
monitor, according to some embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating three apartment rooms,
each including a monitor and a central server, according to some
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The present disclosure provides systems, computer readable
storage media, computer-implemented methods, software application
program adapted to operate on portable electronic devices, e.g., a
smart phone or a personal monitor, or a server or cloud, for
analyzing, managing, and improving a user's sleep. As used herein,
the term "user" refers to a person or individual.
[0032] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a sleep
monitoring and recommendation system that acquires various data of
both a sleep environment and an area beyond a sleep environment,
and also information about a user to make informed predictions
regarding a future sleep quality of the user. The present system
also offers recommendations for the user to help overcome predicted
influencing factors which may otherwise disrupt the user's sleep,
or at least negatively affect the user's sleep score, or quality of
sleep.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, and according to some embodiments of
the present invention, a block diagram schematic of an example
sleep monitor 10 (also referred to as a monitor device in this
disclosure) is shown including a computer processor (or simply a
processor, or CPU) 12, a power supply 14, a Bluetooth/WIFI
communication circuit 16, a memory 18. The monitor device can have
an architecture of a general purpose computer, where different
components can communicate through a system bus. As can be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, processor 12 is connected
to all components and controls the operation of each.
Bluetooth/WIFI communication circuit 16 includes conventional
communication circuitry to allow selective communication with
Bluetooth and WIFI devices, including a Home Area Network 22, which
in turn is connected to the Internet 24. The Bluetooth/WIFI
communication circuit 16 includes the use of all types of wireless
communication devices and techniques, such as, but not limited to
Bluetooth, WIFI, and Zigbee. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
a radar transducer 20 (e.g., a Doppler type) is shown. It is
understood that other types of motion sensors may be used in place
of a radar transducer, including, but not limited to SONAR (using
sound waves to detect micro displacements), and LIDAR (wherein
light is used to deter micro displacements) and IR sensors. The
term "radar" and "radar transducer" is used hereinafter to include
all types of motion detection and displacement measuring
devices.
[0034] The diagram shown in FIG. 1 is only a non-limiting example
of a "sleep monitor" or "monitor device" (or simply "monitor") as
used in this disclosure. This disclosure contemplates any suitable
"sleep monitor" or "monitor device" having any suitable number of
any suitable components in any suitable arrangement. It is
understood that a "sleep monitor" or "monitor device" can broadly
encompass all monitoring devices or systems that can sense or
monitor environment conditions (ambient temperature, humidity,
sound, vibration, lighting, air quality, etc., of the environment
in which the subject person is being monitored) as well as
physiological and/or biomechanical signals from a human body (e.g.,
body movement, noise made by the person, body temperature,
breathing, heartbeat, cardiogram, brain activity, etc.), by an
either contact or non-contact manner. A monitor device can include
all components and functionalities of a general smart phone (e.g.,
speaker, microphone, camera, GPS, accelerometer, etc.) as well as
sensors and other components (e.g., radar/sonar related components)
that are typically not included in a general smart phone. The
software program of the present invention can be installed/loaded
directly in the monitor device(s) to process information and data
gathered by the sensors and other signal-acquisition components as
well as other data entered by the user or retrieved from other
sources. Alternatively, if the monitor device does not include the
advanced chips/memory or other components of modern-day
smartphones, the monitor device can be configured to work in
concert with such a smartphone and utilize the components available
on the smartphone (e.g., a microphone or other sensing devices),
and in which case, the present software program can also be loaded
on the smartphone which can be used to process information received
from the monitor device. In some instances, the user's smart phone
or other portable or wearable smart devices can be deemed
standalone monitor devices.
[0035] In the sleep monitor or the monitor devices described
herein, the processor can include one or more processors, which can
include hardware for executing instructions, such as those making
up a computer program or application, for example, it may retrieve
(or fetch) the instructions from an internal register, an internal
cache, memory, storage; decode and execute them; and then write one
or more results to internal register, internal cache, memory, or
storage. In particular embodiments, software executed by processor
may include an operating system (OS). As an example and not by
limitation, then the OS may be a mobile operating system, such as
for example, Android, iOS, Windows. In some embodiments, the memory
can include main memory for storing instructions for the processor
to execute or data for processor to operate on. One or more buses
may connect the processor with the memory. The memory can include
random-access memory (RAM). This RAM may be volatile memory, where
appropriate. Where appropriate, this RAM may be dynamic RAM (DRAM)
or static RAM (SRAM). The monitor device can further include a
permanent data storage device which can include non-volatile and/or
non-transient mass storage or media for data or instructions, for
example HDD, flash memory, optical medium, DVD, etc., or a
combination of two or more thereof, solid-state memory, read-only
memory (ROM), or any other suitable physical form. The
communication component can include hardware, software, or both
providing one or more interfaces for communication (such as, for
example, packet-based communication) between the monitor device and
other devices, for example, a network interface controller (NIC) or
network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other
wire-based network or a wireless NIC (WNIC), wireless adapter for
communicating with a wireless network, such as for example a WI-FI
network or modem for communicating with a cellular network, such as
third generation mobile telecommunications (3G), or Long Term
Evolution (LTE) network, wireless PAN (WPAN) (such as, for example,
a BLUETOOTH WPAN), a WI-FI network, a WI-MAX network, a cellular
telephone network (such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM), 3G, or LTE network), or other suitable
wireless network or a combination of two or more thereof. The bus
can include hardware, software, or both coupling components of the
personal computing device to each other, for example, a graphics
bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a
front-side bus (FSB), a HYPERTRANSPORT (HT) interconnect, an
Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an INFINIBAND
interconnect, a low-pin-count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Micro
Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, a serial advanced technology
attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association
local (VLB) bus, or another suitable bus or a combination of two or
more of these.
[0036] As used herein, a system of the present invention can
include one or more monitor devices described herein, wherein a
memory is installed or stored which computer program product(s) (or
software), which when activated or running (e.g., executed by the
processor), enables the monitor device(s) to perform certain
functions or methods according to the instructions of the computer
program product. In some embodiments, when the software on a
monitor device is activated (the details of which will be further
described below), a user interface (UI), or graphical UI, may be
loaded on a display area of the device so as to display information
to a user and allow a user to interact with the software, e.g.,
through areas of a touchscreen designated in the computer software.
The system can further include other devices that communicate with
the monitor devices, e.g., a user smartphone, a remote server, a
smart IOT device, a device designated to perform specific analysis
(such as detection of certain chemicals), where the present
software application product or components thereof can be installed
to perform the functions contemplated, or data inputted or gathered
by such devices can be sent to a monitor device or another device
or server which may act as a nerve center to control or coordinate
the functions of all involved devices. The functions and methods to
be performed by the software product and the system are further
described herein.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, monitor 10 is positioned in a user's
bedroom, next the user's bedside, such as on the user's side table
30. Radar transducer 20 is directed towards a user 32 as he or she
sleeps in a bed 33. Radar transducer 20 is designed to transmit and
receive radio waves of a specific frequency to measure minute
displacements or movements of user 32 as he or she sleeps,
including the subtle movements of breathing, snoring and various
muscle contractions (twitching). The received signals are collected
and stored as data in local memory 18 and eventually, at prescribed
intervals, the data from memory 18 is uploaded to a remote server
using the Bluetooth/WIFI communication circuit 16, as controlled by
onboard processor 12, and any other necessary appropriate known
communication method.
[0038] Referring again to FIG. 1, other types of sensors (called
auxiliary sensors), according to this invention may be included
with the automatic sleep monitor 10. Such auxiliary sensors may
include a thermometer 25, for measuring bedroom temperature, a
light sensor 26 for measuring any light in the bedroom, and a
microphone 27, for measuring sounds that can be heard in the
bedroom. The data collected from these auxiliary sensors 25, 26, 27
is combined with the data from radar transducer 20 and time-stamped
by processor 12 so collectively, the data from different types of
sensors may be analyzed concurrently and locally, using processor
12, or at a later time, using either local processor 12, or a
remote server (not shown). In this manner, additional factors of a
user's sleeping environment may be considered when analyzing a
user's sleep behavior and generally, as in many fields of study,
the more information, the better. For example, if the collected
data of a certain user shows sudden body movement by the sleeping
user at around 4:15 AM every Monday morning, the data from
microphone 27, light sensor 26, and thermometer 25 can then be
reviewed for clues at what is happening at that time. Perhaps in
this example, the microphone data reveals the distinct sounds of a
garbage truck outside picking up the trash at this exact time.
Based on this, the user would be given a recommendation to either
use sound masking (such as using ear plugs or electronic noise
cancellation devices) on Mondays or perhaps have double-pane
windows installed.
[0039] In some embodiments, such auxiliary sensors 25, 26, 27 may
be used to detect conditions within the user's bedroom. Processor
12 of monitor 10 may be used to determine if any measured parameter
or condition within the bedroom exceeds a predetermined value. In
such instance, the user can be informed and corrective measures
suggested automatically. For example, if the illumination level in
the bedroom is measured by light sensor 26, and the value exceeds a
certain predetermined level (as decided by the user or as
determined using historical data of the user's bedroom), the
present system will inform the user (either by text, email, or
through the present software program) of the excessive light
condition. In this example, the present system will provide an
appropriate suggestion to the user, such as turning off all lights
before going to bed, providing a sleep partner with a book-light,
if appropriate, using an eye mask, or installing blackout blinds to
prevent light from entering the room through windows. If loud
sounds are detected in the bedroom at bedtime or during sleep time,
the present system may suggest that the user locate the source of
the sound and try to eliminate it. If this is not possible, the
present system will suggest that the user use ear plugs or an
appropriate sound-cancelling device.
[0040] In some situations, it may be determined that a user's
measured movements while sleeping consistently increase or
otherwise change, possibly indicating a level of restlessness,
whenever the user's sleep-partner enters the bed. In such instance,
the present system would suggest a new bedtime for either the user
or the partner so that the user would more likely reach a deep
sleep stage when the partner enters the bed and therefore would be
less likely to be disturbed. In more extreme cases, separate beds
may be required, or at least the use of separate mattresses, box
springs and frames, combined together with a common thin mattress
topper. This arrangement would allow two bed partners to sleep in a
common bed and be close to each other, but at the same time would
help mitigate the migration of vibration or strong displacements
across the bed.
[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, a monitor as
illustrated in FIG. 3, may be operatively connectable to other
nearby monitors via a central server. For example, a monitor 800 is
being used in room 1501, monitor 802 is being used in room 1505,
and a monitor 804 is being used in room 1701 in an apartment
complex. In this arrangement, noises emanating rooms or hallways in
or near these three rooms can be picked up by the microphones 27 of
each of the monitors 800, 802, and 804. A central server 806 is in
communication with all three monitors 800, 802, and 804 and as such
can be used to identify and pin-point the location of the unwanted
noise. Known triangulation techniques can be used to locate the
source of the noise by using the three spaced microphones 27. Also,
linked monitors of an apartment complex or neighborhood may be used
to show the history of excessive noise in the area, either from
another apartment or house, or an outside noise at any time during
the day or night. This information may be used and offered to
potential renters or buyers of an apartment or home to learn what
the quality of life is at the particular location, at least
regarding sound.
[0042] As mentioned above, based on known factors of a common good
sleeping environment, monitor 10, according to the present
invention, uses auxiliary sensors 25, 26, and 27 to analyze the
environment of the user's bedroom and calculate an "environmental
sleepability" rating. According to the invention, the user performs
an environment test at an initial installation time (or any other
time) and be given not only an environment score, but also
suggestions on how to improve the score, i.e., what can be done to
the bedroom environment to make the sleeping conditions better for
the user. This information is helpful not only for self-assessment
of sleeping conditions, but also for property management, property
sales, vacation rentals, etc. For example, a landlord can provide a
certified environment sleeping score (assuming it is a good score)
to prospective renters to show that a particular apartment has a
good sleeping environment. Multiple monitors 10 can also be linked
within a large house to rate multiple rooms and the information can
then be used to map a floor-plan to track inter-room
disturbances.
[0043] As introduced above, a bedroom environment-testing device
may be used to measure sound levels, light levels, temperature, air
quality (VOCs, humidity, pollen, dust) and vibration (trains
rumbling by in the night) of any bedroom and generate an
environment sleep score. The environment-testing device is
preferably integral with monitor 10, which also monitors the sleep
behavior of a user when sleeping, but may also be a standalone
device that only performs the bedroom-environment test, and does
not include sleep-monitoring components, according to the
invention. Alternatively, according to some embodiments of the
invention, the environment-testing device may be a user's
smartphone running a dedicated software application, wherein the
application would instruct the sensors of the smartphone to
"record" data over a prescribed period of time. The phone's light
sensor can be used to detect light within the bedroom. The phone's
accelerometer can be used to detect vibration. The phone's
microphone can be used to pick up any sounds within the room.
Temperature and other air-quality parameters may be recorded using
an accessory mechanically and electrically attached to the phone
that would have appropriate air-quality sensors.
[0044] According to embodiments of the invention, the user's
smartphone running the software program is positioned in a bedroom
for a period of time (preferably throughout the day and night) to
perform the required tests. As the phone sensors operate, whenever
the phone is located in the bedroom, the running software program
can create a history of data based on light, sound and vibration.
This information can be used to generate a room quality score
overtime by having the user continue the test the bedroom whenever
the phone is in the bedroom. The data can be used to generate a
score that indicates the suitability for sleep, such as generally
quiet and relatively dark, with cool air of good quality. All the
parameters have ranges and acceptable limits so perfection is not
required, nor easily obtained. The program is preferably
standardized so that a bed and breakfast room for rent, for
example, can be tested by the owner for different days of the week
(day and night) and different days of the year. The test results
can be provided to any interested party and the scores may be
compared to the user's bedroom score. If the user has an
environment sleep suitability score of 87 at home, for example, and
the B&B room has a score in the low 70's for the month of May,
then the user may anticipate sleep issues during his or her stay
and make other arrangements. The details of the score may be
expanded for closer inspection. It may be, in this example, that
the room score drops suddenly at 9:30 AM because of nearby traffic
sounds. This may be OK for the user since the user would expect to
be up and shopping in the nearby town by that time.
[0045] Also, according to the invention, the score can be divided
into specific hours and ranges of hours so that the user may input
his or her desired or typical sleep time and compare the resulting
score of the B&B, or other location with that of his or her own
bedroom.
[0046] According to embodiments of the invention, the present
system may determine an association between user movement during
sleep at a certain time in the morning with the loud sounds of a
passing train, garbage truck or airplane. These sources of sound
all follow schedules and are somewhat predictable. The system,
according to the invention, reviews the schedule of various
possible sources of sound (e.g., an airplane, a passing train, or
garbage truck) using the Internet and generates white noise at the
scheduled time in an effort to help block out the harshness of the
intruding sound until it passes. The system may also detect loud
sounds (usually emanating from outside) over time, as heard in the
user's bedroom and establish daily, weekly or other patterns which
may be used to predict future sound disturbances.
[0047] Social platforms can generate powerful support of any
connected member of any support group to answer questions, offer
suggestions, or just "talk" out any problem a person may have.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the present
sleep monitor 10, described above in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,
connected to the present system (which includes a remote server and
a database--not shown), uses previously acquired detailed user
information to identify and connect (via a web/mobile application
accessed using a portable personal device, such as a smartphone, an
iPad, or a similar device) with large groups of people who
subscribe to the present system. These people are herein referred
to as "sleep peers" and are people who share common
characteristics, sleep habits, lifestyle, employment or location,
and reach out to each other in an effort to improve and maintain
good sleep.
[0048] According to some embodiments of the invention, the present
system connects users within a prescribed proximity, e.g., a
neighborhood, within an apartment building, or within a common
house, to encourage an open, ongoing dialogue on ways to improve
sleep quality. For example, perhaps a user has trouble sleeping and
appears to wake up around 3:00 AM every day. He connects with the
network provided by the present system and posts his issue to his
connected group of users. Another connected person in the same
group reads the issue and acknowledges a similar sleep disturbance.
This odd coincidence leads the two to share additional information,
such as their respective location within the neighborhood, and this
information, in turn, leads to detecting a source of noise that for
some reason occurs only around 3:00 AM every day. The noise, for
example, could be a dog across the street who barks loudly at that
exact time. In this example, neither person acting on their own
perhaps would have ever figured out the source of the sound
disruption at 3:00 AM, but working together and sharing additional
information with others within the shared group, the particular
issue is finally identified and a resolution is now possible, to
the benefit of all parties. In this case, perhaps both disturbed
parties may together confront the owner of the dog to work out a
solution.
[0049] As another example, a neighbor learns that construction will
be commencing at a nearby site for three weeks, starting at 7 AM
each day, and reports this information online to the shared
community of sleep peers, using a "Disturbance Alert form" which is
a simple online form that is used to capture important details
regarding the particular disturbance. Each sleep monitor used in
the present system for each respective user located within a
predetermined distance of the construction site can automatically
import the information from specific input fields of the
Disturbance Alert form and use the information to adjust the user's
sleep schedule accordingly. Sleep monitor 10 may also use this
information to provide specific recommendations to overcome what is
expected to be a sleep disturbance event. Perhaps sleep monitor 10
used by one exemplary user of the present system may suggest that
the user go to bed an hour sooner each night to avoid the expected
noise disturbance during the construction time (assuming night time
construction).
[0050] The present system, according to this embodiment of the
invention uses collected, sensed or otherwise acquired information
to predict future potential sleep disturbances that may impact the
sleep quality of a particular user and adjusts its operation (user
sleep schedule, sleep recommendations, etc.) to mitigate adverse
effects to the user's sleep quality. The present system may also
predict or determine any such upcoming sleep-disturbing events
expected within a specific region or within earshot of a particular
user. Such events include road construction, a nearby concert, or
even a late-night protest or celebration (e.g., crowds pouring into
the city streets celebrating winning NBA finals) by accessing
various relevant databases available to residents of the town or
city. Such databases include an "upcoming events" calendar, local
news websites and information provided by a city department of
building inspection and permits. Other clues to upcoming events may
be gathered by combing through various discussions of online
neighborhood bulletin boards and chatrooms, and the like.
[0051] According to some embodiments of the invention, subscribed
users of the present system are notified when another user of the
present system moves into the neighborhood and is further notified
if the new user has a low sleep score. Neighbors with higher sleep
scores can offer their help to anyone with a low sleep score.
[0052] According to some embodiments of the invention, subscribed
users of the present system are grouped together based on common
sleep disorders so that each person in the particular group may be
more likely to understand the sleep-related issues other members of
the group are having and provide more relevant and meaningful
advice.
[0053] The members of each group may work together, as a support
network and provide sleep aids to each other to help overcome, or
at least mitigate sleep-related issues associated with the common
sleep disorder.
[0054] According to some embodiments of the invention, particular
users of a particular connected neighborhood sleep group of the
present system are automatically, or by request, provided with
sleep aids, based on known user data and received information
regarding an upcoming sleep-disturbance event. In such instance,
other users within the particular group may be notified by the
present system that a fellow member within the group will likely
experience poor sleep quality during an upcoming night due to a
forecasted sleep-disturbance event. The other members, upon
learning this, may offer to the future-affected user suggested
sleep aids that they may have to give, lend or rent, until the
particular event has passed. For example, the present system
learns, through an Internet connection that a certain area will be
affected by a heatwave for one week, beginning in two days. Based
on a particular user's profile, including sleep history and sleep
environment data, the present system learns that this user is
elderly, does not have air-conditioning and has trouble sleeping
when the air temperature is warm. Based on this information, the
system immediately and automatically sends out a request to nearby
neighbors of the particular user, using the connected network, for
a fan that the heat-sensitive elderly user may borrow (or rent)
during the upcoming heat-wave. In this example, a couple of people
respond and the elderly user is provided with a spare fan to use
during the upcoming heatwave. As a result, the user's sleep quality
is not adversely affected during the heatwave and he sleeps
well.
[0055] The present system, in such interactions may act as a
"middleman" and guarantee any loans through verified profiles and
credit cards on file that automatically reimburse product owners in
cases of damage or theft. The present system could provide
reservations, directions for pickup, and reminders to return the
rented item, once the event has passed. This system of renting out
products needed by specific users within a neighborhood could be
extended to local businesses.
[0056] According to another aspect of this embodiment, the present
system searches the sleep-aid inventories of all nearby users of
the present system to target specific members of the connected
group that appear to have extra sleep aids that could help in this
situation, e.g., a spare fan. The system in this case would only
send notifications to the targeted group. Most people want to help
others, if they know that others need help.
[0057] The present system attempts to connect people who need help
with those who want to help.
[0058] According to some embodiments of the invention, a user may
pay for a subscription service wherein the present system
determines what sleep-aids the particular user requires to improve
his or her sleep quality and automatically purchases (within
predetermined parameters) any required sleep aid which would
benefit the user's sleep, either under normal circumstances, such
as a firmer pillow, or during a forecasted event, such as a
heat-wave. In such instance, the present system can purchase the
item, such as a pillow, or rent an item, such as a fan, or purchase
or rent a pre-packaged set of products that are relevant and known
to help overcome a particular sleep condition or disorder. Rented
items can be provided with a means to easily return the item when
done. The user may be given an option to purchase the rented
item.
[0059] For an example, the present system determines that a
particular user could benefit using a fan to avoid sleep
disruptions from an upcoming heat-wave event. The system alerts the
user that a weeklong heat-wave event is forecasted to affect the
user's area in two days. The system suggests that the user use an
air conditioner or a fan during this time to avoid a restless
sleep. The user, following this example, answers the system's
recommendation by stating that he or she has no AC or fan to use.
The system would then learn (through Internet connection) of nearby
sales of fans and AC units at local stores and offer details of
these products to the user. The user may then quickly and easily
follow through with a purchase using the present system.
Alternatively, a purchase may automatically be made by the present
system (following pre-established criteria, e.g., cost, brands,
etc.) so that the potentially affected user would automatically
receive the suggested item before the sleep-disrupting event even
commences. Typical items that may be rented out or loaned to a user
in need include AC units, fans, heated blankets, snow shovels,
etc.
[0060] According to some embodiments of the invention, the present
system, as mentioned above, and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes a
sleep monitor device for each subscribing user. As described above,
multiple sleep monitor devices 10 in a predetermined area, such as
a neighborhood may be interconnected via Internet or other wireless
means. In this arrangement, multiple connected sleep monitor
devices 10 can communicate with each other and by doing so may use
onboard microphone 26 and conventional well known triangulation
techniques to locate sound-generating events in the area which may
potentially affect the sleep quality of at least one subscribing
user. The triangulation process may employ basic artificial
intelligence (AI), and in doing so, utilize other information
besides sound from microphone 26 of the connected sleep monitor
devices 10 to focus in on any sleep-disturbing event. For example,
a user may type in a street address of a nearby construction site
into the system under his or her account. The present system would
then be able to connect with select or all connected
sleep-monitoring devices 10 to establish a 3-D sound profile of the
construction site, including volume levels at various points around
the site, and use the information to predict how the sound from the
construction site (assuming the work continued into the night)
would affect not only the concerned user who inputted the address
at the start, but also any other subscriber of the present system.
Anyone located within earshot of the construction site, continuing
with this example, and according to the invention, would be
forewarned of a potential sleep-disturbance, including suggestions
on how to avoid the disturbance, such as using ear-plugs for the
next few days. According to the invention, the present system can
effectively measure the actual sound from the construction site, or
any other source of noise in the area, as heard at the bedside of
each user and use this information to determine which users located
around the construction site should be notified, based on the
volume of the sound as recorded in each respective bedroom.
[0061] The collected 3-D sound profile information may be
particularly useful to hospitality businesses, such as hotels,
motels, bed and breakfast locations and Airbnb.RTM. locations. Such
businesses may establish and continually update sound pollution
levels affecting specific rooms they offer for rent. The businesses
may use the information to either help mitigate rooms with poor
sound scores (high noise levels detected), or advertise the
benefits of rooms having good sound scores (low noise).
[0062] According to some embodiments of the present invention, any
potentially harmful sound in an area can be continuously monitored
by the present system using the network of connected sleep
monitoring devices 10. The present system can also utilize a
software application running on each smartphone being carried by
each user. In such instance, if a loud sound (measured to be above
a predetermined decibel threshold) is picked up by the microphone
of a smartphone, the present software running on the phone will
measure the decibels of the sound and also read the current GPS
location.
[0063] This information can be recorded and stored in the phone (it
is preferred that each user opt-in and permit the present software
to employ the use of his or her phone's microphone, according to
this embodiment). The collected data of all loud sounds recorded by
the individual phones (and sleep monitors 10) of subscribed users
is used by the present system to again generate a 3-D sound map of
an area and notify if any such sound is sufficiently loud to affect
the sleep quality of any nearby user. A first user may be located
far from his or her home, yet his or her smartphone is actively
"listening" to any loud sounds which may not affect the user of the
phone, but may help others who live near the sound. The present
system may label certain recorded sounds as repeating or regular,
such as a metro train passing by a certain location each day at a
certain time.
[0064] The present system will maintain a history of sounds
detected and recorded by the phones of users over time. The
collected data preferably includes the decibel levels of the sound,
the duration of the sound, the GPS location of the pickup
microphone, time of day, the day of the week, and the date. This
information is then used by the present system to determine which
sounds can be ignored, such as a one-time car honking, and which
sounds are regular, such as a train passing at a certain time. The
data of repeating sounds is used to determine which users reside
"near" the GPS location of the particular sound, as determined by
the measured decibels of the sound. Users who live near any sound
that occurs (or is expected to occur) close in time to a user's
bedtime or during the user's sleep will be so notified, again
including suggestions of how to avoid a sleep disturbance.
[0065] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a
user may use a software program running on his or her smartphone
(or device) to measure a sound located near his or her home, but
outside his or her home. According to this embodiment, a feature of
the running software program causes the user's home-based sleep
monitor device 10 to listen and record any surrounding sound when
the user activates the particular feature (by pushing an on-screen
button). This feature allows the present system to determine how a
nearby sound, discovered by a remote user (a user walking in the
neighborhood, for example), sounds like in the user's bedroom. For
example, if the user is walking one evening in his neighborhood and
walks past a nearby house where there is a group of people playing
loud music. The user, in this situation, opens the present software
application on his smartphone so that the phone's microphone
samples the loud music. The present application (knowing profile
details of the user) would then activate the user's sleep-monitor
10 located in his bedroom to record any sound "heard" in his room
at that exact moment. The sampled noise of the user's bedroom is
time-stamped and compared with the sampled noise at the source (the
location of the party). If a matching sound signature is detected,
then the bedroom sampled noise signal is analyzed to determine how
loud the sound actually is. If the bedroom sampled sound is not
very loud, then the noise from the party would be considered
harmless and can be ignored for that particular user since it would
not affect that user's sleep. However, as mentioned above, the
present system would keep track of the GPS location of the sampled
noise, along with the date, duration and time of the noise to help
other users living nearby determine if the particular type of sound
discovered by the passing user will be a sleep disruption to them.
If so, as mentioned above, select users would be notified.
[0066] According to some embodiments of the invention, the present
software application provides a complaint feature wherein a user
who can hear a loud sound in his or her bedroom, as recorded (sound
intensity, duration, date and time), can hit a single button on the
screen of the phone to effectively register a complaint to that
sound. The present system would attempt to locate the source of any
sound that is subject to a complaint, with a priority given to
common sounds having higher complaints registered. The present
system uses triangulation and microphones 26 of select nearby
sleep-monitor devices 10 (including user smartphones) to attempt to
locate the sound. If the sound is repetitive, the present system
may be able to locate its source. If it is determined that the
source of the sound is emanating from a location of a subscribed
user, then that user is automatically notified by the present
system, such as: "There appears to be a loud noise from your
location at this time and date and that one or more complaints have
been lodged against the sound." The person making the noise is
asked by the present system to attenuate the sound or not make the
noise at all during a specific time range. The present system can
offer a warning and thereafter administer more harsh punishment,
such as cancellation of an account, or temporary suspending certain
features of the account, etc. If the source of the sound is not
from the location of a subscriber, the present system may
automatically notify a building manager (if the sound is emanating
from an apartment complex), or even the police, if the sound is
coming from a residence, or nearby park. The notification can
include a recording of the sound and a list of contact information
of the complaining parties, and the predicted location (address,
GPS location, or POI) of the sound (e.g., "Hamilton Park").
[0067] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
like-users, those with common characteristics (such as age, gender,
sleep behavior, etc.) and/or sleep issues, such as insomnia are
encouraged to connect through the present system. Such a connection
would help each connected party to work out common sleep issues,
such as giving advice regarding sleep--what works for me. According
to this embodiment, like-users can work together to encourage and
help each other to be compliant to sleep-improvement issues. The
present system in this regard is similar to conventional support
groups by providing a person who may be experiencing common issues
and will therefore be understanding and more likely to provide
meaningful support and advice.
[0068] The present system, according to some embodiments of the
invention, allows a first user experiencing sub-optimal sleep to
receive real-time notifications regarding advice other users
provide each other (e.g., a group chat) which relates to the first
user's sleep pattern. Once the present system classifies the type
of sub-optimal sleep of a user, the present system finds an
appropriate group of subscribers (such as, the Night Owls, or the
sleep-onset insomniacs, who have alike sleep patterns, preferably
who are located relatively close, but this is not necessary. The
present system automatically sends the user an invitation to the
group. This arrangement, according to the invention, connects sleep
users who have similar sub-optimal sleep patterns and thereby
allows people to connect with other people, the type of people who
already empathize, owing to their common sleep issues.
Human-to-human connections are, for some people, preferred and/or
are more effective than automated advice typed out on a user's
phone display. This interaction, proposed by the present invention,
is similar to how people enrolled in a common weight-management
program, such as "Weight-Watchers.RTM. keep each other accountable,
as they work on their particular sleep improvements.
[0069] Continuing with this embodiment, the present system will
recognize, based on measured sleep data, which members have
successfully improved their sleep and currently enjoy a high sleep
number. These members will be asked by the present system to help
coach other users having similar sleep issues. The present system
can provide benefits to the user who accept the coaching request.
The present system could allow such coaches to sell their services
(advice and coaching) to select users, or all users. Any user who
is experiencing a particular sleep problem can select a coach based
on the particular problem. The coaches are listed by their own
specialty, such as the particular sleep improvement category that
they themselves have successfully achieved, such as falling asleep
fast, or sleeping with a snorer, etc. The present system can
provide a prospective client (that is a user looking to hire a
particular coach) with data or certification that qualifies the
coach to be proficient in the particular sleep improvement. With
permission by the user, the coach, once hired is given access to
the user's sleep data for review.
[0070] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a
dating service is provided with people's sleeping behavior so that
it may be used for consideration to connect people of common
interests, common sleep schedules and/or common sleep issues. It is
known that a relationship between two people having similar
interests, life-styles, and behaviors is more likely to succeed. A
common sleep schedule is one such behavior. For example, if a user
is looking for a relationship with someone and happens to be a
snorer, it would perhaps be in the best interest of both people to
connect that person with another snorer, since perhaps both people,
should they connect, would then be a good sleep match.
Alternatively, perhaps a non-snorer looking for a partner may
choose to select only from a group of non-snorers. The present
system may provide connections with people matching selected sleep
issues. Each user may choose to enter a matching service provided
by the present system, wherein they can input standard profile
information and allow the present system to use the information,
include they sleep behavior to find a person matching the requested
criteria within a desired distance. The system may also connect
with an established dating application as part of a partner
program.
[0071] According to some embodiments of the invention, a first user
of the present system may select another person to be automatically
notified if it is determined that the first user is having trouble
sleeping. In many instances, a person may be having sub-optimal
sleep (e.g., tossing and turning), but may not be otherwise aware
of the sub-optimal condition (i.e., not fully awake), but sleep
monitor 10 is aware, based on monitored data. According to the
invention, the present system automatically notifies a select
person (with preapproval) by generating a sound or light on the
first user's sleep monitor 10 (so that the select person, assuming
that he or she is the user's sleeping partner and is located in
sight or earshot of the user's sleep monitor may see or hear the
signal generated by the user's sleep monitor), or texting the
selected person's phone, regardless of where the select person is,
such as in the same bed, or in another room, preferably nearby.
Regardless, the purpose of this embodiment of the present invention
is to allow a nearby friend or partner of the user to be notified,
in real time, if the user is having trouble sleeping and to provide
useful intervention, as necessary. Alternatively, the select person
may be so notified, but after the fact, such as the following
morning.
[0072] In such instance, the select person may decide when he or
she should receive the notifications.
[0073] Also, sleep monitor 10, according to the invention, can
include indication of which stage of sleep the user is currently
in. For example, if the user is in REM or deep sleep, then perhaps
a red light (not bright enough to disturb a sleeper--or a light
that will change its intensity based on the detected sleep stage of
the user) will appear on the sleep monitor (or perhaps on the
user's phone), indicating perhaps, the best time for the sleeping
user to be awakened. Once the user returns to a light sleep in his
or her sleep cycle, a green light, for example may appear,
indicating that the user may safely be awakened, if necessary. It
has been shown that a person who is forced awake from a deep sleep
stage might experience extra stress, potentially resulting in a
rise in risk of a heart attack, confusion, blurred vision,
dizziness, and headaches. It would therefore be desirable to
quickly and easily understand when it would be safer to awaken a
person.
[0074] Also, the user's smartphone can be controlled to limit
notifications based on sleep stage of the user. If a user is in REM
or deep sleep, only emergency calls and calls from a predetermined
list of people, for example, can cause the user's phone to generate
an alert (vibration or ring tone, etc.) and wake the user.
Otherwise, all other calls and texts, and any notifications will be
blocked from generating an alert. If monitor 10 determines that the
user is in a light sleep stage, then a different group of people
may reach the user through his or her smartphone. According to this
embodiment of the invention, the present system will determine
which stage of sleep the user is presently residing and based on
that information instruct the user's smartphone (running the
present software program) to control incoming alerts (calls, texts,
emails, etc.) of which people are permitted and which are blocked
from notifying (via activation of any of many disruptive
notifications, including vibration, sound alerts, lights, etc.).
The present system allows the user to control his or her phone
notifications based on the specific caller (including people
sending texts or emails or any other transmission that typically
generates an alert of receipt on the recipient's smartphone) and
based on the sleeping user's monitored stage of sleep.
[0075] A) Select people on a first list is approved to alert a
sleeping user when the user is in any stage of sleep, including REM
and DEEP sleep;
[0076] B) People on a second list (which may be the user's entire
contact list) is approved to awaken a sleeping user only when the
user is in light sleep; and
[0077] C) All other incoming callers may only alert the user when
the user is awake.
[0078] According to some embodiments of the invention, the present
system uses various sources of information and signals received by
local microphone 26 located on local sleep monitor 10 to anticipate
a future noise event (or detect a current noise event) and
automatically generate either a noise cancellation signal or a
gradually increasing and automatically decreasing noise-masking
signal, using local speakers (not shown) and/or nearby mobile
device and/or dedicated ear-buds, or bone-conductive speakers
(which would help isolate sound correction to each user). The
effort here is to overcome a potential, or known, noise disturbance
to a sleeping user, so that the user is either not disturbed at
all, or at least just minimally disturbed, by a noise event. The
present system retains a history of known noises that have occurred
in the past and which have been detected by local microphone
located on a user's smartphone, when the smartphone is located in
the user's bedroom (as determined by WWI connection, Bluetooth,
GPS, or other), or by the local microphone 26 located on the user's
sleep monitor 10, also located in the user's bedroom. If the
recorded history of noise events reveals that a regular loud noise
is heard consistently from the user's bedroom at a certain time on
a certain day each week, then the present system can anticipate the
same noise at that time and day. In response to the expected noise
event, exactly when the noise occurs, the present system generates
an inverse-phase noise signal through local speakers in an attempt
to cancel or attenuate the noise signal reaching the user's ears.
According to some embodiments of the invention, a surface acoustic
transducer is used to transmit correction sounds through the
headboard of the user's bed, an adjacent furniture item, or one of
the walls of the bedroom. This may be helpful for cancelling noise
that is emanating on the opposite side of a wall (such as loud
music playing in an adjacent apartment. The device and measure (via
microphone) and cancel using the same wall. Noise cancellation
technology is a well-known art. For example, a loud truck noise is
heard every Monday at 3:15 AM, and the present system generates a
record every Monday, confirming the regularity and time of the
noise and calculating a noise signal signature of the noise event.
After three or more similar events, with similar sound signatures
occurring at similar times, the present system determines that the
particular truck noise event is going to be a regular noise event
and schedules the particular noise event in a calendar of upcoming
expected noise events. At 3:15 AM, the following Monday (and every
Monday thereafter), the present system broadcasts a sound signal
through the local speakers in the user's bedroom which is as close
as possible to being the exact opposite (e.g., inverse-phase) of
the expected truck noise signal, which has been stored in memory by
the system.
[0079] The end result is that the truck noise is automatically and
effectively cancelled and the user's sleep is not meaningfully
disturbed. According to the invention, the efficacy of the noise
cancellation can be assessed immediately by evaluating the effect
on the user's sleep as measured by the sleep monitor 10, and can
thereby automatically adapt to optimize the noise cancellation.
[0080] Some noises can be anticipated by the present system by
either by checking known transit schedules and activities (e.g.,
using data uploaded from https://flightaware.com/live/ to learn
current flight schedules). The masking noise or noise cancellation
can ramp up in anticipation of these disturbances. The present
system can link to services to acquire scheduled runtimes of
planes, trains, and buses, as well as city services, such as trash
pickup, police and medical, to track a path of anticipated noise
generating objects around the neighborhood of the present user.
[0081] According to another feature of this embodiment of the
invention, the present system can generate a noise-masking signal,
instead of a noise-cancellation signal. The noise masking signal,
which is broadcast by the local speakers at the time of the
noise-event, is selected to generally match the noise signal of the
disturbance. The effect is to washout any sharp peaks of the sound
signal of the noise disturbance event so that the overall combined
noise, reaching the sleeping user's ear, is less harsh and the
user's sleep is not meaningfully disturbed.
[0082] Also, known active noise-cancellation techniques may be
employed by the present system within the user's bedroom at the
moment that any noise, above a preset threshold is detected. In
this instance, the noise-cancellation signal is generated
automatically and essentially instantly, in real time as the noise
disturbance event occurs.
[0083] According to the invention, the present system uses
microphones 26 in the user's bedside sleep monitor device 10 (or in
the user's phone) to "listen" to the environment. If the system
detects a specific type of noise disturbance, based on stored
"sound signatures" (e.g. an airplane flying overhead, a siren
approaching), the present system can measure the sound levels of an
approaching source of sound and adjust any local sound-masking
accordingly, (e.g., as a police car approaches, its siren will
increase in magnitude). The masking noise sound level adjusts as
needed to match the sound level of any noise disturbance.
Adjust Sleep Schedule:
[0084] According to some embodiments of the present invention, any
potential sleep disturbing event scheduled at or near the
scheduled, or usual bedtime of the user is taken into account to
delay a recommended sleep/wake time or to extend sleep and wake
times either earlier or later to avoid adverse effects of the
disturbance. If a truck sound is regularly heard at 10:00 PM every
Saturday, and the noise it makes exceeds a predetermined limit,
then the present system could recommend that the user wait until
after 10:00 PM before he or she goes to bed, to avoid being
awakened or disturbed by the noise. Also, according to the
invention, the present system receives data relating to seasonal
disturbances and weather forecasts, such as an approaching storm, a
heat wave, poor air quality, allergies, traffic forecasts,
holidays, and others and considers using this received information
as primary or secondary considerations to adjusting a user's sleep
schedule accordingly, that is to mitigate any adverse effects such
events have on a user's sleep quality, schedule and duration. The
present system utilizes the sleep history during similar events in
the past to determine the likelihood of disruption of such events
occurring again. Members of a social networked group who are
similarly affected by such events may provide additional
information to other members of the social network, in the same
group or in all groups. Information regarding the members (number,
and profile information) who are affected by specific events may be
provided to other members of the same group to help them better
understand reasons for their sleep issue regarding the particular
event.
[0085] For example, every April, a user sleeps with his or her
window open, but has trouble sleeping due to excess Spring pollen
in the air. Before the anniversary of this event, the present
system will predict a poor sleep score and suggest that the user
keep their window closed and use either air conditioning or a fan
to keep cool. Updated sleep data will either confirm that the
suggestions have worked, or show that other suggestions are
warranted. In another example, if a user has a history of sleep
difficulty when it is hot (above a certain temperature at a certain
time), the present system can determine from accessible weather
forecasts that a heat-wave is approaching and may suggest that the
user either purchase a fan, an AC unit, or may alternatively
suggest that he or she go to bed 2 hours later, when the evening
air is a bit cooler.
[0086] According to another some embodiments of the invention, the
present system can upload traffic forecasts each morning and
establish trends and predictions regarding the best time for the
user to commute to work. The present system may further access the
user's meeting/calendar information from the user's smart devices
and use this information to determine the best time for the user to
leave home for work to make any scheduled appointments. If the user
does not have any scheduled meetings in the morning, the present
system may suggest that the user sleep in if the user requires
additional sleep. Based on this information, the system may suggest
a certain bedtime that will ensure that the user receives the
proper amount of sleep (a value based on the user's sleep history)
and will also allow the user to wake up at a time that ensures he
or she will enjoy the quickest commute time in the morning. If, for
example, it is determined that severe weather is in the forecast
and road-travel is expected to be hazardous, such as during a
severe snow storm, the present system may adjust the user's bedtime
to allow the user to "sleep in," a period of time to take advantage
of the unsafe event to allow the user to catch up on sleep.
[0087] The present system can also adjust a user's sleep schedule
based on seasonal events that occur in certain latitudes, such as
how the length of daylight changes from season to season in the
northern latitudes. A sleep schedule may be adjusted to take
advantage of increased darkness, or to avoid an increase in
daylight. The present system may also use algorithms and location
data (such as GPS) obtained from a user's smartphone to
automatically adjust a user's sleep schedule, in a controlled
manner, to acclimate a user to a new time-zone, such as when a user
has travelled across the country, or daylight savings time. The
adjustment may occur before, during or after the user has traveled,
depending on certain factors, such as the user's work schedule. For
example, the present system may learn, from the user's calendar
that the user is traveling from California to New York in a week.
The system can automatically move the user's sleep schedule ahead a
predetermined amount each night to help the user adjust to the time
in New York, even before the user leaves for his or her trip. If
there is insufficient time to allow for a slow adjustment, the
present system may offer medical intervention to help the user
pre-adjust to a new time-zone, such as prescribing melatonin. Also,
if the expected climate of the travel destination is different than
that of the user's home location, the present system can adjust the
user's home location, again slowly each day over a period of time
to try to match the new climate so that the user may more easily
adapt upon arrive to the new location.
[0088] Herein, "or" is inclusive and not exclusive, unless
expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.
Therefore, herein, "A or B" means "A, B, or both," unless expressly
indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Moreover,
"and" is both joint and several, unless expressly indicated
otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, "A
and B" means "A and B, jointly or severally," unless expressly
indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.
[0089] This disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions,
variations, alterations, and modifications to the example
embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art
would comprehend. Moreover, although this disclosure describes and
illustrates respective embodiments herein as including particular
components, elements, functions, operations, or steps, any of these
embodiments may include any combination or permutation of any of
the components, elements, functions, operations, or steps described
or illustrated anywhere herein that a person having ordinary skill
in the art would comprehend. Furthermore, reference in the appended
claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or
system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to,
enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular
function encompasses that apparatus, system, component, whether or
not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or
unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so
adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or
operative.
* * * * *
References