阅读说明：本技术 睡眠姿势训练装置 (Sleeping posture training device ) 是由 米切尔·杰龙·阿列西 伊丹·雷文·韦勒曼 于 2020-01-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开的一个方面涉及一种用于在睡眠期间减少胃食管反流的睡眠姿势训练装置。该训练装置包括方位传感器、刺激发生器和处理系统。方位传感器被配置为输出指示人的躯干方位的信号。刺激发生器被配置为当人的躯干在睡眠姿势中处于预定的躯干方位范围内时向人的躯干提供刺激。刺激发生器被可移除地附于人的躯干,例如通过使用粘着剂。处理系统被配置为从方位传感器接收指示人的躯干的方位的第一信号,并且确定该方位在睡眠姿势中处在预定的躯干方位范围内。在x-z平面的基本上整个右上象限提供刺激,并且在x-z平面的左上象限的至少一部分中不提供刺激,沿从人的躯干到脚的纵轴在y方向观察象限。(One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sleep posture training device for reducing gastroesophageal reflux during sleep. The training device includes a position sensor, a stimulus generator, and a processing system. The orientation sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of an orientation of a torso of the person. The stimulus generator is configured to provide a stimulus to the torso of the person when the torso of the person is within a predetermined range of torso orientations in the sleep position. The stimulus generator is removably attached to the torso of the person, for example by using an adhesive. The processing system is configured to receive a first signal from the orientation sensor indicative of an orientation of a torso of the person, and determine that the orientation is within a predetermined range of torso orientations in the sleep posture. The stimulus is provided in substantially the entire upper right quadrant of the x-z plane and is not provided in at least a portion of the upper left quadrant of the x-z plane, the quadrants being viewed in the y-direction along a longitudinal axis from the torso to the feet of the person.)

1. A sleep posture training device (2) configured for reducing gastroesophageal reflux in a sleep posture of a person, the device comprising:

an orientation sensor (4) configured to output a signal indicative of an orientation of a torso of the person, an

A stimulus generator (6) configured to provide a first stimulus to the torso of the person when the torso of the person is within a predetermined range of torso orientations in a sleep position, wherein the stimulus generator (6) is attachable to the torso of the person, an

A processing system (100) configured to perform the steps of:

receiving a first signal from the orientation sensor (4), the first signal being indicative of a first orientation (11) of a torso of a person,

determining from the first signal that the first orientation (11) of the person's torso is within the predetermined range of torso orientations (15) in the sleep posture, wherein the predetermined range of torso orientations is such that, in an x-z plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the person's torso in a supine position in a y-direction, the first stimulus is provided in substantially the entire upper right quadrant (XZ-1) of the x-z plane, and no stimulus is provided in at least a portion of an upper left quadrant (XZ-2) of the x-z plane, a quadrant viewed in the y-direction from the person's torso to a longitudinal axis of the feet.

2. Sleep position training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined torso orientation range is such that the stimulus is also provided in a part of the upper left quadrant (XZ-2) of the x-z plane and/or in at least a part of the lower right quadrant (XZ-4) of the x-z plane.

3. Sleep position training apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined range of torso orientations is such that the stimulus is provided in substantially the entire lower right quadrant (XZ-4) of the x-z plane.

4. The sleep posture training device as in claim 3, wherein the predetermined torso orientation range is such that the stimulus is provided in the upper right quadrant (XZ-1) and the lower right quadrant (XZ-4) at an angle greater than 120 degrees.

5. The sleep position training device as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the predetermined torso orientation range is such that the stimulus is not provided over an angle of less than 30 degrees in the upper right quadrant of the x-z plane relative to a z-axis of the x-z plane.

6. The sleep position training device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined torso orientation range is such that in a y-z plane perpendicular to the x-z plane, the stimulus is not provided in at least a portion of at least one of an upper left quadrant (YZ-2) of the y-z plane and an upper right quadrant (YZ-1) of the y-z plane.

7. The sleep position training apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises orientation means for attaching the apparatus to the torso of a person in the correct orientation.

8. The sleep position training apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing system is configured to trigger the stimulus generator to provide the stimulus when the torso of the person is within the predetermined torso orientation range only after a period of time.

9. The sleep position training device as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is attachable to an upper part of a person's torso, the device comprising:

an accelerometer (4) configured to output an acceleration signal,

a processing system configured for receiving the acceleration signal from the accelerometer and deriving a change in the person's breathing rate, an

A stimulus generator (6) configured to provide the first stimulus to the torso of the person when the person is within a predetermined range of torso orientations in a sleep posture, wherein the first stimulus is provided in dependence on the respiration rate variation derived by the processing system.

10. The sleep posture training device of claim 9, wherein the processing system is configured for comparing the derived respiration rate variation to at least one variation threshold set to distinguish between a first sleep stage and a second sleep stage of a person, wherein the processing system is configured to:

triggering the stimulus generator to provide the first stimulus when the person is in the first sleep stage, and

not trigger the stimulus generator to provide the first stimulus when the person is in the second sleep stage.

11. The sleep position training device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the accelerometer is used as the orientation sensor of the sleep position training device according to any one of claims 1-10.

12. A sleep posture training device (2) configured for reducing gastroesophageal reflux in a sleep posture of a person, the device comprising:

an orientation sensor (4) configured to output a signal indicative of an orientation of a torso of the person, an

A stimulus generator (6) configured to provide a first stimulus to the torso of the person when the torso of the person is within a predetermined range of torso orientations in a sleep position, wherein the stimulus generator (6) is attachable to the torso of the person, an

A processing system (100) configured to perform the steps of:

receiving a first signal from the orientation sensor (4), the first signal being indicative of a first orientation (11) of a torso of a person,

determining from the first signal that the first orientation (11) of the person's torso is within the predetermined range of torso orientations (15) in a sleep posture, wherein the predetermined torso orientation range is such that in an x-z plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the torso of the person in a supine position in a y-direction, providing the first stimulus in at least a portion of an upper right quadrant (XZ-1) of the x-z plane, and no stimulation is provided in at least a portion of an upper left quadrant (XZ-2) of the x-z plane, the quadrants being viewed in a y-direction from a torso of the person to a longitudinal axis of the feet, wherein the first stimulus is provided over a greater portion of the upper right quadrant (XZ-1) of the x-z plane than the upper left quadrant (XZ-2) of the x-z plane.

13. Sleep position training apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined torso orientation range is such that the stimulus is also provided in at least part of the lower right quadrant (XZ-4) of the x-z plane.

14. Sleep position training apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined range of torso orientations is such that the stimulus is provided in the upper right quadrant (XZ-1) and the lower right quadrant (XZ-4) at an angle larger than 120 degrees.

15. The sleep position training device as claimed in any one of claims 12-14, wherein the predetermined torso orientation range is such that the stimulus is not provided over an angle of less than 30 degrees in the upper right quadrant of the x-z plane relative to a z-axis of the x-z plane.

16. The sleep position training device according to any one of claims 12-15, wherein the sleep position training device is further configured according to one or more of claims 6-11.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a sleep posture training apparatus, a method for controlling the apparatus, a computer program and a computer readable storage medium.

Background

The sleeping posture of a person can have various health effects on the person, such as respiratory problems, snoring and the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux. Special aids such as mattresses and cushions have been developed to affect sleep posture to reduce or avoid these effects.

Other aids are directed to training a person to take a particular posture by feedback. Such sleep posture training devices are known for snoring. For example, a snorer in position is mostly a person who snores when lying down while sleeping, i.e. when he is in the "supine position", resulting in the head also being in a straight position (eyes facing the ceiling). If the head and/or body is in a supine position, the tongue will fall into the airway more frequently due to gravity than if the person's head is tilted sideways or on his side. When the tongue is in the airway, it can partially obstruct the airway, which is a significant cause of snoring.

Sleeping posture training may be used to train a person not to sleep in a supine position, but to sleep in another posture that does not cause snoring. Typically, during sleep position training, the sleeping position of a sleeping person is monitored and feedback, such as vibrations, is provided to the person when it is determined that the sleeping person is in an induced position for snoring. The feedback preferably does not wake the person, but is strong enough to stimulate the person to change his sleep posture.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sleep posture training device specifically designed for reducing (night) gastroesophageal reflux, also known as nocturnal acid reflux, nocturnal heartburn or regurgitation, when a person is in a substantially horizontal position, for example when the person is in bed. It should be understood that it is also contemplated that esophageal related indications may benefit from the exercise device, including scleroderma, atresia, and achalasia.

The training device includes an orientation sensor (e.g., a three-axis accelerometer), a stimulus generator (e.g., providing vibrations), and a processing system (e.g., a microprocessor configured to run certain code portions for sleep posture training).

The orientation sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of the orientation of the torso of the person, i.e. the part of the body between the head and the legs of the person.

The stimulus generator is configured to provide a stimulus to the torso of the person to change the orientation of the torso of the person when the torso of the person is within a predetermined range of torso orientations in the sleep position. The stimulus generator is removably attached to the torso of the person, for example by using an adhesive.

The processing system is configured to receive a first signal from the orientation sensor indicative of an orientation of a torso of the person, and determine that the orientation is within a predetermined range of torso orientations in the sleep posture. The predetermined range of torso orientations is asymmetric about the longitudinal y-axis of the person relative to the vertical plane y-z to train the person to fall asleep on either the right or left side thereof. For example, the predetermined torso orientation range is such that in an x-z plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the torso of the person in a supine position in the y-direction, the first stimulus is provided over a greater portion of an upper right quadrant (XZ-1) of the x-z plane than an upper left quadrant of the x-z plane. Preferably, the first stimulus is provided in substantially the entire upper right quadrant of the x-z plane and no stimulus is provided in at least a portion of the upper left quadrant of the x-z plane, the quadrants being viewed in the y-direction along the longitudinal axis from the torso to the feet of the person (as viewed from the pillow side of the bed).

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for reducing gastroesophageal reflux in a sleep position of a human. The method includes attaching a stimulus generator to a torso of the person and outputting a signal indicative of an orientation of the torso of the person using an orientation sensor. The stimulus generator is used to provide a first stimulus to the torso of the person to change the orientation of the torso of the person when the torso of the person is within a predetermined range of torso orientations in the sleep position. The method also involves receiving a first signal from an orientation sensor, the first signal being indicative of a first orientation of a torso of the person. The method also involves determining from the first signal that a first orientation of the person's torso is within a predetermined range of torso orientations in the sleeping position. The predetermined range of torso orientations is asymmetric about the longitudinal y-axis of the person relative to the vertical plane y-z to train the person to fall asleep on either the right or left side thereof. For example, the predetermined torso orientation range is such that in an x-z plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the torso of the person in a supine position in the y-direction, the first stimulus is provided over a larger portion of an upper right quadrant (XZ-1) of the x-z plane than an upper left quadrant of the x-z plane. Preferably, the first stimulus is provided in substantially the entire upper right quadrant of the x-z plane and no stimulus is provided in at least a portion of the upper left quadrant of the x-z plane, the quadrants being viewed in the y-direction along a longitudinal axis from the torso to the foot of the person (viewed from the pillow side of the bed).

In one embodiment, the predetermined range of torso orientations is such that no stimulation is provided at an angle less than 30 degrees relative to the z-axis of the x-z plane in the upper right quadrant of the x-z plane. This embodiment has the advantage of allowing the person P a certain flexibility in sleeping posture without having to touch a stimulus signal to change the sleeping posture. In particular, some people desire the flexibility to lie flat or sleep slightly to the right. The configuration in the range of orientations, particularly in the upper right quadrant XZ-1, is a trade-off between effective prevention or reduction of reflux during sleep and sleep posture flexibility (i.e. user comfort, and therefore greater potential for use of the device in practice).

In one embodiment, the orientation sensor is configured to measure the orientation of the torso of the person, most preferably about once per minute (about 0.017Hz) at a frequency in the range between 0.0001Hz-0.1Hz, preferably between 0.003Hz-0.03Hz, more preferably between 0.008Hz-0.02 Hz. In one embodiment, the orientation of the torso of the person is not measured during the stimulation.

In the first stimulation cycle and the second stimulation cycle, the at least one parameter may be the same: total energy of stimulation, maximum intensity of stimulation. Furthermore, the first stimulation period and the second stimulation period may be equally long.

The orientation sensor, the stimulus generator, and the processing system may be physically separated, in which case the orientation sensor, the stimulus generator, and the processing system are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other. Preferably, however, there is a wired connection between the position sensor and the processing system, and a wired connection between the processing system and the stimulation generator. Also, preferably, the orientation sensor, the stimulus generator and the processing system are implemented in a single housing that can be affixed to a person.

In one embodiment, the sleep position training device comprises an adhesive surface for adhering the sleep position training device to the torso of a person. The adhesive surface may be the surface of a double-sided medical tape or silicon tape that has been applied to the surface of the housing of the sleep posture training device. This embodiment allows the sleep posture training device to be easily secured to the torso of a person.

In one embodiment, the stimulus generator comprises a vibration generator, and the stimulus is a tactile stimulus to the chest of the person. This embodiment takes advantage of the high sensitivity of the chest to vibration stimuli and is therefore able to effectively provide stimuli to a person. In this embodiment, the intensity of the stimulus may be understood to be related to the amplitude of the vibration.

The inventors have found in field tests of sleep position training devices to reduce snoring that for some persons also suffering from acid reflux, these anti-reflux effects are also reduced or eliminated by the snoring sleep position training device. It turns out that when the snoring sleep coach provides the stimulus, these persons will naturally turn from their back to the left. The presently disclosed training device and method enable the person to be stimulated to sleep substantially on their left side rather than on their right side (which would be a suitable position to prevent or reduce snoring), and preferably not yet in a supine position. It has proven beneficial to sleep substantially on the left to reduce gastroesophageal reflux during sleep.

It should be noted that the first stimulus or any stimulus need not be applied directly to the person when determining that the person is within the range of orientations. Multiple determinations of the person within the range of positions may occur before the stimulus is generated and/or applied to the person. For example, once it is determined for the first time that the person is within the range of orientations, the processing system may determine the orientation of the person at (regular) time intervals and determine the orientation of the person at a higher frequency. The processing system may trigger the stimulus generator to generate the stimulus only if the person is within the range of orientations for a predetermined number of times with such a more frequent determination. Such an embodiment avoids premature application of the stimulus, for example in case the person turns to a particular side only for a short time.

The sequence of steps of receiving the first signal and determining that the torso of the person is within the predetermined range of torso orientations may be repeated a plurality of times.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined range of torso orientations is such that stimulation is also provided in a portion of the upper left quadrant of the x-z plane and/or in at least a portion of the lower right quadrant of the x-z plane. This embodiment extends the range of torso orientations to other less advantageous positions, such as the (near) supine position, wherein stimulation is provided to train the person to assume an optimal sleeping position to reduce or avoid gastroesophageal reflux. This expansion may also be beneficial for other indications, such as snoring.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined torso orientation range is such that in a y-z plane perpendicular to the x-z plane, no stimulation is provided in at least a portion of at least one of an upper left quadrant of the y-z plane and an upper right quadrant of the y-z plane. This embodiment enables a flexible decision when a stimulus should be provided or not. For example, no stimulus should be provided when the person is in certain positions in the y-z plane, such as when the person is getting up or reading, i.e. awake, in an upright position. For other situations, such as when a person uses multiple pads, the stimulus should still be provided when the person falls asleep.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a sleep posture training device that includes an orientation device for attaching the device to a person's torso in a correct orientation. Because the torso orientation range is asymmetric about the y-axis, it may be beneficial to indicate to the user how the device should be placed on the torso. The orientation means may comprise a visual indication, for example a graphical mark on the training device or a light source located on one side of the training device.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a sleep position training apparatus having a processing system configured to trigger a stimulus generator to provide a stimulus when a torso of a person is within a predetermined range of torso orientations only after a period of time. For example, this embodiment enables the user to fall asleep within a predetermined period of time without suffering from irritation from the device. For example, the device may only begin providing stimulation after the device is turned on for 20 minutes. In another example, the training device provides the stimulus only when it appears from the data provided by the accelerometer that the person is asleep.

To avoid that a person is accustomed to a particular stimulus and thus the stimulus is unlikely to work, the present disclosure provides a training device that provides a different subsequent stimulus each time the person is within the range of torso orientations or each time the stimulus is applied (possibly repeated several times when the person is unresponsive to the stimulus).

Generally for sleep posture training devices, it is beneficial to generate stimuli in the shallow sleep stages of the sleep cycle when the person is within a predetermined range of orientations for best results. This shallow sleep stage is known to occur several times during sleep, sometimes referred to as the N1 and N2 sleep stages. Other distinguishable sleep stages are N3 (deep sleep stage), R REM sleep stage, and W awake state.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a sleep training apparatus configured to generate a stimulus to a person using an accelerometer to determine a sleep stage of the person, and to trigger application of the stimulus to the person according to the determined sleep stage and a predetermined range of orientations. The dependency on the sleep stage may be, for example, that the stimulus is not applied to the person depending on the sleep stage and/or that the type of stimulus depends on the sleep stage. In this way, a stimulus may be applied to the person, for example, to the torso, while the person is in a shallow sleep stage and within a predetermined range of orientations. An accelerometer may be used to determine the orientation of a person and to detect sleep stages.

It should be noted that the sleep training apparatus may use other sleep stage information in addition to the signal from the accelerometer to determine the shallow sleep stage. This information may include at least one of sleep stage sequence information (e.g., it is known that when a person sleeps, he/she always experiences a shallow sleep stage (i.e., N1 and/or N2) before he/she enters a deep sleep stage) and timing information (e.g., it may be known that the approximate duration of one or more of the sleep stages). This information may be used in a decision algorithm executed by the sleep posture training device to decide whether a stimulus signal should be provided.

It should be noted that this type of sleep stage determination can be used in any sleep position training device, regardless of the indication (snoring, acid reflux, etc.) and regardless of the applied range of orientation (symmetrical or asymmetrical in any direction).

In particular, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sleep position training device that is attachable to an upper portion of a person's torso, such as to the person's sternum. The sleep posture training device includes an accelerometer (e.g., a three-axis accelerometer) configured to output an acceleration signal indicative of a change in breathing of the person. The accelerometer is in direct contact with the upper part of the person's torso to assist in sufficiently accurate acceleration measurements, for example by gluing the device to the person's sternum. The apparatus includes a processing system configured to receive an acceleration signal from an accelerometer and derive a change in Respiratory Rate (RRV) of the person. Also, the apparatus includes a stimulus generator configured to provide a first stimulus to the person when the person is within a predetermined range of torso orientations in the sleep posture, wherein the first stimulus is dependent on a respiration rate variation derived by the processing system. Again, other information may be used in the decision algorithm to decide whether a stimulation signal should be provided.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for training a sleep posture of a person, comprising: attaching a stimulus generator to an upper part of the torso (chest) of the person, outputting an acceleration signal indicative of a change in breathing of the person using an accelerometer, deriving a change in breathing rate from the acceleration signal, and providing a stimulus to the person to change the orientation of the person when the person is within a predetermined range of orientations in the sleeping posture, wherein the first stimulus is dependent on the derived change in breathing rate.

It will be appreciated that these aspects of the invention, which use RRV parameters to determine sleep stages in a person, may or may not rely on these RRV parameters to apply stimulation to the person to reduce gastroesophageal reflux. The same RRV data obtained by measuring acceleration signals from a person can be used for other indications, such as snoring, to determine sleep states and to apply stimulation in a particular sleep state and independently of the range of orientations configured for that indication.

In particular, embodiments of the sleep posture training apparatus and method include a processing system configured to compare the derived respiration rate variation to at least one variation threshold set to distinguish between a first sleep stage and a second sleep stage of the person, wherein the processing system is configured to trigger the stimulus generator to provide the first stimulus when the person is in the first sleep stage and not to trigger the stimulus generator to provide the first stimulus when the person is in the second sleep stage. The first sleep stage may be a shallow sleep stage in which the human is more responsive to stimuli than a deep (deeper) sleep stage. The first sleep stage may be a shallow sleep stage, such as the N1 or N2 stage, while the second sleep stage may be the N3, awake stage, or REM stage.

In one embodiment, the sleep posture training device includes an accelerometer for both determining the orientation of the person and detecting the sleep stage of the person. This embodiment saves hardware for the device.

It should be noted that other ways of estimating the sleep stage of a person may be used.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program comprising instructions to cause a sleep posture training device as described herein to perform one or more of the method steps described herein.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon such a computer program.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," module "or" system. The functions described in this disclosure may be implemented as algorithms executed by the processor/microprocessor of a computer. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon, for example, stored thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to, the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a rigid disk, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of any of the foregoing. In the context of the present invention, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. The propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java (TM), Smalltalk, C + + or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the personal computer, partly on the personal computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the personal computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the personal computer through any type of network, including a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet service provider).

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such as a microprocessor or Central Processing Unit (CPU), to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Furthermore, a computer program for performing the methods described herein, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are provided. For example, the computer program may be downloaded (updated) to an existing sleep posture training apparatus, or stored when the apparatus is manufactured.

Elements and aspects discussed with respect to or relating to a particular embodiment may be combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments as appropriate, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Embodiments of the present invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, which schematically show embodiments according to the invention. It will be understood that the invention is not in any way restricted to these specific embodiments.

Drawings

Aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a sleep posture training device in accordance with a disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates steps of a method performed by a sleep position training apparatus in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

3A-3H are schematic illustrations of a predetermined range of torso orientations, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

4A-4D are schematic diagrams of a sleep position training apparatus in operation;

FIG. 5A illustrates steps for obtaining sleep stage information for a sleep position training apparatus in accordance with a disclosed embodiment;

fig. 5B shows an example of RRV measurements in different sleep stages;

fig. 6 depicts a processing system according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a sleep posture training device 2 in accordance with a disclosed embodiment. The apparatus 2 includes a processing system 100, a position sensor 4, and a stimulus generator 6. The processing system 100 may include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to which the orientation sensor 4 and the stimulus generator 6 are connected. The processing system 100 may be understood to control the operation of the sleep posture training device 2. The sleep posture training device 2 may comprise orientation means 8 for correctly placing the device on a person, for example LED lights which will emit light upon activation of the device. The device 2 may be attached to a human torso.

The orientation sensor 4 is configured to output an output indicative of the torso of the person. The signal of the bearing. The orientation sensor preferably comprises an accelerometer, for example a three-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer may be a MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) accelerometer, for example as described in WO2007/061756a 2.

The stimulus generator 6 is configured to provide a stimulus to the person for inducing the person to change his or her position. The stimulus generator 6 may comprise a vibration generator, and the stimulus may be a vibrotactile stimulus to the body of the person, such as a stimulus to the torso of the person, such as the chest of the person. In particular, the vibration generator may be a button-type vibration motor, also known as a shaftless or pancake vibration motor, typically between 8 and 12mm in diameter. Other types of stimuli include weak currents or sounds.

The sleep posture training device 2 may further comprise a power source (not shown), for example a non-rechargeable battery, for example a button battery, in particular a CR2032 battery (cf. international standard IEC 60086-3).

Furthermore, the sleep posture training device 2 may comprise means (not shown) for switching the device on and off in response to human interaction.

Sleep posture training device 2 may be embodied as a single mat-like device that includes posture sensor 4, stimulus generator 6, and processing system 100. Such a pad device may have dimensions of about 4cm by 1 cm. In one example, the sleep position training device 2 includes an adhesive surface for adhering the sleep position training device 2 to a person's body. Just before the person falls asleep, he or she may apply double-sided medical tape to the pad and adhere the pad to his body, for example to the chest.

The processing system 100 is configured to determine whether the orientation of the torso of the person is outside a predetermined range of orientations. Thus, the processing system 100 may have previously stored the range of positions. Alternatively, the person can set this range of directions before using the device 2. This range of orientation may be understood as a range in which significant health problems may exist, such as snoring or (night) gastroesophageal reflux.

Fig. 2 illustrates some steps of a method performed by the sleep posture training device 2, and more particularly, by the processing system 100.

As an optional step, the sleep position training device 2 may determine whether the person is in a shallow sleep stage. It is often beneficial for sleep posture training devices to generate stimuli during the shallow sleep stages of the sleep cycle when a person is within a predetermined range of orientations to achieve optimal results. This shallow sleep stage is known to occur several times during sleep, sometimes referred to as the N1 and N2 sleep stages, because N3 is the deep sleep stage, R is the REM sleep stage, and W is awake. In the superficial sleep stage, the person is more susceptible to the stimulus, while in the deep sleep stage, the stimulus may not be effective or the person may be awakened.

Various ways may be used to assess a person's sleep stage.

An advanced direct method of detecting sleep stages of a person is to use an accelerometer, which may (but need not) be identical to the orientation sensor 4. When the orientation sensor is applied directly to the chest of a person, for example the sternum of a person, the accelerometer 4 can be used to derive the change in the breathing rate of the person. This method will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 5A and 5B.

It should be noted that the determination of the sleep stage, if any, may be made at any point in time prior to the generation of the stimulus.

Returning to fig. 2, as a next step, the processing system 100 receives a signal from the orientation sensor 4 indicating the orientation of the person and determines whether the orientation of the person is within the range of orientations. If not, the processing system 100 continues to determine the orientation of the person and, optionally, the sleep stage.

If the orientation of the person is within the orientation range, the stimulus generator 6 may be triggered to cause the generation of a stimulus that is applied to the body of the person. The stimulus may be a single vibration or a set of vibrations, as will be described in more detail below.

Once it is determined for the first time that the person is within the bearing range, the processing system may determine the bearing of the person at (regular) time intervals and determine the bearing of the person at a higher frequency. The processing system may trigger the stimulus generator to generate the stimulus only if the person is within the range of orientations for a predetermined number of times with such a more frequent determination. Such an embodiment avoids premature application of the stimulus, for example if the person is only turning to a particular side for a short time. The regular time interval for determining the orientation may be, for example, about 1 minute, and if it is determined that the person is in the area of orientation, more orientations may be determined within that minute, for example, every 4 seconds. The stimulus may be applied only if many of these more frequent determinations result in the finding that the person is in an azimuth area.

The range of azimuths applied by the processing system 100 may be defined as a range of azimuths.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing system 100 applies a predetermined torso orientation region that is asymmetric about the longitudinal axis of the person to train the person to sleep on his right or left side.

Fig. 3A-3H are schematic diagrams of how a predetermined torso orientation range O may be viewed using a scheme having a vertical axis, sometimes referred to as a cartesian coordinate scheme. It should be understood that other representations, such as polar coordinate schemes or alternatives, may be derived as the same scheme as fig. 3A-3E by a suitable set of transformations and rotations.

Figures 3A and 3B are schematic views in the x-z plane and the y-z plane, respectively, of a person lying in bed B with their head supported by cushion C. The sleep posture training device 2 is shown attached to the torso T of a person P and is considered to be at the origin of the x-z plane and the y-z plane. The quadrants of the x-z plane and the y-z plane are bounded by half axes and are denoted XZ-1 through XZ-4 and YZ-1 through YZ-4, respectively, according to the convention of Cartesian schemes.

One embodiment of the sleep position training device 2 enables the person to be stimulated to sleep substantially on his left side rather than on his right side or back (supine position). Sleeping substantially on the left has proven beneficial in reducing gastroesophageal reflux during sleep. To this end, the predetermined torso orientation range O is such that, in an x-z plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the torso T of the person P in a supine position in the y-direction, the stimulus is provided over a greater portion of an upper right quadrant XZ-1 of the x-z plane than an upper left quadrant XZ-2 of the x-z plane when viewed in a direction along a longitudinal y-axis from the torso T to the feet of the person P as shown in fig. 3C and 3D. Preferably, as also shown in fig. 3C and 3D, the first stimulus is provided in substantially the entire upper right quadrant of the x-z plane, and no stimulus is provided in at least a portion of the upper left quadrant of the x-z plane. As a result of the torso orientation range defined in this manner, stimulation will primarily be applied to person P when the torso of person P is oriented toward the upper right quadrant XZ-1, as will be described in further detail with reference to fig. 4A and 4B.

In order to also trigger stimulation of other less favorable directions of the torso, the predetermined torso direction range O is extended into the upper left quadrant XZ-2 and the lower right quadrant XZ-4 to train the person P to assume an optimal sleeping posture to reduce or avoid gastroesophageal reflux during sleep. Extension to the upper left quadrant XZ-2 may be advantageous to avoid or reduce gastroesophageal reflux and snoring, as snoring is most likely to be reduced when not in the supine position.

In fig. 3E, it is further shown that the torso orientation range O may be defined in the y-z plane such that no stimulation is provided in at least a portion of at least one of the upper left quadrant YZ-2 of the y-z plane and the upper right quadrant YZ-1 of the y-z plane. This allows flexibility in deciding when stimulation should be provided or not provided in this direction. For example, no stimulus should be provided when the person P is in certain positions in the y-z plane, for example when the person is getting up or reading, i.e. awake, in an upright position. For other situations, such as when a person uses a plurality of pads C, the stimulus should still be provided while the person is asleep.

In one advantageous embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3D, the torso azimuth range covers the entire upper right quadrant XZ-1 of the x-z plane and is at an angle θ of 45 degrees or less₁E.g., at 30 degrees or 20 degrees, to the XZ-2 quadrant. The torso orientation range may also be at an angle θ of 90 degrees or less₂For example, at 70 degrees, 45 degrees, or 20 degrees, to the XZ-4 quadrant. Other angles may be applied to the y-z plane, such as 75 degrees or less on one or both sides of the z-axis.

In three dimensions, the torso orientation range forms a pyramid with its apex located in or near the sleep posture training device 2.

In yet another embodiment, the predetermined torso orientation range O substantially completely covers, but does not completely cover, the upper right quadrant XZ-1. This embodiment has the advantage of allowing the person P a certain flexibility in sleeping posture without having to touch a stimulus signal to change the sleeping posture. In particular, some people desire the flexibility to lie flat or sleep slightly to the right. The configuration of the azimuth range, particularly in the upper right quadrant XZ-1, is a trade-off between effective prevention or reduction of reflux during sleep and sleep posture flexibility (i.e. user comfort, and hence greater potential for use of the device in practice).

FIGS. 3F-3H provide various embodiments in which the azimuth range O covers most of the upper right quadrant XZ-1.

In FIG. 3F, the predetermined azimuth range O is shown covering a majority of the upper right quadrant XZ-1. Angle theta with positive x-axis_3aMay be, for example, greater than 60 degrees, e.g., 70 degrees, such that the angle θ_3bAt 30 degrees or even 20 degrees. Thus, a person P in a supine position or even slightly towards his right side will not receive a stimulation signal.

Fig. 3G and 3H show that the predetermined azimuth range O covers all and most of the lower right quadrant XZ-4, respectively. Thus, the person P should also not lie on his abdomen too much towards his right. In FIG. 3H, the predetermined range of orientations is substantially symmetric about the x-axis in the x-z plane. In one embodiment, the angle θ_3aAnd theta₄Greater than 60 degrees, for example, 70 degrees or higher.

Fig. 4A and 4B are illustrations of the operation of sleep posture training device 2 using the predetermined range of orientations from fig. 3D.

Fig. 4A shows a situation where a person turns his torso T to the left. As shown, the orientation of the torso T forms an angle α with the z-axis, which is determined by the signals of the orientation sensor 4 of the sleep posture training device 2 and is determined by the processing system 100 to be outside the predetermined torso orientation range O. Thus, for this particular application of reducing gastroesophageal reflux, the processing system 100 will not trigger the stimulation generator 6 to generate a stimulation signal since the person P is primarily on his left side.

As shown in fig. 4B, when the person P turns around during sleep, the processing system 100 will detect from the signal of the orientation sensor 4 that the angle α has changed and is now in the predetermined torso orientation range O. Thus, the processing system 100 triggers the stimulus generator 6 to generate a stimulus signal and applies it to the torso T of the person P to urge the person P to change its direction towards his left side, thereby reducing the change in occurrence of regurgitation. As mentioned above, in one particular application, the processing system 100 will take into account the sleep stage of the person P, so that the apparatus 2 will generate the stimulation signal only in the superficial (lighter) sleep stage of the person P.

Fig. 4C and 4D are illustrations of the operation of sleep posture training device 2 using the predetermined range of orientations from fig. 3H.

In fig. 4C, similar to fig. 4A, person P has turned torso T to the left, and due to this orientation, no stimulation signal will be generated by stimulation generator 6.

In fig. 4D, person P rests on his back with the torso turned slightly to the right. For the torso range of orientation of fig. 4B, this orientation will result in a stimulation signal being generated, while the reduced range of orientation in the upper right quadrant of fig. 3H prevents the stimulation signal from being generated at this orientation. The angle at which the person P may turn from the z-axis to the upper right quadrant is, for example, 20 degrees. Alternatively, the processing system 100 may start a timer and delay the generation of the stimulation signal for a certain period of time. This time period may be set or preset. When the person P turns his body more to the right viewpoint (not shown in fig. 4D), the angle α will enter the predetermined directional range O and will generate a stimulus signal stimulating the person to change his orientation to a posture with less likelihood of reflux.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of some steps of a method for determining whether a person should be provided with a stimulation signal in a sleep position training device. It should be noted that the device may be applied in any range of orientations suitable for one or more indications, such as snoring and/or gastroesophageal reflux. In case of snoring, the range of orientations should be such that the person is not in a supine position, with the head also in a straight position (eyes facing the ceiling). If the head and body are in a supine position, the tongue will fall into the airway more frequently due to gravity than if the person's head is tilted sideways or lying on his side. When the tongue is in the airway, it can partially obstruct the airway, which is a significant cause of snoring. For gastroesophageal reflux indications, the range of orientation may be as shown in figures 3A-3E and figures 4A-4B.

The sleep training apparatus 2 of fig. 1 may be configured to use the accelerometer 4 to determine a sleep stage of the person and to determine an orientation of the person to generate stimuli to the person. In this way, a stimulus may be applied to the person, for example to the torso, while the person is in a shallow sleep stage and within a predetermined range of orientations.

In particular, the sleep position training device 2 may be attached to an upper part of a person's torso, e.g. to a person's chest, e.g. to a person's sternum. The sleep posture training device 2 comprises an accelerometer 4 (e.g. a three-axis accelerometer) configured to output an acceleration signal indicative of a change in breathing of the person. The accelerometer 4 is in direct contact with the upper part of the person's torso to facilitate sufficiently accurate acceleration measurements, for example by gluing the device directly to the person's sternum using an adhesive. The sleep posture training apparatus 2 further comprises a processing system 100, the processing system 100 being configured for accepting the acceleration signal from the accelerometer 4, as shown in a first step of fig. 5A, and deriving a change in the Respiration Rate (RRV) of the person, as shown in a second step of fig. 5A. The RRV may be used to detect sleep stages in a person, as shown in fig. 5B.

Also, the apparatus 2 comprises a stimulus generator 6, the stimulus generator 6 being configured to provide a first stimulus to the person when the person is within a predetermined range of orientations in the sleep posture (possibly only after a predetermined number of positive determinations as described above), wherein the first stimulus is dependent on the processing system derived change in breathing rate.

In a next step shown in fig. 5A, the processing system 100 is configured to compare the derived change in breathing rate with at least one change threshold set to distinguish at least a first sleep stage and a (continuous) sleep stage. The processing system 100 is configured to trigger the stimulus generator 6 to provide the first stimulus when the person is in a first (shallow) sleep stage, and not to trigger the stimulus generator 6 to provide the first stimulus when the person is in a deep sleep stage, awake, or REM sleep stage. The first sleep stage may be a shallow sleep stage in which the human is more responsive to stimuli than a deep sleep stage or a REM sleep stage. The first (shallow) sleep stages may be the shallow sleep stages, i.e., N1 and N2, while the successive sleep stages may be the awake, deep or REM stages.

The change in Respiration Rate (RRV) may be obtained by processing the acceleration signal from the accelerometer 4 and the RRV may be derived from the acceleration signal (e.g. using the formula RRV 100 — measured acceleration/DC component%). Normal people breathe about 10-15 times per minute during sleep. The RRV may be determined for a specific time interval during sleep of the person, within a time interval of 1 minute. The RRV may be obtained by applying a sliding time window and using a plurality of determined RRVs for successive time intervals before making a decision about a sleep stage. Furthermore, a time window of e.g. 1 minute may be applied to obtain an average respiration rate per time window and a variation of the respiration rate by analyzing a variation of a plurality of time windows, e.g. 10, 5 or 3 time windows may be used. The RRV of the RRV may be compared to a set RRV threshold to determine the sleep stage. For example, if the RRV is 50% or more, or 55% or more, the sleep stage may be determined as the REM stage, and the stimulation signal is not generated. If the RRV is determined to be below the threshold, indicating a shallow sleep stage, a stimulus signal is generated.

For example, if the RRV for the first minute is 38%, the second minute is 39%, and the third minute is 35%, the sleep stage may be determined to be a shallow sleep stage, and the stimulation signal may be triggered when the person is also within the predetermined range of orientations.

In another example, if the RRV for the first minute is 36%, the second minute is 37%, the third minute is 39%, the fourth minute is 60%, the fifth minute is 40%, the sixth minute is 38%, the seventh minute is 37%, and the eighth minute is 39%, then the sleep stage is still determined to be a shallow sleep stage. The fourth minute is likely to be arousal. Only if at least two consecutive time intervals after the fourth minute would also result in an RRV > 50% can it be determined that the superficial sleep stage has passed and that no stimulus should be applied to the person even if it is determined that he is within range of orientation.

Fig. 5A is a portion of a decision-making algorithm that detects sleep stages of a person using an accelerometer to derive RRVs for a sleep posture training device and determines whether a stimulus should be applied to the person when the person is within a predetermined range of orientations. It should be noted that other information than RRV may be used in the decision algorithm. This information may include sleep stage sequence information (e.g., it is known that when a person sleeps, he/she always experiences a shallow sleep stage (i.e., N1 and/or N2) before he/she enters a deep sleep stage). Other information includes timing information, for example, the approximate duration of one or more of the sleep stages may be known. Given that a typical sleep stage lasts, for example, 20 minutes, this information can be used in conjunction with RRV determination to determine whether stimulation should be provided. Even if the determined RRV still indicates a shallow sleep stage, the algorithm may decide not to trigger application of the stimulus near the expected transition range from the shallow sleep stage to the deeper sleep stage.

Fig. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary processing system, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the processing system 100 may include at least one processor 102 coupled to storage elements 104 through a system bus 106. In this manner, the processing system may store program code within the memory element 104. Further, the processor 102 may execute program code accessed from the memory element 104 via the system bus 106. In an aspect, the processing system may be implemented as a computer adapted to store and/or execute program code. However, it should be understood that processing system 100 may be implemented in the form of any system that includes a processor and memory capable of performing the functions described herein.

Storage elements 104 may include one or more physical storage devices, such as local memory 108, and one or more mass storage devices 110. Local memory can refer to random access memory or other non-persistent storage devices typically used during actual execution of program code. The mass storage device may be implemented as a hard disk drive or other persistent data storage device. Processing system 100 can also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved from mass storage device 110 during execution.

Optionally, input/output (I/O) devices, shown as input device 112 and output device 114, may be coupled to the processing system. Examples of input devices may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, and the like. Examples of output devices may include, but are not limited to, a monitor or display, speakers, and the like. Input and/or output devices can be coupled to the processing system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers.

In one embodiment, the input and output devices may be implemented as a combined input/output device (shown in FIG. 6 in dashed lines around input device 112 and output device 114). Examples of such combined devices are touch sensitive displays, sometimes also referred to as "touch screen displays" or simply "touch screens". In such embodiments, input to the device may be provided by movement of a physical object, for example, a stylus or a human finger moving on or near the touch screen display.

Network adapters 116 may also be coupled to the processing system to enable it to become coupled to other systems, computer systems, remote network devices, and/or remote storage devices through intervening private or public networks. The network adapter may include a data receiver for receiving data transmitted by the system device and/or network to the processing system 100; and a data transmitter for transmitting data from processing system 100 to the system, device, and/or network. Modems, cable modem and Ethernet cards are examples of different types of network adapters that may be used with processing system 100.

As shown in fig. 6, storage element 104 may store application programs 118. In various embodiments, the applications 118 may be stored in the local memory 108, one or more mass storage devices 110, or separate from the local memory and mass storage devices. It should be appreciated that processing system 100 may further execute an operating system (not shown in FIG. 6) that can facilitate execution of applications 118. The application 118, which is implemented in the form of executable program code, is capable of being executed by the processing system 100, such as by the processor 102. In response to execution of the application, processing system 100 may be configured to perform one or more operations or method steps described herein.

In one aspect of the invention, processing system 100 may represent a control module for a sleep posture training apparatus as described herein.

Various embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system, wherein the program of the program product defines functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein). In one embodiment, the program may be embodied on a variety of non-transitory computer readable storage media, where, as used herein, the expression "non-transitory computer readable storage media" includes all computer readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal. In another embodiment, the program may be embodied on various transitory computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chips or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory) that permanently store information; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g., flash memory, floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive or any type of solid-state random-access semiconductor memory) on which alterable information is stored. The computer program may run on the processor 102 as described herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the claims. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and some practical applications, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.