Providing breathing guidance for individual

Abstract

A mechanism for guiding lengths of a plurality of different segments of a plurality of respiratory cycles. A recorded length for each of a plurality of segments in a sample respiratory cycle is obtained. The recorded length of each segment is used together with the sample respiratory rate and the desired respiratory rate to define a target length of each segment in each of the plurality of respiratory cycles. Each target length is proportional to a corresponding recorded length.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of respiratory guidance. BACKGROUND

[0002] Slow and regular breathing is believed to be beneficial for relaxation. More specifically, research has shown that paced or guided breathing results in physiological effects or outcomes in humans / mammals including reduced blood pressure and improved oxygenation of blood. One particularly useful use case scenario for providing paced / guided breathing is to encourage or assist sleep onset. More specifically, the physiological changes in the individual caused by paced / guided breathing are similar to those that occur when an individual falls asleep.

[0003] There are many available respiratory guidance devices that aim to encourage paced or guided breathing, including mobile phone applications or similar.

[0004] One example device is a guided breathing pillow. The surface of the pillow can undulate up and down (e.g. by inflating / deflating a bladder) to mimic the breathing pattern of an individual. When touching the pillow, an individual can feel and follow this pattern by tactile perception to control their breathing.

[0005] US patent application US2019 / 030278A1 discloses a method of providing a breathing entrainment cue to a user to encourage a relaxed or sleep state. The entrainment cue comprises a rhythmic component associated with a target breathing rate.

[0006] US patent application US2021 / 330910A1 discloses systems for respiratory over disorder, such as for determining settings to control a respiratory system therapy to slow a patient’s breathing. They can be configured to determine a temporary target breathing rate that is less than a current spontaneous rate. They can be configured to derive a target inspiration time and expiration time based on the temporary target breathing rate.

[0007] US patent application US2008 / 035147A1 discloses a method for providing a breathing cue, the method comprising monitoring a user’s breathing and determining a breathing frequency of the user comprising an inspiration portion and an expiration portion of the breathing.

[0008] There is a continuing desire to improve the effectiveness of respiratory guidance. SUMMARY

[0009] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0010] According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for controlling an output device to provide paced breathing guidance to an individual.

[0011] The computer-implemented method comprises obtaining a recorded length of each of at least two different segments in a sample breathing cycle of the individual, each recorded length being a length of a respective segment in the sample breath; obtaining a sample breathing rate of the individual; obtaining a desired breathing rate of the individual; and for a further breathing cycle of the individual, determining a target length for at least one of the at least two different segments by processing the recorded length of the segment, the desired breathing rate of the individual, and the sample breathing rate of the individual, wherein the target length of the segment is proportional to the recorded length of the segment; and generating a control signal for an output device to provide a user-perceptible output for guiding the individual to breathe in accordance with the target length.

[0012] Embodiments provide a technique for paced or guided breathing in which, during a sample breathing cycle (i.e. an initial breathing cycle prior to providing paced breathing), a length of a segment of paced breathing is controlled to be proportional to a length of the respective segment.

[0013] The proposed method provides a more natural breathing cycle for the individual, as it will more closely match the rhythm of their own breathing cycle. This increases the likelihood of adherence to the paced breathing cycle, increases the likelihood of the individual following the paced breathing guidance, and improves the outcome for the individual experiencing the paced breathing.

[0014] The computer-implemented method can comprise the at least two different segments comprising an inhalation segment, an exhalation segment, and at least one breath hold segment. For the further breathing cycle: the ratio between the target length of the inhalation segment and the recorded length of the inhalation segment is greater than the ratio between the target length of the breath hold segment and the recorded length of the breath hold segment; and / or the ratio between the target length of the exhalation segment and the recorded length of the exhalation segment is greater than the ratio between the target length of the breath hold segment and the recorded length of the breath hold segment.

[0015] In some examples, for at least one of the at least two different segments, the target length is proportional to the recorded length of the segment multiplied by a ratio of the sample breathing rate and the desired breathing rate. This approach significantly increases the ease of the individual following the paced breathing guidance, as the rhythm of the paced breathing guidance will match the rhythm of the sample breathing cycle, and thus be more representative of the individual’s breathing technique.

[0016] In some examples, the at least two different segments comprise at least one breath hold segment. This approach recognises that the individual’s natural breathing cycle will contain breath holds, thereby allowing for improved control and adherence to the paced breathing guidance.

[0017] In some examples, the at least one breath hold segment comprises at least one of a post-inhalation breath hold segment and a post-exhalation breath hold segment.

[0018] In at least one example, the target length of each breath hold segment is the same as the recorded length of the sample breath cycle. This approach recognises that breath holding can be difficult or disruptive for an individual who is receiving metronome breathing guidance. By setting the target length of the breath hold segment to be the same as the target length of the sample breath cycle, this disruption is advantageously avoided, and still advantageously facilitates changing the individual’s breathing rate.

[0019] In some examples, for each breath hold segment, the difference between the target length and the recorded length is non-zero.

[0020] In some examples, for each breath hold segment, the target length is proportional to the recorded length of the segment multiplied by a ratio of the sample breathing rate and the desired breathing rate.

[0021] In preferred examples, for each breath hold segment, the target length is proportional to a weight that varies in response to the sample breathing rate. For example, when the user’s breathing rate is lower, the user can have a longer or shorter target length for the gap breath hold segment. Accordingly, a weight can be added to achieve the adjustment of the target length.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the at least two different segments include an inhalation segment and an exhalation segment. This facilitates controlling or guiding both known segments of the individual’s breath cycle.

[0023] In some embodiments, the ratio between the target length of the inhalation segment and the recorded length of the inhalation segment is greater than the ratio between the target length of the breath hold segment and the recorded length of the breath hold segment; and / or the ratio between the target length of the exhalation segment and the recorded length of the exhalation segment is greater than the ratio between the target length of the breath hold segment and the recorded length of the breath hold segment.

[0024] In some embodiments, the ratio between the target length of the inhalation segment and the recorded length of the inhalation segment is the same as the ratio between the target length of the breath hold segment and the recorded length of the breath hold segment; and / or the ratio between the target length of the exhalation segment and the recorded length of the exhalation segment is the same as the ratio between the target length of the breath hold segment and the recorded length of the breath hold segment.

[0025] In some examples, for the inhalation segment and the exhalation segment, the target length of each segment is proportional to the recorded length of the segment multiplied by a ratio of the sample breathing rate and the desired breathing rate.

[0026] In some examples, for the further breath hold segment, the target length is proportional to the recorded length of the segment multiplied by a ratio of the sample breathing rate and the desired breathing rate.

[0027] In embodiments, the method comprises obtaining a recorded length of each segment in a sample respiratory cycle of the individual; obtaining a sample respiratory rate of the individual; obtaining a desired respiratory rate of the individual; and for each of the at least two different segments, determining a target length for the segment by processing the recorded length of the segment, the sample respiratory rate and the desired respiratory rate of the individual, wherein the target length for the segment is proportional to the recorded length of the segment; and generating a control signal for the output device to provide a user-perceptible output for guiding the individual to breathe according to the target length in a respiratory cycle.

[0028] In some embodiments, the step of obtaining a desired respiratory rate comprises obtaining a desired respiratory rate for each segment in one of a plurality of further respiratory cycles of the individual; and for each of the plurality of further respiratory cycles, the step of determining a target length for each segment comprises processing a recorded length of the segment, a desired respiratory rate of a respiratory cycle of the individual and a sample respiratory rate of the individual, wherein the target length for the segment is proportional to the recorded length of the segment.

[0029] The technique allows for evolution or change in paced breathing guidance over time, such as allowing for a gradual transition of paced breathing to a final target respiratory rate over at least one of a plurality of further respiratory cycles.

[0030] In some examples, the desired respiratory rate is initially started at the sample respiratory rate and gradually changed to the target respiratory rate.

[0031] There is also provided a computer program product comprising computer program code means which, when the computer program product is executed on a computing device having a control system, cause the control system to perform all of the steps of any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0032] There is also provided a system for providing paced breathing guidance to an individual, the system comprising an output device for providing a user-perceptible output to the individual and a control system. The control system is configured to perform a computer-implemented method according to an aspect of the invention.

[0033] The control system is configured to obtain a recorded length of each of at least two different segments in a sample respiratory cycle of the individual, each recorded length being a length of a respective segment in the sample respiratory cycle of the individual; obtain a sample respiratory rate of the individual; obtain a desired respiratory rate of the individual; and for a further respiratory cycle of the individual, for at least one of the at least two different segments, determine a target length for the segment by processing the recorded length of the segment, the sample respiratory rate and the desired respiratory rate of the individual, wherein the target length for the segment is proportional to the recorded length of the segment; and generate a control signal for the output device to provide a user-perceptible output for guiding the individual to breathe according to the target length in a respiratory cycle.

[0034] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from and will be elucidated with respect to the embodiments(s) described hereinafter. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how to practice it, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 The figure illustrates a system from which one of the embodiments may be employed;

[0037] Figure 2 The respiratory cycle is conceptually illustrated;

[0038] Figure 3 The diagram shows a flowchart of the proposed method; and

[0039] Figure 4 The illustration shows the recording lengths used to obtain different segments of the sample's respiratory cycle. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that in all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0042] This invention provides a mechanism for guiding the lengths of multiple different segments across multiple respiratory cycles. The recorded length of each segment in a sample respiratory cycle is obtained. The recorded length of each segment, together with the sample respiratory rate and the desired respiratory rate, is used to define a target length for each segment in each respiratory cycle across multiple respiratory cycles. Each target length is proportional to the corresponding recorded length.

[0043] The embodiments are based on the understanding that different individuals will have different respiratory cycle rhythms. If an individual's breathing rhythm does not match the rhythm of the controlled breathing guidance, it will be more difficult to follow or adhere to the controlled breathing guidance. The ease of following controlled breathing is increased by controlling the segments of the controlled breathing cycle to be proportional to the recording length (one or more) of the segment.

[0044] The proposed method has shown particular advantages in guided sleep scenarios, but can be used in any environment where steady-state breathing guidance is desired.

[0045] Figure 1 The illustration shows a system 100 in which an embodiment may be employed to improve context understanding.

[0046] System 100 includes control system 110 and output device 190.

[0047] Output device 190 is configured here to controllably provide a user-perceptible output for providing an individual with constant-rate or guided breathing. As described below, control system 110 defines or controls the operation of the output device.

[0048] Various types of output devices 190 can be used to provide user-perceptible output.

[0049] In one example, output device 190 is configured to provide tactile guidance of breathing to an individual. In this way, output device 190 is capable of providing a user-perceptible output in the form of a tactile output for controlled or guided breathing. In the illustrated example, output device 190 includes a movable member 191 that is movable to guide the individual's breathing.

[0050] Therefore, the movable component 191 can be controlled to move to provide tactile guidance to an individual, that is, to provide tactile output to an individual. For example, the movable component 191 can move or undulate the surface of the output device according to the desired breathing rate and / or pattern to guide the individual to follow the breathing rate and / or pattern.

[0051] One example of the movable component 191 is an airbag with controllable inflation and deflation. Another example is a piston-based system for providing tactile feedback. Yet another example is an electrically driven paddle. Other examples are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0052] The output device can be shaped like a (cuddly) pillow or cushion, for example, with a soft surface material. This is natural for an individual to hug or squeeze when preparing to sleep or falling asleep, ensuring that the output device can provide tactile feedback in a natural way. However, this is not necessary. In another example, the output device can be a handheld device that can be squeezed or held in the hand, such as a plush toy, a stress ball, etc.

[0053] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that other suitable forms of output devices for facilitating the provision of controlled or guided breathing to an individual using user-perceptible outputs will be apparent. One alternative to the movable component is a screen configured to provide visual outputs (e.g., using pulsating icons, etc.) that can be used to provide controlled / guided breathing. Another alternative to the movable component is a speaker or buzzer for providing auditory outputs that can be used to provide controlled / guided breathing. Such methods are well known.

[0054] The output device may also include a device control system 192 configured to control the operation of the output device (e.g., a movable component, screen, or speaker). The device control system 192 may include, for example, a microcontroller and / or other control logic for controlling the operation of the output device 190.

[0055] The control system 110 is configured to control or define the operation of the output device 190.

[0056] Here, the control system 110 includes an input control interface 111, a data processor 112, and an output control interface 113. The data processor 112 of the control system 110 is configured to control the operation of the output device 190 via the output control interface 113.

[0057] Therefore, the output control interface 113 is communicatively coupled to the output device to control its operation. Specifically, the output control interface 113 can be communicatively coupled to the device control system 192 to utilize the capabilities of the device control system 192, such as using control signals S. C This is used to control the operation of output devices. For example, the control system can control the operation of the device control system 192 by providing instructions executed by the device control system.

[0058] Communication between the output control interface 113 and the output device 190 can be wired or wireless. Suitable wireless communication protocols that can be used to communicate with the tactile breathing guidance device 190 include infrared links, Zigbee, Bluetooth, wireless LAN protocols such as those according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G telecommunications protocols, etc. Other formats will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0059] The control system 110 is configured to determine a target length for each of a plurality of segments in a plurality of respiratory cycles. The control system 110 controls the output device to provide a user-perceptible respiratory output for each respiratory cycle based on the target length of each of at least two distinct segments.

[0060] To improve contextual understanding, Figure 2 This is a graph illustrating a single respiratory cycle 200 of an individual. The x-axis represents time t (e.g., in seconds), and the y-axis represents the air volume V in the individual's lungs (e.g., in meters). 3 (unit)

[0061] The respiratory cycle 200 can be conceptually divided into several distinct segments. Thus, a segment is part of a respiratory cycle. The multiple segments may include at least an inspiratory segment 210 (where the individual is inhaling) and an expiratory segment 230 (where the individual is exhaling).

[0062] The respiratory cycle 200 may also include at least one breath-hold segment 220, 240. An example of a breath-hold segment may be labeled as an inspiratory breath-hold segment 220, which occurs between an inspiratory segment 210 and an expiratory segment 230. Another example of a breath-hold segment may be labeled as an expiratory breath-hold segment 240, which occurs after an expiratory segment 230 and before the next respiratory cycle. In some scenarios, one or both inspiratory and expiratory breath-hold segments may be omitted.

[0063] It should be understood that there may be other segments of the respiratory cycle that are not shown in the illustrated example of the respiratory cycle.

[0064] For example, a respiratory cycle may include multiple inspiratory phases, such as a first inspiratory phase during which the air volume increases at a first rate, and a second inspiratory phase during which the air volume increases at a different second rate. As another example, a respiratory cycle may include multiple time-separated inspiratory phases, for example, separated by one or more breath-holding phases and / or expiratory phases.

[0065] Similar methods for forming respiratory cycles that include multiple expiratory phases are readily apparent to technicians.

[0066] Therefore, the respiratory cycle 200 may include one or more inspiratory phases 210, one or more expiratory phases 230, and (optionally) one or more breath-holding phases 220, 240. For example, the precise arrangement of the respiratory cycle may depend on a particular individual and / or the individual's desired rate of breathing guidance, such as targeting deep inspiration or deep exhalation for certain medical conditions or pathologies.

[0067] This invention proposes a technique for determining target lengths for multiple segments of multiple respiratory cycles. A user-perceptible output (provided by an output device) is then controlled to guide the individual to breathe according to the determined target lengths.

[0068] More specifically, this disclosure provides a technique for setting target lengths that utilize the recorded length of an individual's sample respiratory cycles. This allows the target length for each segment to be directed towards the sample respiratory cycles to more closely match the individual's breathing rhythm or pattern. This increases the likelihood of compliance.

[0069] For those skilled in the art, methods for controlling an output device to provide respiratory guidance based on a determined target length for different segments of the respiratory cycle will be readily apparent and will depend on the nature of the output device.

[0070] More specifically, the output device can be controlled to control the timing of different forms of feedback or user-perceived output in response to the target length of each segment. In particular, the target length of each segment can define how long the first form of feedback or user-perceived output is provided until the feedback of that form ends. During constant-rate breathing guidance, the timing of different forms of feedback can be controlled sequentially according to the target length of each segment.

[0071] By way of example, for an output device with a movable component, the movement (or non-movement) of the movable component can be controlled to correspond to the length of a breathing segment. For example, movement in a first direction can represent the inspiratory segment, no movement can represent the breath-holding segment, and movement in a second (different) direction can represent the expiratory segment.

[0072] As another example, for an output device with a speaker, the pitch of the tone emitted by the speaker can be controlled to correspond to a specific segment. For example, an increased pitch can represent an inhalation segment, a sustained pitch can represent a breath-holding segment, and a decreased pitch can represent an exhalation segment.

[0073] As yet another example, for output devices with a screen or display, the appearance of an icon can be modified in response to a segment. For example, the icon could: increase in size during the inhalation segment; remain the same size during the breath-holding segment; and decrease in size during the exhalation segment. Other suitable examples (e.g., color-changing icons, etc.) will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0074] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 300 for providing controlled breathing guidance to an individual. Method 300 utilizes one or more proposed techniques to provide controlled breathing.

[0075] Method 300 includes the step 310 of obtaining the recording lengths of at least two distinct segments of a respiratory cycle. Each recording length is the monitored or determined length of the corresponding segment within an individual's sample respiratory cycle. The sample respiratory cycle represents an individual's historical or actual respiratory cycles (i.e., the respiratory cycles that actually occurred).

[0076] It should be understood that the length of a paragraph can be defined as a measure of time, such as in seconds, milliseconds, or using other suitable units of time. Therefore, an alternative marker for paragraph length is the period.

[0077] Method 300 also includes the step 320 of obtaining the sample respiratory rate. The sample respiratory rate represents an individual's current, historical, or previous respiratory rate (e.g., respiration per unit time). The sample respiratory cycle used to determine the record length can be, for example, one respiratory cycle (or average) used to determine the sample respiratory rate.

[0078] Method 300 further includes the step 330 of obtaining a desired respiratory rate. The desired respiratory rate represents an individual's target or expected respiratory rate, such as according to a specific rate-guided breathing protocol, a user-defined desired respiratory rate, or any other form of predetermined desired respiratory rate. The precise mechanism by which the desired respiratory rate is defined or obtained is not important to the basic inventive concept.

[0079] Method 300 further includes the step 340 of determining a target length for at least one of at least two distinct segments of a respiratory cycle for a plurality of (future / guided) respiratory cycles. For the purposes of step 340, each of the plurality of respiratory cycles is a distinct future or guided respiratory cycle for an individual. The plurality of respiratory cycles may be temporally adjacent to each other, for example, to form a sequence or series of respiratory cycles for rate-guided breathing. Thus, the plurality of respiratory cycles may include a sequence or series of respiratory cycles, and more specifically, a sequence or series of rate-guided respiratory cycles for rate-guided breathing.

[0080] Step 340 includes processing the record length, sample respiratory rate, and desired respiratory rate to determine a target length. Specifically, each target length can be determined by processing at least the corresponding record length (for the same segment of a respiratory cycle), sample respiratory rate, and desired respiratory rate. The target length is proportional to the record length of the segment.

[0081] Several example methods for performing step 340 will be described later in this disclosure. Some of the described methods share the same common understanding that the target length of the segment should be controlled to be proportional to the record length of the segment (i.e., calculated via multiplication).

[0082] Method 300 further includes step 350, which, for each of a plurality of (future / guided) breathing cycles, controls an output device to provide a user-perceptible output for guiding an individual to breathe during the breathing cycle based on a target length for each of at least two distinct segments.

[0083] Step 350 may include controlling the user-perceived output through a sequence of different states or forms, each state or form representing a different segment of the respiratory cycle. The length for which the user-perceived output is maintained in each state is controlled to be equal to a target length, thereby providing a constant-rate breathing according to the target length for each of at least two different segments. In other words, step 350 may vary the user-perceived output to follow a sequence of segments, each with a target length. Therefore, the state / form of the user-perceived output should differ between adjacent segments. Non-adjacent segments (e.g., breath-holding segments separated by inspiratory / expiratory segments) may share the same user-perceived output.

[0084] The specific suitable method for performing step 350 has been described above and is well known in the art.

[0085] In some examples, step 330 of obtaining the desired respiratory rate includes obtaining the same (i.e., a single) desired respiratory rate for each of a plurality of (future) respiratory cycles.

[0086] In other examples, step 330 of obtaining the desired respiratory rate includes obtaining a different desired respiratory rate for each segment of each respiratory cycle in a plurality of respiratory cycles. In this way, step 330 of obtaining the desired respiratory rate may include obtaining the desired respiratory rate for each segment of each respiratory cycle in a plurality of respiratory cycles of an individual.

[0087] Therefore, for each of multiple respiratory cycles, the step of determining the target length of each segment may include processing the recorded length of the segment, the individual's expected respiratory rate for the respiratory cycle, and the individual's sample respiratory rate. The target length of the segment will remain proportional to the recorded length of the segment.

[0088] For example, the method described above allows for gradual or incremental changes in the guided breathing provided to the individual (in step 350). By way of example, for consecutive respiratory cycles, it is desirable that the respiratory rate can be gradually reduced to encourage the individual to gradually decrease their respiratory rate.

[0089] Therefore, in a working example, the expected respiratory rate for each of multiple respiratory cycles initially starts at the sample respiratory rate and gradually (i.e., sequentially over multiple respiratory cycles) changes to the target respiratory rate. For example, the target respiratory rate could be the ultimate goal of rate-guided breathing.

[0090] In one example, multiple respiratory cycles comprise a sequence of no fewer than 10 respiratory cycles, with the expected respiratory rate for each cycle decreasing sequentially within the sequence. The difference between the expected respiratory rates for each respiratory cycle in the sequence can be equal to, for example, a first value, namely the difference between the sample respiratory rate and the target respiratory rate divided by the total number of respiratory cycles in the sequence. This provides the individual with a uniform and gradual decrease in the expected respiratory rate output.

[0091] In other examples or embodiments, other suitable patterns for changing an individual's desired respiratory rate may be used, such as following a predetermined pattern or protocol. For example, the desired respiratory rate may be reduced at a first rate before a second set / sequence of respiratory cycles is reduced at a second rate.

[0092] Using the proposed method, each calculation time allocation for each segment begins at the start of the next respiratory cycle. Therefore, if the constant respiratory rate needs to be changed before the end of the respiratory cycle, the previously calculated segment length remains valid for the remainder of the respiratory cycle.

[0093] The following describes various methods for performing step 340 for each respiratory cycle.

[0094] In the first method, step 340 is performed by determining the target length of at least one segment for each of a plurality of respiratory cycles by adjusting or defining the length of each segment in proportion to the ratio of the sample respiratory rate to the desired respiratory rate. More specifically, each segment can be controlled to be proportional to the recorded length of the segment multiplied by the ratio of the sample respiratory rate to the desired respiratory rate.

[0095] Therefore, in one or more working examples, the target length T in at least one, any, and / or each given segment of the (future / guided) breathing cycle is... TS The following equation can be used to calculate: (1)

[0096] Where R S It is the sample's respiratory rate; R T It is the expected respiratory rate of the respiratory cycle (both defined in breaths per minute), and T RS This is the recorded length of that segment within the sample's respiratory cycle. As mentioned earlier, the expected respiratory rate can differ for different (future / guided) respiratory cycles of an individual.

[0097] Equation (1) is functionally equivalent to the following equation: (2)

[0098] Where T T It is the total length of the target respiratory cycle to achieve the desired respiratory rate, and T R It is the total recorded length of the sample's respiratory cycle.

[0099] In the first approach, the proportion of each segment in multiple (future) breathing cycles is ensured to be the same as the proportion of each segment in the sample breathing cycles. This means that individuals' breathing rhythms are encouraged or guided to remain substantially the same, which has been identified as improving individual compliance and ease of performing breathing.

[0100] In the second method, the target length for each first subset of one or more segments is set to be the same as its corresponding record length, and the target length for each other segment (not in the first subset) is set to be proportional to the ratio of the sample respiratory rate to the desired respiratory rate (i.e., proportional to R).S ÷ R T (proportional), to perform step 340. Therefore, the target length of each segment in the first subset of one or more segments can be maintained at the recorded target length.

[0101] For example, if present, the target length of each breath-hold segment in the respiratory cycle can be maintained at the recorded length of that breath-hold segment. Therefore, the target length of each breath-hold segment can be maintained at the recorded target length of that breath-hold segment.

[0102] The target length of each other segment (e.g., any inspiratory or expiratory segment) can be controlled proportionally, for example, such that the ratio between any pair of other segments remains the same as during the sample respiratory cycle. In this way, the target length of segments that are not part of a first subset of one or more segments is controlled so that the total length of the respiratory cycle reaches the desired respiratory rate. In other words, the target length of those segments that are not part of a first subset of one or more segments contributes 100% of the modification (one or more) to achieve the desired respiratory rate.

[0103] This can be achieved by applying the following equation to each segment to be modified, to calculate its target length T. TS To achieve: (3)

[0104] Where T HS It is the sum of the record lengths (one or more) of all segments that are to be maintained or preserved within its / their record length. For equation (3), the value R S and R T Defined in units of breaths per minute. Those skilled in the art will be able to readily apply this equation to other units of respiratory rate (e.g., breaths per second).

[0105] Equation (3) is functionally equivalent to the following equation: (4)

[0106] In the third method, step 340 is performed by setting a target length for each segment in each subset of one or more segments, such that the segment contributes a specific percentage to the change in the total length of the respiratory cycle to achieve a desired respiratory rate. The target lengths of segments within the same subset can be maintained proportionally to each other.

[0107] By way of example, the length of each second subset of a respiratory cycle segment (e.g., the breath-holding segment) can be modified such that the second subset contributes X% (e.g., 20%) to the change in the total length of the respiratory cycle to achieve a desired respiratory rate, wherein the third subset of a respiratory cycle segment (e.g., the inspiratory and expiratory segments) can be modified such that the third subset contributes (100-X)% (e.g., 80%) to the change in the total length of the respiratory cycle to achieve a desired respiratory rate. In this way, the target length of each segment remains proportional to the recorded length of the segment, with different weights applied to the segment depending on which subset it belongs to.

[0108] The value of X can be defined or determined by the user through a user interface, or it can be predetermined based on pre-test results from several test subjects. In some examples, the value of X is between 5 and 40, such as between 10 and 30, or for example, 20.

[0109] Therefore, in the working example, the breath-holding segment is slightly adjusted, while the inhalation and exhalation segments will be significantly adjusted. For example, the inhalation and exhalation holding segments can be adjusted by 20%, while the inhalation and exhalation segments can be adjusted by 80%.

[0110] As a supplementary and / or alternative to the methods described above, the target length of each breath-hold segment can be proportional to a weight that varies in response to the sample respiratory rate. Therefore, the target length of each breath-hold segment can vary depending on the sampled respiratory rate. For example, this allows for different ratios to be used for breath-hold segments when the sample respiratory rate is lower compared to when it is higher. In a particular example, weights can be applied (e.g., for multiplication) to the ratio of breath-hold segments to compensate for the formula (for either the first or third method).

[0111] The weight values ​​respond to the sampled respiratory rate; for example, they can switch between different values ​​or have different values ​​depending on the sampled respiratory rate. Appropriate values ​​for the weights can be defined through pre-testing on several test subjects, or they can be defined via a user interface. For example, pre-rest or user interface definitions can define one or more ranges of sampled respiratory rates, each range associated with a different weight applied to the breath-hold segment. Other suitable methods for defining the relationship between the sampled respiratory rate and the weight values ​​will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0112] In some examples, one or more segments of breathing may have maximum permissible variation. For instance, in some examples, the breath-holding segment may have a maximum variation of no more than 25%. As another example, the breath-holding segment may have a maximum variation of no more than 50%.

[0113] Several methods are envisioned for performing step 310 to obtain the record length of the segment, and a non-exhaustive list of examples is provided below.

[0114] In a simple example, a user or other individual can directly input or record the length of each segment. Therefore, an individual who is not necessarily the same person providing the constant-rate breathing guidance can monitor the length of a breathing segment in a sample breathing cycle (e.g., using a stopwatch) and input the monitored length into the user interface to provide the recorded length of the segment.

[0115] In another example, an interactive user interface could be provided that allows an individual to mark the start and / or end points of different segments.

[0116] Figure 4 The conceptual illustration shows an example of a user interface display 400 that allows an individual to record or indicate the recording length of each of multiple segments of a sample's respiratory cycle.

[0117] In this approach, a control program (such as a mobile application running on a mobile device with a touch-sensitive display) provides or presents a display 400 to an individual on a user interface. For example, the user interface may provide a visual representation or display 400 of normal breathing 405, conceptually divided into different breathing segments (“inhale,” “hold,” “exhale,” “hold”). Each breathing segment may be associated with two touch points 410, 420, 430, 440, 450 or interactive buttons that identify the start and / or end of the breathing segment. For example, an “inhale” breathing segment may be associated with a first touch point and a second touch point. Of course, adjacent breathing segments may share a single touch point, for example, ending one segment and starting the next. The control program may guide or instruct the user to breathe normally, and during breathing, as the user breathes according to the breathing segment, the user will move through and touch the touch point of each breathing segment. Thus, when the user inhales, they can move from the first touch point 410 to the second touch point 420. Then, while the user holds their breath, they can move from the second touch point 420 to the third touch point 430. This is in Figure 4 The diagram is schematically illustrated. An internal timer monitors and records the time it takes for an individual to touch each touch point one after another. Using each recorded timestamp, the program can calculate the time for each breathing segment—the time difference between two touch points associated with that segment.

[0118] An alternative approach to using multiple touch points for each segment is to simply provide an interactive user interface that the user engages with (e.g., presses and releases) to indicate the start / end of a breathing segment. For example, a user could interact with the user interface to indicate the start of inhalation, before disengaging from the user interface to indicate breath-holding, before re-engaging with the user interface to indicate exhalation, before disengaging again to indicate another breath-hold, and before re-engaging to indicate the end of breath-holding.

[0119] Other variations and processes for controlling the user interface to facilitate the input of different record lengths will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0120] Another approach utilizes respiratory or respiratory system sensors that directly monitor an individual's breathing. These sensors would be able to monitor different segments of the respiratory cycle, for example, by monitoring changes in movement or other characteristics that represent movement within the respiratory cycle.

[0121] Examples of breathing sensors are well known in the art, such as sensors that directly monitor (physical) movement of the chest or abdomen, or sensors that monitor visual movement of the chest / abdomen (e.g., using a camera). Other methods monitor fogging or defogging of a mask worn by an individual. Still other methods utilize microphones to monitor sounds at different stages of breathing.

[0122] Various respiratory monitoring systems are known in the prior art, any of which can be used in this invention. Some example technologies are listed in Vanegas, Erik, Raul Igual, and Inmaculada Plaza. "Sensing Systems for Respiratory Monitoring: A Technical System Overview." Sensors 20.18 (2020): 5446. Others will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0123] The sample respiratory rate obtained in step 220 can be simply determined by multiplying 60 seconds by the reciprocal of the total recording length of all segments of the sample respiratory cycle. Alternatively, the sample respiratory rate can be recorded or monitored individually, for example, using standard respiratory rate monitoring mechanisms or techniques.

[0124] Technicians will be able to easily develop a control system for executing any of the methods described herein in a system that includes output devices and a control system. Therefore, each step of the flowchart can represent a different action performed by the control system and can be executed by the corresponding module of the control system.

[0125] Therefore, embodiments can utilize control systems. Control systems can be implemented in various ways, using software and / or hardware, to perform a variety of desired functions. A processor is one example of a control system employing one or more microprocessors, which can be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform desired functions. However, control systems can be implemented with or without a processor, and can also be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware performing some functions and processors performing other functions (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry).

[0126] Examples of control system components that may be used in various embodiments of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0127] In various implementations, the processor or control system may be associated with one or more storage media, such as volatile and non-volatile computer memories, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or control systems, perform the required functions. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or control system, or may be removable, such that one or more programs stored thereon may be loaded into the processor or control system.

[0128] As previously stated, the output device is controllable to provide a user-perceptible output that can be used to provide rate-guided breathing. More specifically, the control system can be configured to control the operation of the output device to provide a user-perceptible output for providing rate-guided breathing based on the target length of different segments of the respiratory cycle.

[0129] It should be understood that the disclosed methods are preferably computer-implemented methods. Similarly, the concept of a computer program is also proposed, which includes code means for implementing any described method when the program is run on a control system such as a computer. Therefore, different portions, lines of code, or blocks of code of a computer program according to one embodiment can be executed by a control system or computer to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0130] A non-transitory storage medium for storing or carrying computer programs or computer code is also proposed, which, when executed by a control system, causes the control system to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0131] In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the block diagrams (one or more) or flowcharts (one or more) may not occur in the order indicated in the diagrams. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.

[0132] Based on a study of the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality.

[0133] A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are referenced only in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. If a computer program is discussed above, it can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium supplied with or as part of other hardware, but it can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0134] If the term "suitable" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "suitable" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured as". If the term "apparatus" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "apparatus" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method (300) for controlling an output device (190) to provide a person with rate-controlled breathing guidance, the computer-implemented method comprising: Obtain the recording length of each segment in at least two different segments (210, 220, 230, 240) of the sample respiratory cycle (200) of the individual (310), each recording length being the length of the corresponding segment in the sample respiratory cycle (200); Obtain the sample respiratory rate of the individual described in (320); Obtain the desired respiratory rate of the individual described in (330); as well as For the individual's other respiratory cycles, for at least one of the at least two different segments, the target length (340) is determined by processing the recorded length of the segment, the individual's desired respiratory rate, and the individual's sample respiratory rate. The target length of the segment is proportional to the record length of the segment; as well as A control signal (350) is generated for the output device (190) to provide a user-perceptible output for guiding the individual to breathe according to the target length. The at least two distinct segments include an inhalation segment, an exhalation segment, and at least one breath-holding segment. Regarding the additional respiratory cycle: The ratio between the target length of the inhalation segment and the recording length of the inhalation segment is greater than the ratio between the target length of the breath-holding segment and the recording length of the breath-holding segment; and / or The ratio between the target length of the exhalation segment and the recorded length of the exhalation segment is greater than the ratio between the target length of the breath-holding segment and the recorded length of the breath-holding segment.

2. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one breath-holding segment includes at least one of an inhalation breath-holding segment and an exhalation breath-holding segment.

3. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, For each breath-hold segment, the target length is the same as the recorded length of the segment of the sample respiratory cycle.

4. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, For each breath-hold segment, the difference between the target length and the recorded length is non-zero.

5. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, For each breath-hold segment, the target length is proportional to the recorded length of the segment multiplied by the ratio of the sample breathing rate to the desired breathing rate.

6. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein, For each breath-hold segment, the target length is proportional to a weight that changes in response to the sampled respiratory rate.

7. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, For the inspiratory and expiratory segments, the target length is proportional to the recorded length of the segment multiplied by the ratio of the sample respiratory rate to the desired respiratory rate.

8. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising obtaining (310) the recording length of all segments in the respiratory cycle (200) of the sample; Determine the target length of all segments in the respiratory cycle (200) of the sample. When defined in seconds, the sum of all target lengths is equal to 60 times the reciprocal of the desired respiratory rate when defined in breaths per minute.

9. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The step of obtaining the desired respiratory rate includes obtaining the desired respiratory rate for each segment of each of a plurality of additional respiratory cycles of the individual. as well as For each of the plurality of additional respiratory cycles, the step of determining the target length of each segment includes processing the recorded length of the segment, the expected respiratory rate of the individual's respiratory cycle, and the sample respiratory rate of the individual, wherein the target length of the segment is proportional to the recorded length of the segment.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the desired respiratory rate initially begins with the sample respiratory rate and gradually changes to the target respiratory rate in at least one of the plurality of additional respiratory cycles.

11. A computer program product comprising computer program code means, which, when executed on a computing device having a control system, causes the control system to perform all the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A system (100) for providing a person with a constant-rate breathing guidance, the system comprising an output device (190) for providing a user-perceptible output to the person and a control system (110) configured to perform a computer-implemented method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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