Dynamic starting rate for guided breathing

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, devices and systems for guiding a dynamic starting rate of breathing. According to one aspect, an initial breathing metric of a user is determined. A multiplier is then determined, wherein the multiplier varies within a certain range with the initial breathing metric. The intensity level of the multiplier can vary and can be a dynamic feature based on the determination of the initial breathing metric of the user. Once the multiplier is determined, the multiplier is applied to the initial breathing metric of the user to determine a starting breathing metric for guiding breathing. The starting breathing metric is slower than or equal to the initial breathing metric of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed to methods, devices, and systems for directing a dynamic initiation rate of breathing. Background Art

[0002] Utilizing guided breathing to regulate a user or subject's breathing rate or the amount of breaths taken per minute may be beneficial in a number of health areas. For example, guided breathing may be used in several clinical applications, potentially resulting in more effective or faster treatment of conditions including: asthma, stress, restlessness, insomnia, panic disorder, recurrent abdominal pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic hyperventilation, hypertension, and congestive heart failure, among others. Guided breathing may also be used to help people fall asleep and for meditation or relaxation purposes.

[0003] Many guided breathing exercises start at a rate that matches the user's currently measured breathing rate. However, many users find it uncomfortable to start at their currently measured breathing rate. When the starting breathing rate is uncomfortable for the user, the guided breathing exercise is difficult to follow, which can make the overall guided breathing exercise unpleasant. Therefore, there is a need for a starting breathing metric for a guided breathing exercise that is more comfortable for the user to follow. Summary of the invention

[0004] Various aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, devices and systems for guiding a dynamic starting rate of breathing. According to one aspect, an initial breathing metric of a user is determined. A multiplier is then determined, wherein the multiplier varies within a certain range with the initial breathing metric. The intensity level of the multiplier can vary and can be a dynamic feature based on the determination of the initial breathing metric of the user. Once the multiplier is determined, the multiplier is applied to the initial breathing metric of the user to determine a starting breathing metric for guiding breathing. The starting breathing metric is slower than or equal to the initial breathing metric of the user.

[0005] In one aspect, a method for determining a starting respiration metric for guided breathing includes: determining an initial respiration metric of a user; determining a multiplier, wherein the multiplier varies within a range with the initial respiration metric; and applying the multiplier to the initial respiration metric of the user.

[0006] The breathing metric may include one of a user's breathing rate per minute or a user's breathing cycle. Determining the user's initial breathing metric may include measuring the user's current breathing rate. The breathing metric may include the user's breathing cycle, and when the user's initial breathing metric is determined to be between a first value and a second value higher than the first value, the multiplier varies in a linearly decreasing manner, and when the user's initial breathing metric is determined to be between a second value and a third value higher than the second value, the multiplier is constant. The range may be between about 2 seconds and about 7.5 seconds. The multiplier may vary between about 1 and about 1.3. When the breathing metric includes the user's breathing rate per minute, the multiplier may be lower when the user's initial breathing metric is higher than when the initial breathing metric is lower. When the breathing metric includes the user's breathing cycle, the multiplier may be higher when the user's initial breathing metric is lower than when the initial breathing metric is higher.

[0007] Determining an initial breathing metric for the user includes measuring a current breathing rate of the user and converting the measured current breathing rate of the user into breathing cycles, determining the multiplier includes determining the multiplier based on the breathing cycle of the user, and applying the multiplier to the initial breathing metric for the user includes applying the ratio to the breathing cycle of the user to provide a modified breathing cycle. The modified breathing cycle can be used as a starting breathing metric for guiding breathing, and the starting breathing metric can be in units of breathing rate per minute or breathing cycles in seconds.

[0008] On the other hand, a stimulation output system includes: at least one transducer, which is configured to output guided stimulation to a user; and a processor, which is configured to determine a starting breathing metric of the guided stimulation by determining the starting breathing metric of the guided breathing, which includes: determining an initial breathing metric of the user; determining a multiplier, wherein the multiplier varies within a certain range with the initial breathing metric; and applying the multiplier to the initial breathing metric of the user.

[0009] The breathing metric may include one of the user's breathing rate per minute or the user's breathing cycle. Determining the user's initial breathing metric may include measuring the user's current breathing rate. The breathing metric may include the user's breathing cycle, and when the user's initial breathing metric is determined to be between a first value and a second value higher than the first value, the multiplier changes in a linearly decreasing manner, and when the user's initial breathing metric is determined to be between a second value and a third value higher than the second value, the multiplier is constant. The range may be between about 2 seconds and about 7.5 seconds. The multiplier may vary between about 1 and about 1.3. When the breathing metric includes the user's breathing rate per minute, the multiplier may be lower when the user's initial breathing metric is higher than when the initial breathing metric is lower. When the breathing metric includes the user's breathing cycle, the multiplier may be higher when the user's initial breathing metric is lower than when the initial breathing metric is higher. The user's initial breathing metric may be estimated using a biometric sensor.

[0010] Determining an initial breathing metric for the user includes measuring a current breathing rate of the user and converting the measured current breathing rate of the user into breathing cycles, determining the multiplier includes determining the multiplier based on the breathing cycle of the user, and applying the multiplier to the initial breathing metric for the user includes applying the ratio to the breathing cycle of the user to provide a modified breathing cycle. The modified breathing cycle can be used as a starting breathing metric for guiding breathing, and the starting breathing metric can be in units of breathing rate per minute or breathing cycles in seconds.

[0011] On the other hand, a wearable audio device includes: at least one speaker configured to output guided stimulation to a user; and a processor configured to determine a starting breathing metric of the guided stimulation by determining a starting breathing metric of the guided breathing, comprising: determining an initial breathing metric of the user; determining a multiplier, wherein the multiplier varies within a certain range with the initial breathing metric; and applying the multiplier to the initial breathing metric of the user.

[0012] The breathing metric may include one of the user's breathing rate per minute or the user's breathing cycle. Determining the user's initial breathing metric may include measuring the user's current breathing rate. The breathing metric may include the user's breathing cycle, and when the user's initial breathing metric is determined to be between a first value and a second value higher than the first value, the multiplier changes in a linearly decreasing manner, and when the user's initial breathing metric is determined to be between a second value and a third value higher than the second value, the multiplier is constant. The range may be between about 2 seconds and about 7.5 seconds. The multiplier may vary between about 1 and about 1.3. When the breathing metric includes the user's breathing rate per minute, the multiplier may be lower when the user's initial breathing metric is higher than when the initial breathing metric is lower. When the breathing metric includes the user's breathing cycle, the multiplier may be higher when the user's initial breathing metric is lower than when the initial breathing metric is higher. The user's initial breathing metric may be estimated using a biometric sensor.

[0013] Determining an initial breathing metric for the user includes measuring a current breathing rate of the user and converting the measured current breathing rate of the user into breathing cycles, determining the multiplier includes determining the multiplier based on the breathing cycle of the user, and applying the multiplier to the initial breathing metric for the user includes applying the ratio to the breathing cycle of the user to provide a modified breathing cycle. The modified breathing cycle can be used as a starting breathing metric for guiding breathing, and the starting breathing metric can be in units of breathing rate per minute or breathing cycles in seconds.

[0014] All examples and features mentioned herein can be combined in any technically possible way. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 An exemplary stimulation output system in a sleeping environment is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 Exemplary components of a stimulation output device are shown.

[0017] Figure 3 An exemplary method for determining a starting breath metric for a guided breath is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 An exemplary diagram for determining a multiplier used in determining a starting breath metric is shown.

[0019] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B An exemplary chart and corresponding graph for selecting a strength level of a multiplier are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Figure 1An exemplary stimulation output system 100 in a sleep environment according to one aspect is shown. The stimulation output system 100 can be used to determine a dynamic starting breathing metric and non-linearly change the guided stimulation from the dynamic starting breathing metric to a target breathing metric of non-linear guided breathing. The stimulation output system 100 can be an audio system.

[0021] The stimulation output system 100 includes a headset 104 and a smart watch 106 shown as being worn by a subject or user. The headset 104 refers to a device that is mounted around the ear, on the ear, or in the ear and radiates sound energy into the ear canal. The headset 104 is sometimes referred to as an earphone, an earpiece, a headphone, an earplug, or a sports headset, and can be wired or wireless. The headset 104 may include one or more of the following: a processing unit, a transceiver, one or more biosensors, one or more speakers, one or more systems configured to output any combination of tactile, lighting, and audio, and one or more microphones. The headset 104 may include an interface configured to receive input from a subject or user. The smart watch 106 may be any type of wearable computer designed to be worn on the wrist of a subject or user, such as a fitness tracker. The smart watch 106 may include one or more of the following: a processing unit, a transceiver, one or more biosensors, one or more speakers, one or more tactile systems, and one or more microphones. The smart watch 106 may include an interface configured to receive input from a subject or user.

[0022] The stimulation output system 100 also includes a bedside unit 108 and a smart phone 102. The smart phone 102 can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a tablet phone or a laptop computer. The smart phone 102 may include one or more of the following: a processing unit, a transceiver, one or more biosensors, one or more speakers, one or more tactile systems, one or more light sources and one or more microphones. The smart phone 102 may include an interface configured to receive input from a subject or a user. The bedside unit 108 may be a fixed smart device, such as a smart speaker. The bedside unit 108 may have any shape and size that can be assembled on a surface such as a dresser, a desk or a nightstand in a sleeping environment. The bedside unit 108 may include one or more of the following: a processing unit, a transceiver, one or more biosensors, one or more speakers, one or more tactile systems, one or more light sources and one or more microphones. In one embodiment, the bedside unit 108 includes one or more contactless biosensors, such as a radio frequency (RF) sensor, a radar sensor or a chassis accelerometer and or a microphone. The bedside unit 108 may include an interface configured to receive input from a subject or a user.

[0023] The earphone 104, smart watch 106, bedside unit 108, and smart phone 102 may each include any wired or wireless communication means suitable for use with any other device 102-108 disposed in the sleep environment, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), USB, micro USB, or any suitable wired or wireless communication technology known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the earphone 104 may include one or more speakers, and the bedside unit 108 includes one or more biosensors that communicate with one or more speakers of the earphone 104. In addition, the stimulation output system 100 may include one or more of the devices 102-108, and it is not necessary to include each of the devices 102-108 shown. Therefore, each device 102-108 in the stimulation output system 100 may be optionally included, and only one device 102-108 is required for guiding breathing exercises and for determining the starting breathing metric of such guided breathing exercises.

[0024] The devices 102-108, alone or in combination, of the stimulation output system 100 are configured to determine a starting breathing metric for guided breathing by: determining an initial breathing metric of the user; determining a multiplier, wherein the multiplier varies within a certain range with the initial breathing metric; and applying the multiplier to the initial breathing metric of the user. The stimulation output system 100 can output guided breathing stimulation to the user in the form of audio, tactile, light, etc.

[0025] Figure 2 2 shows exemplary components of a stimulation output device 200 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. According to one example, the stimulation output device 200 is a wireless wearable audio device. The stimulation output device 200 may be an audio output device. The stimulation output device 200 may be used in a stimulation output system such as Figure 1 For example, the stimulation output device 200 may be Figure 1 Any device 102-108 in the stimulation output system 100. In one example, the stimulation output device 200 is Figure 1 In another example, the stimulation output device 200 is Figure 1 The bedside unit 108. The stimulation output device 200 may be used to determine a dynamic starting breathing metric and to non-linearly change the guided stimulation from the dynamic starting breathing metric to a target breathing metric for the non-linear guided breathing.

[0026] The stimulation output device 200 includes a memory and processor 202, a communication unit 204, a transceiver 206, a biosensor 212, and an audio output transducer or speaker 208. The memory may include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and or a flash ROM. The memory stores program code for controlling the memory and processor 202. The memory and processor 202 controls the operation of the stimulation output device 200. Figure 2 Any or all of the components may be combined into a multi-functional component.

[0027] The processor 202 controls the general operation of the stimulation output device 200. For example, the processor 202 performs processing and control of audio and / or data communications. The processor 202 is configured to determine the starting breathing metric of the guided breathing by: determining the initial breathing metric of the user; determining a multiplier, wherein the multiplier varies within a certain range with the initial breathing metric; and applying the multiplier to the initial breathing metric of the user. The processor 202 is configured to measure, receive, calculate or detect at least one biosignal parameter of the subject. In conjunction with the audio output transducer 208, the processor 202 is configured to output the guided stimulation. The processor 202 is further configured to change the guided stimulation. The processor 202 may be further configured to receive input from the subject or user, such as input about the initial breathing rate and the final breathing rate. In at least one example, the processor 202 is disposed on another device in the audio system, such as a smart phone, and communicates with the stimulation output device 200.

[0028] The communication unit 204 facilitates wireless connection with one or more other wireless devices such as other devices in the audio system. For example, the communication unit 204 may include one or more wireless protocol engines such as a Bluetooth engine. Although Bluetooth is used as an exemplary protocol, other communication protocols may also be used. Some examples include Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), NFC, IEEE802.11, WiFi or other local area network (LAN) or personal area network (PAN) protocols. The stimulation output device 200 may receive an audio file wirelessly via the communication unit 204. Additionally or alternatively, the communication unit 204 may receive information associated with a biosignal parameter of a subject obtained via a non-contact sensor. Examples of non-contact sensors include radio frequency (RF) sensors, radar sensors, or chassis accelerometers.

[0029] The transceiver 206 transmits and receives information via one or more antennas to exchange information with one or more other wireless devices. The transceiver 206 can be used to communicate with other devices in the audio system such as a bedside unit, a smart phone, and or a smart watch. The transceiver 206 is not necessarily a distinct component.

[0030] The stimulation output device 200 includes an audio output transducer 208, which may also be referred to as a driver or speaker. In some examples, more than one output transducer 208 is used. The transducer 208, which may be part of a microphone, converts electrical signals into sound and converts sound into electrical signals. The transducer 208 is configured to output guided stimulation to a user or subject. To regulate the user's breathing, the transducer 208 outputs an audio signal, including a regulated audio signal. For example, the transducer 208 may be configured to regulate the audio signal in response to a biosignal parameter of the subject. In at least one example, the transducer 208 is disposed on another device in the audio system, such as a bedside unit, and communicates with the stimulation output device 200.

[0031] The stimulation output device 200 optionally includes one or more microphones 210. In one aspect, the microphone 210 is used to convert noise into an electrical signal. In at least one example, the one or more microphones 210 are disposed on another device in the audio system, such as a bedside unit, and communicate with the stimulation output device 200. The microphone 210 can be used to roughly estimate or measure a breathing metric of the user, such as a respiratory rate per minute.

[0032] Stimulation output device 200 optionally includes one or more biosensors 212 for determining, sensing, measuring, monitoring, or calculating biosignal parameters of a subject wearing stimulation output device 200 .

[0033] According to one aspect, when the stimulation output device 200 is a headset, only one earpiece (ear tip, ear cup) of the stimulation output device 200 includes a biosensor 212. In one aspect, neither earpiece includes a biosensor 212. In contrast, a biosensor 212 that is not located on the stimulation output device 200 can remotely detect a biosignal parameter of the subject. In one example, the biosensor 212 detects the heart rate or heart rate variability (HRV) of the subject with a sensor disposed on the wrist, such as by utilizing a smart watch. In one example, the biosensor 212 can be a non-contact biosensor. The non-contact biosensor is configured to report the detected biosignal parameter to the processor 202, for example, via the communication unit 204. In at least one example, the biosensor 212 is disposed on another device in the audio system, such as a smart watch, and communicates with the stimulation output device 200.

[0034] Figure 2Communication between certain modules of the exemplary stimulation output device 200 is shown; however, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific examples shown. According to various aspects, any module 202-212 is configured to communicate with any other module in the stimulation output device 200. In one example, all modules 202-212 are connected and communicate with each other. The stimulation output device 200 can output guided breathing stimulation to the user in the form of audio, tactile, light, etc.

[0035] Figure 3 An exemplary method 300 for determining a dynamic onset breath metric for a lead breath is shown. Figure 4 An exemplary diagram 400 is shown that can be used to determine a multiplier that is applied to a breathing metric to determine a dynamic starting breathing metric for guided breathing. The breathing metric can include one of a breathing rate or a breathing cycle. A breathing cycle is the amount of time in seconds from the beginning of one inhalation to the end of the next exhalation. The breathing rate or breaths per minute rate (BrPM) (e.g., breath rate per minute or breathing rate per minute) is the amount of breaths or number of breaths taken by a subject in one minute. As used herein, the terms "breaths per minute rate," "breath rate per minute," "breathing rate," and "breathing rate per minute" can be used interchangeably. The method 300 and diagram 400 can each be separately described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The stimulation output system 100 and or Figure 2 The stimulation output device 200 is used together.

[0036] At 310, an initial breathing metric of the user is determined. The initial breathing metric may be determined by measuring the user's current breathing rate or breathing cycle. In one embodiment, a biometric sensor (such as Figure 2The biometric sensor 212 of the user can be used to estimate or measure the user's breathing rate. In other embodiments, the breathing metric can be determined based on historical data, demographic data, preference data, etc. For example, the user's breathing rate or breathing cycle can be measured at the same time every day using a biometric sensor every day, and the measurement is performed for one or more days to collect historical data. Based on the collected historical data, the user's breathing metric can be determined or estimated, such as by calculating the average value of the collected breathing metric. As another example, the user can enter their demographic data (such as race, height, weight, known medical conditions, diet, etc.) into the interface. The demographic data can then be analyzed to roughly estimate the user's initial breathing metric. If the breathing metric is determined in units of breathing rate per minute (i.e., breathing rate), the breathing metric can be converted into units of breathing cycles (period of a breath) (i.e., breathing period) in seconds before continuing to 320.

[0037] At 320, a multiplier is determined that varies within a range with the initial breathing metric. The multiplier may vary linearly with the breathing rate per minute, such that the higher the initial breathing rate of the user, the higher the multiplier. The multiplier may vary between about a 2 second period and about a 7.5 second period.

[0038] Figure 4 An exemplary diagram 400 is shown that can be used to determine a multiplier. The diagram 400 can be used as a lookup table and shows two conditions for determining a multiplier. Figure 4 The highest multiplier is shown to be 1.25, but the multiplier can be higher, such as 1.3, as described below in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B The multiplier may be a ratio of the user's initial breathing metric divided by a preselected starting breathing metric (which has been found to be a comfortable starting breathing metric for the user). Although diagram 400 shows multipliers for both breathing period (BP) and breathing rate (BR) along the y-axis, only one multiplier unit is required. The multiplier may be determined for either the user's breathing rate or the breathing period, regardless of the unit of the multiplier.

[0039] Under condition 1 in diagram 400, the user's initial breathing metric is multiplied by the same multiplier regardless of the user's initial breathing metric. As shown in diagram 400, the multiplier under condition 1 is always 1.1 for the breathing cycle (i.e., about 0.908 for the breathing rate). Similarly, although not shown on diagram 400, one BrPM can be subtracted from the user's initial breathing metric, or one second can be added, regardless of the user's initial breathing metric.

[0040] Under condition 2 in diagram 400, the multiplier changes linearly with the respiratory rate per minute from the first value to the second value, and then becomes constant with it from the second value to the third value. For example, when the first value is about a 4 second period or higher and the second value is about an 8 second period, the multiplier changes in a linear decreasing manner. When the second value is about an 8 second period and the third value is about a 10 second period, the multiplier is constant at 1. When the multiplier changes in a linear decreasing manner, the higher the initial respiratory rate of the user, the lower the multiplier. Similarly, when the multiplier changes in a linear decreasing manner, the lower the initial respiratory period of the user, the higher the multiplier. For example, if the user's initial breathing metric is about 6 seconds, a multiplier of 1.1 is selected (i.e., a multiplier of about 0.908 for a corresponding respiratory rate of 10 BrPM). However, when the user's initial breathing metric is about 4 seconds, a multiplier of about 1.25 is selected (i.e., a multiplier of about 0.8 for a corresponding respiratory rate of 15 BrPM).

[0041] At 330, the multiplier determined at 320 is applied to the initial breathing metric of the user to determine the starting breathing metric for guided breathing. The starting breathing metric is slower than or equal to the initial breathing metric of the user. Under condition 1 in diagram 400, if the initial breathing metric of the user is determined to be a 5-second period, the determined starting metric of the user will be a 5.5-second period or about 10.9 breaths per minute. Under condition 2 in diagram 400, if the initial breathing metric of the user is determined to be a 5-second period, the determined starting metric of the user will be a 5.875-second period or about 10.21 breaths per minute. In one aspect, in conjunction with the starting breathing metric, the starting breathing rate is never started at less than about 10 seconds (i.e., 6BrPM) and never started at more than about 4 seconds (i.e., 15BrPM). Once the starting breathing metric is determined, it can be used as a breathing metric to start guided breathing exercises as a starting breathing metric for guided breathing stimulation.

[0042] Although referred to as a multiplier, the multiplier may be applied to the initial breathing metric by any mathematical operation or function, including but not limited to addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. In one example, for all values ​​of the breathing rate per minute, the initial breathing metric in terms of the breathing rate per minute may be subtracted by 1. In another example, if the multiplier is determined to be 1.25 in 320, the initial breathing metric of the user may be multiplied by 1.25 if the initial breathing metric is in units of breathing cycles, or the initial breathing metric may be divided by 1.25 if the initial breathing metric is in units of breathing rates per minute. Conversely, if the multiplier is determined to be 0.8 in 320, the initial breathing metric of the user may be divided by 0.8 if the initial breathing metric is in units of breathing cycles, or the initial breathing metric may be multiplied by 0.8 if the initial breathing metric is in units of breathing rates per minute. Thus, regardless of the units of the multiplier, the multiplier may be applied to both the breathing rate and the breathing cycle of the user.

[0043] Figure 5A An exemplary graph 500 is shown for various strength levels of the multiplier, and Figure 5B A corresponding diagram 550 is shown. The diagram 500 and the diagram 550 may be used in conjunction with Figure 1 Stimulation output system 100, Figure 2 The stimulation output device 200 and or Figure 3 300. Graph 500 and diagram 550 show various intensity levels or severities for determining the multiplier for condition 2 described above in 320. As shown in graph 500, various intensity levels or severities, such as mild, moderate, and strong, can be selected to determine the rate at which the multiplier can be reduced (i.e., the slope of the line for condition 2). Mild level 502 determines a lower or weaker intensity to be applied to the user's initial breathing metric, while strong level 506 determines a higher or steeper intensity. Graph 500 further shows a fixed multiplier 1.1 associated with condition 1 above for comparison. Although graph 500 is shown in units of breathing rate, graph 500 can be in units of breathing cycles.

[0044] In graph 500, mild level 502 starts with a multiplier of about 1.25 for an initial breathing rate of about 20 breaths per minute; medium level 504 starts with a multiplier of about 1.23 for an initial breathing rate of about 20 breaths per minute; and intense level 506 starts with a multiplier of about 1.39 for an initial breathing rate of about 20 breaths per minute. Graph 550 shows each of the intensity levels starting with a high breathing rate of about 15 breaths per minute. In graph 550, mild level 502 starts with a multiplier of about 1.185 for an initial breathing rate of about 125 breaths per minute; medium level 504 starts with a multiplier of about 1.25 for an initial breathing rate of about 15 breaths per minute; and intense level 506 starts with a multiplier of about 1.3 for an initial breathing rate of about 15 breaths per minute. Similar to diagram 400 , if it is determined that the user's initial breathing cycle is approximately 8 or 9 breaths per minute, the multiplier is no longer linearly decreasing, but is instead constant at 1.

[0045] The intensity level may be user selected or may be predetermined. In one embodiment, the intensity level is a dynamic feature selected based on the user's initial breathing metric. For example, the lower the user's initial breathing metric, the lower the intensity level of the multiplier, and the higher the user's initial breathing metric, the higher the intensity level of the multiplier. For example, if the user's initial breathing metric is determined to be approximately 8BrPM to approximately 11BrPM, a mild intensity may be selected. Similarly, if the user's initial breathing metric is determined to be approximately 12BrPM to approximately 19BrPM, a medium intensity may be selected. If the user's initial breathing metric is determined to be approximately 20BrPM or higher, a strong intensity may be selected. If the user's initial breathing metric is determined to be approximately 8BrPM or lower, a constant multiplier of 1 is selected.

[0046] By determining a starting breathing metric for the guided breathing that is different from the user's current breathing metric, the guided breathing will begin at a more comfortable speed, which can help the user reach the target breathing metric faster. In addition, by starting the guided breathing at a more comfortable speed, the user may be more encouraged to complete the guided breathing because the guided breathing will be smoother than a guided breathing exercise that starts with the user's current breathing metric, thereby helping the user reach their target breathing metric faster. Therefore, the overall guided breathing exercise will be more effective and beneficial to the user because the guided breathing exercise will be more comfortable and easier to follow for the user.

[0047] Various aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, devices and systems for guiding the dynamic starting rate of breathing. According to various aspects, the audio device or system described herein is also configured to nonlinearly change the guided stimulation with a nonlinear breath rate per minute or a breath rate per minute sequence to align with the final or target breathing cycle, as described in U.S. patent application serial number 62 / 789,343 (agent file number WL-18-044-US) entitled "Non-Linear BreathEntrainment" filed on January 7, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0048] In the foregoing, reference is made to various aspects presented in the present disclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically described aspects. Various aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a fully hardware implementation, a fully software implementation (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an implementation combining software and hardware aspects, which may be collectively referred to herein as "components," "circuits," "modules," or "systems." In addition, various aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon.

[0049] Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be utilized. A 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, device or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media include: an electrical connector having one or more wires, a hard 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 disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the present context, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that may contain or store a program.

[0050] The flow charts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible specific implementation architecture, functions and operations of the systems, methods and computer program products according to various aspects. In this regard, each frame in the flow chart or block diagram may represent a module, a part of the code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specified logical functions. In some specific implementations, the functions described in the frame may not occur in the order described in the accompanying drawings. For example, depending on the functions involved, the two frames shown in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the frames may sometimes be executed in the opposite order. Each frame in the block diagram and or the flow chart diagram and the combination of frames in the block diagram and or the flow chart diagram may be implemented by a combination of a dedicated hardware-based system or dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs a specified function or action.

Claims

1. A method for determining a starting breathing metric for guided breathing, comprising: determining an initial breathing metric of the user; determining a multiplier, wherein the multiplier changes in a linearly decreasing manner, and wherein a rate at which the multiplier changes in the linearly decreasing manner is determined based on the initial respiration metric of the user or a selection of the user; as well as The multiplier is applied to the initial breathing metric of the user to provide the starting breathing metric. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the initial breathing metric comprises one of the user's breathing rate per minute or the user's breathing cycle. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the initial breathing metric of the user comprises measuring a current breathing rate of the user.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein when the initial breathing metric is determined to be between a first value and a second value, the multiplier varies in a linearly decreasing manner, and when the initial breathing metric of the user is determined to be between the second value and a third value, the multiplier is constant. The method of claim 1 , wherein the range over which the multiplier varies is between 2 seconds and 7.5 seconds. The method of claim 1 , wherein the multiplier varies between 1 and 1.

3.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: determining the initial breathing metric of the user comprises measuring a current breathing rate of the user and converting the measured current breathing rate of the user into breathing cycles, determining the multiplier comprises determining the multiplier based on the breathing cycle of the user, and Applying the multiplier to the initial breathing metric of the user includes applying a ratio to the breathing cycle of the user to provide a modified breathing cycle.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: using the modified breathing period as the starting breathing metric for the guided breathing, Wherein the initial breathing metric is in units of breathing rate per minute or breathing cycles in seconds.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the rate at which the multiplier changes in a linearly decreasing manner is associated with a speed at which the user reaches a target breathing metric.

10. A stimulation output system, comprising: at least one transducer configured to output a directed stimulus to a user; and A processor configured to determine a starting respiration metric for the guided stimulation by: determining an initial breathing metric of the user; as well as determining a multiplier, wherein the multiplier changes in a linearly decreasing manner, and wherein a rate at which the multiplier changes in the linearly decreasing manner is determined based on the initial respiration metric of the user or a selection of the user; as well as The multiplier is applied to the initial breathing metric of the user to provide the starting breathing metric.

11. A stimulation output system according to claim 10, wherein the initial breathing metric includes one of the user's respiratory rate per minute or the user's breathing cycle.

12. The stimulation output system of claim 10, wherein determining the initial breathing metric of the user comprises measuring a current breathing rate of the user.

13. A stimulation output system according to claim 10, wherein when the initial breathing metric is determined to be between a first value and a second value, the multiplier changes in a linearly decreasing manner, and when the initial breathing metric of the user is determined to be between the second value and a third value, the multiplier is constant.

14. The stimulation output system according to claim 10, wherein the range in which the multiplier changes is between 2 seconds and 7.5 seconds.

15. The stimulation output system of claim 10, wherein the multiplier varies between 1 and 1.

3.

16. The stimulation output system of claim 10, wherein a biometric sensor is used to estimate the initial breathing metric of the user.

17. The stimulation output system according to claim 10, wherein: Determining the initial breathing metric of the user includes measuring a current breathing rate of the user and converting the measured current breathing rate of the user into breathing cycles; Determining the multiplier includes determining the multiplier based on the breathing cycle of the user; and Applying the multiplier to the initial breathing metric of the user includes applying a ratio to the breathing cycle of the user to provide a modified breathing cycle.

18. The stimulation output system according to claim 17, further comprising: using the modified breathing period as the starting breathing metric for the guided breathing, Wherein the initial breathing metric is in units of breathing rate per minute or breathing cycles in seconds.

19. A stimulation output system according to claim 10, wherein the rate at which the multiplier changes in a linearly decreasing manner is associated with the speed at which the user reaches a target breathing metric.

20. A wearable audio device comprising: at least one speaker configured to output a guidance stimulus to a user; and A processor configured to determine a starting respiration metric for the guided stimulation by: determining an initial breathing metric of the user; as well as determining a multiplier, wherein the multiplier changes in a linearly decreasing manner, and wherein a rate at which the multiplier changes in the linearly decreasing manner is determined based on the initial respiration metric of the user or a selection of the user; as well as The multiplier is applied to the initial breathing metric of the user.

21. The wearable audio device of claim 20, wherein the initial respiration metric comprises one of the user's breathing rate per minute or the user's breathing cycles.

22. The wearable audio device of claim 20, wherein determining the initial breathing metric of the user comprises measuring a current breathing rate of the user.

23. The wearable audio device of claim 20, wherein when the initial breathing metric is determined to be between a first value and a second value, the multiplier varies in a linearly decreasing manner, and when the initial breathing metric of the user is determined to be between the second value and a third value, the multiplier is constant.

24. The wearable audio device of claim 20, wherein the range over which the multiplier varies is between 2 seconds and 7.5 seconds.

25. The wearable audio device of claim 20, wherein the multiplier varies between 1 and 1.

3.

26. The wearable audio device of claim 20, further comprising a biometric sensor, wherein the biometric sensor is used to estimate the initial breathing metric of the user.

27. The wearable audio device of claim 20, wherein: Determining the initial breathing metric of the user includes measuring a current breathing rate of the user and converting the measured current breathing rate of the user into breathing cycles; Determining the multiplier includes determining the multiplier based on the breathing cycle of the user; and Applying the multiplier to the initial breathing metric of the user includes applying a ratio to the breathing cycle of the user to provide a modified breathing cycle.

28. The wearable audio device of claim 27, further comprising: using the modified breathing period as the starting breathing metric for the guided breathing, Wherein the initial breathing metric is in units of breathing rate per minute or breathing cycles in seconds.

29. The wearable audio device of claim 20, wherein the rate at which the multiplier changes in a linearly decreasing manner is associated with a speed at which the user reaches a target breathing metric.

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