System and method for active noise cancellation

Abstract

A method for canceling noise generated by a respiratory system configured to supply pressurized air to a user during a sleep session, the method comprising: generating sound data using a microphone; generating breathing data associated with breathing of a user of the respiratory system using one or more sensors; analyzing the sound data to determine whether noise associated with operation of the respiratory system is occurring; and causing a loudspeaker to emit sound waves based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) data related to operation of the respiratory system, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), and (iii), the emitted sound waves configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with operation of the respiratory system.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 929,065, filed October 31, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for noise cancellation, and more specifically to systems and methods for detecting noise associated with the operation and / or use of the respiratory system and emitting acoustically canceled noise-canceling sound waves. Background Technology

[0004] Many individuals suffer from sleep-related breathing disorders associated with one or more events occurring during sleep, such as snoring, sleep apnea, hypopnea, restless legs syndrome, sleep disturbances, apnea, increased heart rate, dyspnea, asthma attacks, seizures, epileptic seizures, or any combination thereof. These individuals are often treated with respiratory therapy systems (e.g., continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) systems), which deliver pressurized air to help prevent the individual's airway from narrowing or collapsing during sleep. Respiratory therapy systems can generate physiological data associated with sleep periods, which can then be used to determine sleep-related parameters and / or generate reports indicating sleep quality. However, such respiratory therapy systems generate noise during operation (motor noise, user interface leakage noise, vent leakage noise, etc.), which can disturb the user and / or their bed partner. This audible noise increases the difficulty of falling asleep and often reduces the user's sleep quality. This invention aims to address these problems and other needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to some implementations of the invention, a method for eliminating noise generated by a respiratory system includes generating sound data using a microphone, the respiratory system being configured to supply pressurized air to a user during sleep periods. The method further includes generating respiratory data associated with the breathing of the user of the respiratory system using one or more sensors. The method also includes analyzing the sound data to determine whether noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is occurring. The method further includes causing a loudspeaker to emit sound waves based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the respiratory data, (iii) one or more physical characteristics of the ventilator device, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), and (iii). The emitted sound waves are configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system.

[0006] According to some implementations of the invention, a method for eliminating noise generated by a respiratory system includes generating sound data using a microphone, the respiratory system being configured to supply pressurized air to a user during a sleep period. The method further includes generating respiratory data associated with the user's breathing using one or more sensors. The method also includes analyzing the sound data to determine whether noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is occurring. The method further includes causing a loudspeaker to emit sound waves based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the respiratory data, (iii) one or more physical characteristics of the ventilator device, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), and (iii). The emitted sound waves are configured to acoustically eliminate at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system. Sound waves are emitted when the user is in a first stage of a sleep period, but not when the user is in a second stage of a sleep period.

[0007] According to some implementations of the invention, a method for eliminating noise generated by a respiratory system includes generating sound data using a microphone, the respiratory system being configured to supply pressurized air to a user during sleep periods. The method further includes generating respiratory data associated with the breathing of the user of the respiratory system using one or more sensors. The method further includes analyzing the sound data to determine whether noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is occurring. The method further includes causing a loudspeaker to emit sound waves based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the respiratory data, (iii) one or more physical characteristics of the ventilator device, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), and (iii). The emitted sound waves are configured to acoustically eliminate at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system. The method further includes receiving feedback sound data and modifying one or more sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker based at least in part on the received feedback sound data.

[0008] According to some implementations of the invention, a method for eliminating noise generated by a respiratory system includes generating sound data using a microphone, the respiratory system being configured to supply pressurized air to a user during sleep periods. The method further includes generating respiratory data associated with the breathing of the user of the respiratory system using one or more sensors. The method further includes analyzing the sound data to determine whether noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is occurring. The method further includes causing a loudspeaker to emit sound waves based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the respiratory data, (iii) one or more physical characteristics of the ventilator device, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), and (iii). The emitted sound waves are configured to acoustically eliminate at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system. The method further includes predicting future changes in the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the respiratory data, (iii) the data associated with the operation of the respiratory system, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), and (iii). The method further includes modifying the sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker based at least in part on the predicted future changes in the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system.

[0009] According to some implementations of the present invention, a system includes a breathing system, a microphone, and a speaker. The breathing system includes a respirator device. The respirator device is configured to supply pressurized air to a user. The respirator device is attached to a user interface via a conduit. The breathing device, the user interface, and the conduit form an air passage such that when the user interface is attached to the user's face, the supplied pressurized air is directed to the user's airway. The microphone is configured to generate sound data representing noise associated with the operation of the breathing system. The speaker is configured to emit sound waves. The sound waves are configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the breathing system.

[0010] The above overview is not intended to represent every embodiment or aspect of the invention. Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of a system for eliminating noise associated with the operation of a respiratory system including a breathing device, according to some implementations of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 This is according to some implementations of the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of the system, the system's users, and the users' bed partners;

[0013] Figure 3 An exemplary timeline of sleep periods according to some implementations of the present invention is shown;

[0014] Figure 4 It is based on some implementations of the present invention and Figure 3 An exemplary hypnosis diagram associated with sleep periods;

[0015] Figure 5A This is according to some implementations of the present invention. Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the respiratory device of the system;

[0016] Figure 5B This is according to some implementations of the present invention. Figure 5A An enlarged partial rear perspective view of the breathing apparatus, showing the air inlet area of ​​the breathing apparatus;

[0017] Figure 6A According to some implementations of the present invention, this includes a blower motor. Figure 5A A partially transparent rear perspective view of the breathing apparatus;

[0018] Figure 6B This is according to some implementations of the present invention. Figure 5A A partially disassembled front perspective view of the breathing device, with the humidifier canister removed from it;

[0019] Figure 7A This is according to some implementations of the present invention. Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the blower motor of the breathing device, showing the noise generated by the blower motor;

[0020] Figure 7B This is according to some implementations of the present invention. Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of the blower motor shows that the noise generated by the blower motor is eliminated by noise cancellation emitted by a loudspeaker;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a first method for eliminating noise generated during the use of a respiratory system according to some implementations of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a second method for eliminating noise generated during the use of a respiratory system according to some implementations of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a third method for eliminating noise generated during the use of a respiratory system according to some implementations of the present invention; and

[0024] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a fourth method for eliminating noise generated during the use of a respiratory system, according to some implementations of the present invention.

[0025] While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and substitutions, specific implementations and embodiments thereof have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Many individuals suffer from sleep-related and / or breathing disorders. Examples of sleep-related and / or breathing disorders include periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), restless legs syndrome (RLS), sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), other types of apnea, Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), respiratory insufficiency, obesity-related hyperventilation syndrome (OHS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuromuscular disease (NMD), and chest wall disorders.

[0027] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) characterized by events during sleep that result in closure or obstruction of the upper airway due to a combination of abnormally small upper airway and loss of normal muscle tone in the areas of the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharyngeal walls. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is another form of SDB that occurs when the brain temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing. More generally, apnea generally refers to the cessation of breathing caused by air blockage (or cessation of respiratory function). Typically, during an obstructive sleep apnea event, an individual will stop breathing for approximately 15 to 30 seconds.

[0028] Other types of apnea include hypoventilation, hyperventilation, and hypercapnia. Hypoventilation is typically characterized by slow or shallow breathing caused by a narrowed airway, rather than airway obstruction. Hyperventilation is typically characterized by increased respiratory depth and / or rate. Hypercapnia is typically characterized by an excess of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream and is usually caused by hypoventilation.

[0029] Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is another form of spontaneous breathing deficit (SDB). CSR is a dysregulation of the patient's respiratory controller, characterized by rhythmic alternations of waxing and waning ventilation known as the CSR cycle. CSR is characterized by repetitive hypoxia and reoxygenation of arterial blood.

[0030] Obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as a combination of severe obesity and chronic hypercapnia at wakefulness, without other known causes of hypoventilation. Symptoms include dyspnea, morning headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

[0031] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes any of the lower airway diseases that share certain common characteristics, such as increased resistance to air movement, prolonged expiratory phase of breathing, and loss of normal lung elasticity.

[0032] Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) encompass a wide range of conditions and ailments that impair muscle function directly through intrinsic muscular pathology or indirectly through neuropathology. The chest wall is a group of thoracic deformities that result in inefficient connection between the respiratory muscles and the thoracic cavity.

[0033] These and other conditions are characterized by specific events that occur when an individual is sleeping (such as snoring, sleep apnea, insufficiency of breathing, restless legs, sleep disturbances, suffocation, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, seizures, epilepsy, or any combination thereof).

[0034] The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is an index used to indicate the severity of sleep apnea during sleep. An AHI is calculated by dividing the number of apnea and / or hypopnea events experienced by the user during a sleep period by the total number of hours of sleep in that period. An event can be, for example, an apnea lasting at least 10 seconds. An AHI less than 5 is considered normal. An AHI greater than or equal to 5 but less than 15 is considered an indicator of mild sleep apnea. An AHI greater than or equal to 15 but less than 30 is considered an indicator of moderate sleep apnea. An AHI greater than or equal to 30 is considered an indicator of severe sleep apnea. In children, an AHI greater than 1 is considered abnormal. When the AHI is normal, or when the AHI is normal or mild, sleep apnea can be considered “controlled.” The AHI can also be used in conjunction with oxygen desaturation levels to indicate the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 This describes a system 100 according to some implementations of the present invention. System 100 includes a control system 110, a memory device 114, an electronic interface 119, a respiratory system 120, a microphone 242, and a speaker 244. In some implementations, system 100 also includes a feedback microphone 243. In some implementations, system 100 further includes one or more sensors 130, one or more external devices 170, a blood pressure device 180, an activity tracker 190, or any combination thereof. System 100 can be used for active noise cancellation generated during operation of the respiratory system 120.

[0036] The control system 110 includes one or more processors 112 (hereinafter, processor 112). The control system 110 is typically used to control various components of the system 100 and / or analyze data acquired and / or generated by the components of the system 100. The processor 112 may be a general-purpose or special-purpose processor or a microprocessor. Although in Figure 1A processor 112 is shown, but the control system 110 may include any suitable number of processors (e.g., one processor, two processors, five processors, ten processors, etc.), which may be located in a single housing or positioned remotely from each other. The control system 110 may be coupled to and / or located within, for example, the housing of an external device 170, and / or the housing of one or more sensors 130. The control system 110 may be centralized (within one such housing) or distributed (within two or more physically different such housings). In this embodiment, which includes two or more housings containing the control system 110, such housings may be positioned close to and / or far from each other.

[0037] Memory 114 stores machine-readable instructions executable by the processor 112 of the control system 110. Memory device 114 can be any suitable computer-readable storage device or medium, such as random or serial access storage devices, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, flash memory devices, etc. Although Figure 1 A memory device 114 is shown, but system 100 may include any suitable number of memory devices 114 (e.g., one memory device, two memory devices, five memory devices, ten memory devices, etc.). The memory device 114 may be coupled to and / or located within the housing of any one or more sensors 130. Similar to control system 110, the memory device 114 may be centralized (within one such housing) or distributed (within two or more physically different such housings).

[0038] In some implementations, memory device 114 ( Figure 1 This system stores user profiles associated with each user. User profiles may include, for example, user-associated demographic information, user-associated biostatistics, user-associated medical information, self-reported user feedback, user-associated sleep parameters (e.g., sleep-related parameters recorded from one or more earlier sleep periods), or any combination thereof. Demographic information may include, for example, information indicating the user's age, gender, ethnicity, family medical history, employment status, education level, socioeconomic status, or any combination thereof. Medical information may include, for example, information indicating one or more medical conditions associated with the user, medication use, or both. Medical information data may further include Multisleep Latency Test (MSLT) results or scores and / or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores or values. Self-reported user feedback may include information indicating self-reported subjective sleep scores (e.g., poor, average, excellent), user's self-reported subjective stress levels, user's self-reported subjective fatigue levels, user's self-reported subjective health status, recent life events experienced by the user, or any combination thereof.

[0039] Electronic interface 119 is configured to receive data (e.g., physiological data and / or audio data) from one or more sensors 130, such that the data can be stored in memory device 114 and / or analyzed by processor 112 of control system 110. Electronic interface 119 can use wired or wireless connections (e.g., using RF communication protocols, WiFi communication protocols, Bluetooth communication protocols, IR communication protocols, via cellular networks, via any other optical communication protocol, etc.). Electronic interface 119 may include an antenna, a receiver (e.g., an RF receiver), a transmitter (e.g., an RF transmitter), a transceiver, or any combination thereof. Electronic interface 119 may also include one or more processors and / or one or more memory devices that are the same as or similar to processor 112 and memory device 114 described herein. In some implementations, electronic interface 119 is coupled to or integrated into external device 170. In other implementations, electronic interface 119 is coupled to or integrated with control system 110 and / or memory device 114 (e.g., within a housing).

[0040] As described above, in some embodiments, system 100 may optionally include a respiratory system 120 (also referred to as a respiratory therapy system). The respiratory system 120 may include a breathing device 122 (also referred to as a respiratory pressure therapy device), a user interface 124, a conduit 126 (also referred to as a tube or air circuit), a display device 128, a humidifier canister 129, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, a control system 110, a memory device 114, a display device 128, one or more sensors 130, and a humidifier canister 129 are part of the breathing device 122. Respiratory pressure therapy refers to supplying air to the user's airway inlet at a controlled target pressure that is nominally positive relative to atmosphere throughout the user's respiratory cycle (e.g., opposite to the negative pressure therapy of a canister ventilator or duct ventilator). Respiratory system 120 is typically used to treat individuals who have one or more sleep-related breathing disorders (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, or mixed sleep apnea), other breathing disorders such as COPD, or other disorders that result in respiratory insufficiency that may be present during sleep or wakefulness.

[0041] Breathing device 122 is typically used to generate pressurized air to be delivered to a user (e.g., using one or more motors driving one or more compressors). In some implementations, breathing device 122 generates a continuous, constant air pressure that is delivered to the user. In other implementations, breathing device 122 generates two or more predetermined pressures (e.g., a first predetermined air pressure and a second predetermined air pressure). In still other implementations, breathing device 122 is configured to generate a variety of different air pressures within a predetermined range. For example, breathing device 122 may deliver at least about 6 cm H2O, at least about 10 cm H2O, at least about 20 cm H2O, between about 6 cm H2O and about 10 cm H2O, between about 7 cm H2O and about 12 cm H2O, etc. Breathing device 122 may also deliver pressurized air at predetermined flow rates, for example, between about -20 L / min and about 150 L / min, while maintaining positive pressure (relative to ambient pressure). In some implementations, the control system 110, memory device 114, electronic interface 119, or any combination thereof may be coupled to and / or located within the housing of the breathing apparatus 122.

[0042] User interface 124 engages with a portion of the user's face and delivers pressurized air from breathing apparatus 122 to the user's airway to help prevent airway narrowing and / or collapse during sleep. This can also increase the user's oxygen intake during sleep. Depending on the treatment to be applied, user interface 124 may form a seal with, for example, an area or portion of the user's face, thereby facilitating the delivery of gas at a pressure sufficiently different from ambient pressure (e.g., a positive pressure of approximately 10 cm H2O relative to ambient pressure) to achieve the treatment. For other forms of treatment, such as oxygen delivery, the user interface may not include a seal sufficient to facilitate the delivery of a gas supply at a positive pressure of approximately 10 cm H2O to the airway.

[0043] like Figure 2As shown, in some implementations, user interface 124 is or includes a mask covering the user's nose and mouth. Alternatively, user interface 124 is or includes a nasal mask that supplies air to the user's nose or a nasal pillow mask that supplies air directly to the user's nostrils. User interface 124 may include a strap assembly having multiple straps (e.g., including hook and loop fasteners) on a portion of user interface 124 (e.g., the face) for positioning and / or stabilizing user interface 124 in a desired position for the user, and a conformal cushioning pad (e.g., silicone, plastic, foam, etc.) to facilitate an airtight seal between user interface 124 and the user. User interface 124 may also include one or more vents for allowing carbon dioxide and other gases exhaled by user 210 to escape. In other implementations, user interface 124 includes a mouthpiece (e.g., a night-protective mouthpiece molded to conform to the user's teeth, a jaw repositioning device, etc.).

[0044] The conduit 126 allows air to flow between two components of the respiratory system 120, such as the breathing device 122 and the user interface 124. In some implementations, there may be separate branches for the inspiratory and expiratory conduits. In other implementations, a single-branch air conduit is used for both inspiratory and expiratory breathing.

[0045] One or more of the breathing apparatus 122, user interface 124, conduit 126, display device 128, and humidifier 129 may include one or more sensors (e.g., pressure sensor, flow sensor, or any other sensor 130 described more generally herein). These one or more sensors may be used, for example, to measure the air pressure and / or flow rate of the pressurized air supplied by the breathing apparatus 122.

[0046] Display device 128 is typically used to display images including still images, video images, or both, and / or information about breathing apparatus 122. For example, display device 128 may provide information about the status of breathing apparatus 122 (e.g., whether breathing apparatus 122 is on / off, the pressure of the air delivered by breathing apparatus 122, the temperature of the air delivered by breathing apparatus 122, etc.) and / or other information (e.g., sleep score or treatment score (also known as myAir)). TM (Score), current date / time, user 210's personal information, etc.). In some implementations, the display device 128 acts as a human-machine interface (HMI) including a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to display images as input. The display device 128 may be an LED display, an OLED display, an LCD display, etc. The input interface may be, for example, a touchscreen or touch-sensitive substrate, a mouse, a keyboard, or any sensor system configured to sense input made by a human user interacting with the breathing device 122.

[0047] The humidifier canister 129 is connected to or integrated into the breathing apparatus 122 and includes a water reservoir for humidifying pressurized air delivered from the breathing apparatus 122. The breathing apparatus 122 may include a heater to heat the water in the humidifier canister 129 to humidify the pressurized air supplied to the user. Additionally, in some implementations, the conduit 126 may include a heating element (e.g., coupled to and / or embedded in the conduit 126) that heats the pressurized air delivered to the user. In other implementations, the breathing apparatus 122 or the conduit 126 may include a waterless humidifier. The waterless humidifier may include a sensor that interfaces with other sensors located elsewhere in the system 100.

[0048] The respiratory system 120 can be used as, for example, a ventilator or a positive airway pressure (PAP) system, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system, an automated positive airway pressure (APAP) system, a bilevel or variable positive airway pressure (BPAP or VPAP) system, or any combination thereof. A CPAP system delivers a predetermined pressure (e.g., determined by a sleep physician) to the user. An APAP system automatically changes the pressure delivered to the user based at least in part on, for example, breathing data associated with the user. A BPAP or VPAP system is configured to deliver a first predetermined pressure (e.g., inspiratory positive airway pressure or IPAP) and a second predetermined pressure below the first predetermined pressure (e.g., expiratory positive airway pressure or EPAP).

[0049] Reference Figure 2 The system 100 is shown according to some implementation methods. Figure 1 Part of the breathing system 120. The user 210 and bed partner 220 are located in the bed 230 and lying on the mattress 232. A user interface 124 (e.g., a full-face mask) can be worn by the user 210 during sleep. The user interface 124 is fluidly coupled and / or connected to the breathing device 122 via a conduit 126. The breathing device 122, in turn, delivers pressurized air to the user 210 via the conduit 126 and the user interface 124 to increase the air pressure in the user 210's throat, thereby helping to prevent airway closure and / or narrowing during sleep. The breathing device 122 can be positioned such as... Figure 2 The bedside table 240 shown is directly adjacent to the bed 230, or more generally, is positioned on any surface or structure that is typically adjacent to the bed 230 and / or the user 210.

[0050] See again Figure 1The system 100 includes one or more sensors 130, such as a pressure sensor 132, a flow sensor 134, a temperature sensor 136, a motion sensor 138, a microphone 140, a speaker 142, a radio frequency (RF) receiver 146, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter 148, a camera 150, an infrared (IR) sensor 152, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor 154, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor 156, an EEG sensor 158, a capacitance sensor 160, a force sensor 162, a strain gauge sensor 164, an electromyography (EMG) sensor 166, an oxygen sensor 168, an analyte sensor 174, a humidity sensor 176, a lidar (LiDAR) sensor 178, or any combination thereof. Typically, each of the one or more sensors 130 is configured to output sensor data received and stored in a memory device 114 or one or more other memory devices. Sensor 130 may also include an electrooculogram (EOG) sensor, a peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) sensor, a skin conductance response (GSR) sensor, a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0051] Although one or more sensors 130 are shown and described as including each of the following: pressure sensor 132, flow sensor 134, temperature sensor 136, motion sensor 138, microphone 140, speaker 142, RF receiver 146, RF transmitter 148, camera 150, IR sensor 152, PPG sensor 154, electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor 156, EEG sensor 158, capacitance sensor 160, force sensor 162, strain gauge sensor 164, EMG sensor 166, oxygen sensor 168, analyte sensor 174, humidity sensor 176, and LidAR sensor 178, more generally, one or more sensors 130 may include any combination and any number of each of the sensors described and / or shown herein.

[0052] One or more sensors 130 may be used to generate, for example, physiological data, audio data, or both. The control system 110 may use the physiological data generated by the one or more sensors 130 to determine sleep-wake signals and one or more sleep-related parameters associated with the user during sleep periods. Sleep-wake signals may indicate one or more sleep stages, including sleep, wakefulness, relaxed wakefulness, micro-wakefulness, or different sleep stages such as rapid eye movement (REM) stage, first non-REM stage (commonly referred to as "N1"), second non-REM stage (commonly referred to as "N2"), third non-REM stage (commonly referred to as "N3"), or any combination thereof.

[0053] Sleep-wake signals can also be timestamped to indicate the time a user enters bed, the time a user leaves bed, the time a user attempts to fall asleep, etc. Sleep-wake signals from one or more sensors 130 can be measured during a sleep period at a predetermined sampling rate (e.g., one sample per second, one sample every 30 seconds, one sample per minute, etc.). Examples of one or more sleep-related parameters that can be determined for a user, at least in part, based on sleep-wake signals during a sleep period include total time in bed, total sleep time, total wake time, sleep onset wait time, wake-up initiation parameters after sleep, sleep efficiency, segmentation index, amount of time to fall asleep, consistency of respiratory rate, time to fall asleep, wake-up time, rate of sleep disturbance, number of movements, or any combination thereof.

[0054] Physiological and / or audio data generated by one or more sensors 130 can also be used to determine respiratory signals associated with the user during sleep periods. Respiratory signals typically represent the user's breathing during sleep periods. Respiratory signals can indicate, for example, respiratory rate, respiratory rate variability, inspiratory amplitude, expiratory amplitude, inspiratory-expiratory amplitude ratio, inspiratory-expiratory duration ratio, number of events per hour, event pattern, pressure setting of breathing device 122, or any combination thereof. Events may include snoring, sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, mixed sleep apnea, hypopnea, mask leakage (e.g., from user interface 124), restless legs, sleep disturbance, apnea, increased heart rate, heart rate variability, difficulty breathing, asthma attack, seizure, epilepsy, fever, cough, sneezing, snoring, wheezing, presence of illness such as the common cold or influenza, increased stress level, etc.

[0055] Pressure sensor 132 outputs pressure data that can be stored in memory device 114 and / or analyzed by processor 112 of control system 110. In some implementations, pressure sensor 132 is an air pressure sensor (e.g., an atmospheric pressure sensor) that generates sensor data indicating the breathing (e.g., inhalation and / or exhalation) and / or ambient pressure of the user of respiratory system 120. In such implementations, pressure sensor 132 can be coupled to or integrated into respiratory device 122. Pressure sensor 132 can be, for example, a capacitive sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, an inductive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a resistive sensor, a strain gauge sensor, an optical sensor, a potentiometric sensor, or any combination thereof. In one example, pressure sensor 132 can be used to determine the user's blood pressure.

[0056] The flow sensor 134 outputs flow data that can be stored in the memory device 114 and / or analyzed by the processor 112 of the control system 110. In some implementations, the flow sensor 134 is used to determine the airflow from the breathing apparatus 122, the airflow through the duct 126, the airflow through the user interface 124, or any combination thereof. In this implementation, the flow sensor 134 can be coupled to or integrated into the breathing apparatus 122, the user interface 124, or the duct 126. The flow sensor 134 can be a mass flow sensor, such as a rotary flow meter (e.g., a Hall effect flow meter), a turbine flow meter, an orifice flow meter, an ultrasonic flow meter, a hot-wire sensor, an eddy current sensor, a membrane sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0057] Temperature sensor 136 outputs temperature data that can be stored in memory device 114 and / or analyzed by processor 112 of control system 110. In some implementations, temperature sensor 136 generates instructions for user 210 ( Figure 2 Temperature data may include the user's core body temperature, the user's skin temperature, the temperature of the air flowing from the breathing apparatus 122 and / or through the conduit 126, the temperature in the user interface 124, the ambient temperature, or any combination thereof. Temperature sensor 136 may be, for example, a thermocouple sensor, a thermistor sensor, a silicon bandgap temperature sensor, or a semiconductor-based sensor, a resistance temperature detector, or any combination thereof.

[0058] Motion sensor 138 outputs motion data that can be stored in memory device 114 and / or analyzed by processor 112 of control system 110. Motion sensor 138 can be used to detect movement of user 210 during sleep, and / or movement of any component of respiratory system 120, such as breathing device 122, user interface 124, or catheter 126. Motion sensor 138 may include one or more inertial sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers. Motion sensor 138 can be used to detect motion or acceleration associated with an arterial pulse, such as a pulse in or around the user 210's face and near user interface 124, and is configured to detect characteristics of pulse shape, velocity, amplitude, or volume.

[0059] The microphone 140 output can be stored in memory device 114 and / or analyzed by processor 112 of control system 110 as sound data. The audio data generated by microphone 140 can be reproduced as one or more sounds (e.g., sounds from user 210) during a sleep period to determine (e.g., using control system 110) one or more sleep-related parameters, as described further herein. The audio data from microphone 140 can also be used to identify (e.g., using control system 110) events experienced by the user during a sleep period, as described further herein. Microphone 140 can be coupled to or integrated into breathing device 122, user interface 124, catheter 126, or external device 170.

[0060] The speaker 142 outputs to the user of the system 100 (e.g., Figure 2 The speaker 142 can be used as, for example, an alarm clock or to play alarms or messages to the user 210 (e.g., in response to an event). In some implementations, the speaker 142 can be used to transmit audio data generated by the microphone 140 to the user. The speaker 142 can be coupled to or integrated into the breathing device 122, the user interface 124, the conduit 126, or the external device 170.

[0061] Microphone 140 and speaker 142 can be used as separate devices. In some implementations, microphone 140 and speaker 142 can be combined into acoustic sensor 141, as described, for example, in WO2018 / 050913, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this implementation, speaker 142 generates or emits sound waves at predetermined intervals, and microphone 140 detects reflections of the emitted sound waves from speaker 142. The sound waves generated or emitted by speaker 142 have frequencies inaudible to the human ear (e.g., below 20 Hz or above about 18 kHz) so as not to disturb the sleep of user 210 or bed partner 220. Figure 2 Based at least in part on data from microphone 140 and / or speaker 142, control system 110 can determine user 210 ( Figure 2 The location of the speaker and / or one or more sleep-related parameters described herein. In some implementations, the speaker 142 is a bone conduction speaker. In some embodiments, one or more sensors 130 include (i) a first microphone that is the same as or similar to microphone 140 and integrated in acoustic sensor 141; and (ii) a second microphone that is the same as or similar to microphone 140 but separate from and different from the first microphone integrated in acoustic sensor 141.

[0062] RF transmitter 148 generates and / or transmits radio waves with a predetermined frequency and / or predetermined amplitude (e.g., in the high-frequency band, in the low-frequency band, long-wave signal, short-wave signal, etc.). RF receiver 146 detects the reflection of the radio waves emitted from RF transmitter 148, and this data can be analyzed by control system 110 to determine the user 210 (…). Figure 2 The location of the device and / or one or more of the sleep-related parameters described herein. An RF receiver (RF receiver 146 and RF transmitter 148 or another RF pair) may also be used for wireless communication between the control system 110, the breathing device 122, one or more sensors 130, external devices 170, or any combination thereof. Although RF receiver 146 and RF transmitter 148 are in... Figure 1 While shown as separate and distinct components, in some implementations, the RF receiver 146 and RF transmitter 148 are combined as part of the radio frequency (RF) sensor 147. In some such implementations, the RF sensor 147 includes control circuitry. The specific format of the RF communication may be WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.

[0063] In some implementations, the RF sensor 147 is part of a mesh system. An example of a mesh system is a WiFi mesh system, which may include mesh nodes, mesh routers, and mesh gateways, each of which may be mobile / movable or fixed. In such an implementation, the WiFi mesh system includes WiFi routers and / or WiFi controllers and one or more satellites (e.g., access points), each satellite including the same or similar RF sensor as the RF sensor 147. The WiFi routers and satellites communicate continuously with each other using WiFi signals. The WiFi mesh system can be used to generate motion data based at least in part on variations in the WiFi signals between the routers and satellites (e.g., differences in received signal strength), said variations being caused by a moving object or person partially blocking the signal. The motion data may indicate movement, breathing, heart rate, gait, falls, behavior, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0064] Camera 150 outputs image data that can be reproduced as one or more images (e.g., still images, video images, thermal images, or combinations thereof) that can be stored in memory device 114. Image data from camera 150 can be used by control system 110 to determine one or more of the sleep-related parameters described herein. For example, image data from camera 150 can be used to identify the user's location and determine when user 210 is in bed 230. Figure 2The camera 150 can also be used to track the time when the user 210 leaves the bed 230, and to determine when the user 210 leaves the bed 230. The camera 150 can also be used to track eye movements, pupil dilation (if one or both of the user 210's eyes are open), blink rate, or any changes during REM sleep. The camera 150 can also be used to track the user's position, which can affect the duration and / or severity of apnea events in users with obstructive sleep apnea.

[0065] The output of IR sensor 152 is infrared image data that can be reproduced as one or more infrared images (e.g., still images, video images, or both) that can be stored in memory device 114. The infrared data from IR sensor 152 can be used to determine one or more sleep-related parameters during a sleep period, including the temperature of user 210 and / or the movement of user 210. IR sensor 152 can also be used in conjunction with camera 150 when measuring the presence, location, and / or movement of user 210. For example, IR sensor 152 can detect infrared light with wavelengths between about 700 nm and about 1 mm, while camera 150 can detect visible light with wavelengths between about 380 nm and about 740 nm.

[0066] PPG sensor 154 output and user 210 ( Figure 2 The associated physiological data can be used to determine one or more sleep-related parameters, such as heart rate, heart rate pattern, heart rate variability, cardiac cycle, respiratory rate, inspiratory amplitude, expiratory amplitude, inspiratory-expiratory ratio, estimated blood pressure parameters, or any combination thereof. The PPG sensor 154 can be worn by the user 210, embedded in clothing and / or fabric worn by the user 210, embedded in and / or coupled to the user interface 124 and / or its associated helmet (e.g., straps, etc.).

[0067] ECG sensor 156 outputs physiological data associated with the electrical activity of the heart of user 210. In some implementations, ECG sensor 156 includes one or more electrodes located above or around a portion of user 210 during sleep periods. Physiological data from ECG sensor 156 can be used, for example, to determine one or more of the sleep-related parameters described herein.

[0068] EEG sensor 158 outputs physiological data associated with the electrical activity of the user 210's brain. In some implementations, EEG sensor 158 includes one or more electrodes positioned on or around the user 210's scalp during sleep. Physiological data from EEG sensor 158 can be used, for example, to determine the sleep stage of the user 210 at any given time during a sleep period. In some implementations, EEG sensor 158 may be integrated into user interface 124 and / or an associated helmet (e.g., a strap, etc.).

[0069] The capacitive sensor 160, force sensor 162, and strain gauge sensor 164 output data that can be stored in memory device 114 and used by control system 110 to determine one or more of the sleep-related parameters described herein. EMG sensor 166 outputs physiological data related to electrical activity generated by one or more muscles. Oxygen sensor 168 outputs oxygen data indicating the oxygen concentration of a gas (e.g., in conduit 126 or at user interface 124). Oxygen sensor 168 can be, for example, an ultrasonic oxygen sensor, an electro-oxygen sensor, a chemical oxygen sensor, an optical oxygen sensor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more sensors 130 further include a ground-skin response (GSR) sensor, a blood flow sensor, a respiration sensor, a pulse sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0070] Analyte sensor 174 can be used to detect the presence of analytes in the exhaled breath of user 210. Data output from analyte sensor 174 can be stored in memory device 114 and used by control system 110 to determine the characteristics and concentration of any analytes in the breath of user 210. In some implementations, analyte sensor 174 is located near the mouth of user 210 to detect analytes in the breath exhaled from the mouth of user 210. For example, when user interface 124 is a mask covering the nose and mouth of user 210, analyte sensor 174 can be located inside the mask to monitor mouth breathing of user 210. In other implementations, such as when user interface 124 is a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask, analyte sensor 174 can be positioned near the nose of user 210 to detect analytes in the breath exhaled through the nose of user 210. In other implementations, when user interface 124 is a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask, analyte sensor 174 can be located near the mouth of user 210. In this implementation, the analyte sensor 174 can be used to detect whether any air is unintentionally leaking from the mouth of user 210. In some implementations, the analyte sensor 174 is a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor that can be used to detect carbon-based chemicals or compounds such as carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor 174 can also be used to detect whether user 210 is breathing through their nose or mouth. For example, if the presence of an analyte is detected by data output from the analyte sensor 174 located near the mouth of user 210 or inside a mask (in the implementation where user interface 124 is a mask), the control system 110 can use that data as an indication that user 210 is breathing through their mouth.

[0071] The humidity sensor 176 outputs data that can be stored in the storage device 114 and used by the control system 110. The humidity sensor 176 can be used to detect humidity in various areas surrounding the user (e.g., inside the conduit 126 or user interface 124, near the user 210's face, near the connection between the conduit 126 and user interface 124, near the connection between the conduit 126 and breathing apparatus 122, etc.). Therefore, in some implementations, the humidity sensor 176 can be coupled to or integrated into the user interface 124 or the conduit 126 to monitor the humidity of pressurized air from the breathing apparatus 122. In other implementations, the humidity sensor 176 is placed near any area where humidity levels need to be monitored. The humidity sensor 176 can also be used to monitor the humidity of the surrounding environment around the user 210, such as the air in the user 210's bedroom. The humidity sensor 176 can also be used to track the user 210's biometric response to environmental changes.

[0072] One or more LiDAR sensors 178 can be used for depth sensing. This type of optical sensor (e.g., a laser sensor) can be used to detect objects and construct a three-dimensional (3D) map of the surrounding environment (e.g., a living space). LiDAR typically utilizes pulsed lasers for time-of-flight measurements. LiDAR is also known as 3D laser scanning. In examples using this sensor, a fixed or mobile device (such as a smartphone) with LiDAR sensor 178 can measure and map an area extending 5 meters or more from the sensor. For example, LiDAR data can be fused with point cloud data estimated by an electromagnetic RADAR sensor. LiDAR sensor 178 can also use artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically geofence the RADAR system by detecting and classifying features in the space that may cause problems for the RADAR system, such as glass windows (which may be highly reflective to RADAR). For example, LiDAR can also be used to provide an estimate of a person's height, and how that height changes when the person sits down or falls. LiDAR can be used to form a 3D mesh representation of the environment. In further applications, lidar can reflect radio waves off solid surfaces (e.g., transmissive materials) to allow for the classification of different types of obstacles.

[0073] Although Figure 1While shown separately, any combination of one or more sensors 130 may be integrated into and / or coupled to any one or more components of system 100, including breathing apparatus 122, user interface 124, conduit 126, humidifier 129, control system 110, external device 170, or any combination thereof. For example, acoustic sensor 141 and / or RF sensor 147 may be integrated into and / or coupled to external device 170. In such implementations, external device 170 can be considered as an auxiliary device for generating additional or auxiliary data for use by system 100 (e.g., control system 110) according to some aspects of the invention. In some implementations, pressure sensor 132 and / or flow sensor 134 are integrated into and / or coupled to breathing apparatus 122. In some implementations, at least one of the one or more sensors 130 is not coupled to the breathing device 122, the control system 110, or the external device 170, and is typically positioned near or in contact with the user 210 during sleep periods (e.g., positioned on or in contact with a portion of the user 210, worn by the user 210, coupled to or positioned on a bedside table, coupled to the mattress, coupled to the ceiling, etc.). More generally, the one or more sensors 130 may be positioned relative to the user 210 at any suitable location, such that the one or more sensors 130 can generate physiological data associated with the user 210 and / or bed partner 220 during one or more sleep periods.

[0074] Data from one or more sensors 130 can be analyzed to determine one or more sleep-related parameters, which may include respiratory signals, respiratory rate, respiratory pattern, inspiratory amplitude, expiratory amplitude, inspiratory-expiratory ratio, occurrence of one or more events, number of events per hour, event pattern, average duration of events, range of event durations, ratio between different event numbers, sleep stage, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), or any combination thereof. One or more events may include snoring, apnea, central apnea, obstructive apnea, mixed apnea, hypopnea, intentional user interface leakage, unintentional user interface leakage, mouth leakage, coughing, restless legs, sleep disturbance, apnea, tachycardia, dyspnea, asthma attack, seizure, epilepsy, elevated blood pressure, or any combination thereof. Many of these sleep-related parameters are physiological parameters, although some sleep-related parameters may be considered non-physiological parameters. Other types of physiological and non-physiological parameters may also be determined based on data from one or more sensors 130 or based on other types of data.

[0075] External device 170 ( Figure 1The system includes a display device 172. An external device 170 may be, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. Alternatively, an external device 170 may be an external sensing system, a television (e.g., a smart TV), or another smart home device (e.g., a smart speaker such as Google Home, Amazon Echo, Alexa, etc.). In some implementations, the user device is a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch). The display device 172 is typically used to display images including still images, video images, or both. In some implementations, the display device 172 acts as a human-machine interface (HMI) including a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to display images and provide input interfaces. The display device 172 may be an LED display, OLED display, LCD display, etc. The input interface may be, for example, a touchscreen or touch-sensitive substrate, a mouse, a keyboard, or any sensor system configured to sense input made by a human user interacting with the external device 170. In some implementations, the system 100 may use and / or include one or more user devices.

[0076] Blood pressure device 180 is typically used to help generate physiological data for determining one or more blood pressure measurements associated with a user. Blood pressure device 180 may include at least one of one or more sensors 130 to measure, for example, systolic blood pressure components and / or diastolic blood pressure components.

[0077] In some implementations, the blood pressure device 180 is a blood pressure monitor that includes an inflatable cuff that can be worn by a user and a pressure sensor (e.g., pressure sensor 132 described herein). For example, as Figure 2 As shown in the example, the blood pressure device 180 can be worn on the upper arm of the user 210. In this implementation where the blood pressure device 180 is a blood pressure monitor, the blood pressure device 180 also includes a pump (e.g., a manually operated light bulb) for inflating the cuff. In some implementations, the blood pressure device 180 is coupled to a breathing device 122 of a breathing system 120, which in turn delivers pressurized air to inflate the cuff. More generally, the blood pressure device 180 can be communicatively coupled and / or physically integrated with the control system 110, memory device 114, breathing system 120, external device 170, and / or activity tracker 190 within the control system, memory device, breathing system, external device, and / or activity tracker (e.g., within a housing).

[0078] Activity tracker 190 is typically used to help generate physiological data for determining activity measurements associated with a user. Activity measurements may include, for example, steps, distance traveled, steps climbed, duration of physical activity, type of physical activity, intensity of physical activity, time spent standing, respiratory rate, average respiratory rate, resting respiratory rate, maximum respiratory rate, respiratory rate variability, heart rate, average heart rate, resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, heart rate variability, calories burned, blood oxygen saturation, electrical skin activity (also known as skin conductance or skin response), or any combination thereof. Activity tracker 190 includes one or more sensors 130 described herein, such as motion sensors 138 (e.g., one or more accelerometers and / or gyroscopes), PPG sensors 154, and / or ECG sensors 156.

[0079] In some implementations, the activity tracker 190 is a wearable device that can be worn by the user, such as a smartwatch, wristband, ring, or patch. For example, see reference... Figure 2 The activity tracker 190 is worn on the wrist of the user 210. The activity tracker 190 may also be coupled to or integrated into clothing or garments worn by the user. Alternatively, the activity tracker 190 may also be coupled to or integrated into an external device 170 (e.g., within the same housing). More generally, the activity tracker 190 may be communicatively coupled to, or physically integrated into, the control system 110, memory device 114, respiratory system 120, external device 170, and / or blood pressure device 180 (e.g., within a housing).

[0080] Although the control system 110 and the memory device 114 are in Figure 1 While described and shown as separate and distinct components of system 100, in some implementations, control system 110 and / or memory device 114 are integrated into external device 170 and / or breathing device 122. Alternatively, in some implementations, control system 110 or a portion thereof (e.g., processor 112) may reside in the cloud (e.g., integrated into a server, integrated into an Internet of Things (IoT) device, connected to the cloud, subjected to edge cloud processing, etc.), or in one or more servers (e.g., remote server, local server, etc., or any combination thereof).

[0081] Although system 100 is shown as including all of the above-described components, according to implementations of the invention, more or fewer components may be included in the system for noise cancellation during use of the respiratory system 120. For example, a first alternative system includes a control system 110, a memory device 114, and at least one of one or more sensors 130. As another example, a second alternative system includes a control system 110, a memory device 114, at least one of one or more sensors 130, and an external device 170. As yet another example, a third alternative system includes a control system 110, a memory device 114, a respiratory system 120, at least one of one or more sensors 130, and an external device 170. As yet another example, a fourth alternative system includes a control system 110, a memory device 114, a respiratory system 120, at least one of one or more sensors 130, an external device 170, and a blood pressure device 180 and / or an activity tracker 190. In a further example, a microphone 140 included in one or more sensors 130 may include a microphone 242, a feedback microphone 243, or both. In a further example, the speaker 142 included in one or more sensors 130 may include a speaker 244. Therefore, various systems for analyzing data associated with a user's use of the respiratory system 120 may be formed using any one or more portions of the components shown and described herein and / or in combination with one or more other components.

[0082] As used herein, sleep periods can be defined in various ways, at least in part, based on, for example, an initial start time and an end time. In some implementations, a sleep period is the duration of a user's sleep; that is, a sleep period has a start time and an end time, and during a sleep period, the user does not wake up until the end time. In other words, any period during which the user is awake is not included in a sleep period. According to this first definition of a sleep period, if a user wakes up and falls asleep multiple times in the same night, each sleep interval separated by the wake-up intervals is a sleep period.

[0083] Alternatively, in some implementations, the sleep period has a start time and an end time, and during the sleep period, the user can remain awake as long as the continuous duration of wakefulness is less than a wakefulness duration threshold, without the sleep period ending. The wakefulness duration threshold can be defined as a percentage of the sleep period. The wakefulness duration threshold can be, for example, approximately 20 percent of the sleep period, approximately 15 percent of the sleep period duration, approximately 10 percent of the sleep period duration, 5 percent of the sleep period duration, approximately 2 percent of the sleep period duration, or any other threshold percentage. In some implementations, the wakefulness duration threshold is defined as a fixed amount of time, such as approximately one hour, approximately thirty minutes, approximately fifteen minutes, approximately ten minutes, approximately five minutes, approximately two minutes, or any other amount of time.

[0084] In some implementations, a sleep period is defined as the entire time between the time a user first goes to bed at night and the time the user last leaves bed the following morning. In other words, a sleep period can be defined as the time period that begins at a first time (e.g., 10:00 PM) on a first date (e.g., Monday, January 6, 2020), which can be referred to as the current night, when the user first enters bed intending to go to sleep (e.g., if the user does not intend to watch TV or use their smartphone before going to sleep), and ends at a second time (e.g., 7:00 AM) on a second date (e.g., Tuesday, January 7, 2020), which can be referred to as the following morning, when the user first leaves bed with the intention of not returning to sleep the following morning.

[0085] In some implementations, users can manually define the start and / or end of sleep periods. For example, a user can select (e.g., by clicking or tapping) on ​​an external device 170 ( Figure 1 One or more user-selectable elements are displayed on the display device 172 to manually initiate or terminate a sleep period.

[0086] refer to Figure 3 An exemplary timeline 300 for a sleep period is shown. Timeline 300 includes bedtime (t... 入床 ), sleep onset time (t) GTS Initial sleep time (t) 睡 ), wake-up A, first micro-wake-up MA1 and second micro-wake-up MA2, wake-up time (t) 醒 ) and wake-up time (t 起床 ).

[0087] Bedtime t 入床 Before the user falls asleep (e.g., when the user lies down or sits in bed), the user initially gets into bed (e.g., Figure 2The bed occupancy time (t) is associated with the bed 230 in the data. Bed occupancy time (t) can be identified at least in part based on the bed threshold duration. 入床 This distinguishes between when a user goes to bed for sleep and when they go to bed for other reasons (e.g., watching television). For example, the bed threshold duration could be at least approximately 10 minutes, at least approximately 20 minutes, at least approximately 30 minutes, at least approximately 45 minutes, at least approximately 1 hour, at least approximately 2 hours, etc. While this document describes bedtime t... 入床 But more generally, bedtime t 入床 This can refer to the time when a user initially enters any location intended for sleeping (e.g., sofa, chair, sleeping bag, etc.).

[0088] Time to fall asleep (GTS) and the time it takes for a user to first try to fall asleep after getting into bed (t) 入床 This is related to [the concept of sleep duration]. For example, after going to bed, a user can engage in one or more activities to relax before attempting to sleep (e.g., reading, watching TV, listening to music, using external devices, etc.). Initial sleep time (t) 睡 ) is the time when the user initially falls asleep. For example, initial sleep time (t) 睡 This could be the time when the user initially enters the first non-REM sleep stage.

[0089] Wake-up time t 醒 This is the time associated with when a user wakes up without returning to sleep (e.g., the opposite of when a user wakes up at night and returns to sleep). A user may experience one of several unconscious micro-awakenings (e.g., micro-awakenings MA1 and MA2) with short durations (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.) after initially falling asleep. This is related to the wake-up time t. 醒 Conversely, the user returns to sleep after each of the micro-awakenings MA1 and MA2. Similarly, the user may have one or more conscious awakenings (e.g., awakening A) after initially falling asleep (e.g., getting up to go to the bathroom, caring for a child or pet, sleepwalking, etc.). However, the user returns to sleep after awakening A. Therefore, the awakening time t 醒 It can be defined, for example, at least in part, based on the duration of the wake-up threshold (e.g., the user is awake for at least 15 minutes, at least 20 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 1 hour, etc.).

[0090] Similarly, wake-up time t 起床 This is associated with the time a user leaves the bed and gets out of bed to end a sleep period (e.g., the opposite of a user getting up at night to go to the bathroom, care for a child or pet, or sleepwalk). In other words, wake-up time t 起床 This is the time a user last leaves bed and does not return until the next sleep period (e.g., the next night). Therefore, wake-up time t 起床The bedtime t for the second subsequent sleep period can be defined, for example, at least in part, based on the duration of the wake-up threshold (e.g., the user has been out of bed for at least 15 minutes, at least 20 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 1 hour, etc.). The bedtime t for the second subsequent sleep period can also be defined, at least in part, based on the duration of the wake-up threshold (e.g., the user has been out of bed for at least 4 hours, at least 6 hours, at least 8 hours, at least 12 hours, etc.). 入床 time.

[0091] As mentioned above, in the initial t 入床 And the last t 起床 During the night, a user can wake up and get out of bed more than once. In some implementations, the final wake-up time t 醒 and / or final wake-up time t 起床 It is identified or determined at least in part based on a predetermined threshold duration following an event (e.g., falling asleep or getting out of bed). This threshold duration can be customized for the user. For any time period after getting out of bed at night and then waking up and getting out of bed in the morning (when the user wakes up (t...)...) 醒 ) or get up (t 起床 ) and users going to bed (t 入床 ), fall asleep (t GTS ) or fall asleep (t 睡 For standard users (between approximately 8 and 14 hours), the threshold period can be used for approximately 12 to approximately 18 hours. For users who spend longer periods in bed, a shorter threshold period can be used (e.g., between approximately 8 and approximately 14 hours). The threshold period can be initially selected and / or adjusted later, at least in part, based on a system that monitors the user's sleep behavior.

[0092] Total time in bed (TIB) is the time to bed entry t 入床 and wake-up time t 起床 The duration between the initial sleep time and wake time. Total sleep time (TST) is the duration between the initial sleep time and wake time, excluding any conscious or unconscious awakenings and / or micro-awakenings in between. Typically, total sleep time (TST) will be shorter than total time in bed (TIB) (e.g., one minute shorter, ten minutes shorter, one hour shorter, etc.). For example, refer to... Figure 3 Timeline 300, Total Sleep Time (TST) spanning initial sleep time t 睡 and wake-up time t 醒 The duration of sleep is between, but does not include, the duration of the first micro-awake MA1, the second micro-awake MA2, and awakening A. As shown in the figure, in this example, the total sleep time (TST) is shorter than the total time in bed (TIB).

[0093] In some implementations, Total Sleep Time (TST) can be defined as Persistent Total Sleep Time (PTST). In this implementation, Persistent Total Sleep Time excludes a predetermined initial portion or period of the first non-REM stage (e.g., a light sleep stage). For example, the predetermined initial portion could be between approximately 30 seconds and approximately 20 minutes, between approximately 1 minute and approximately 10 minutes, between approximately 3 minutes and approximately 5 minutes, etc. Persistent Total Sleep Time is a measure of sustained sleep and smooths the sleep-wake sleep graph. For example, when a user initially falls asleep, the user may be in the first non-REM stage for a very short time (e.g., approximately 30 seconds), then return to the wakeful stage for a very short time (e.g., one minute), and then return to the first non-REM stage. In this example, Persistent Total Sleep Time excludes the first instance of the first non-REM stage (e.g., approximately 30 seconds).

[0094] In some implementations, the sleep period is defined as the time from bedtime (t... 入床 Start at wake-up time (t) 起床 The sleep period ends at the initial sleep time (t), meaning the sleep period is defined as the total time to bed (TIB). In some implementations, the sleep period is defined as the time from the initial sleep time (t). 睡 ) starts and at wake-up time (t) 醒 End. In some implementations, the sleep period is defined as the total sleep time (TST). In some implementations, the sleep period is defined as the time from the start of sleep (t). GTS ) starts and at wake-up time (t) 醒 End. In some implementations, the sleep period is defined as the time from the onset of sleep (t). GTS Start at wake-up time (t) 起床 The sleep period ends at bedtime. In some implementations, the sleep period is defined as the time from bedtime (t...). 入床 ) starts and at wake-up time (t) 醒 The sleep period ends at the initial sleep time (t). In some implementations, the sleep period is defined as the time from the start of sleep (t). 醒 Start at wake-up time (t) 起床 )Finish.

[0095] Reference Figure 4 This shows the corresponding timeline 300 according to some implementation methods. Figure 3 An exemplary sleep graph 400 is shown. As illustrated, sleep graph 400 includes a sleep-wake signal 401, a wakefulness stage axis 410, a REM stage axis 420, a light sleep stage axis 430, and a deep sleep stage axis 440. The intersection of the sleep-wake signal 401 and one of axes 410-440 represents a sleep stage at any given time during a sleep period.

[0096] The sleep-wake signal 401 may be generated at least in part based on physiological data associated with the user (e.g., generated by one or more of the sensors 130 described herein). The sleep-wake signal may indicate one or more sleep stages, including wakefulness, relaxed wakefulness, micro-wakefulness, REM sleep, a first non-REM sleep stage, a second non-REM sleep stage, a third non-REM sleep stage, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the first non-REM sleep stage, the second non-REM sleep stage, and the third non-REM sleep stage may be grouped together and categorized as light sleep stages or deep sleep stages. For example, light sleep stages may include the first non-REM sleep stage, while deep sleep stages may include the second and third non-REM sleep stages. Although in Figure 4 The sleep graph 400 shown includes a light sleep stage axis 430 and a deep sleep stage axis 440, but in some implementations, the sleep graph 400 may include axes for each of the first non-REM stage, the second non-REM stage, and the third non-REM stage. In other implementations, sleep-wake signals may also indicate respiratory signals, respiratory rate, inspiratory amplitude, expiratory amplitude, inspiratory-expiratory amplitude ratio, inspiratory-expiratory duration ratio, number of events per hour, event pattern, or any combination thereof. Information describing sleep-wake signals may be stored in memory device 114.

[0097] The sleep recorder 400 can be used to determine one or more sleep-related parameters, such as sleep onset wait time (SOL), wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep segmentation index, sleep blockage, or any combination thereof.

[0098] Sleep onset wait time (SOL) is defined as the time to enter sleep (t). GTS ) and initial sleep time (t 睡The sleep start wait time (SOL) represents the time it takes for a user to actually fall asleep after their initial attempt to fall asleep. In some implementations, the SOL is defined as the continuous sleep start wait time (PSOL). The difference between PSOL and the initial sleep start wait time is that PSOL is defined as the duration between the time to fall asleep and a predetermined amount of continuous sleep. In some implementations, the predetermined amount of continuous sleep may include, for example, at least 10 minutes of sleep within a second non-REM stage, a third non-REM stage, and / or a REM stage (with no more than 2 minutes of wakefulness), and / or movement between the first non-REM stage. In other words, continuous sleep of up to, for example, 8 minutes within the second non-REM stage, the third non-REM stage, and / or the REM stage and / or the REM stage. In other implementations, the predetermined amount of continuous sleep may include at least 10 minutes of sleep within the first non-REM stage, the second non-REM stage, the third non-REM stage, and / or the REM stage after the initial sleep time. In this way, the predetermined amount of continuous sleep can exclude any micro-awakening (e.g., a ten-second micro-awakening does not restart the 10-minute session).

[0099] Post-sleep wake-onset (WASO) is associated with the total duration of a user's wakefulness between the initial sleep time and wake-up time. Therefore, WASO includes brief and micro-awakenings during sleep (e.g., Figure 4 The micro-awakenings (MA1 and MA2) shown can be either conscious or unconscious. In some implementations, a sleep-wake attack (WASO) is defined as a sustained sleep-wake attack (PWASO) that consists only of a total duration of awakenings having a predetermined length (e.g., greater than 10 seconds, greater than 30 seconds, greater than 60 seconds, greater than about 5 minutes, greater than about 10 minutes, etc.).

[0100] Sleep efficiency (SE) is defined as the ratio of total time spent in bed (TIB) to total sleep time (TST). For example, if the total time spent in bed is 8 hours and the total sleep time is 7.5 hours, then the sleep efficiency for that sleep period is 93.75%. Sleep efficiency reflects a user's sleep hygiene. For example, if a user goes to bed before sleep and spends time engaging in other activities (e.g., watching television), sleep efficiency will decrease (e.g., the user is penalized). In some implementations, sleep efficiency (SE) can be calculated at least in part based on the total time spent in bed (TIB) and the total time the user attempts to sleep. In such implementations, the total time the user attempts to sleep is defined as the duration between the time to fall asleep (GTS) and the wake-up time described here. For example, if the total sleep time is 8 hours (e.g., between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.), the time to fall asleep is 10:45 a.m., and the wake-up time is 7:15 a.m., then in such an implementation, the sleep efficiency parameter is calculated to be approximately 94%.

[0101] The segmentation index is determined at least in part based on the number of awakenings during sleep periods. For example, if a user has two micro-awakes (e.g., Figure 4 As shown in the micro-awakenings MA1 and MA2, the segmentation index can be represented as 2. In some implementations, the segmentation index is scaled between a predetermined range of integers (e.g., between 0 and 10).

[0102] Sleep blocks are associated with the transition between any sleep stage (e.g., first non-REM stage, second non-REM stage, third non-REM stage, and / or REM stage) and the waking stage. Sleep blocks can be calculated at a resolution of, for example, 30 seconds.

[0103] In some implementations, the systems and methods described herein may include generating or analyzing a sleep map including sleep-wake signals to determine or identify bedtime based at least in part on the sleep-wake signals of the sleep map. 入床 ), sleep onset time (t) GTS ), initial sleep time (t) 睡 ), one or more first micro-awakenings (e.g., MA1 and MA2), awakening time (t) 醒 ), wake-up time (t) 起床 ), or any combination thereof.

[0104] In other implementations, one or more of the sensors 130 can be used to determine or identify the bed entry time (t). 入床 ), sleep onset time (t) GTS ), initial sleep time (t) 睡 ), one or more first micro-awakenings (e.g., MA1 and MA2), awakening time (t) 醒), wake-up time (t) 起床 (e.g., motion sensor 138, microphone 140, camera 150, or any combination thereof), which in turn defines sleep periods. For example, bedtime t can be determined at least in part based on data generated, for example, by motion sensor 138, microphone 140, camera 150, or any combination thereof. 入床 The time to fall asleep can be determined at least in part based on data from, for example, motion sensor 138 (e.g., data indicating that the user is not moving), camera 150 (e.g., data indicating that the user is not moving and / or that the user has turned off the lights), microphone 140 (e.g., data indicating that the TV is being turned off), external device 170 (e.g., data indicating that the user is no longer using external device 170), pressure sensor 132 and / or flow sensor 134 (e.g., data indicating that the user turns on breathing device 122, data indicating that the user wears user interface 124, etc.), or any combination thereof.

[0105] Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) systems are commonly used to treat individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders. Typically, a CPAP system user wears a user interface (e.g., a mask) that delivers pressurized air from the breathing device to the user's throat to help prevent airway narrowing and / or collapse during sleep, thereby increasing the user's oxygen intake. Many CPAP systems generate audible noise during use, which can disturb or interrupt the user's sleep. This noise is usually caused by the operation of the motor within the breathing device that generates compressed air. Additionally, noise can be caused by air leaks in the CPAP system (e.g., from the mask itself). Detecting and eliminating this noise during CPAP system operation is useful in helping users and their bed partners achieve high-quality sleep without disruption by this noise.

[0106] Figure 5A A perspective view of a breathing apparatus 122 is shown. The breathing apparatus 122 includes a housing 260, an air inlet 262, an air outlet 270, and a humidifier canister 129. The air inlet 262 includes a closed position (…). Figure 5A ) and opening position ( Figure 5B A movable inlet cover 264 is provided between the breathing apparatus 122 and the air inlet 264. The inlet cover 264 includes one or more air inlet openings 265 defined therein. The breathing apparatus 122 includes a blower motor 267 (e.g., ...). Figure 6A As shown, it is configured to draw in air through one or more air inlet holes 265 defined in an inlet cover 264. The motor is further configured to cause air to flow through the humidifier canister 129 and out of the air outlet 270. A duct 126 may be fluidly connected to the air outlet 270, such that air flows from the air outlet 270 into the duct 126. The air outlet 270 includes a seal 277 to ensure that substantially all air discharged through the air outlet 270 flows into the duct 126.

[0107] Figure 5B An enlarged perspective view of the air inlet 262 is shown when the inlet cover 264 is in the open position. (See diagram.) Figure 5B As shown, the motor inlet 268A of the blower motor 267 (see...) Figure 6A An air inlet 262 extends from the interior of the breathing apparatus 122 through the housing 260. The motor inlet 268A briefly terminates in the housing 260 within an open space defined between the housing 260 and the inlet cover 264. The air inlet 262 further includes an air filter 266 located between the housing 260 and the inlet cover 264 during use of the breathing apparatus 122. When the inlet cover 264 is in the closed position (see...), the air filter 266... Figure 5A An air filter 266 is positioned between an air inlet port 265 and a motor inlet 268A. The air filter 266 filters the air flowing through the air inlet port 265 and entering the motor inlet 268A. The inlet cover 264, together with the air filter 266, prevents unwanted objects and debris from being drawn into the motor inlet 268A.

[0108] like Figure 5B As shown, microphone 242 is arranged in air inlet 262 of breathing apparatus 122. Figure 5B In the illustrated embodiment, microphone 242 is disposed within motor inlet 268A. However, in other implementations, microphone 242 may be disposed in other locations, such as in the open space between housing 260 and inlet cover 264 (e.g., outside motor inlet 268A), or on the exterior of inlet cover 264 itself. As will be explained in more detail, microphone 242 is configured to generate sound data representing sounds generated by breathing device 122 during use.

[0109] Figure 6A A partially transparent perspective view of the breathing apparatus 122 is shown. A blower motor 267 is disposed within the housing 260 of the breathing apparatus 122. A speaker 244 is connected to the outside of the blower motor 267 and is in fluid communication with the motor's internal cavity (see...). Figure 7A Although loudspeaker 244 is shown as being in direct fluid communication with blower motor 267, it is conceivable that in some implementations, loudspeaker 244 may be in fluid communication with any part of the pneumatic system including blower motor 267 (e.g., chamber, pipe, etc.). In some such implementations, in addition to blower motor 267, the pneumatic system may include motor inlet 268A, motor outlet 268B, a portion of humidification tank 129, humidification outlet 284, or any combination thereof. That is, in some implementations, loudspeaker 244 is directly coupled to any part of the pneumatic system such that the sound emitted by loudspeaker 244 is in fluid communication with the internal path of the pneumatic system.

[0110] Microphone 242 and speaker 244 are both electrically connected to control board 274. In some implementations, control board 274 includes processor 112 and thus forms control system 110. In other implementations, control system 110 is separate from control board 274. In these implementations, control board 274 includes a separate processor and communication interface to allow control board 274 to communicate with control system 110. Breathing device 122 further includes a power converter 276 electrically connected to control board 274. Power converter 276 includes a socket leading to the outside of breathing device 122, which allows breathing device 122 to be connected to an external power source, such as an electrical outlet, via an external cable. Power converter 276 powers blower motor 267, microphone 242, speaker 244, control board 274, and any other electronic components of breathing device 122.

[0111] Blower motor 267 includes a motor inlet 268A extending through housing 260 to air inlet 262. Blower motor 267 further includes a motor outlet 268B extending toward an aperture 273A defined in wall 271 of housing 260. Motor outlet 268B terminates at or slightly beyond aperture 273A and thus opens to the side of wall 271 opposite to blower motor 267. When breathing apparatus 122 is used, blower motor 267 draws air into motor inlet 268A, through the motor's internal cavity (see...). Figure 7A ), and flows out of motor outlet 268B through hole 273A. Seal 275A (see Figure 6B The air is arranged around the periphery of the hole 273A to ensure that substantially all air leaving the motor outlet 268B passes through the hole 273A. Therefore, the inner cavity of the blower motor 267 is in fluid communication with the opposite side of the inner wall 271.

[0112] Figure 6B An exploded perspective view of the breathing device 122 is shown. The housing 260 forms a humidification canister chamber 280, in which a humidification canister 129 can be placed during operation of the breathing system 120. As shown, the humidification canister 129 includes two holes 282A and 282B. When the humidification canister 129 is placed in the humidification canister chamber 280, holes 282A and 282B abut opposite sides of the wall 271. The hole 282A of the humidification canister 129 is aligned with the hole 273A in the wall 271, allowing air flowing from the motor outlet 268B to flow into the interior of the humidification canister 129. A seal 275A prevents any water from leaving the humidification canister 129 through the hole 282A and ensures that substantially all air flowing through the hole 273A in the wall 271 flows into the interior of the humidification canister 129.

[0113] The breathing device 122 includes a heating plate 278A located within a humidification tank cavity 280. A humidification tank 129 includes a corresponding heating plate 278B, which may be located within or on the underside of the humidification tank 129. When the humidification tank 129 is inserted into the humidification tank cavity 280, the heating plate 278B is aligned with the heating plate 278A. The heating plate 278A is connected to a power source for heating the heating plate 278A. The heating plate 278A then heats the heating plate 278B. When the humidification tank 129 is filled with water, heating the heating plate 278B causes the water to evaporate, thereby humidifying the air flowing into the humidification tank 129 from the blower motor 267.

[0114] When the humidifier canister 129 is located in the humidifier canister cavity 280, the wall 271 includes a second hole 273B aligned with the hole 282B of the humidifier canister 129. Seals 275B are disposed on both sides of the wall 271 around the periphery of the hole 273B. Seals 275B ensure that water or air from the humidifier canister 129 does not leak from the humidifier canister 129 into the humidifier canister cavity 280.

[0115] See back Figure 6A The breathing device 122 includes a humidification outlet 284 (also in...). Figure 3 (Shown in A and 4B), the humidification outlet extends on the side of wall 271 opposite to the humidification tank 129 toward the hole 273B in wall 271. A blower motor 267 forces air into the humidification tank 129 through the hole 273A in wall 271 and out of the humidification tank 129 through the hole 273B in wall 271. Evaporated water in the humidification tank 129 humidifies the air flowing through it, and this humidified air flows through the humidification outlet 284. A seal 275B ensures that substantially all of the humidified air leaving the humidification tank 129 through the hole 273A enters the humidification outlet 284. The humidification outlet 284 extends through a hole in the housing 260 to form the air outlet 270 of the breathing device 122. A conduit 126 can be coupled to the air outlet 270 to deliver humidified air as it leaves the breathing device 122. A seal 277 located at the air outlet 270 (see...) Figure 5A This ensures that when the duct 126 is connected to the air outlet 270, virtually all the humidified air entering the humidification outlet 284 moves into the duct 126.

[0116] Figure 5A and 5B The cross-section of the blower motor 267 is shown. Figure 7A The blower motor 267 is shown when the microphone 242 and speaker 244 are inactive and noise from the blower motor 267 is not being eliminated. Figure 7BThe blower motor 267 is shown when the microphone 242 and speaker 244 are active and noise from the blower motor 267 is being canceled. As shown, the microphone 242 is typically arranged in the motor inlet 268A. The speaker 244 is typically located within a speaker housing 246, which itself is adjacent to the housing 269 of the blower motor 267. The housing 269 of the blower motor 267 defines an aperture 279 on which the speaker 244 and speaker housing 246 are located. This arrangement allows the interior of the blower motor 267 to remain substantially sealed from the external environment, but allows the speaker 244 and speaker housing 246 to be in fluid communication with the interior of the blower motor 267. Therefore, the breathing device 122 includes a closed air path between the interior of the speaker 244 and the blower motor 267.

[0117] Microphone 242 is configured to output sound data that can be stored in memory device 114 and analyzed by processor 112 of control system 110. During operation of respiratory system 120, blower motor 267 generates audible noise in the form of respiratory system-related sound waves 292, which is typically caused by vibrations during operation of blower motor 267. The respiratory system-related sound waves 292 generated by blower motor 267 can propagate out of air inlet 262 of respiratory device 122, where they can be heard by user 210 and bed partner 220. The noise can prevent user 210 and bed partner 220 from falling asleep, or can wake user 210 and bed partner 220 when they are asleep. In addition, a portion of the noise from blower motor 267 can also propagate to air outlet 270 of respiratory device 122.

[0118] Microphone 242 is located in air inlet 262, enabling it to detect respiratory-related sound waves 292 from blower motor 267. Microphone 242 outputs sound data representing the respiratory-related sound waves 292, which can be stored in memory device 114 and analyzed by processor 112 of control system 110. Furthermore, control system 110 is configured to control speaker 244 to emit matching sound waves that acoustically cancel out the respiratory-related sound waves 292. These speaker-related sound waves 294... Figure 7B As shown in the diagram. Therefore, the processor 112 can analyze the sound data from the microphone 242 to determine various characteristics of the respiratory system-related sound waves 292, including amplitude and frequency.

[0119] The respiratory-related sound wave 292 may include multiple different amplitudes and multiple different frequencies, a single amplitude and multiple different frequencies, or a single amplitude and a single frequency. The control system 110 causes the loudspeaker 244 to emit a loudspeaker-related sound wave 294 having substantially the same amplitude and frequency as the respiratory-related sound wave 292, but at a 180° angle. The loudspeaker-related sound wave 294 destructively interferes with the respiratory-related sound wave 292, which acoustically eliminates the noise generated by the blower motor 267. Typically, each individual respiratory-related sound wave 292 will have one or more matched loudspeaker-related sound waves 294.

[0120] Figure 7A The blower motor 267 is shown during operation when the microphone 242 and speaker 244 are not in use. Because the speaker 244 does not emit any speaker-related sound waves 294 to acoustically cancel out respiratory-related sound waves 292, the respiratory-related sound waves 292 propagate through the air inlet 262, where they exit the breathing apparatus 122 and can be heard by the user 210 and bed partner 220. The illustration shows respiratory-related sound waves 292 modeled as sine waves. However, the actual respiratory-related sound waves 292 can take any form, and may include one or more sine waves, one or more non-sine waves, a combination of one or more sine waves and one or more non-sine waves, or any other type of sound wave or combination of sound waves.

[0121] Figure 7B A blower motor 267 is shown during operation when microphone 242 and speaker 244 are active. Speaker-related sound wave 294 is modeled as a sine wave with the same amplitude and frequency as respiratory-related sound wave 292, but with a 180° phase difference. Speaker-related sound wave 294 disruptively interferes with respiratory-related sound wave 292, so no sound wave leaves the motor inlet 268A of blower motor 267, as illustrated. When speaker-related sound wave 294 is modeled as a sine wave, it can have any form to match respiratory-related sound wave 292. Therefore, speaker-related sound wave 294 can include one or more sine waves, one or more non-sine waves, a combination of one or more sine waves and one or more non-sine waves, or any other type of sound wave or combination of sound waves.

[0122] Although Figure 5A and 5BThe speaker 244 is shown very close to the blower motor 267, and it is shown that the speaker 244 directs speaker-related sound waves 294 toward the blower motor 267; however, the speaker 244 can have any number of suitable positions and orientations. Typically, this is only necessary as long as the speaker 244 is in fluid communication with the interior of the blower motor 267. For example, the speaker 244 can direct speaker-related sound waves 294 away from the interior of the blower motor 267. However, as long as the speaker 244 is in fluid communication with the blower motor 267 and / or the interior of the blower motor 267, the speaker-related sound waves 294 can acoustically cancel out respiratory-related sound waves 292.

[0123] In some implementations of the invention, system 100 includes a maximum desired amount of noise attenuation. In some such implementations, for noise with a specific frequency, if such noise is attenuated too much, system 100 may lose tracking of that specific frequency, which could lead to a loss of control in the feedback loop required to eliminate that specific frequency. Therefore, to avoid such control loss, system 100 may include one or more maximum levels of noise attenuation.

[0124] In some implementations, system 100 includes one or more additional microphones that may be used, additionally or alternatively, to detect noise associated with the operation of breathing system 120. For example, system 100 may include one or more additional microphones located at air outlet 270, at any point along duct 126, at the intersection of duct 126 and user interface 124, or near the face of user 210. These additional microphones can be used to detect noise other than that generated by blower motor 267, such as air leakage from breathing apparatus 122, from any location along duct 126, or from user interface 124. Furthermore, in some implementations, microphone 242 may be used to detect leakage sounds or other noises near user interface 124 and / or duct 126.

[0125] In other implementations, the feedback microphone 243 can be used to monitor system 100 and adjust the operation of speaker 244. The feedback microphone 243 may be located near user 210, and in some implementations, is typically closer to user 210 than to breathing apparatus 122. In some implementations, the feedback microphone 243 is coupled to breathing apparatus 122. In some alternative implementations, the feedback microphone 243 is farther from user 210 than from breathing apparatus 122 (e.g., when motor inlet 268A is away from user 210). The feedback microphone 243 is electrically coupled to control system 110 and is configured to generate feedback sound data representing any noise reaching user 210. Control system 110 can analyze the feedback sound data and adjust the speaker-related sound wave 294 emitted by speaker 244 based on the feedback sound data. For example, if the feedback sound data indicates that a large amount of respiratory system-related sound wave 292 is arriving at user 210, control system 110 can adjust speaker-related sound wave 294 to improve noise cancellation and reduce noise audible to user 210. In some implementations, the feedback microphone 243 is additionally or alternatively used to detect noise near the user 210 from sources other than the operation of the blower motor 267, such as leakage from the user interface 124 or the conduit 126.

[0126] refer to Figure 8 A method 600 for eliminating noise generated during the use of a respiratory system (e.g., respiratory system 120) is illustrated. A storage device (e.g., storage device 114 of system 100) can be used to store machine-readable instructions and data of any type used in the steps of method 600. A control system (e.g., control system 110) can be used to execute machine-readable instructions to cause the steps of method 600 to be performed. One or more steps of the method 600 described herein can be used with system 100 (… Figure 1 Method 600 is implemented using various components of system 100 and described using those components. However, it should be understood that method 600 can be performed by a suitable system other than system 100.

[0127] Step 602 of method 600 includes generating sound data using microphone 242. Microphone 242 is configured to generate sound data in response to the detection of some noise occurring. Therefore, when a respiratory-related sound wave 292 propagates to, passes through, and / or traverses microphone 242, microphone 242 generates sound data. The sound data generated by microphone 242 includes data representing various characteristics of the noise detected by microphone 242. Thus, microphone 242 can detect the respiratory-related sound wave 292 generated by blower motor 267 and generate sound data representing the respiratory-related sound wave 292, including various amplitudes, frequencies, phases, etc.

[0128] Step 604 of method 600 includes determining various characteristics of the noise detected by microphone 242 and determining, based on the sound data generated by microphone 242, whether the noise is associated with the operation of respiratory system 120 and whether it needs to be eliminated. Microphone 242 may be able to detect noise other than that associated with blower motor 267, such as background noise or any other noise. Based on the analysis of the sound data generated by microphone 242, control system 110 determines whether the sound data indicates that respiratory system 120 is generating noise that needs to be acoustically eliminated.

[0129] As described above, the control system 110 is configured to identify the frequencies of all respiratory-related sound waves 292 generated by the respiratory system 120 and determine the amplitude of each individual sound wave in the respiratory-related sound waves 292. Based on the identified frequencies and amplitudes, the control system 110 can determine whether noise detected by the microphone 242 needs to be cancelled. For example, the control system 110 determines whether the noise detected by the microphone 242 is related to the operation of the respiratory system 120, for example, whether the noise detected by the microphone 242 includes respiratory-related sound waves 292. In some implementations, the control system 110 determines whether the detected noise is large enough to warrant cancellation. In some implementations, the control system 110 determines whether the detected noise meets a threshold. In some such implementations, meeting a threshold may indicate that the detected noise is associated with noise that is known to disturb and / or interfere with the user 210 and / or bed partner 220.

[0130] Step 606 of method 600 includes causing speaker 244 to emit speaker-related sound waves 294 to acoustically cancel noise associated with the operation of respiratory system 120. Based on analysis of sound data generated by microphone 242, control system 110 causes speaker 244 to emit speaker-related sound waves 294 that disruptively interfere with respiratory system-related sound waves 292 associated with the operation of respiratory system 120. Typically, for any sound wave detected by microphone 242, speaker 244 will emit matching sound waves with substantially the same amplitude and frequency but phase-differentiation of 180° (e.g., such as...). Figure 7B (As shown). Therefore, each sound wave associated with the operation of the respiratory system 120 will be canceled by the corresponding sound wave associated with the speaker. This cancellation prevents the respiratory system-related sound waves 292 associated with the operation of the respiratory system 120 from propagating to the user 210 or bed partner 220.

[0131] System 100 is configured to operate dynamically, such that method 600 is continuously executed to adjust for any changes in noise associated with the operation of respiratory system 120. For example, if blower motor 267 accelerates or decelerates for any reason, the noise generated by blower motor 267 will change. Control system 110 is configured to continuously adjust the sound waves emitted by speaker 244 in response to the changing noise generated by blower motor 267.

[0132] In some implementations, all noise generated by the blower motor 267 during operation of the respiratory system 120 is eliminated by the speaker-related sound waves 294. In other implementations, only a portion of the noise generated by the blower motor 267 during operation of the respiratory system 120 is eliminated by the speaker-related sound waves 294.

[0133] Method 600 can be used to detect and acoustically eliminate any noise associated with the operation of the breathing system 120. For example, microphone 242 or an additional microphone can be used to detect noise such as the user 210 breathing or air leaking from the breathing device 122, user interface 124, or conduit 126. Speaker 244 or an additional speaker can be used to eliminate these noises.

[0134] In some implementations, method 600 may further include receiving physiological data, such as respiratory data related to a user's breathing, from one or more sensors 130. Sound waves emitted by speaker 140 may be based at least in part on this physiological data and the sound data.

[0135] refer to Figure 9 A method 700 for eliminating noise generated during the use of a respiratory system (e.g., respiratory system 120) is shown. A storage device (e.g., storage device 114 of system 100) can be used to store machine-readable instructions and data of any type used in the steps of method 700. A control system (e.g., control system 110) can be used to execute machine-readable instructions to cause the steps of method 700 to be performed. One or more steps of the method 700 described herein can be used with system 100 (… Figure 1 Method 700 is implemented using various components of system 100 and described using those components. However, it should be understood that method 700 can be performed by a suitable system other than system 100.

[0136] Step 702 of method 700 is generally similar to step 602 of method 600 and includes generating sound data using microphone 242. The sound data generated by microphone 242 includes data representing various characteristics of any noise detected by microphone 242. Step 704 of method 700 is generally similar to step 604 of method 600 and includes determining the characteristics of the noise detected by microphone 242 based on the sound data generated by microphone 242, and determining whether this noise is associated with the operation of respiratory system 120.

[0137] Step 706 of method 700 includes determining the current stage of a sleep period for user 210. As described above, sleep periods include various different types of sleep, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. Sleep periods also include stages before and after user 210 falls asleep, such as when user 210 attempts to fall asleep, or after user 210 wakes up but does not remove user interface 124. Control system 110 can determine the current stage of a sleep period in various different ways. Respiratory data and / or sleep-related parameters discussed herein can be used to determine which stage of a sleep period user 210 is currently in.

[0138] The control system 110 can also use the time elapsed since the start of the sleep period to help determine the current stage of the user 210 within the sleep period. For example, the control system 110 can determine that if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of the sleep period, the user 210 is in or may be in REM sleep. The control system 110 can also use the current time to help determine the current stage of the sleep period. Generally, any of the techniques, devices, sensors, etc., discussed herein can be used to help determine which stage of the sleep period the user 210 is currently in.

[0139] Step 708 of method 700 includes causing speaker 244 to emit speaker-related sound waves 294 based on the current stage of a determined sleep period. For example, in one implementation, control system 110 is configured to cause speaker 244 to emit speaker-related sound waves 294 that acoustically cancel as much noise from the respiratory system as possible during REM sleep. However, once user 210 is no longer in REM sleep and is in light sleep before waking, control system 110 can be configured to acoustically cancel less noise from the respiratory system to help user 210 wake up. In other implementations, other stages of the sleep period can be used to modify the amount of noise cancellation implemented by system 100.

[0140] refer to Figure 10A method 800 for eliminating noise generated during the use of a respiratory system (e.g., respiratory system 120) is illustrated. A storage device (e.g., storage device 114 of system 100) can be used to store machine-readable instructions and data of any type used in the steps of method 800. A control system (e.g., control system 110) can be used to execute machine-readable instructions to cause the steps of method 800 to be performed. One or more steps of the method 800 described herein can be used with system 100 ( Figure 1 Method 800 is implemented using various components of system 100 and described using those components. However, it should be understood that method 800 can be performed by a suitable system other than system 100.

[0141] Step 802 of method 800 is generally similar to step 602 of method 600 and step 702 of method 700, and includes generating sound data using microphone 242. The sound data generated by microphone 242 includes data representing various characteristics of any noise detected by microphone 242.

[0142] Step 804 of method 800 includes generating respiratory data using air pressure sensor 32 and / or flow sensor 34. As described herein, air pressure sensor 32 and flow sensor 34 can be used to generate respiratory data or sleep-related parameters for user 210, as well as parameters related to the operation of the respiratory system, such as respiratory signal, respiratory rate, airflow through one or more parts of the respiratory system, etc.

[0143] Step 806 of method 800 includes predicting future changes in noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system 120 based on acoustic data, respiratory data (e.g., from air pressure sensor 32 and / or flow sensor 34), data related to the operation of the respiratory system 120, other data, or any combination thereof. By monitoring various sensors of system 100 (e.g., one or more of one or more sensors 130) and analyzing the resulting data, control system 110 can predict future changes in noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system 120. For example, in some implementations, changes in the breathing rate and / or breathing signal of user 210 may require changing the operating speed of blower motor 267 to maintain a desired pressure in the airway of user 210. Changes in the operating speed of blower motor 267 typically increase or decrease the amount of noise generated by blower motor 267 and / or change the frequency and / or other characteristics of noise associated with the operation of blower motor 267. Control system 110 can analyze acoustic data and sensor data to determine how respiratory-related parameters and air pressure in the breathing apparatus 122 affect the amount of noise generated by blower motor 267. Then, if breathing-related parameters or air pressure change, the control system 110 can use this relationship to predict future changes in noise generated by the blower motor 267. Predictions of future noise level changes can also be based, at least in part, on data associated with the operation of the respiratory system 120, which may include current operating parameters (speed of the blower motor 267, humidity level, etc.), physical characteristics of the respiratory system (e.g., size of the blower motor 267, number of blades in the blower motor 267), and others. Predictions can also be based, at least in part, on the user 210's current stage during sleep, or any other suitable factor.

[0144] In some implementations, the control system 110 utilizes historical data to help predict future changes in noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system 120. In some embodiments, the control system 110 analyzes past noise generated by the blower motor 267 (or other components of the respiratory system) to help predict future changes in that noise. For example, the control system 110 may determine that the sound generated by the operation of the blower motor 267 increases in a certain way during a given time period, and the control system 110 can use that sound to help predict that the future change is an increase in the noise level.

[0145] Step 808 of method 800 includes causing loudspeaker 244 to emit loudspeaker-related sound waves 294 based at least in part on predicted future changes in noise associated with the operation of respiratory system 120. For example, if control system 110 predicts that noise generated by blower motor 267 will increase rapidly, control system 110 can actively modify loudspeaker-related sound waves 294 to match anticipated future respiratory system-related sound waves 292. In this way, any hysteresis time between blower motor 267 generating new sound waves and loudspeaker 244 emitting matching sound waves can be reduced or eliminated. Therefore, system 100 prevents sudden spikes in noise associated with the operation of respiratory system 120.

[0146] refer to Figure 11 A method 900 for eliminating noise generated during the use of a respiratory system (e.g., respiratory system 120) is shown. A storage device (e.g., storage device 114 of system 100) can be used to store machine-readable instructions and any type of data used in the steps of method 900. A control system (e.g., control system 110) can be used to execute machine-readable instructions to cause the steps of method 900 to be performed. One or more steps of the method 900 described herein can be used with system 100 ( Figure 1 Method 900 is implemented using various components of system 100 and described using those components. However, it should be understood that method 900 can be performed by a suitable system other than system 100.

[0147] Step 902 of method 900 is generally similar to step 602 of method 600, step 702 of method 700, and step 802 of method 800, and includes generating sound data using microphone 242. The sound data generated by microphone 242 includes data representing various characteristics of any noise detected by microphone 242. Step 904 of method 900 is generally similar to step 604 of method 600 and step 704 of method 700, and includes determining the characteristics of the noise detected by microphone 242 based on the sound data generated by microphone 242, and determining whether the noise is associated with the operation of respiratory system 120. Step 906 of method 900 is generally similar to step 606 of method 600, and includes causing speaker 244 to emit speaker-related sound waves 294 to acoustically cancel noise associated with the operation of respiratory system 120.

[0148] Step 908 of method 900 includes generating feedback sound data using a feedback microphone 243. The feedback microphone 243 is configured to generate feedback sound data in response to detecting any noise near the user 210. For example, the feedback microphone 243 detects any remaining respiratory-related sound waves 292 that were not eliminated by the speaker-related sound waves 294.

[0149] Step 910 of method 900 includes adjusting the speaker-related sound wave 294 emitted by speaker 244 based at least in part on feedback sound data. Feedback sound data generated by feedback microphone 243 may be stored in memory device 114 and analyzed by control system 110. If control system 110 determines that respiratory system-related sound waves 292 are not sufficiently eliminated by speaker-related sound waves 294, control system 110 may modify the sound waves emitted by speaker 244. This feedback process may be performed continuously during operation of the respiratory system to ensure that system 100 always effectively eliminates noise or other noise generated by respiratory system 120.

[0150] For example, analysis of the feedback sound data can indicate that certain frequencies of the respiratory system-related sound waves 292 have not been eliminated. For instance, the respiratory system-related sound waves 292 include at least one sound wave with a frequency that does not match any of the speaker-related sound waves 294. The feedback sound data can indicate that a certain frequency or band has not been eliminated, or it can indicate the presence of a beat frequency that indicates a mismatch. In either case, the control system 110 can modify the speaker-related sound waves 294 by adjusting the frequency of at least one of the speaker-related sound waves 294 to more closely match the frequency of the respiratory system-related sound waves 292 and improve the noise cancellation achieved by the system 100.

[0151] In other implementations, analysis of the feedback sound data can be used to determine the amount of respiratory-related sound waves 292, which have been acoustically eliminated by speaker-related sound waves 294. If the analysis indicates that the amount of noise eliminated from the respiratory system is less than a desired threshold amount (e.g., if the amount of noise generated by the blower motor 267 reaching the feedback microphone 243 is greater than the maximum volume), the control system 110 can modify the speaker-related sound waves 294 by increasing the amplitude of at least one of them.

[0152] In other implementations, analysis of the feedback sound data can indicate that the respiratory system-related sound wave 292 is actually being amplified by the speaker-related sound wave 294. This can happen if any speaker-related sound wave 294 is in phase with any respiratory system-related sound wave 292. In this case, the control system 110 can modify the speaker-related sound wave 294 by adjusting the phase and / or amplitude of one or more speaker-related sound waves 294.

[0153] In any of these scenarios, the control system 110 may incrementally modify the speaker-related sound wave 294 based on feedback sound data, and then continuously analyze the updated feedback sound data to see if the modification to the speaker-related sound wave 294 is effective. For example, the control system 110 may incrementally adjust the frequency and / or phase of any speaker-related sound wave 294 until the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system 120 is sufficiently eliminated.

[0154] This invention provides systems and methods for eliminating noise using sound cancellation. In some implementations, some detected noise is not cancelled but masked by emitting masking sounds. The masking sounds may not be designed to cancel noise, but rather to hide and / or cover noise to help reduce the impact of noise on user 210 and / or bed partner 220. Masking noise may include white noise, pink noise, brown noise, soothing sounds, etc., or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the systems and methods of this invention detect a first noise (noise from the operation of blower motor 267) and a second noise separate from and different from the first noise (e.g., noise from mask leakage). In some such implementations, system 100 determines that the first noise is noise that should be cancelled according to the methods described herein, and determines that the second noise is noise that should be masked. The generation of masking sounds may be implemented in any of methods 600, 700, 800, and 900.

[0155] Typically, any of methods 600, 700, 800, and 900 can be implemented using a system having a control system having one or more processors and a memory storing machine-readable instructions. The control system can be coupled to the memory, and methods 600, 700, 800, and 900 can be implemented when the machine-readable instructions are executed by at least one processor of the control system. Methods 600, 700, 800, and 900 can also be implemented using a computer program product (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of methods 600, 700, 800, and 900.

[0156] One or more elements or aspects or steps or any part thereof from any one of claims 1 to 50 may be combined with one or more elements or aspects or steps or any part thereof from any other claims 1 to 50 or a combination thereof to form one or more additional implementations and / or claims of the present invention.

[0157] Although the invention has been described with reference to one or more specific embodiments or implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Each of these implementations and their obvious variations is considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is also conceivable that further or alternative implementations of various aspects of the invention may combine any number of features from any implementation described herein, for example, in the alternative implementations described below.

Claims

1. A method for eliminating noise generated by a respiratory system, the respiratory system being configured to supply pressurized air to a user during sleep periods, the method comprising: Use a microphone to generate sound data; One or more sensors are used to generate respiratory data associated with the breathing of the user of the respiratory system; The sound data is analyzed to determine whether noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is occurring; The loudspeaker emits sound waves based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) data related to the operation of the respiratory system, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii) and (iii), the emitted sound waves being configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system; Monitor the user's physiological data generated by the one or more sensors to determine the current stage of the user's sleep period; as well as Throughout the sleep period, the current stage of the user's sleep period is continuously or periodically determined based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) the physiological data, or (iv) any combination thereof, wherein in response to detecting a change in the user's sleep stage, the speaker automatically transitions between different levels of noise cancellation associated with the operation of the respiratory system, such that when the user is in a first stage of the sleep period, the speaker emits sound waves configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system, and when the user is in a second stage of the sleep period, the speaker emits sound waves configured to acoustically cancel less noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system. The first stage is a rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage, and the second stage is a non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stage, wherein during the NREM sleep stage, the speaker emits sound waves configured to acoustically eliminate a reduced amount of noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system to help allow the user to wake up naturally, and wherein the user is asleep during both the REM sleep stage and the NREM sleep stage.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is caused by: (i) the supply of pressurized air during the sleep period, (ii) the production of pressurized air by the respiratory system during the sleep period, (iii) air leakage from the user interface during the sleep period, (iv) the user breathing during the sleep period, or (v) any combination of (i)-(iv).

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker are configured to destructively interfere with noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker and the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system are 180 degrees out of phase.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system comprises one or more respiratory system-related sound waves, and the sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker comprise one or more loudspeaker-related sound waves, each of the one or more loudspeaker-related sound waves corresponding to at least one of the one or more respiratory system-related sound waves.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein each of the one or more speaker-related sound waves and its corresponding respiratory system-related sound wave has substantially the same frequency and amplitude, and is 180 degrees out of phase with each other.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least a portion of the loudspeaker is in fluid communication with at least a portion of the respiratory system.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the breathing system includes a motor configured to supply pressurized air, and the speaker is coupled to a speaker housing such that the speaker is in fluid communication with at least one chamber of the motor.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the breathing system includes a closed air path between the at least one chamber of the speaker and the motor.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the breathing system includes a breathing device, and wherein the microphone is located outside the breathing device and the speaker is located inside the breathing device.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the breathing system includes a breathing device, wherein the microphone is positioned in the air inlet of the breathing device, and the speaker is in fluid communication with the inner chamber of the blower motor of the breathing system.

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: Receive feedback audio data; as well as The sound waves emitted by the speaker are modified, at least in part, based on the received feedback sound data.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The feedback sound data is analyzed to determine whether the amount of acoustically eliminated noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is less than a desired threshold amount. as well as Modify one or more sound waves emitted by the speaker.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the modification includes increasing the amplitude of at least one of one or more sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker.

15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising: The feedback sound data is analyzed to determine whether the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system includes at least one sound wave with a frequency that does not match the frequency of any one or more sound waves emitted by the speaker; and Modify the one or more sound waves emitted by the speaker.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the modification includes modifying the frequency of at least one of one or more sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker.

17. The method of any one of claims 12 to 16, further comprising: The feedback sound data is analyzed to determine whether noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is being amplified by one or more sound waves emitted by the speaker; as well as Modify one or more sound waves emitted by the speaker.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the modification comprises incrementally shifting the phase of at least one of one or more sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker.

19. The method of any one of claims 12 to 18, further comprising: Continuously receive the feedback sound data; Incrementally modify one or more sound waves emitted by the speaker; Receive additional feedback audio data; as well as Further modifications are made to one or more sound waves emitted by the speaker.

20. The method of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the modification includes: (i) the phase of at least one of one or more sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker, (ii) the frequency of at least one of one or more sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker, (iii) the amplitude of at least one of one or more sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii) and (iii).

21. The method of any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the feedback sound data is generated by a feedback microphone.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the feedback microphone is closer to the user than the speaker.

23. The method of any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising: Receive physiological data from one or more sensors; as well as The sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker are modified, at least in part, based on the received physiological data.

24. The method of any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising causing the speaker to emit one or more sound waves configured to form a masking sound, the masking sound helping to prevent noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system from waking the user.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the masking sound comprises white noise, pink noise, brown noise, soothing sound, or any combination thereof.

26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising: The sound data is analyzed to identify a first noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system and a second noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system; as well as The speaker is made to emit sound waves, which are configured to acoustically cancel the first noise only without acoustically canceling the second noise.

27. The method of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the respiratory data includes the user's respiratory signal for at least a portion of the sleep period, the user's respiratory rate for at least a portion of the sleep period, or both.

28. The method of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the breathing system includes a motor configured to supply the pressurized air, and wherein, Data related to the operation of the respiratory system includes motor speed, number of motor blades, or both.

29. A method for eliminating noise generated by a respiratory system, the respiratory system being configured to supply pressurized air to a user during sleep periods, the method comprising: Use a microphone to generate sound data; One or more sensors are used to generate respiratory data associated with the breathing of the user of the respiratory system; The sound data is analyzed to determine whether noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is occurring; The loudspeaker emits sound waves based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) data related to the operation of the respiratory system, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii) and (iii), the emitted sound waves being configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system; The future changes in noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system are predicted based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) the data related to the operation of the respiratory system, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii) and (iii); The sound waves emitted by the speaker are modified, at least in part, based on predicted future changes in noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system. Monitor the user's physiological data generated by the one or more sensors to determine the current stage of the user's sleep period; Throughout the sleep period, the current stage of the user's sleep period is determined continuously or periodically, based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) the physiological data, or (iv) any combination thereof; as well as In response to detecting a change in the user's sleep stage, the system automatically transitions between different levels of noise cancellation associated with the operation of the respiratory system, such that when the user is in REM sleep, the speaker emits sound waves configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system, and when the user is in non-REM sleep, the speaker emits sound waves configured to acoustically cancel a reduced amount of noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system, to help allow the user to wake up naturally, wherein the user is asleep during both REM and non-REM sleep stages.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising analyzing historical data associated with past noise generated during operation of the respiratory system, wherein the prediction of the future changes is based at least in part on the historical data associated with the past noise.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the past noise was generated earlier in the sleep period or during a previous sleep period.

32. The method of any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the modification of the sound wave is based at least in part on: (i) breathing data related to the breathing of the user of the respiratory system, (ii) data related to the operation of the respiratory system, (iii) sound data generated by the microphone, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii) and (iii).

33. A method for eliminating noise generated by a respiratory system, the respiratory system being configured to supply pressurized air to a user during sleep periods, the method comprising: Use a microphone to generate sound data; One or more sensors are used to generate respiratory data associated with the breathing of the user of the respiratory system; The sound data is analyzed to determine whether noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is occurring; The loudspeaker emits sound waves based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) data related to the operation of the respiratory system, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii) and (iii), the emitted sound waves being configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system; Monitor the user's physiological data generated by the one or more sensors to determine the current stage of the user's sleep period; The current stage of the user's sleep period is determined continuously or periodically, based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the respiratory data, (iii) the physiological data, or (iv) any combination thereof, wherein in response to detecting a change in the user's sleep stage, the speaker automatically transitions between different levels of noise cancellation associated with the operation of the respiratory system, such that when the user is in the first stage of the sleep period and the respiratory system is operating and supplying pressurized air to the user, the speaker emits sound waves configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system. And when the user is in the second stage of the sleep period and the respiratory system is operating and supplying pressurized air to the user, the speaker emits sound waves configured to acoustically cancel out a reduced amount of noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system, wherein the first stage is a REM sleep stage and the second stage is a non-REM sleep stage, wherein during the non-REM sleep stage, the speaker emits sound waves configured to acoustically cancel out a reduced amount of noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system to help allow the user to wake up naturally, and wherein the user is asleep during both the REM sleep stage and the non-REM sleep stage.

34. A system for eliminating noise generated by a respiratory system, the respiratory system being configured to supply pressurized air to a user during sleep periods, the system comprising: Memory on which machine-readable instructions are stored; as well as A control system, coupled to the memory and including one or more processors, the one or more processors being configured to execute the machine-readable instructions to: Use a microphone to generate sound data; One or more sensors are used to generate respiratory data associated with the breathing of the user of the respiratory system; The sound data is analyzed to determine whether noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is occurring; The loudspeaker emits sound waves based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) data related to the operation of the respiratory system, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii) and (iii), the emitted sound waves being configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system; Monitor the user's physiological data generated by the one or more sensors to determine the current stage of the user's sleep period; as well as Throughout the sleep period, the current stage of the user's sleep period is continuously or periodically determined based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) the physiological data, or (iv) any combination thereof, wherein in response to detecting a change in the user's sleep stage, the speaker automatically transitions between different levels of noise cancellation associated with the operation of the respiratory system, such that when the user is in the first stage of the sleep period, the speaker emits at least a portion of the noise configured to acoustically cancel the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system. The speaker emits sound waves that are configured to acoustically cancel out less noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system when the user is in the second stage of the sleep period, wherein the first stage is a REM sleep stage and the second stage is a non-REM sleep stage, wherein during the non-REM sleep stage, the speaker emits sound waves that are configured to acoustically cancel out a reduced amount of noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system to help allow the user to wake up naturally, and wherein the user is asleep during both the REM sleep stage and the non-REM sleep stage.

35. A system for eliminating noise generated by a respiratory system, the respiratory system being configured to supply pressurized air to a user during sleep periods, the system comprising: The control system is configured to: Use a microphone to generate sound data; One or more sensors are used to generate respiratory data associated with the breathing of the user of the respiratory system; The sound data is analyzed to determine whether noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is occurring; The loudspeaker emits sound waves based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) data related to the operation of the respiratory system, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii) and (iii), the emitted sound waves being configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system; Monitor the user's physiological data generated by the one or more sensors to determine the current stage of the user's sleep period; as well as Throughout the sleep period, the current stage of the user's sleep period is continuously or periodically determined based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) the physiological data, or (iv) any combination thereof, wherein in response to detecting a change in the user's sleep stage, the speaker automatically transitions between different levels of noise cancellation associated with the operation of the respiratory system, such that when the user is in the first stage of the sleep period, the speaker emits at least a portion of the noise configured to acoustically cancel the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system. The speaker emits sound waves that are configured to acoustically cancel out less noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system when the user is in the second stage of the sleep period, wherein the first stage is a REM sleep stage and the second stage is a non-REM sleep stage, wherein during the non-REM sleep stage, the speaker emits sound waves that are configured to acoustically cancel out a reduced amount of noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system to help allow the user to wake up naturally, and wherein the user is asleep during both the REM sleep stage and the non-REM sleep stage.

36. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: Use a microphone to generate sound data; One or more sensors are used to generate respiratory data associated with the breathing of the user of the respiratory system; The sound data is analyzed to determine whether noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system is occurring; The loudspeaker emits sound waves based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) data related to the operation of the respiratory system, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii) and (iii), the emitted sound waves being configured to acoustically cancel at least a portion of the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system; Monitor the user's physiological data generated by the one or more sensors to determine the current stage of the user's sleep period; as well as Throughout the sleep period, the current stage of the user's sleep period is continuously or periodically determined based at least in part on (i) the sound data, (ii) the breathing data, (iii) the physiological data, or (iv) any combination thereof, wherein in response to detecting a change in the user's sleep stage, the speaker automatically transitions between different levels of noise cancellation associated with the operation of the respiratory system, such that when the user is in the first stage of the sleep period, the speaker emits at least a portion of the noise configured to acoustically cancel the noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system. The speaker emits sound waves that are configured to acoustically cancel out less noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system when the user is in the second stage of the sleep period, wherein the first stage is a REM sleep stage and the second stage is a non-REM sleep stage, wherein during the non-REM sleep stage, the speaker emits sound waves that are configured to acoustically cancel out a reduced amount of noise associated with the operation of the respiratory system to help allow the user to wake up naturally, and wherein the user is asleep during both the REM sleep stage and the non-REM sleep stage.

37. The computer program product of claim 36, wherein the computer program product is a non-transient computer-readable medium.

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