Breath sensing device

Abstract

The present invention is a breath sensing device. This invention relates specifically to an apparatus / device for sensing the breathing of a person who wants to improve their breathing. The breath sensing device of the present invention is a device comprising a nasal and / or oral cannula with an air flow sensor configured to measure a user's nasal air pressure from a tube operatively attached to said nasal cannula and said air flow sensor. Further, the present invention includes a display device configured to report said user's nasal air pressure. An advantage of the breath sensing device of the present invention is that it is a portable and easy to use device that detects various breath components and alerts a user directly of their breathing patterns.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: Breath Sensing DeviceBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to a breath sensing device. This invention relates more particularly to an apparatus / device for sensing the breathing of a person who wants to improve their breathing.Background Art

[0002] The state of the art in breath sensing devices encompasses a range of technologies and applications:

[0003] Medical Diagnosis and Monitoring: Devices capable of analyzing breath components (like volatile organic compounds) offer a non-invasive method for diagnosing diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, diabetes, and various infections. These devices often employ gas sensors, mass spectrometers, or spectroscopy techniques for accurate detection.

[0004] Fitness and Wellness: Wearable devices equipped with breath sensors are becoming more prevalent in the fitness industry. These sensors help track breathing patterns, offering insights into stress levels, meditation effectiveness, and overall well-being. Some smart devices use breath analysis to guide users through breathing exercises for relaxation or enhanced performance.

[0005] Alcohol and Drug Testing: Breathalyzers are commonly used for alcohol detection, aiding law enforcement and promoting safety. Advances in this field aim to enhance accuracy and sensitivity while reducing the size of the devices for greater portability and convenience.

[0006] COVID- 19 Detection: During the COVID- 19 pandemic, researchers explored breath analysis as a potential screening method for the virus. Some studies indicated that specific volatile biomarkers in breath could potentially signal the presence of COVID-19, although more research was needed to validate these findings.

[0007] Technology Integration: Breath sensing technology has integrated with smartphones and wearable devices, allowing for convenient, continuous monitoring and analysis. These devices often employ various sensors, including optical, chemical, or acoustic sensors, to detect and analyze breath components.

[0008] Research and Development: Ongoing research focuses on improving sensor accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for various breath components. Additionally, efforts continue to develop portable, cost-effective, and user-friendly devices for widespread use in healthcare and other industries.

[0009] What is not in the present art is a portable, easy to use device, that detect various breath components and alert a user directly of their breathing patterns.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The breath sensing device of the present invention is a device comprising a nasal and / or oral cannula with an air flow sensor configured to measure a user’s nasal air pressure from a tubeoperatively attached to said nasal cannula and said air flow sensor, and it includes a display device configured to report said user’s nasal air pressure.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising a nasal cannula, a first air flow sensor configured to measure a user’s nasal air pressure, a tube operatively attached to said nasal cannula and said first air flow sensor, and a display device configured to report said user’s nasal air pressure.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for use with day apnea, wake apnea, screen apnea, and / or email apnea.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for a user-controlled operation.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for a use as a game controller.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising an electronic data storage and a processing unit.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising a communications port.

[0017] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device wherein said communications port further comprises a device charging.

[0018] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising an ultra violet light configured to sanitize said first air flow sensor and said second air flow sensor.

[0019] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising an oral cannula operationally attached to a second air flow sensor.

[0020] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a wireless transmission device.

[0021] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a software application configured for transmitting real time air flow data, and providing visual, audio and / or haptic awareness alerts.

[0022] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a heart rate monitor.

[0023] According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising an oxygen saturation monitor.

[0024] According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device breath sensing device comprising an oral cannula, a first air flow sensor configured to measure a user’s oral air pressure, a tube operatively attached to said oral cannula and said first air flow sensor, and a display device configured to report said user’s oral air pressure.

[0025] According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for use with day apnea, wake apnea, screen apnea, and / or email apnea.

[0026] According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for a user-controlled operation.

[0027] According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for a use as a game controller.

[0028] According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising an electronic data storage and a processing unit.

[0029] According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising a communications port.

[0030] According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device wherein said communications port further comprises a device charging.

[0031] According to a twenty -first aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising an ultra violet light configured to sanitize said first air flow sensor and said second air flow sensor.

[0032] According to a twenty-second aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising a nasal cannula operationally attached to a second air flow sensor.

[0033] According to a twenty -third aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a wireless transmission device.

[0034] According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a software application configured for transmitting real time air flow data, and providing visual, audio and / or haptic awareness alerts.

[0035] According to a twenty -fifth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a heart rate monitor.

[0036] According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising an oxygen saturation monitor.

[0037] According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the invention, there is a method of using a breath sensing device configured for breath training comprising fitting a nasal cannula and / or an oralcannula on a person, breathing into said nasal cannula and / or said oral cannula, and responding to cues issued from said breath sensing device.

[0038] An advantage of the breath sensing device of the present invention is that it is a portable and easy to use device that detects various breath components and alerts a user directly of their breathing patterns.

[0039] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is the required elements of the Breath Sensing Device according to the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. The details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and use the invention.

[0042] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment," etcetera, indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled inthe art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0043] Furthermore, it should be understood that spatial descriptions (e.g., “above,” “below,” “up,” “left,” “right,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” etc.) used herein are for purposes of illustration only, and that practical implementations of the structures described herein can be spatially arranged in any orientation or manner.

[0044] Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0045] Throughout this specification, the phrase “day apnea”, or variations thereof such as “wake apnea” will be understood to imply the inclusion of an interrupted breathing pattern while not sleeping such as episodes of shallow breathing or momentary cessation of breathing. It can be temporary but often habituated by chronic conditions like anxiety, tinnitus, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), medications. It is natural response to reduce heart rate. The effects of perpetual and habitual shallow breathing or holding of your breath even momentarily is a documented risk of hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and heart attack.

[0046] Throughout this specification, the phrase “email apnea", will be understood to imply the inclusion of an interrupted breathing pattern while not sleeping such as the phenomenon where people unconsciously hold their breath or drop into shallow breathing when they’re responding to email or texting.

[0047] Throughout this specification, the phrase “screen apnea” will be understood to imply the inclusion of an interrupted breathing pattern while not sleeping specifically any disruption in breathing experienced while using screens, and / or the reduction of breathing due to visual stimulation, such as staring at a computer screen or television.

[0048] Throughout this specification, the phrase “eupnea” will be understood to imply and / or include normal breathing, including a normal respiratory rate (12 - 20 breaths per minute), depth, and rhythm .

[0049] Throughout this specification, the phrase “hypopnea” will be understood to imply and / or include shallow breathing or an abnormally low respiratory rate. Hypopnea is defined by some to be less severe than apnea (the complete cessation of breathing

[0050] Throughout this specification, the phrase “tachypnea” will be understood to imply and / or include increased respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths per minute. It is often seen in patients who are struggling to breathe, such as those with heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia .

[0051] Throughout this specification, the phrase “bradypnea” will be understood to imply and / or include decreased respiratory rate less than 12 breaths per minute.

[0052] Throughout this specification, the phrase “apnea” will be understood to imply and / or include cessation of breathing, generally of 10 seconds or more. It can be caused by cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, airway obstruction, drug overdose, or sleep apnea.

[0053] Throughout this specification, the phrase “hyperpnea” will be understood to imply and / or include increased respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth of breathing. It can be caused by congestive heart failure (CHF), metabolic or central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

[0054] Throughout this specification, the phrase “Cheyne-Stokes” will be understood to imply and / or include breathing in an abnormal breathing pattern with periods of progressively deeper breaths alternating with periods of shallow breathing and apnea. It is associated with increased intracranial pressure and brain stem injuries .

[0055] Throughout this specification, the phrase “Biot’s Breathing” will be understood to imply and / or include rapid breathing with irregular periods of apnea alternating with periods in which four or five breaths of identical depth are taken. Similar to Cheyne-Stokes except that each breath has the same depth. It is associated with increased intracranial pressure and meningitis.

[0056] Throughout this specification, the phrase “Kussmaul’s Breathing” will be understood to imply and / or include increased respiratory rate and depth, with an irregular rhythm. This is a labored form of breathing that is usually associated with diabetic ketoacidosis. Shortcut: Remember: Deep and Fast.

[0057] Throughout this specification, the phrase “apneustic breathing” will be understood to imply and / or include an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by deep, gasping inspiration with a pause at full inspiration followed by a brief, insufficient release. It is associated with head trauma, severe brain hypoxia, or lack of blood flow to the brain.

[0058] Throughout this specification, the phrase “orthopnea will be understood to imply and / or include difficulty breathing while lying down. It is associated with CHF, fluid overload, or chronic lung disease.

[0059] Index of Labelled Features in Figures. Features are listed in numeric order by Figure in numeric order.

[0060] Referring to the Figures, there is shown in Figure 1 the following features:

[0061] Element 100 which is a breath sensing device.

[0062] Element 110 which is a tube connector.

[0063] Element 120 which is an SpO2 sensor, charge, and data transfer.

[0064] Element 130 which is a power button.

[0065] Element 140 which is a menu button.

[0066] Element 150 which is an SpO2 HR value.

[0067] Element 160 which is an SpO2 waveform.

[0068] Element 170 which is a flow waveform.

[0069] Element 180 which is a lanyard mount.

[0070] Element 190 which is a nasal cannula.

[0071] Element 200 which is a nasal / oral cannula.

[0072] Element 210 which is an earlobe pulse oximeter.

[0073] Element 220 which is a finger pulse oximeter (soft single use).

[0074] Element 230 which is a finger pulse oximeter.

[0075] Element 240 which is a breath waveform monitor.

[0076] Element 250 which is the inhale step of a guided interval breathing exercise.

[0077] Element 260 which is the hold step of a guided interval breathing exercise.

[0078] Element 270 which is a custom guided interval breathing exercise.

[0079] Element 280 which is a first air flow sensor.

[0080] Element 290 which is a second air flow sensor.

[0081] Element 300 which is a tube.

[0082] Element 310 which is an oral cannula.

[0083] Element 320 which is a display device.

[0084] Element 330 which is an electronic data storage.

[0085] Element 340 which is a processing unit.

[0086] Element 350 which is a communications port.

[0087] Element 360 which is an ultra violet light.

[0088] Element 370 which is a wireless transmission device.

[0089] Element 380 which is an application configured for transmitting real time air flow data, and providing visual, audio and / or haptic awareness alerts.

[0090] Element 390 which is a heart rate monitor.

[0091] Element 400 which is an oxygen saturation monitor.

[0092] While 'Sleep Apnea' is the most recognizable term and easier to read / say for baseline understanding, hence 'day apnea', the primary condition of concern is Hypopnea (overly shallow breathing or an abnormally low respiratory rate and volume). Hypopnea is defined by some to be less severe than apnea, the complete cessation of breathing.

[0093] Note that there are 2 basic forms of sleep apnea, Obstructive sleep apnea (most common) and Central Sleep apnea that is neurologically similar or like day apnea, wake apnea, screen apnea, and / or email apnea.

[0094] The device of the present invention can sense breathing pattern interruption can be configured to signal when sensed breathing patterns such as day apnea, wake apnea, screen apnea, and / or email apnea are occurring.

[0095] There are many recognizable breathing patterns for other medical conditions such as eupnea, tachypnea, bradypnea, apnea, hypopnea, hyperpnea, Cheyne-Stokes, Biot’s Breathing,Kussmaul’s Breathing, apneustic breathing, orthopnea, and more. The device of the present invention can sense breathing pattern interruption and can be configured to signal when sensed breathing patterns such as eupnea, tachypnea, bradypnea, apnea, hypopnea, hyperpnea, Cheyne- Stokes, Biot’s Breathing, Kussmaul’s Breathing, apneustic breathing, and / or orthopnea.

[0096] The device does not 'detect' apneas, it will highlight variances from the user defined 'normal' patterns, by user breathing normally in setup mode or user manually entering the parameters of the wave form or may select predefined patterns in application that are actually more defined and detectable while awake and missed by typical sleep apnea studies.

[0097] An advance feature of the software application may include wave form analysis for 'detection' as a fee for service by a medical professional or medical artificial intelligence (Al).

[0098] The EUPNEA watch is a small electronic device with state of the art nasal air flow sensor that captures nasal / oral in and out air pressure that translates into a wave form for display and analysis, also measuring heart rate with a blood pressure monitor (BPM) and oxygen saturation level (SpO2) (as it is on the original HSAT device, but not necessary for application). The EUPNEA watch transmits data via wireless communications to mobile devices for display, analysis, alerts and coaching. The communications port of the present invention can also be used for charging and may additionally contain the heart rate and / or SpO2 sensors.

[0099] The present invention may includes a day apnea application that will connect to the EUPNEA watch via wireless communications and receive real time air flow data for analysis.The setup includes the capture of 'normal' breathing pasterns for baseline comparison.

[0100] When apnea / shallow breathing conditions are recognized or other presets are recognized the Application will give visible, audio and haptic awareness alerts, the first step in modifying the habituated apnea or shallow breathing condition is making the user aware.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising a nasal cannula, a first air flow sensor configured to measure a user’s nasal air pressure, a tube operatively attached to said nasal cannula and said first air flow sensor, and a display device configured to report said user’s nasal air pressure. Nasal air pressure can be reported in a number of ways to include but not be limited numerical, waveform, and / or image.

[0102] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for use with day apnea, wake apnea, screen apnea, and / or email apnea.

[0103] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for a user-controlled operation.

[0104] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for a use as a game controller.

[0105] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising an electronic data storage and a processing unit.

[0106] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising a communications port.

[0107] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device wherein said communications port further comprises a device charging.

[0108] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising an ultra violet light configured to sanitize said first air flow sensor and said second air flow sensor.

[0109] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising an oral cannula operationally attached to a second air flow sensor.

[0110] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a wireless transmission device.

[0111] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a software application configured for transmitting real time air flow data, and providing visual, audio and / or haptic awareness alerts.

[0112] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a heart rate monitor.

[0113] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising an oxygen saturation monitor.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device breath sensing device comprising an oral cannula, a first air flow sensor configured to measure a user’s oral air pressure, a tube operatively attached to said oral cannula and said first air flow sensor, and a display device configured to report said user’s oral air pressure.

[0115] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for use with day apnea, wake apnea, screen apnea, and / or email apnea.

[0116] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for a user-controlled operation.

[0117] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device configured for a use as a game controller.

[0118] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising an electronic data storage and a processing unit.

[0119] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising a communications port.

[0120] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device wherein said communications port further comprises a device charging.

[0121] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising an ultra violet light configured to sanitize said first air flow sensor and said second air flow sensor.

[0122] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device comprising a nasal cannula operationally attached to a second air flow sensor.

[0123] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a wireless transmission device.

[0124] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a software application configured for transmitting real time air flow data, and providing visual, audio and / or haptic awareness alerts.

[0125] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising a heart rate monitor.

[0126] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, there is a breath sensing device further comprising an oxygen saturation monitor.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a method of using a breath sensing device configured for breath training comprising fitting a nasal cannula and / or an oral cannula on a person, breathing into said nasal cannula and / or said oral cannula, and responding to cues issued from said breath sensing device.

[0128] The invention has been described by way of examples only. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims.

[0129] Although the invention has been explained in relation to various embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A breath sensing device comprising a nasal cannula, a first air flow sensor configured to measure a user’s nasal air pressure, a tube operatively attached to said nasal cannula and said first air flow sensor, and a display device configured to report said user’s nasal air pressure.

2. The device of claim 1 configured for use with day apnea, wake apnea, screen apnea, and / or email apnea.

3. The device of claim 1 configured for a user-controlled operation.

4. The device of claim 1 configured for a use as a game controller.

5. The device of claim 1 comprising an electronic data storage and a processing unit.

6. The device of claim 1 comprising a communications port.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said communications port further comprises a device charging.

8. The device of claim 1 comprising an ultra violet light configured to sanitize said first air flow sensor and said second air flow sensor.

9. The device of claim 1 comprising an oral cannula operationally attached to a second air flow sensor.

10. The device of claim 1 further comprising a wireless transmission device.

11. The device of claim 10 further comprising a software application configured for transmitting real time air flow data, and providing visual, audio and / or haptic awareness alerts.

12. The device of claim 1 further comprising a heart rate monitor.

13. The device of claim 1 further comprising an oxygen saturation monitor.

14. A breath sensing device comprising an oral cannula, a first air flow sensor configured to measure a user’s oral air pressure, a tube operatively attached to said oral cannula and said first air flow sensor, and a display device configured to report said user’s oral air pressure.

15. The device of claim 14 configured for use with day apnea, wake apnea, screen apnea, and / or email apnea.

16. The device of claim 14 configured for a user-controlled operation.

17. The device of claim 14 configured for a use as a game controller.

18. The device of claim 14 comprising an electronic data storage and a processing unit.

19. The device of claim 14 comprising a communications port.

20. The device of claim 19 wherein said communications port further comprises a device charging.

21. The device of claim 14 comprising an ultra violet light configured to sanitize said first air flow sensor and said second air flow sensor.

22. The device of claim 14 comprising a nasal cannula operationally attached to a second air flow sensor.

23. The device of claim 14 further comprising a wireless transmission device.

24. The device of claim 23 further comprising a software application configured for transmitting real time air flow data, and providing visual, audio and / or haptic awareness alerts.

25. The device of claim 14 further comprising a heart rate monitor.

26. The device of claim 14 further comprising an oxygen saturation monitor.

27. A method of using a breath sensing device configured for breath training comprising fitting a nasal cannula and / or an oral cannula on a person, breathing into said nasal cannula and / or said oral cannula, and responding to cues issued from said breath sensing device.

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