Method and system for guided breathing

Abstract

A method and system for guided breathing of an occupant in a seat for stress reduction. The method includes inflating, over a duration of about 2 to 5 seconds, one or more of a plurality of air cells located in the seat; maintaining an inflated state of the one or more air cells for about 0.5 to 2 seconds; deflating the one or more air cells over a duration of about 2 to 5 seconds; and maintaining a deflated state of the one or more air cells for about 0.5 to 2 seconds.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GUIDED BREATHINGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 553,802, filed February 15, 2024, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present teachings relate to a method and system for guided breathing of a seat occupant, such as for stress reduction.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional vehicles are provided with various comfort systems including those for heating, cooling, supporting, and massaging an occupant. Some seats include pneumatic bladders or mechanical actuators for spinal support, posture adjustment, and massage functions.

[0004] Therapeutic breathing is generally known for relieving stress. There remains needs for methods and systems implemented in vehicles to guide therapeutic breathing. In vehicle environments, challenges arise that may not have been present in other settings of guided breathing.

[0005] Driving requires attention to the task, and inputs from pneumatic bladders or mechanical actuators should not distract the driver or be too subtle as to not be effective. Vibrations from the vehicle’s engagement with the road may interfere with pneumatic and mechanical interventions through the seat. Some comfort interventions may not be as effective in certain driving situations where a driver’s attention is more focused on operating the vehicle. For example, city driving, where routes are more complex, can require more attention as compared to longer stretches of highway driving.SUMMARY

[0006] The present teachings provide a method which may address at least some of the needs identified above.

[0007] The method may comprise inflating, over a duration of about 2 to 5 seconds, a plurality of air cells located in the seat, preferably a back portion of the seat.

[0008] The method may comprise maintaining an inflated state of the plurality of air cells for about 0.5 to 2 seconds.

[0009] The method may comprise deflating the plurality of air cells over a duration of about 2 to 5 seconds.

[0010] The method may comprise maintaining a deflated state of the plurality of air cells for about 0.5 to 2 seconds.

[0011] The occupant may be guided to perform about 8 breaths per minute, whereby: the duration of inflation may be about 3 seconds, the inflated state may be maintained for about 1 second, and the duration of deflation may be about 3.5 seconds.

[0012] The occupant may be guided to perform about 6 breaths per minute, whereby: the duration of inflation may be about 4.3 seconds, the inflated state may be maintained for about 1.2 second, and the duration of deflation may be about 4.5 seconds.

[0013] The occupant may be guided to perform about 10 breaths per minute, whereby: the duration of inflation may be about 2.5 seconds, the inflated state may be maintained for about 0.7 second, and the duration of deflation may be about 2.8 seconds.

[0014] The one or more air cells, in the inflated state, may have an internal air pressure of about 100 to 400 hectoPascals, about 150 to 350 hectoPascals, or about 200 to 300 hectoPascals.

[0015] The one or more air cells, in the deflated state, may have an internal air pressure of about 10 to 0 hectoPascals, preferably about 0 hectoPascals.

[0016] The plurality of air cells may be arranged in strata along the back portion. The strata may include two, three, four, or five strata; preferably five strata.

[0017] The strata may be located in a lower region, a middle region, and an upper region of the seat.

[0018] The plurality of air cells may include one or more air cells in each stratum, which inflate sequentially in a first direction to achieve the inflated state and to guide inhalation of an occupant.

[0019] The one or more air cells in each stratum may deflate sequentially in a second direction to achieve the deflated state and to guide exhalation of the occupant.

[0020] The first direction may be from a bottom-most stratum to a top-most stratum. The second direction may be from the top-most stratum to the bottom-most stratum.

[0021] The one or more air cells in each stratum, once inflated, may remain inflated while sequentially downstream strata inflate and during maintenance of the inflated state.

[0022] The one or more air cells in each stratum, once deflated, may remain deflated while sequentially downstream strata deflate and during maintenance of the deflated state.

[0023] The one or more air cells in each stratum may include two or more air cells that inflate and / or deflate substantially simultaneously.

[0024] The strata may be located in a middle region and optionally an upper region of the seat.

[0025] The plurality of air cells in all of the strata may inflate and deflate simultaneously.

[0026] The method may be repeated over a duration of about 4 to 12 minutes.

[0027] The method may further comprise providing to the occupant a visual cue for inhalation, a visual cue for exhalation, an audio cue for inhalation, an audio cue for exhalation, or any combination thereof.

[0028] The method may further comprise emitting an aroma within a proximity of the occupant, playing music characterized by a tempo complementary with a breathing frequency of the guided breathing, or both.

[0029] The method may further comprise initiating the method based on a GPS signal, a speed signal, or both.

[0030] The method may be initialized with default parameters. The default parameters may include: the internal air pressure of the one or more air cells in the inflated state is about 100 hectoPascals to about 200 hectoPascals (e.g., about 120 hPa); a breathing frequency, characterized in breaths per minute, of about 8 breaths per minute; and the duration over which the method is repeated is about 8 minutes.

[0031] The method may further comprise receiving one or more adjustment inputs from the occupant, via a human-machine interface, adjusting: the internal air pressure of the one or more air cells in the inflated state; the breathing frequency; and the duration over which the method is repeated.

[0032] The method may further comprise saving the one or more adjustment inputs in a memory storage medium. The method may further comprise updating the default parameters based upon one or multiple of the stored one or more adjustment inputs.

[0033] The method may further comprise receiving one or more inputs from an occupant device, including one or any combination of: heart rate, movement data, blood pressure, or body temperature; and optionally initiating the method based upon the one or more inputs.

[0034] The present teachings provide a system which may address at least some of the needs identified above.

[0035] The system may comprise a seat comprising a back portion having a lower region, a middle region, and an upper region.

[0036] The system may comprise a plurality of air cells disposed in the lower, middle, and / or upper regions, arranged in at least two strata defined within one or any combination of the lower, middle, and / or upper regions.

[0037] The system may comprise an air compressor in selective pneumatic communication with the plurality of air cells.

[0038] The system may comprise a valve assembly selectively opening and closing pneumatic flow between the air compressor and the plurality of air cells.

[0039] The system may comprise a controller in signal communication with the air compressor and the valve assembly to coordinate a pre-determined program of inflating and deflating the plurality of air cells.

[0040] One or more of the plurality of air cells may be disposed in bolsters of the seat. Optionally, each of the bolsters of the seat comprises two air cells.

[0041] The at least two strata include five strata, each stratum having two of the plurality of air cells.

[0042] The system may further comprise a GPS module, a speedometer, or both, in signal communication with the controller.

[0043] The system may further comprise a human-machine interface adapted and configured for receiving inputs from the occupant.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a vehicle according to the present teachings.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seat according to the present teachings.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows exemplary program parameters according to the method of the present teachings.

[0047] FIG. 4A is a graph of respiration rate over time in one exemplary aspect of the present teachings.

[0048] FIG. 4B is a graph of stress level over time in one exemplary aspect of the present teachings.

[0049] FIG. 4C is a graph of skin conductance over time in one exemplary aspect of the present teachings.

[0050] FIG. 4D is a graph of the standard deviation of heart rate variability over time in one exemplary aspect of the present teachings.

[0051] FIG. 4E is a graph of the standard deviation of heart rate variability over time in one exemplary aspect of the present teachings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The present teachings relate to an improved system for guided breathing in a vehicle.

[0053] The system may comprise one or more seats. The present teachings include examples of seats located in vehicles. However, the present teachings also contemplate that elements of the system may be located in any other type of seat, such as airplane seats, train seats, furniture (e.g., office chairs), or the like.

[0054] The seat may comprise a bottom portion and a back portion. An occupant may sit upon the bottom portion and rest their back upon the back portion. The bottom portion, the back portion, or both may comprise bolsters. The bolsters may protrude from the seat and laterally support the legs and torso of an occupant. The regions of the bottom and back portions between bolsters, if present, may be referred to herein as central regions.

[0055] The system may comprise a plurality of air cells. Air cells may also be referred to herein as pneumatic cells. The plurality of air cells may function to apply a pressure upon an occupant, provide lumbar support to the occupant, massage the occupant, or any combination thereof. The plurality of air cells may inflate to apply a pressure upon an occupant. The plurality of air cells may deflate to release the pressure from upon the occupant. An exemplary, non-limiting air cell is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,467,426 A, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0056] The plurality of air cells may be located below the surface of the seat. The plurality of air cells may be arranged in strata in the bottom portion of the seat, the back portion of the seat, or both. Strata may refer to layers or regions of the seat, arranged along the depth of the bottom portion and along the height of the back portion. Each stratum may extend laterally across the seat. That is, from the left side to the right side of the bottom and / or back portions.

[0057] The plurality of air cells may be arranged in two, three, four, or even five or more strata. Typically, there may be no more than ten strata. The foregoing applies individually to the bottom portion of the seat and the back portion of the seat. By way of example but not limitation, the bottom portion of the seat may comprise four strata and the back portion of the seat may comprise five strata.

[0058] As referred to herein, the back portion of the seat may include a lower region, a middle region, and an upper region. The lower region may co-locate with a lumbar region of an occupant’s spine. The middle and upper regions may co-locate with a thoracic region of an occupant’s spine. The upper region may also co-locate with at least a portion of a cervical region of an occupant’s spine. Each of the lower, middle, and upper regions of the back portion may include one, two, or even three strata.

[0059] The plurality of air cells may be arranged in one or more bolsters. Each bolster may comprise one, two, three, or even four or more air cells. Typically, there may be no more than eight air cells in each bolster. Air cells in the bolsters may be arranged along the length of the bolsters. The location of the air cells in the bolsters may or may not align with air cells located in the central regions of the bottom portion and back portion.

[0060] Each stratum may include one, two, three, or even four air cells. The strata in the bottom portion may or may not include the same number of air cells. The strata in the back portion may or may not include the same number of air cells. Multiple air cells may be generally symmetrically (relative to a centerline of the seat) arranged to co-locate with the spine of an occupant, regions of an occupant’s back left and right of the spine, or both. Where only one air cell is located in a stratum, the air cell may extend at least partially across the lateral extent of the central regions of the bottom and / or back portions, or substantially entirely across the lateral extent of the central regions of the bottom and / or back portions.

[0061] The system may comprise one or more air compressors. The air compressor may function to inflate the plurality of air cells. The air compressor may be in selective pneumatic communication with the plurality of air cells. The air compressor may be in pneumatic communication with a valve assembly, described below. The air compressor may signally communicate with one or more controllers, described below.

[0062] The system may comprise one or more valve assemblies. The valve assembly may function to selectively open and close pneumatic flow between the air compressor and the plurality of air cells. The valve assembly may comprise one valve per air cell or one valve for multiple air cells. By way of example but not limitation, multiple air cells in a single strata, which may be adapted and configured to inflate and deflate simultaneously, may pneumatically communicate with one valve. The present teachings contemplate that the system may comprise multiple valve assemblies. By way of example but not limitation, a first valve assembly may supply air cells located on a right side of the seat and a second valve assembly may supply air cells located on a left side of the seat.

[0063] The system may comprise a plurality of pneumatic tubing, one or more connectors, one or more splitters, or any combination thereof, as appropriate. The foregoing may function to pneumatically connect the air compressor, the valve assembly, the air cells, or any combination thereof.

[0064] The system may comprise one or more controllers. The controller may function to control the operation of the air compressor, the valve assembly, or both. The controller may coordinate a pre-determined program of inflating and deflating the plurality of air cells. The controller may signally communicate with the air compressor, the valve assembly, or both. For example, via a wired connection. The controller may be a native vehicle controller or a dedicated controller. Native vehicle controller may refer to any controller that participates in control and / or monitoring of the drivetrain, brakes, HVAC, entertainment system, or the like. By way of example but not limitation, the native vehicle controller may include the body control module. The dedicated controller may be dedicated to the function of the system described herein. In other words, with a native vehicle controller, the methodology described herein may be shared with other vehicle functions.

[0065] The system may comprise a Global Positioning System (GPS) module. The GPS module may function to locate the vehicle in terms of a coordinate system, typically latitude and longitude. It is also contemplated that data from the GPS module may be used to estimate speed of the vehicle. The GPS module may be installed on the vehicle or may be on-board a computing device such as a mobile phone, a wearable (e.g., a smart watch), or the like. Use of the GPS module is discussed in greater detail below.

[0066] The system may comprise a speedometer. The speedometer may function to measure the speed of the vehicle. The speedometer may typically be in the form of a sensor that measures motion of a component of the drivetrain, such as an output shaft or a drive shaft. The present teachings contemplate that the system may comprise any sensor or combination of sensors in the vehicle which measures the speed of the vehicle or measures one or more parameters from which speed can be calculated, derived, inferred, or otherwise. By way of example, such sensors may include wheel speed sensors, which are typically utilized in the Antilock Brake System (ABS). Use of the speedometer or other suitable sensors is discussed in greater detail below.

[0067] The system may comprise a user interface. The user interface may also be referred to a human-machine interface herein. The user interface may signally communicate with the controller. The user interface may be a part of the entertainment control system of the vehicle. The user interface may be part of a computing device, such as a mobile phone, awearable (e.g., a smart watch), or the like. Occupants’ interactions with the user interface may at least partially influence the method described herein, such as initiating or ceasing the method. Although, the present teachings contemplate that some or all of the method may be autonomous. That is, without user input.

[0068] Although the present teachings include examples of air cells, the present teachings contemplate that one or more air cells, or all of the air cells in the seat may be replaced with mechanical actuators, which may otherwise be referred to as pressure cells. The mechanical actuators may similarly function to apply a pressure upon an occupant, provide lumbar support to the occupant, massage the occupant, or any combination thereof. The mechanical actuators may include linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotary-to-linear actuators, or any combination thereof. The mechanical actuators may be driven by motors to displace the mechanical actuators toward and away from the occupant. The motors may signally communicate with one or more controllers described herein. An exemplary, non-limiting mechanical actuator is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,217,278 A, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The foregoing is applicable to all embodiments.

[0069] The present teachings describe an improved method for guided breathing of an occupant.

[0070] The method may comprise one or more of the steps recited herein. Some of the steps may be duplicated, removed or eliminated, rearranged relative to other steps, combined into one or more steps, separated into two or more steps, or a combination thereof.

[0071] The flow charts described herein do not imply a fixed order to the steps, and embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in any order that is practicable, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0072] Occupant breathing may be guided by haptic cues delivered by the plurality of air cells. The haptic cues may be delivered to the back of the occupant, although the present teachings contemplate the haptic cues may be delivered to the legs and buttocks of the occupant, or any combination of the foregoing body parts. The haptic cues may be configured and adapted for guiding breathing in a manner that positively impacts the physiology of the occupant. It is envisioned that the guided breathing may have a stress reduction effect upon the occupant. This positive impact may be prolonged for a period of time after guided breathing has ceased. The prolonged impact may last for about 10 minutes or more, 30 minutes or more, 1 hour or more, or even 3 hours or more.

[0073] As will be appreciated, the physiological benefits may be realized by specific programs of inflation and deflation, including timing and the pattern in which air cells areinflated and deflated, as described in greater detail below. At least some features of the present method may be adapted and configured to balance the needs for overcoming road vibrations, so as to allow the guided breathing to be felt by the occupant, with the needs for avoiding distraction to or discomfort of the occupant.

[0074] Without intending to be bound by theory, human breathing involve patterns of movement in the spine and the chest. At least some of the features of the present method may be adapted and configured to guide these natural movements of the body.

[0075] The method may comprise inflating, over a duration of about 2 to 5 seconds, one or more of a plurality of air cells located in the seat. Preferably, the air cells inflated, and deflated as discussed below, are those located in the back portion of the seat. Although, the present teachings contemplate that air cells located in the bottom portion of the seat may be inflated and deflated in cooperation with those in the back portion.

[0076] The air cells, in the inflated state, may have an internal air pressure of about 100 to 400 hectoPascals, about 150 to 350 hectoPascals, or about 200 to 300 hectoPascals. The present teachings contemplate any range having any of the foregoing endpoints (e.g., 100 to 200 hectoPascals, 150 to 300 hectoPascals, etc.).

[0077] The method may comprise maintaining an inflated state of the one or more air cells for about 0.5 to 2 seconds. Inflated state may refer to maintaining a target internal air pressure within the air cells, or in the case of mechanical actuators, a target deflection. Deflection may refer to the length of travel of the mechanical actuators, in a path toward and away from the occupant.

[0078] The internal air pressure, or deflection, may be referred to herein as an intensity. That is, an intensity of the pressure felt by an occupant. It is envisioned that intensity may be adjusted according to preferences of occupants.

[0079] The method may comprise deflating the one or more air cells over a duration of about 2 to 5 seconds. As discussed herein, deflation may approach or meet an internal air pressure within the air cells of 0 hectoPascals, although the present teachings contemplate that some nominal amount of pressure may remain within the air cells, such as up to about 10 hectoPascals.

[0080] The method may comprise maintaining a deflated state of the one or more air cells for about 0.5 to 2 seconds.

[0081] In one exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the occupant may be guided to perform about 8 breaths per minute, whereby: the duration of inflation may be about 3 seconds, theinflated state may be maintained for about 1 second, and the duration of deflation may be about 3.5 seconds.

[0082] In another exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the occupant may be guided to perform about 6 breaths per minute, whereby: the duration of inflation may be about 4.3 seconds, the inflated state may be maintained for about 1.2 second, and the duration of deflation may be about 4.5 seconds.

[0083] In another exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the occupant may be guided to perform about 10 breaths per minute, whereby: the duration of inflation may be about 2.5 seconds, the inflated state may be maintained for about 0.7 second, and the duration of deflation may be about 2.8 seconds.

[0084] In one exemplary operation, different strata of air cells may inflate at different times. Inflation may be sequential. That is, a first stratum may begin inflation and the immediately adjacent stratum may begin inflation once the first stratum has achieved an inflated state or some time between the first stratum begins inflation and achieving the inflated state. Each stratum may sequentially inflate in a first direction to guide inhalation of an occupant. The first direction may be from the bottom-most stratum to the top-most stratum. By way of example but not limitation, air cells 1-10 shown in FIG. 2 may inflate and deflate

[0085] Different strata of air cells may deflate at different times. Deflation may be sequential. That is, a first stratum may begin deflation and the immediately adjacent stratum may begin deflation once the first stratum has achieved a deflated state or some time between the first stratum begins deflating and achieving the deflated state. Each stratum may sequentially deflate in a second direction to guide exhalation of an occupant. The second direction may be from the top-most stratum to the bottom-most stratum.

[0086] Top-most and bottom -most may refer to those strata that are functional for the method of the present teachings. That is, some air cells or strata of air cells may be present in the seat for other functions, such as lumbar support and massage functions, but may not be functional for guided breathing. In this regard, the bottom-most stratum present in the seat may not be the bottom-most stratum for guided breathing functions. Similarly, one or more intermediate strata in between the top-most and bottom-most strata may not be functional for guided breathing. Thus, where the present teachings refer to sequential inflation and deflation, it is contemplated that “immediately adjacent” may be understood as an immediately adjacent stratum that is functional with the guided breathing method described herein.

[0087] Each stratum, once inflated, may remain inflated for the duration of inflation of sequentially downstream strata and maintenance of the inflated state of the sequentially downstream strata. Each stratum, once deflated, may remain deflated for the duration of deflation of sequentially downstream strata and maintenance of the deflated state of the sequentially downstream strata. Where multiple air cells are in a stratum, the multiple air cells may inflate and / or deflate simultaneously.

[0088] In another exemplary operation, all of the strata may inflate simultaneously. That is, all strata of air cells functional for guided breathing may inflate simultaneously. These strata may be co-located with the thoracic region of an occupant’s spine. By way of example but not limitation, air cells 3, 4, 5, and 6 shown in FIG. 2 may inflate and deflate simultaneously.

[0089] In yet another exemplary operation, the method may further comprise the steps of deflating and inflating prior to maintaining the inflated state. That is, two inflation events may occur prior to the maintenance of the inflated state. This may be colloquially referred to as a double inhale. This breathing technique may be considered energizing, and therefore could be activated if the occupant is drowsy.

[0090] The method may comprise providing to the occupant a visual cue for inhalation, a visual cue for exhalation, an audio cue for inhalation, an audio cue for exhalation, or any combination thereof.

[0091] The method may comprise emitting an aroma. The aroma may be emitted in proximity to the occupant. For example, the aroma may be emitted from a vent in the seat (e.g., from the headrest of the seat), from a vent located in a dashboard, or from any other suitable vent located within the cabin of the vehicle.

[0092] The method may comprise playing music. The music may be characterized by a tempo complementary with a breathing frequency of the guided breathing.

[0093] The method may comprise initiating the method based on a GPS signal, a speed signal, or both. In this regard, guided breathing may be active during easy driving times or when the vehicle is stopped. Easy driving times may refer to when the vehicle is being driven on a single road; on straight stretches of road; on highways, freeways, or the like for the entire duration of the guided breathing program. However, as vehicles become more autonomous, the driver may have more capacity for additional tasks besides driving, such as guided breathing.

[0094] The method may be initialized with default parameters. The default parameters may include: an internal air pressure of the one or more air cells in the inflated state of about100 hectoPascals to about 200 hectoPascals (e.g., about 120 hPa); a breathing frequency, characterized in breaths per minute, of about 8 breaths per minute; and a duration over which the method is repeated of about 8 minutes.

[0095] The default parameters may be maintained throughout the guided breathing. The default parameters may be overridden or adjusted by one or more adjustment inputs from the occupant, via a human-machine interface, inputs from an occupant device, or both. The adjustment inputs may adjust the internal air pressure, the breathing frequency, the duration over which the method is repeated, or any combination thereof.

[0096] The method may comprise saving the one or more adjustment inputs in a memory storage medium (e.g., a non-transient memory storage medium). In this regard, one or multiple of the adjustment inputs may be used to update any of the foregoing default parameters. For example, an average of one or more adjustment inputs may be determined over a period of time and the default parameters may be updated based on the same.

[0097] The method may comprise receiving one or more inputs from an occupant device. The occupant device may include a mobile phone, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, a biosensor, or the like), or both. The one or more inputs may include heart rate, movement data, blood pressure, body temperature, or any combination thereof. The one or more inputs may be sensed by any suitable sensor on-board the mobile phone, the wearable device, or both. The one or more inputs may be used to determine when the method described herein is initiated. By way of example but not limitation, the one or more inputs may indicate a stress level of the occupant. Any one or combination of the one or more inputs may be compared to threshold levels for determining if an occupant is experiencing physiological stress. If the physiological stress is above a threshold, the method may be initiated. Such initiation may be subject to GPS and / or speed signals described herein. That is, while an occupant may be experiencing physiological stress above a threshold, the method may not be initialized until the requisite GPS signal and / or speed signal is also met.

[0098] The method may be repeated over a duration of about 4 to 12 minutes. That is, the inflation, maintenance of the inflated state, deflation, and maintenance of the deflated state may be repeated over said duration.

[0099] It is also contemplated that seat may provide ventilation or other occupant cooling while the guided breathing is activated, which is believed to improve the effectiveness of the guided breathing. Additionally, it is preferred that if the seat has a massage or pulsation function provided, that during the guided breathing said massage or pulsation function is inhibited or at least minimized.

[0100] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 100, which includes a seat 102 having a bottom portion 104 and a back portion 106. The seat 102 further includes a controller 108 adapted and configured for performing the method of the present teachings.

[0101] FIG. 2 through FIG. 4E relate to a human-subject trial of guided breathing according to the present teachings.

[0102] Trials were conducted with 12 subjects (6 male and 6 female). The subjects were seated in a seat 102, shown in FIG. 2, including a plurality of air cells 1-22, including 4 located in the bolsters (19-22), 10 located in the back portion (1-10), and 8 located in the bottom portion (11-18). The air cells of the back portion 3-6 were active during the trial.

[0103] Two test sessions were conducted with each of the 12 subjects. The first session comprised: 2 minutes of relaxation where the subjects were seated, not doing anything, and without distraction; 5 minutes of stress intervention where the subjects were provided a tablet and instructed to answer arithmetic questions; 8 minutes of guided breathing; and 8 minutes of lasting effect monitoring where the subjects were instructed to breath normally, not doing anything, and without distraction. The second session comprised 2 minutes of relaxation, 5 minutes of stress intervention, 8 minutes of non-guided breathing, and 8 minutes of lasting effect monitoring.

[0104] The method described herein was performed by the seat 102. Particularly, air cells 1-10 were activated in a manner such that they sequentially inflated and sequentially deflated, as described herein. Guided breathing was conducted at a frequency of about 8 times per minute. That is, about 8 cycles including an inflation period, a hold period, and a deflation period, shown in FIG. 3. The pneumatic effectors were inflated to a pressure of about 170 hPa, held at the same pressure, and then deflated.

[0105] Respiration rate, skin conductance, and heart activity were measured in each subject. Respiration rate was measured with a respiration monitoring strap. Skin conductance (electrodermal activity) with negative and ground electrodes placed on the palm at, respectively, the thenar eminence and the hypothenar muscles. Heart activity was measured with a heart rate monitor (commercially available from Polar) and an electrocardiogram with ground and positive electrodes placed ventrally on the left and right abdominal internal oblique muscle, below and proximate to the 10thrib; and negative electrode placed ventrally on the right clavicle.

[0106] FIG. 4A shows the respiration rate as an average of the 12 individuals. It can be seen that with guided breathing, the individuals immediately respond to the guided breathing, with a sharp drop in respiration rate at the transition point from the stress intervention phaseto the guided breathing phase. The average respiration rate of the occupants (7 breaths per minute) approximately corresponds with the frequency of the guided breathing 8 cycles per minute. A lasting effect is observed into the monitoring period.

[0107] FIG. 4B shows the stress level reporting of the subjects. Subjects were polled on their perceived stress level during the guided breathing trial and non-guided breathing trial. Subjects rated their stress levels on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 corresponding to no stress and 10 corresponding to most stress. It was observed that there was a greater decrease in stress levels with guided breathing relative to the non-guided breathing trial.

[0108] FIG. 4C shows skin conductance level as an average of the 12 individuals. Skin conductance generally indicates sweat gland activity of the subjects, whereby higher stress is correlated with a higher degree of sweating and accordingly skin conductance. A lower conductance is observed with the guided breathing trial.

[0109] FIG. 4D and FIG. 4E shows the standard deviation (SDNN) of heart rate variability (delta). For each subject, a baseline heart rate during rest was obtained, thus, changes for each subject from the baseline could be observed during the trials. What is shown is an average of the deltas of all subjects.

[0110] Subjects reported guided was easy to follow and frequency was just right, and intensity was appropriate. Slower, deeper, and more rhythmic breathing tends to increase HRV.

[0111] A post-test survey was conducted for each subject, who expressed ease of following the guided breathing (4.5 / 5 on average, where 1 is very difficult and 5 is very easy), likelihood to use the guided breathing feature (3.4 / 5 on average, where 3 is “would use it sometimes when feeling stress” and 4 is “would use it often when feeling stressed), a satisfactory intensity (2 / 3 on average where 1 is low, 2 is just right, and 3 is high), and satisfactory breathing rate frequency (2.9 / 3, where 3 is just right).

[0112] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use.

[0113] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to this description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents towhich such claims are entitled. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0114] Plural elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step might be divided into separate plural elements or steps.

[0115] The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements or steps. For example, disclosure of “a motor” does not limit the teachings to a single motor. Instead, for example, disclosure of “a motor” may include “one or more motors.”

[0116] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings.

[0117] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0118] The invention illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0119] Any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to a single embodiment. Instead, any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein may be substituted, combined, and / or modified with any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sectionsdisclosed herein to form one or more embodiments that may be or may not be specifically illustrated or described herein.

[0120] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, testing specifications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0121] 1-22 air cells

[0122] 100 vehicle

[0123] 102 seat

[0124] 104 bottom portion

[0125] 106 back portion

[0126] 108 controller

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:Claim 1 : A method for guided breathing of an occupant in a seat, the method comprising the steps of: inflating, over a duration of about 2 to 5 seconds, a plurality of air cells located in the seat, preferably a back portion of the seat; maintaining an inflated state of the plurality of air cells for about 0.5 to 2 seconds; deflating the plurality of air cells over a duration of about 2 to 5 seconds; and maintaining a deflated state of the plurality of air cells for about 0.5 to 2 seconds.Claim 2: The method according to Claim 1, wherein the occupant is guided to perform about 8 breaths per minute, whereby: the duration of inflation is about 3 seconds, the inflated state is maintained for about 1 second, and the duration of deflation is about 3.5 seconds.Claim 3: The method according to Claim 1, wherein the occupant is guided to perform about 6 breaths per minute, whereby: the duration of inflation is about 4.3 seconds, the inflated state is maintained for about 1.2 second, and the duration of deflation is about 4.5 seconds.Claim 4: The method according to Claim 1, wherein the occupant is guided to perform about 10 breaths per minute, whereby: the duration of inflation is about 2.5 seconds, the inflated state is maintained for about 0.7 second, and the duration of deflation is about 2.8 seconds.Claim 5: The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more air cells, in the inflated state, have an internal air pressure of about 100 to 400 hectoPascals, about 150 to 350 hectoPascals, or about 200 to 300 hectoPascals.Claim 6: The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more air cells, in the deflated state, have an internal air pressure of about 10 to 0 hectoPascals, preferably about 0 hectoPascals.Claim ?: The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of air cells are arranged in strata along the back portion; and wherein the strata include two, three, four, or five strata; preferably five strata.Claim 8: The method according to Claim 7, wherein the strata are located in a lower region, a middle region, and an upper region of the seat.Claim 9: The method according to Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the plurality of air cells include one or more air cells in each stratum, which inflate sequentially in a first direction to achieve the inflated state and to guide inhalation of an occupant.Claim 10: The method according to any one of Claims 7 through 9, wherein the one or more air cells in each stratum deflate sequentially in a second direction to achieve the deflated state and to guide exhalation of the occupant.Claim 11 : The method according to Claim 10, wherein the first direction is from a bottom-most stratum to a top-most stratum; and wherein the second direction is from the topmost stratum to the bottom-most stratum.Claim 12: The method according to any one of Claims 7 through 11, wherein the one or more air cells in each stratum, once inflated, remain inflated while sequentially downstream strata inflate and during maintenance of the inflated state; and wherein the one or more air cells in each stratum, once deflated, remain deflated while sequentially downstream strata deflate and during maintenance of the deflated state.Claim 13: The method according to any one of Claims 7 through 12, wherein the one or more air cells in each stratum include two or more air cells that inflate and / or deflate substantially simultaneously.Claim 14: The method according to Claim 7, the strata are located in a middle region and optionally an upper region of the seat.Claim 15: The method according to Claim 14, wherein the plurality of air cells in all of the strata inflate and deflate simultaneously.Claim 16: The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is repeated over a duration of about 4 to 12 minutes.Claim 17: The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising providing to the occupant a visual cue for inhalation, a visual cue for exhalation, an audio cue for inhalation, an audio cue for exhalation, or any combination thereof.Claim 18: The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising emitting an aroma within a proximity of the occupant, playing music characterized by a tempo complementary with a breathing frequency of the guided breathing, or both.Claim 19: The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising initiating the method based on a GPS signal, a speed signal, or both.Claim 20. The method according to Claim 1, wherein the method is initialized with default parameters, which include: the internal air pressure of the one or more air cells in the inflated state is about 100 hectoPascals to about 200 hectoPascals (e.g., about 120 hPa); a breathing frequency, characterized in breaths per minute, of about 8 breaths per minute; and the duration over which the method is repeated is about 8 minutes.Claim 21. The method according to Claim 20, further comprising receiving one or more adjustment inputs from the occupant, via a human-machine interface, adjusting: the internal air pressure of the one or more air cells in the inflated state; the breathing frequency; and the duration over which the method is repeated.Claim 22. The method according to Claim 21, further comprising saving the one or more adjustment inputs in a memory storage medium; and optionally updating the default parameters based upon one or multiple of the stored one or more adjustment inputs.Claim 23. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising receiving one or more inputs from an occupant device, including one or any combination of: heart rate, movement data, blood pressure, or body temperature; and optionally initiating the method based upon the one or more inputs.Claim 24: A system for performing the method for guided breathing according to any one of Claims 1 through 23, the system comprising: a seat comprising a back portion having a lower region, a middle region, and an upper region; a plurality of air cells disposed in the lower, middle, and / or upper regions, arranged in at least two strata defined within one or any combination of the lower, middle, and / or upper regions; an air compressor in selective pneumatic communication with the plurality of air cells; a valve assembly selectively opening and closing pneumatic flow between the air compressor and the plurality of air cells; and a controller in signal communication with the air compressor and the valve assembly to coordinate a pre-determined program of inflating and deflating the plurality of air cells.Claim 25: The system according to Claim 24, wherein one or more of the plurality of air cells are disposed in bolsters of the seat; and optionally wherein each of the bolsters of the seat comprises two air cells.Claim 26: The system according to Claim 24 and Claim 25, wherein the at least two strata include five strata, each stratum having two of the plurality of air cells.Claim 27: The system according to any one of Claims 24 through 26, further comprising a GPS module, a speedometer, or both, in signal communication with the controller.Claim 28: The system according to any one of Claims 24 through 27, further comprising a human-machine interface adapted and configured for receiving inputs from the occupant.

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