Method for generating sound stimulus for adjusting breathing rhythm, and apparatus therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for generating a sound stimulus for adjusting breathing rhythm, and an apparatus therefor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus therefor, the method comprising: generating, on the basis of acquired breathing data when breathing data of a user is acquired from a breathing data acquisition device, a sound stimulus capable of guiding the breathing rhythm of the user and transmitting same to the user; and continuously acquiring breathing data through the breathing data acquisition device so as to adjust the generated sound stimulus on the basis of subsequently acquired breathing data.

Description

Method for generating sound stimulation for regulating breathing rhythm and device therefor

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for generating an audio stimulus for regulating a breathing rhythm and a device therefor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and device for generating and delivering an audio stimulus capable of guiding a user's breathing rhythm based on breathing data acquired from the user, and subsequently controlling the generated audio stimulus based on the acquired breathing data, thereby inducing the user's breathing, and ultimately the user's autonomic nervous system, to a desired state according to the guidance of the audio stimulus or a synchronization phenomenon.

[0002] Synchronization is the phenomenon whereby different entities, i.e., entities with periodic movements, interact and develop a regular pattern of repetition. Each organ in the human body possesses its own unique biosignal, and through synchronization with each other and the external environment, they exchange information and enable smooth movement. A representative example is the heartbeat rhythm, which is not determined independently but is closely linked to the breathing rhythm, allowing the two rhythms to synchronize at a constant integer ratio.

[0003] These circadian rhythms can synchronize not only with each other but also with external stimuli. For example, parents patting their children's backs to help them achieve psychological stability or induce sleep are examples of this phenomenon of circadian rhythm-external stimuli synchronization.

[0004] Some developers have taken advantage of this phenomenon of synchronization between biorhythms and external stimuli to develop inventions that guide breathing and heart rate by delivering a certain external stimulus so that patients whose heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure are different from those of normal people, or patients with sleep disorders (e.g., apnea, insomnia, etc.) can have breathing and heart rate within the normal range.

[0005] However, the external stimuli provided to patients to guide their biological rhythms were not external stimuli generated based on the patients' current biological rhythms, but rather standardized external stimuli. Therefore, some patients perceived the external stimuli as foreign stimuli or noise, which resulted in an adverse effect.

[0006] In addition, even if the patient is able to achieve stable breathing through external stimuli, the patient's current biometric data (e.g., data related to breathing) is not continuously acquired and analyzed, so external stimuli are continuously provided to the patient without the patient recognizing that he or she is currently breathing stably, which causes the patient to wake up again or return to an unstable breathing state.

[0007] The present invention was derived by taking into account such problems, and was invented to not only solve the technical problems discussed above, but also provide additional technical elements that cannot be easily devised by those skilled in the art.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for generating a sound stimulus based on breathing data obtained from a user and a device therefor in order to deliver a sound stimulus without a sense of incongruity to the user or a sound stimulus with improved breathing rhythm guidance efficiency.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a method and a device therefor for subsequently obtaining the user's breathing data after providing an external stimulus to the user and adjusting the intensity, size, frequency, etc. of the provided sound stimulus based on the user's breathing state.

[0010] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, a method for generating a sound stimulus for controlling a breathing rhythm by a sound stimulus generating device according to the present invention may include: (a) a step of obtaining breathing data from a user; (b) a step of preprocessing the obtained breathing data; (c) a step of generating a sound stimulus based on the preprocessed breathing data and transmitting the sound stimulus to the user; and (d) a step of controlling a signal of the sound stimulus based on breathing data subsequently obtained from the user.

[0012] Additionally, in the above method, the breathing data may be characterized as data including at least one of the user's breathing rate, frequency, cycle, and breathing size.

[0013] In addition, in the method, step (a) acquires the user's breathing data through a breathing data acquisition device included in the sound stimulus generating device, and the breathing data acquisition device may be a device including at least one of a device that acquires breathing data based on a change in the user's volume, and a device that acquires breathing data based on the user's biometric data, wherein the biometric data includes at least one of the user's body temperature, metabolic rate, or voice.

[0014] In addition, in the above method, the respiratory data acquisition device may be characterized as being in the form of a radar detection sensor capable of measuring the user's respiratory data from a long distance.

[0015] In addition, in the method, step (b) may include: (b-1) a step of removing noise data that does not correspond to the user's breathing band from the acquired breathing data; and (b-2) a step of setting a range value of the frequency of the sound stimulus through the maximum breathing frequency and minimum breathing frequency of the acquired breathing data.

[0016] In addition, in the above method, the step (c) may be characterized as a step of generating a sound stimulus of a frequency that is slower by a preset reduction amount (n%) compared to the breathing frequency included in the preprocessed breathing data.

[0017] Additionally, in the above method, the preset reduction value (n%) may be a value that can be arbitrarily set by a user or device administrator according to a breathing frequency, cycle, or breathing size value.

[0018] In addition, in the above method, the step (c) may be characterized as a step of generating a sound stimulus having a breathing pattern included in the preprocessed breathing data.

[0019] In addition, in the above method, the breathing pattern may include a breathing pattern in which the inspiration and expiration are symmetrical, a breathing pattern in which the expiration is relatively long among the inspiration and expiration, or a breathing pattern in the form of inspiration-expiration-pause.

[0020] In addition, in the above method, the step (c) may be characterized as a step of generating a sound stimulus having a frequency within the range of the frequency of the sound stimulus set in the above (b-2).

[0021] In addition, in the above method, step (d) may include a step of (d-1) determining whether the user's breathing state is stable from the subsequently acquired breathing data.

[0022] In addition, in the above method, the step (d-1) may be a step of determining a stable state if the difference between the frequency of the subsequently acquired breathing data and the sound stimulus frequency set in the step (b-2) is maintained within a preset range for a preset time or longer.

[0023] In addition, in the method, the step (d-1) may be a step of calculating, as a quantitative index, the size of a respiratory signal measured for a specific period of time based on the subsequently acquired respiratory data, the average of respiratory frequencies, the standard deviation, or the size of each frequency band converted based on at least one of the respiratory frequencies, and determining the breathing regularity based on the quantitative index, and determining the breathing stability state based on the breathing regularity.

[0024] In addition, the method may further include, after step (d-1), a step (d-2) of gradually reducing the size of the sound stimulus when the user's breathing state is determined to be stable.

[0025] Meanwhile, as another embodiment of the present invention, a sound stimulus generating device for generating a sound stimulus for controlling a breathing rhythm may be characterized in that it obtains breathing data from a user, preprocesses the obtained breathing data, generates a sound stimulus based on the preprocessed breathing data, and transmits the sound stimulus to the user, and the breathing data obtaining device controls a signal of the sound stimulus based on breathing data subsequently obtained from the user.

[0026] According to the present invention as described above, by guiding the breathing rhythm of the user with sound stimulation generated based on breathing data obtained from the user, the user is guided to create a stable breathing rhythm without a sense of incongruity when breathing, and also has the effect of treating sleep disorders (e.g., apnea, insomnia, etc.) by providing a sense of psychological stability.

[0027] In addition, even after providing an external stimulus to the user, the user's breathing data is subsequently acquired and the signal of the sound stimulus provided is adjusted based on the user's breathing state, thereby preventing the sound stimulus from interfering with or suppressing the user's breathing stability state, and having the effect of inducing the user to maintain a comfortable breathing state for a long period of time.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0029] Figure 1 is a drawing for conceptually understanding a sound stimulus generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a drawing showing various types of respiratory data measuring devices according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3a is a diagram showing a breathing signal graph when a user breathes rapidly and a sound stimulus with a rapid breathing pattern through a graph.

[0032] Figure 3b is a diagram showing a breathing signal graph when a user breathes slowly and a sound stimulus with a slow breathing pattern through a graph.

[0033] Figure 4 is a diagram showing various variables required to generate sound stimuli in a table.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a drawing specifically illustrating a method for generating a sound stimulus for regulating a breathing rhythm according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 is a drawing specifically showing a step of preprocessing breathing data acquired by the sound stimulus generating device of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 is a drawing specifically showing a step of generating and transmitting a sound stimulus based on preprocessed breathing data by the sound stimulus generating device of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a drawing specifically showing a step in which the sound stimulus generating device of the present invention adjusts sound stimulation based on breathing data subsequently acquired from a user.

[0038] Figure 9 illustrates sound stimulus signals generated by a sound stimulus generating device as an example.

[0039] Figure 10 illustrates another pattern of sound stimulus signals generated by a sound stimulus generating device.

[0040] Figure 11 is a drawing for conceptually understanding a sound stimulus generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in a sense commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, singular forms also include plural forms, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0043] Terms such as "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish one component from another, and the scope of the rights should not be limited by these terms. For example, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and / or elements.

[0045] Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating a sound stimulus generating device (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention to conceptually understand it.

[0046] The sound stimulus generating device (10) of the present invention is a device that guides the user's breathing rhythm by utilizing the synchronization phenomenon.

[0047] Here, the phenomenon of synchronization refers to the phenomenon in which different systems with their own cycles interact to regulate their frequencies. In simple terms, it means providing a certain external stimulus to the user so that the biorhythm is regulated to a frequency pattern similar to that of the external stimulus.

[0048] The sound stimulus generating device (10) of the present invention can utilize this synchronization phenomenon to generate and provide a predetermined sound stimulus to the user so that the user can breathe stably.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a sound stimulus generating device (hereinafter, abbreviated as generating device (10)) acquires user's breathing data from a breathing data acquisition device (11) (①), generates a sound stimulus capable of guiding the user's breathing rhythm based on the acquired breathing data and transmits it to the user (②), and relates to a device that continuously acquires breathing data through the breathing data acquisition device (11) and controls the generated sound stimulus based on the subsequently acquired breathing data.

[0050] In other words, the present invention allows a user to maintain a stable breathing state or an intended breathing state, or further, an intended autonomic nervous system activation state, by having the user breathe according to a sound stimulus generated by a generating device (10) voluntarily (or consciously), or allows the user to maintain a stable breathing state, an intended breathing state, or an intended autonomic nervous system activation state by having the user continuously receive sound stimuli and unconsciously synchronize the user's breathing frequency to follow the stimulus frequency of the sound stimulus.

[0051] Before examining in detail the method of generating a sound stimulus for regulating the breathing rhythm by the device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, let us briefly examine terms frequently used in the present invention.

[0052]

[0053] Figure 2 is a drawing showing various types of respiratory data measuring devices (11) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] [Respiration data]

[0055] First, the breathing data referred to in the present invention may refer to data related to breathing extracted by analyzing or processing biometric data generated when a user breathes, and for example, breathing intensity (amplitude), breathing cycle, breathing frequency, or breathing pattern, etc. may be included in the breathing data referred to in the present invention.

[0056] The biometric data referred to here can refer to data that includes at least one of the user's volume, body temperature, metabolic rate, voice, and movement.

[0057] For reference, the breathing pattern referred to here will be explained in more detail when explaining Figures 3a and 3b.

[0058] [Respiratory data acquisition device (11)]

[0059] The generation device (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include various types of respiratory data acquisition devices (11) to acquire such respiratory data.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, the breathing data acquisition device (11) may include a breathing data acquisition device (11a) in the form of a radar detection sensor that can remotely detect the user's movement due to breathing, volume change, and other biometric data, or remotely detect a breathing signal.

[0061] For reference, if the breathing data acquisition device (11) is in the form of the radar detection sensor (11a), it can be provided in a form combined with the generation device (10).

[0062] The breathing data acquisition device (11) may be provided in the form of a piezoelectric sensor (11b) installed on the bed to detect the user's breathing by detecting the pressure generated by the user's increased volume when the user breathes.

[0063] In addition, the breathing data acquisition device (11) may be provided as a mask-type (11c) measuring device that measures temperature changes and pressure changes of air inhaled / exhaled from the user's nose, mouth, etc., or may be provided as a belt-type (11d) device that is worn on the user's chest, abdomen, etc., and measures volume changes when the user breathes.

[0064] Fig. 3a is a graph showing a breathing signal when a user breathes rapidly and a sound stimulus having a rapid breathing pattern. Fig. 3b is a graph showing a breathing signal when a user breathes slowly and a sound stimulus having a slow breathing pattern. For reference, in each drawing, the upper part represents a template signal after a breathing pattern obtained from a user is preprocessed by a generation device (10), and the lower part represents a sound stimulus signal generated by the generation device (10). When the upper template signal is applied to any constant sound stimulus signal (e.g., multiplication), the lower sound stimulus signal can be generated.

[0065] [Breathing Pattern]

[0066] As can be seen in the respiratory signal-time graph shown in Fig. 3a, when a user breathes quickly, the respiratory signals during inspiration (inhalation) and expiration (exhalation) may have a relatively symmetrical structure.

[0067] The generating device (10) of the present invention utilizes the respiratory signal structure during such rapid breathing, and when synchronizing so that the user can have a rapid breathing pattern, can generate a sound stimulus signal having a relatively symmetrical signal structure for the respiratory signals during inspiration and expiration.

[0068] Meanwhile, as can be seen in the respiratory signal-time graph illustrated in Fig. 3b, when a user breathes slowly, the respiratory signal during inspiration (inhalation) and expiration (exhalation) has a relatively symmetrical structure, but may have a respiratory signal structure in the form of 'inhalation-expiration-pause' in which a relatively long exhalation is followed by a brief pause.

[0069] The generating device (10) of the present invention utilizes the breathing signal structure (structure including an inspiration-expiration-pause section) during such slow breathing, so that when synchronizing so that the user can have a slow breathing pattern, the breathing signals during inspiration and expiration have a relatively symmetrical structure, but can generate an audio stimulus signal that briefly stops after a relatively long exhalation. For reference, in the description of the above Fig. 3a, an example without a pause section was described, but it is understood that the structure of the inspiration-expiration-pause section, i.e., a pause section, can be included even when rapid breathing occurs.

[0070]

[0071] [Sound stimulation]

[0072] As described above, the generating device (10) of the present invention is a device that utilizes a synchronization phenomenon to provide a predetermined sound stimulus to a user so that the user can have a stable breathing rhythm or breathing pattern. For reference, although the type of stimulus is limited to 'sound' in this detailed description, this is merely an example to help understand the invention, and it is understood that any type of stimulus having frequency or periodicity can be utilized in place of sound in the present invention.

[0073] If a sound stimulus with a stable breathing pattern is simply provided to the user without considering the user's breathing data, including the user's current breathing frequency, cycle, etc., the provided sound stimulus itself may differ greatly from the user's current breathing frequency or cycle, and the user may perceive the provided sound stimulus as an alien noise. Therefore, the generation device (10) of the present invention generates a 'sound stimulus' having a breathing frequency lower by a preset reduction amount (n%) than the breathing frequency obtained from the user in order to guide the user's breathing pattern to a stable breathing pattern, thereby providing the user with a 'sound stimulus' that reflects the user's current breathing data. That is, when a stimulus is arbitrarily provided to induce the user's breathing or autonomic nervous system into a desired state, the cycle of this stimulus may differ too greatly from the user's breathing cycle, which may have the opposite effect of disturbing the user's sleep. However, the present invention is characterized in that the stimulus is generated within a range in which the user does not feel the stimulus alien, and the generated stimulus is gradually changed in real time, thereby inducing the user's breathing or autonomic nervous system into a state in which the user's quality of sleep can be improved.

[0074] In reference to the above, the preset reduction value (n%) is understood as a variable that sets how much the frequency of the sound stimulus will be lowered compared to the breathing frequency obtained from the current user in order to stabilize the user's breathing pattern. The preset reduction value (n%) is a value that can be arbitrarily set by the user or device administrator (e.g., diagnostician) according to the breathing frequency, cycle, or breathing size value. It is understood that the above reduction value (n%) does not necessarily have to be set by a person, and furthermore, it does not have to be the same value at all times. For example, the above reduction value (n%) may be a value calculated in real time by the generation device (10) performing its own calculation, and may be a value that can be changed by a calculation utilizing an artificial intelligence algorithm without human intervention.

[0075] One of the effects that can be obtained by determining the increase / decrease in sound stimulation by applying a decrease (n%), i.e. a ratio, to the user's breathing frequency is that the slower the user's breathing, the easier it is to induce slower breathing. According to the present invention, when the user's breathing is slow, the n% slow cycle is close to the breathing frequency, and when the user's breathing is fast, the n% slow cycle is relatively different from the breathing frequency. For example, if the current user's breathing frequency is 0.2 Hz and n is 20%, the increase / decrease frequency of the stimulus sound loudness will be 0.16 Hz (difference 0.04 Hz), whereas if the user's breathing frequency is 1 Hz and n is 20%, the increase / decrease frequency of the stimulus sound loudness will be 0.8 Hz (difference 0.2 Hz). In other words, it is desirable to have a frequency (or cycle) similar to that of the original breathing. It is understood that the present invention calculates the ratio n% in consideration of the difficulty in inducing slower breathing when breathing is slow.

[0076] For reference, the generating device (10) can set and calculate various variables as well as the previously set reduction value (n%) as a process for generating a sound stimulus. In order to help a broad understanding of the sound stimulus generation of the present invention, the various variables required for generating a sound stimulus will be briefly explained with reference to the table shown in FIG. 4.

[0077] First, the 'Fresp' referred to in the present invention may refer to the user's breathing frequency (Hz) acquired through the breathing data acquisition device (11).

[0078] 'Fstim' can refer to the frequency of sound stimulation, or simply put, it can refer to a frequency that is lowered by a preset reduction (n%) from 'Fresp', which is the user's breathing frequency.

[0079] 'Tstim' can refer to the cycle of sound stimulation, which is the inverse of the aforementioned 'Fstim'.

[0080] 'a' is a variable that determines the change in size and pause time of the sound stimulus, and at this time, the breathing frequency of the breathing data obtained from the user can be utilized to determine 'a'.

[0081] 'Thold' is a value for the change in size and pause time of the sound stimulus generated based on the user's breathing frequency.

[0082] 'Tamp' is the value for the time that the loudness of the sound stimulus guiding the inhalation / exhalation increases or decreases.

[0083] 'b' is a variable that determines the rate of increase or decrease in the sound stimulus size that guides inspiration / expiration.

[0084] This is the value for the increase time of sound stimulation when guiding inspiration to the 'Ti' user.

[0085] 'Te' is the value for the time of decrease in the sound stimulus size that guides expiration.

[0086] 'Amgn' is a variable that determines the ratio of increase or decrease in the overall size of the sound stimulus.

[0087] Note that the values ​​of 'n%', 'a', 'b', and 'Amgn' mentioned above can be arbitrarily set by the user or device administrator (e.g., diagnostician).

[0088] Meanwhile, the sound stimulus of the present invention may be white noise, pink noise, brown noise, or a modified version thereof. Furthermore, the sound stimulus may be a noise arbitrarily set by the user or diagnostician, or may be music preferred by the user.

[0089] We have looked at terms frequently used in the present invention.

[0090] Next, a method for generating a sound stimulus for regulating breathing rhythm according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be examined in detail.

[0091]

[0092] FIG. 5 is a drawing specifically illustrating a method for generating a sound stimulus for regulating a breathing rhythm according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 5, a method for generating a sound stimulus for controlling a breathing rhythm according to a first embodiment of the present invention first includes a step (S101) in which a generating device (10) obtains breathing data from a user.

[0094] Step S101 is a step in which the breathing data acquisition device (11) included in the generation device (10) acquires breathing data such as the user's breathing cycle, frequency, and breathing pattern from the user.

[0095] Afterwards, the generation device (10) preprocesses the breathing data obtained from the user (S102).

[0096] Here, ‘preprocessing’ means organizing the collected data to create the optimal sound stimulus based on the acquired breathing data.

[0097] Step S102 is a step for removing unnecessary data from the breathing data acquired before the generation device (10) generates the sound stimulus, and for setting the generation criteria for the sound stimulus (e.g., the frequency range of the sound stimulus to be generated) to generate the optimal sound stimulus.

[0098] Next, the generation device (10) generates a sound stimulus based on the preprocessed breathing data and provides the generated sound stimulus to the user (S103).

[0099] Afterwards, the generating device (10) subsequently acquires breathing data from the user through the breathing data acquisition device (11), and adjusts the size, intensity, pattern, etc. of the sound stimulus based on the subsequently acquired breathing data (S104).

[0100] Figure 6 is a drawing specifically showing a step (S102) of preprocessing breathing data acquired by the generation device (10) of the present invention.

[0101] In order to preprocess the acquired breathing data, the generation device (10) can delete noise data within the acquired breathing data (S102a) and set a range value of the sound stimulus frequency (S102b).

[0102] Step S102a is a step for removing noise data included in the breathing data acquired by the generation device (10), and more specifically, it is a step for removing breathing data that deviates from the expected approximation among the breathing data acquired by the generation device (10).

[0103] For example, assuming that the breathing data acquisition device (10) is a device that acquires breathing data by extracting sound data generated around the user, the sound of the user exhaling or inhaling may be breathing data that the generation device (10) wishes to acquire, but the sound of a door opening, the sound of a bird chirping, etc. may correspond to unnecessary data that is not used to generate a stimulus sound, and the generation device (10) deletes noise data that is not related to or unnecessary with the user's breathing data so as to generate a high-quality sound stimulus.

[0104] For reference, among the aforementioned respiratory data acquisition devices (11), a device that acquires the user's respiratory data by directly contacting the user, such as a belt-shaped device (11d), may generate 'motion artifacts' such as noise or noise due to the user's movement when acquiring the respiratory data, and the 'motion artifacts' may become a hindrance in acquiring the user's respiratory data. Therefore, in step S102a, such 'motion artifacts' can be recognized as noise data and removed. For example, when the user does not move, noise characteristics such as the magnitude of noise that can be mixed in the absence of user movement, or the magnitude value and frequency value that can be defined as noise, can be determined through data that has been accumulated so far. During this process, if a specific signal is acquired due to the user's movement and a signal with characteristics different from the noise characteristics is acquired, the device that will perform the operation (the operation device) can determine this as 'motion artifacts' and remove it. Meanwhile, for 'motion noise', there are multiple parameters for the characteristics of the motion noise, so that the 'motion noise characteristics' can be determined, and the computing device can be designed to remove noise only for signals that exhibit these 'motion noise characteristics'.

[0105] Step S102b is a step for setting the range value of the frequency of the sound stimulus to be generated by the generation device (10) in step S103, and is a step that exists to prevent the user from receiving the sound stimulus as noise or an alien stimulus.

[0106] Step S102b sets the maximum and minimum breathing frequencies of the breathing data acquired from the user by the generation device (10) to the range values ​​of the frequency of the sound stimulus so that the sound stimulus is included in the breathing band of the current user.

[0107] For reference, the reason why the frequency range of the sound stimulus is set based on the user's maximum and minimum breathing frequencies in step S102b is because each user has a different breathing frequency, so the appropriate frequency of the sound stimulus is determined for each user, that is, the frequency range value that allows the user to feel comfortable without being disturbed during sleep. Generally, users breathe within their individual breathing range (the range between the maximum and minimum breathing frequencies). By identifying the individual user's breathing range and setting it as the frequency range value of the sound stimulus, the user's breathing frequency can be continuously lowered through sound stimulation, and even when the user's breathing frequency decreases to the minimum breathing frequency, the frequency of the sound stimulus can be maintained at a constant level without being lowered further to prevent the user's breathing frequency from decreasing further. In order to provide customized sound stimulation based on the user's breathing data, the sound stimulus range value can be set based on the user's maximum and minimum frequencies. The breathing data acquired from the user may be accumulated breathing data acquired over a long period of time, and the user's maximum and minimum breathing frequencies may be values ​​obtained by calculation from the breathing data acquired over such a long period of time. For example, from the breathing data acquired over a period of 30 days, the breathing frequency value with the largest value within that period can be determined as the maximum breathing frequency, and the breathing frequency value with the smallest value can be determined as the minimum breathing frequency, or the average value and standard deviation value can be obtained from the breathing frequency values ​​within that period, and the maximum breathing frequency or minimum breathing frequency can be determined from these. In this way, the generation device (10) according to the present invention can determine the breathing frequency in a customized manner for the user.

[0108] Figure 7 is a drawing specifically showing a step (S103) of generating and transmitting sound stimulation based on preprocessed breathing data by the generating device (10) of the present invention.

[0109] Step S103 is a step in which the generation device (100) generates a 'sound stimulus'. Specifically, step S103 is a step in which the generation device (100) i) generates a sound stimulus having a frequency that is slower by a preset reduction amount (n%) compared to the breathing frequency included in the preprocessed breathing data, ii) has the sound stimulus having a breathing pattern (slow breathing, fast breathing: see FIGS. 3a and 3b) included in the preprocessed breathing data, and iii) generates a sound stimulus having a frequency within the frequency range value of the sound stimulus set in step S102b.

[0110] The 'sound stimulus' generation process within the above-described S103 step may be performed by the generation device (10) in the order listed above, or may be performed in batches by the generation device (10), and some steps may be added or deleted as needed, and further, one step may be included in another step.

[0111] Figure 8 is a drawing specifically showing a step (S104) in which the generating device (10) of the present invention adjusts sound stimulation based on breathing data subsequently acquired from the user.

[0112] Assuming that a user is receiving sound stimulation from the generating device (10) of the present invention to achieve stable and rapid sleep, a user who is not yet sleeping will be breathing in a 'rapid breathing pattern', but the generating device (10) enables the user to breathe stably by synchronizing the slow breathing pattern of the sound stimulation that the user is consciously receiving with the user, and as a result, allows the user to fall asleep without feeling uncomfortable.

[0113] However, if the user continues to receive sound stimulation from the generating device (10) even after falling asleep, it may not only interfere with deep sleep but may also have the adverse effect of causing the user to wake up quickly from sleep. Therefore, the generating device (10) of the present invention gradually reduces the size of the sound stimulation being provided to the user when it is determined that the breathing state of the user who has fallen asleep is stable, thereby allowing the user to maintain a stable breathing state.

[0114] Accordingly, the generating device (10) of the present invention acquires subsequent breathing data from the breathing data acquisition device (11) after the step of generating a sound stimulus (S103), determines whether the user's breathing state is stable based on the subsequently acquired breathing data (S104a), and if the user's breathing state is determined to be stable, the size of the sound stimulus can be gradually reduced (S104b).

[0115] In step S104a, if the breathing frequency in the breathing data subsequently acquired by the generating device (S104a) is maintained for a preset time within the range value of the frequency of the sound stimulus set in step S102b, the user's breathing can be judged to be stable, and if it is outside the range value of the frequency of the sound stimulus, the user's breathing can be judged to be unstable.

[0116] In step S104a, assuming that a quantitative index for distinguishing between a stable state and an unstable state of breathing is calculated and standardized, the generation device (10) can determine whether the user's breathing state is stable or unstable by quantifying (numerically converting) data in the breathing data subsequently acquired. For example, if the breathing frequency is in the range of 0.1 Hz to 1 Hz, a quantitative index indicating that the user's breathing is stable is calculated, and if the breathing frequency in the breathing data subsequently acquired by the generation device (10) is 0.2 Hz, the generation device (10) can determine that the user's breathing is currently stable.

[0117] Step S104a may further include a process of assessing the user's breathing stability by assessing the user's movements. Specifically, the user's breathing stability can be assessed by detecting whether the user is making uncomfortable movements, exhibiting persistent coughing, or exhibiting symptoms of apnea, using a camera, infrared camera, motion recognition camera (not shown), or voice collection device (not shown) included in the generation device (10).

[0118] Step S104a can determine the user's breathing stability based on the user's breathing regularity (e.g., regularity of breathing frequency, regularity of breathing intensity). Specifically, the average and standard deviation of the magnitude (intensity) or frequency of the breathing signal measured over a specific period of time, the breathing frequency measured over a specific period of time, and the magnitude (power) of each frequency band converted based on the breathing frequency are calculated as quantitative indices, and the breathing regularity is determined through the calculated quantitative indices, and the user's breathing stability can be determined based on the breathing regularity.

[0119] In addition, step S104a can be implemented so that the generation device (10) calculates the difference value between the breathing frequency obtained from the user and the frequency of the sound stimulus, and if the 'frequency difference value' is '0', 'a value close to 0', or 'a frequency difference value arbitrarily set by the user or device manager to determine that the breathing is in a stable state', it can be determined that the user's breathing is in a stable state.

[0120] In this way, if the generating device (10) determines that the user's breathing state is stable through step S104a, the size of the sound stimulus generated in step S103 is gradually reduced so that the user's breathing state can be maintained stable.

[0121] Meanwhile, if the generating device (10) determines that the user's breathing state is unstable through step S104a, it continuously provides the sound stimulus generated in step S103 to stabilize the state, resets the range of the sound stimulus acquired subsequently, or increases the size of the sound stimulus generated in step S103 by a preset ratio to stabilize the user's breathing state.

[0122] Here, a method for generating a sound stimulus for controlling a breathing rhythm according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail. FIGS. 9a to 9c illustrate several examples in which a generating device (10) generates a sound stimulus. In each drawing, the left side shows a template signal after a breathing pattern obtained from a user is preprocessed by the generating device (10), and the right side shows a sound stimulus signal generated by the generating device (10).

[0123] Referring to Fig. 9a, the left side shows the respiratory signal after preprocessing, and shows the respiratory signal in which the rate of increase / decrease in size (Amgn) is set to 1 and the n value is set to 20 when the Fresp of an arbitrary user is 0.25 Hz, so that Fstim is set to 0.2 Hz and Tstim is set to 5 seconds. In the figure, it can be confirmed that Thold is set to 1 second and Tamp is set to 4 seconds because n is set to 20. In addition, the embodiment of the figure shows a case where the variable (b) related to the rate of increasing / decreasing the size of the sound stimulus is 0.5, and accordingly, it can be confirmed that the increase time (Ti) of the sound stimulus guiding inspiration and the decrease time (Te) of the sound stimulus guiding expiration are set to 2 seconds. The right side of the figure shows the sound stimulus signal as a graph, and it can be seen that the sound stimulus signal has the same cycle and structure in line with the respiratory signal on the left. The signal structure refers to each section of 'inspiration-expiration-pause', and it can be confirmed that the time of change in the signal, such as the time when the sound stimulus begins to increase and the time when the sound stimulus begins to decrease, is also in accordance with the breathing signal on the left.

[0124] Fig. 9b illustrates a breathing signal when the ratio of increase / decrease in size (Amgn) ranges from 0.5 to 1, which is different from Fig. 9a, where Amgn ranges from 0 to 1. The sound stimulus signal illustrated in Fig. 9b is basically generated so that the size of the sound stimulus increases / decrease while a constant level of sound stimulus (base sound) is continuously maintained. From the user's perspective, in a situation where a sound of a constant size is heard without interruption, the sound may feel as if the sound gradually increases and decreases. It can be confirmed that the sound stimulus signal in Fig. 9a is implemented so as to output no sound in the stationary section and output an increasing / decreasing sound in the inhalation / expiration section, whereas the sound stimulus signal in Fig. 9b is implemented so as to output the base sound in the stationary section and output an increasing / decreasing sound in addition to the base sound in the inhalation / expiration section. When a sound stimulus signal is generated as in Fig. 9b, the presence of the base sound can result in the effect of not being able to hear small ambient noises in the surroundings, that is, from the user's perspective, not being able to hear surrounding noises, allowing the user to focus on sleep.

[0125] Fig. 9c shows the respiratory signal and sound stimulus signal when the ratio of the increase / decrease in size (Amgn) is 1 and the ratio of increasing / decreasing the size of the sound stimulus (b) is 0.3. As b is determined to be 0.3, it can be confirmed that the increase time (Ti) of the sound stimulus guiding inspiration is set to 1.2 seconds and the decrease time (Te) of the sound stimulus guiding expiration is set to 2.8 seconds. Unlike the embodiment of Fig. 9a in which the inspiration and expiration patterns are relatively symmetrical, the embodiment of Fig. 9c has an asymmetrical appearance of the inspiration and expiration patterns, and accordingly, it can be seen that the generated sound stimulus signal also has an asymmetrical appearance of the sound stimulus signal output during inspiration and the sound stimulus signal output during expiration within one cycle, as shown in the right drawing. Meanwhile, a stop section is still included in Fig. 9c, and it is understood that this stop section is also included when generating the sound stimulus signal.

[0126]

[0127] Meanwhile, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another pattern of a sound stimulus signal generated by a generating device (10). The left side of the diagram shows a template signal generated based on a breathing pattern obtained from a user, and the right side shows a sound stimulus signal generated according to the template signal.

[0128] The sound stimulus signals generated by the generating device (10) are generated to guide the user to inhale when the sound stimulus size increases and to exhale when the sound stimulus size decreases. However, in this case, it may be difficult for the user to predict how long the sound stimulus size will increase, which may cause the user to have difficulty in determining how long to inhale and when to exhale.

[0129] Figure 10 illustrates a proposed sound stimulus signal pattern for this situation. By outputting a relatively loud sound stimulus during inspiration and a relatively quiet sound stimulus during expiration, the user can easily predict the timing of inhalation and exhalation. Furthermore, by inserting pauses during this process, a sound stimulus signal that easily guides the user's breathing pattern can be generated.

[0130] Referring to the sound stimulus signal graph of the drawing, the user can be guided to inhale from when a relatively loud sound stimulus begins to be heard until it disappears, and to exhale from when a relatively soft sound stimulus begins to be heard until it disappears.

[0131]

[0132] Next, let us look at the generating device (10′) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0133]

[0134] Figure 11 is a drawing illustrating a conceptual understanding of a generating device (10′) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] The generating device (10') according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a device that acquires the user's breathing data and generates a sound stimulus that controls the user's breathing rhythm, and when generating the sound stimulus, learns and analyzes the user's past breathing data to identify the user's breathing tendency according to various factors (temperature, time, ambient noise, posture), and generates a sound stimulus customized for the user based on this and provides it to the user.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 11, the generation device (10′) learns and analyzes past user breathing data (①) using an artificial intelligence algorithm (12) included in the generation device (10′) to generate a user-customized sound stimulus, obtains current breathing data through a breathing data acquisition device (11), determines the user's breathing tendency through the learned breathing data, compares and analyzes the determined result value with the currently acquired breathing data, and calculates a user-customized preset reduction value (n%) (②), and the generation device (10′) can generate a user-customized sound stimulus based on the preset reduction value (n%) calculated by the artificial intelligence algorithm (12) and provide it to the user.

[0137] For example, if the artificial intelligence algorithm (12) analyzes that the user entered a state of stable breathing at the fastest speed when generating a sound stimulus based on a preset decrease (n%) of 10% in the past time zone A and temperature B among the breathing data learned in the past, and the user runs the generating device (10′) in a space with temperature B at time zone A, the generating device (10′) can generate a sound stimulus with the preset decrease (n%) as 10% even if the user does not arbitrarily set the preset decrease (n%).

[0138] The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and applications described above, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood as being distinct from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

[0139] 10: Sound stimulus generation device 11: Respiration data acquisition device 12: Artificial intelligence algorithm

Claims

1. In a method for generating a sound stimulus for controlling breathing rhythm by a sound stimulus generating device, (a) a step of obtaining breathing data from a user; (b) a step of preprocessing the acquired respiratory data; (c) a step of generating a sound stimulus based on the above preprocessed breathing data and transmitting the sound stimulus to the user; and (d) a step of adjusting the signal of the sound stimulus based on breathing data subsequently acquired from the user; including, A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

2. In paragraph 1, The above breathing data is, Characterized in that the data includes at least one of the user's breathing rate, frequency, cycle, or breathing size. A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

3. In paragraph 1, Step (a) above, The user's breathing data is acquired through the breathing data acquisition device included in the above sound stimulus generation device, The above respiratory data acquisition device, A device characterized by including at least one of a device for acquiring breathing data based on a change in the user's volume, and a device for acquiring breathing data based on the user's biometric data, wherein the biometric data includes at least one of the user's body temperature, metabolic rate, or voice. A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

4. In paragraph 3, The above respiratory data acquisition device, It is characterized by a radar detection sensor capable of measuring the user's breathing data from a distance. A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

5. In paragraph 1, Step (b) above, (b-1) a step of removing noise data that does not correspond to the user's breathing band from the acquired breathing data; and (b-2) A step of setting the frequency range value of the sound stimulus through the maximum breathing frequency and minimum breathing frequency of the acquired breathing data; including, A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

6. In paragraph 1, Step (c) above, A step of generating a sound stimulus of a frequency that is slower than the preset reduction (n%) compared to the breathing frequency included in the above preprocessed breathing data, characterized in that A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

7. In paragraph 6, The above preset reduction value (n%) is characterized in that the user or device administrator can arbitrarily set the values ​​of breathing frequency, period or size of breathing. A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

8. In paragraph 1, Step (c) above, A step of generating a sound stimulus having a breathing pattern included in the above preprocessed breathing data, characterized in that: A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

9. In paragraph 8, The above breathing pattern is, A breathing pattern in which the inspiration and expiration are symmetrical, a breathing pattern in which the expiration is relatively long among the inspiration and expiration, or a breathing pattern in the form of inspiration-expiration-pause. A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

10. In paragraph 1, Step (c) above, Characterized in that it is a step of generating a sound stimulus having a frequency within the range of the frequency of the sound stimulus set in the above (b-2). A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

11. In paragraph 5, Step (d) above, (d-1) A step of determining whether the user's breathing state is stable from the breathing data acquired subsequently; including, A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

12. In paragraph 11, The above step (d-1) is characterized in that it is a step for determining a stable state if the difference between the frequency of the subsequently acquired breathing data and the sound stimulus frequency set in the above step (b-2) is maintained within a preset range for a preset time or longer. A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

13. In paragraph 11, The above step (d-1) is, A step characterized in that the step is to calculate, as a quantitative index, the size of the respiratory signal measured for a specific period of time based on the subsequently acquired respiratory data, the average of the respiratory frequency, the standard deviation, or the size of each frequency band converted based on at least one of the respiratory frequencies, and determine the breathing regularity based on the quantitative index, and determine the breathing stability state based on the breathing regularity. A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

14. In paragraph 11, After the above step (d-1), (d-2) When the user's breathing state is determined to be stable, a step of gradually reducing the size of the sound stimulus; including more, A method for generating sound stimuli to regulate breathing rhythm.

15. In a sound stimulus generating device that generates sound stimulus for controlling breathing rhythm, A device for acquiring breathing data from a user, preprocessing the acquired breathing data, generating a sound stimulus based on the preprocessed breathing data and transmitting the sound stimulus to the user, characterized in that the breathing data acquisition device adjusts the signal of the sound stimulus based on breathing data subsequently acquired from the user. Sound stimulus generating device.

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