Binaural beat-based brainwave induction device, binaural beat-based brainwave induction method, and computer program

Abstract

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a binaural beat-based brainwave induction device comprises: an output unit for outputting binaural beat signals, which include a first beat signal having a first frequency output in a first direction with respect to a user and a second beat signal having a second frequency output in a second direction with respect to the user; a measurement unit for measuring first biometric data of the user; and a processing unit which derives, on the basis of the first biometric data, second biometric data indicating the nervous system state of the user, and which adjusts the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal on the basis of the second biometric data and the user purpose of the user.

Description

Binaural beat-based brainwave induction device, binaural beat-based brainwave induction method, and computer program

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for inducing brainwaves having a target frequency in a user by using binaural beats that output signals of different frequencies to the left and right ears.

[0002] Recently, as the population struggling with sleep increases, the need for deep sleep is on the rise. Consequently, the Sleeponomics market, designed to satisfy the demand for high-quality sleep, is also growing. In particular, the market for sleep tech devices—such as devices providing various sleep-inducing content, ASMR, and meditation music, as well as brainwave measurement headsets—is experiencing rapid growth. These devices aim to achieve deep sleep by stabilizing brain activity using sound.

[0003] Brainwaves can be closely related to human sleep, and the observed patterns of brainwaves can vary depending on brain activity. While general sleep tech devices can aid users in achieving deep sleep by stimulating brainwaves, continuously measuring brainwaves without disrupting sleep activity can be very difficult. In particular, existing sleep tech devices may present issues such as the disruption of the user's sleep due to sensor contact, and reduced data reliability caused by sensor contact instability or contamination.

[0004] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a binaural beat-based brainwave induction technique that resolves the problems of existing sleep tech devices and can expand the use of brainwave induction beyond sleep assistance to various forms. The technical objectives of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a binaural beat-based brainwave induction device comprises: an output unit configured to output a binaural beat signal including a first beat signal having a first frequency output from a first direction toward a user and a second beat signal having a second frequency output from a second direction toward the user; a measurement unit configured to measure first biometric data of the user; and a processing unit configured to derive second biometric data representing the nervous system state of the user based on the first biometric data, and to adjust the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal based on the second biometric data and the user's purpose.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first biodata includes photoplethysmogram (PPG) data, and the processing unit is configured to adjust the signal characteristics based on the signal characteristics of the PPG data and the user purpose.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second biometric data includes heart rate variability (HRV) data derived based on the PPG signal, and the processing unit is configured to adjust the signal characteristics based on the signal characteristics of the HRV data and the user purpose.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the output unit is configured to output a background sound source together with the binaural beat signal, and the processing unit is configured to control the acoustic characteristics of the background sound source and the signal characteristics independently of each other.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the user purpose includes at least one of a deep sleep purpose, a power nap purpose, a meditation purpose, and a concentration purpose selected by the user, and the background sound source is set based on the user purpose.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit is configured to adjust the target frequency of the induced brainwave based on the variation of the second biodata and to adjust the signal characteristics independently of the background sound source based on the target frequency.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit is configured to control the first frequency and the second frequency such that the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency becomes equal to the target frequency.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit is configured to determine a progression step for the user purpose corresponding to a variation in the second biometric data using an artificial intelligence classification model, adjust a first volume of the first bit signal and a second volume of the second bit signal based on the progression step, and adjust the acoustic characteristics of the background sound source based on the progression step.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit is configured to additionally adjust the first volume of the first bit signal and the second volume of the second bit signal based on the user's auditory information.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first biodata comprises at least one of photoporosis wave (PPG) data, electrocardiogram (ECG) data, electroencephalography (EEG) data, respiration data, blood pressure data, body temperature data, oxygen saturation data, galvanic skin response (GSR) data, electromyogram (EMG) data, heart rate (HR) data, skin temperature data, eye movement data, blood glucose data, oxygen consumption data, and cerebral oxygen saturation data.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the measuring unit comprises at least one of a first sensor unit configured to measure the three-dimensional acceleration of the user and a second sensor unit configured to measure the breathing signal of the user, and the processing unit is configured to generate corrected PPG data by removing motion artifacts from the PPG data based on at least one of the three-dimensional acceleration of the user and the breathing signal of the user, and to adjust the signal characteristics based on the corrected PPG data and the user's purpose.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the output unit includes a first headphone unit configured to output the first bit signal to one of the user's two ears and a second headphone unit configured to output the second bit signal to the other of the user's two ears.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, information regarding the adjustment of signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal and information regarding the adjustment of acoustic characteristics of the background sound source are provided through the user's user device.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a binaural beat-based brainwave induction method comprises: a step of outputting a binaural beat signal including a first beat signal having a first frequency output from a first direction toward a user and a second beat signal having a second frequency output from a second direction toward the user through an output unit; a step of measuring first biometric data of the user through a measurement unit; a step of deriving second biometric data representing the nervous system state of the user through a processing unit based on the first biometric data; and a step of adjusting the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal based on the second biometric data and the user's purpose through the processing unit.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in a computer program stored in a computer-readable medium, the instructions of the computer program, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the binaural beat-based brainwave induction method of claim 14.

[0020] According to embodiments of the present invention, a binaural beat-based brainwave induction technique can be provided that resolves the problems of existing sleep tech devices and expands the use of brainwave induction beyond sleep assistance into various forms. The technical effects according to embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art in accordance with the disclosure of this document.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a brainwave induction device according to some embodiments operates.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates elements constituting a brainwave induction device according to some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of operation of a brainwave induction device according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of managing the operation of a brainwave induction device through a user device according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a process of independently controlling a binaural beat signal and a background sound source through a brainwave induction device according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) data and brainwave state according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIGS. 7 to 10 illustrate a user interface for managing a brainwave induction device through a user device according to the purpose of use in some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates steps constituting a brainwave induction method according to some embodiments.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The description below is intended only to illustrate the embodiments and is not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the rights according to the present invention. Anything that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art from the detailed description and embodiments of the invention should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the rights according to the present invention. Detailed descriptions of matters widely known to a person skilled in the art regarding the present invention are omitted.

[0030] The terms used in this invention are described as general terms widely used in the technical field relating to this invention; however, the meaning of the terms used in this invention may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the field, the emergence of new technologies, examination standards, or case law. Some terms may be selected at the discretion of the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning of the arbitrarily selected terms will be explained in detail. The terms used in this invention should be interpreted not merely in their dictionary meanings, but in a sense that reflects the overall context of the specification.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a brainwave induction device according to some embodiments operates.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, the brainwave induction device (100) can measure a bio-related signal from a user (10) and provide a brainwave induction signal to the user (10) based on this.

[0033] The user (10) can manage the operation of the brainwave induction device (100) through the user device (20). For example, the user device (20) may include a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet PC, or a computing device such as a desktop PC or laptop PC. According to an embodiment, the user device (20) may provide the user (10) with a user interface (UI) that supports the operation control of the brainwave induction device (100).

[0034] The brainwave induction device (100) can generate a brainwave induction signal using binaural beats signals. The binaural beats signals can be configured to induce brainwaves of a specific frequency in the brain of a user (10) by using beat signals having two or more different frequency values. For example, the binaural beats signals may include a first beat signal of 300 Hz output to the left ear of the user (10) and a second beat signal of 310 Hz output to the right ear of the user (10), thereby inducing brainwaves of a frequency of 10 Hz in the brain of the user (10). When brainwaves of a specific frequency are induced, it may be possible to use this to assist brain-related activities such as sleep, meditation, or concentration of the user (10).

[0035] The brainwave induction device (100) can play a background sound source along with a binaural beat signal. Since the binaural beat signal can be provided to the user (10) along with the background sound source, the efficiency of assisting brain-related activities such as sleep, meditation, and concentration can be improved. The binaural beat signal and the background sound source can be adjusted based on the state of the user (10). For example, the beat frequency of the binaural beat signal, the type or volume of the background sound source, etc., can be adjusted.

[0036] The brainwave induction device (100) can control the binaural beat signal and the background sound source independently of each other. For example, the brainwave induction device (100) can control only the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal without changing the background sound source. For example, in meditation mode, if the meditation progress stage is still the same but the user's (10) concentration level is detected to be decreasing, the brainwave induction device (100) can adjust the center frequency (e.g., 300 Hz) and / or frequency difference (e.g., 10 Hz) of the binaural beat signal.

[0037] The biosignal measuring device (15) can additionally measure various biosignals of the user (10), and the biosignal measuring device (15) can provide the measured various biosignals of the user (10) to the brainwave induction device (100). The brainwave induction device (100) can more precisely control the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal by additionally considering the provided various biosignals. For example, the biosignal measuring device (15) may include a wearable device worn by the user (10), and the wearable device may include accessory-type devices such as a smart watch, smart ring, smart glasses, smart goggles, and smart band, and clothing-type devices. For example, the biosignal measuring device (15), the user device (20), and the brainwave induction device (100) may each be a smart watch, a smartphone, and wireless earphones, and they may communicate with each other using a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates elements constituting a brainwave induction device according to some embodiments.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the brainwave induction device (100) may include an output unit (110), a processing unit (120), and a measurement unit (130). However, it is not limited thereto, and some components may be omitted from the brainwave induction device (100), or other components may be further included in the brainwave induction device (100).

[0040] For example, the brainwave induction device (100) may further include a display unit. The operating status of the brainwave induction device (100) may be displayed through the display unit or through a user device (20). The display of the operating status may be provided in the form of a user interface (UI).

[0041] The output unit (110) may include means for providing binaural beat signals and / or background sound sources to the user (10). For example, the output unit (110) may include a headset device capable of outputting different sounds to both ears of the user (10). The processing unit (120) may include means for controlling the output unit (110) and the measurement unit (130) and for executing commands, programs, apps, etc. for the operation of the brainwave induction device (100). For example, the processing unit (120) may include memory and a processor. The measurement unit (130) may include means for measuring bio-data, bio-related signals, etc. from the user (10). For example, the measurement unit (130) may include various sensors for measuring PPG signals, EEG signals, ECG signals, pulse-related signals, respiration-related signals, blood-related signals, signals regarding the shape of the eyes or face, etc.

[0042] The memory of the processing unit (120) may be configured to store various data, instructions, computer programs, software, and mobile applications processed by the brainwave induction device (100). For example, the memory may be implemented as non-volatile memory such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, PRAM, MRAM, RRAM, FRAM, etc., or volatile memory such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, PRAM, RRAM, FeRAM, etc., and may be implemented in the form of HDD, SSD, SD, Micro-SD, etc., or a combination thereof. The processor of the processing unit (120) may be configured to execute instructions, programs, applications, etc. stored in the memory. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates for processing various operations or as a general-purpose microprocessor, and may be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. For example, the processor may be implemented in at least one form among a microprocessor, CPU, GPU, and AP.

[0043] The output unit (110) may be configured to output a binaural beats signal comprising a first beat signal having a first frequency output from a first direction toward the user (10) and a second beat signal having a second frequency output from a second direction toward the user (10). For example, the first direction and the second direction may be opposite to each other. Alternatively, the first direction and the second direction may have an angle greater than 0° and less than 180° in three-dimensional space. For example, the first beat signal and the second beat signal may be configured to output beats of a determined frequency based on a pulse signal, etc.

[0044] The measurement unit (130) may be configured to measure the first biometric data of the user (10). The first biometric data may be a biometric signal measured directly from the user (10) without complex data processing. For example, the first biometric data may include blood flow-related data such as a PPG signal, and heart rate-related data such as an ECG signal or an EEG signal. Alternatively, the first biometric data may include data regarding the user's (10) respiration, blood, gaze, iris recognition, facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc. For example, the first biometric data may be measured by a wearable device worn by the user (10).

[0045] The processing unit (120) may be configured to derive second biodata representing the nervous system state of the user (10) based on the first biodata. The second biodata may be derived through a certain processing process based on the first biodata. For example, the first biodata may include a PPG signal, and the second biodata may include heart rate variability (HRV) data derived based on the PPG signal.

[0046] The processing unit (120) may be configured to adjust the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal based on the second biometric data and the user's (10) user purpose. For example, the user's (10) user purpose may include a deep sleep purpose corresponding to night sleep, a power nap purpose corresponding to day nap, a meditation purpose, a concentration purpose, etc. For example, the user purpose may be selected by the user (10) through the user device (20). The user's (10) brain activity state may be determined based on the fluctuation of the second biometric data, and the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal may be adjusted based on the brain activity state. For example, if it is determined that the user's (10) concentration or attention is weakening, the signal magnitude or frequency characteristics of the binaural beat signal may be adjusted to compensate for this. Meanwhile, the adjustment of the binaural beat signal may be performed considering the user purpose. Even for the same fluctuation in brain activity state, the adjustment of the binaural beat signal may also be performed differently if the user purpose is different.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the first bio-data may include photoplethysmogram (PPG) data, and the processing unit (120) may be configured to adjust the signal characteristics based on the signal characteristics of the PPG data and the user's purpose. The PPG data may be measured based on the relationship between the volume of blood changing due to the contraction and relaxation of the heart and the amount of light absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood. The PPG data may be measured through LED light, etc., at the extremities of the body, and the measurement unit (130) may include a PPG sensor for this purpose. Since the signal characteristics of the PPG data may indicate heart activity, analyzing them may yield the user's (10) state of concentration, etc.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the second biometric data may include heart rate variability (HRV) data derived based on a PPG signal, and the processing unit (120) may be configured to adjust the signal characteristics based on the signal characteristics of the HRV data and the user's purpose. For example, as an indicator representing heart rate variability (HRV), the standard deviation of the RR interval (SDNN), the root mean square of the difference between consecutive RR intervals (RMSSD), etc., may be utilized. The SDNN value and / or RMSSD value may be interpreted in relation to the brainwave state of the user (10), and thus the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal may be adjusted based on these values.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the output unit (110) may be configured to output a background sound source together with a binaural beat signal, and the processing unit (120) may be configured to control the acoustic characteristics and signal characteristics of the background sound source independently of each other. Since the background sound source can be output together with the binaural beat signal, the effect of brainwave induction according to the user's purpose can be enhanced. Meanwhile, unlike the conventional method of controlling binaural beat signals, the brainwave induction device (100) can control the background sound source and the binaural beat signal independently. For example, in the past, in order to change the binaural beat signal, the background sound source had to be changed together, but the brainwave induction device (100) can change only the binaural beat signal while leaving the background sound source as is. Through such independent control, brainwave induction can be performed more appropriately.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the user purpose may include at least one of a deep sleep purpose, a power nap purpose, a meditation purpose, and a concentration purpose selected by the user (10), and the background sound source may be set based on the user purpose. For example, in the case of a meditation purpose, the background sound source may be set to natural sound, etc., and in the case of a concentration purpose, the background sound source may be set to white noise, etc.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the processing unit (120) may be configured to adjust the target frequency of the induced brainwave based on fluctuations in the second biometric data and to adjust signal characteristics independently of the background sound source based on the target frequency. If it is determined that the user (10)'s concentration has decreased or the depth of sleep has become shallow based on fluctuations in the second biometric data, the target frequency may be adjusted to compensate for this. For example, binaural beat signals that were output at 300 Hz and 310 Hz before the change may be output at 300 Hz and 315 Hz after the change, thereby changing the target frequency from 10 Hz to 15 Hz. Alternatively, it may be possible for the 300 Hz and 310 Hz before the change to change to 400 Hz and 410 Hz after the change while maintaining the target frequency at 10 Hz. Such frequency changes may be performed independently of the background sound source.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the processing unit (120) may be configured to control the first frequency and the second frequency such that the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency becomes equal to the target frequency. According to the binaural beat technique, brainwaves of the same frequency as the target frequency may be induced in the brain of the user (10). Therefore, when the target frequency changes, the first frequency and the second frequency may change in response. Alternatively, the first frequency and the second frequency may change while maintaining the target frequency as the same.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the processing unit (120) may be configured to determine a progression stage of a user purpose corresponding to a variation in the second biometric data using an artificial intelligence classification model, adjust a first volume of the first beat signal and a second volume of the second beat signal based on the progression stage, and adjust the acoustic characteristics of the background sound source based on the progression stage. The relationship between the variation in the second biometric data and the progression stage of the user purpose (sleep / concentration / meditation, etc.) may be learned by the artificial intelligence classification model, and using this, it may be determined which stage of sleep or meditation the current second biometric data corresponds to. The artificial intelligence classification model may include an artificial intelligence neural network model for signal analysis, and the artificial intelligence neural network model may be learned through various machine learning techniques. Through learning, the artificial intelligence classification model may define the relationship between the pattern of the second biometric data and the stage of sleep / meditation. When the progression stage of the user purpose is determined through the artificial intelligence classification model, the binaural beat signal and the background sound source may be controlled separately and independently using this.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the processing unit (120) may be configured to further adjust the first volume of the first beat signal and the second volume of the second beat signal based on the auditory information of the user (10). For example, the user (10) may perform a hearing test through the user device (20) and provide auditory information to the brainwave induction device (100), and the brainwave induction device (100) may use this to further adjust the first volume of the first beat signal and the second volume of the second beat signal. For example, if the left and right hearing balance of the user (10) is not equal, the first volume and the second volume may be adjusted so that the perceived volume becomes relatively equal to reflect this. Alternatively, the first volume and the second volume may be intentionally set differently from each other as needed.

[0055] According to the embodiment, the left / right volume of the binaural beat signal may be changed based on the left / right volume of the background sound source. For example, if the left / right volume of the background sound source changes as concentration or meditation progresses, the left / right volume of the binaural beat signal may also be changed to harmonize with the changed volume. If the left / right volume of the background sound source differs from each other due to the difference in left / right hearing of the user (10), the left volume of the binaural beat signal may be changed based on the left volume of the background sound source, and the right volume of the binaural beat signal may be changed based on the right volume of the background sound source.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the first biological data may include at least one of photoporosis photogrammetry (PPG) data, electrocardiogram (ECG) data, electroencephalography (EEG) data, respiration data, blood pressure data, body temperature data, oxygen saturation data, galvanic skin response (GSR) data, electromyogram (EMG) data, heart rate (HR) data, skin temperature data, eye movement data, blood glucose data, oxygen consumption data, and cerebral oxygen saturation data.

[0057] The measurement unit (130) may include a sensor for measuring these. The second biodata may be derived based on PPG data, or may be derived through a combination of two or more first biodata. For example, information regarding blood may be considered through PPG data and oxygen saturation data, and information regarding heart rate may be considered through EEG data, ECG data, etc. To derive the second biodata in combination with these, physical conditions such as respiration or body temperature may be considered together.

[0058] Skin conductivity (GSR) data can serve as an indicator of autonomic nervous system activity, reflecting states of stress or relaxation. Electromyography (EMG) data measures the electrical activity of muscles and can be utilized to assess muscle tone or physical activity. Heart rate (HR) data, distinct from heart rate variability (HRV), can be important physiological data for evaluating physical tension or the state of the autonomic nervous system. Skin temperature data may be related to the body's state of relaxation, blood circulation, and stress response. Optical eye tracking (OIT) data analyzes eye movements or blinking speeds to measure user attention or fatigue, which can enhance the effectiveness of focus or meditation modes. Blood glucose data may include blood glucose levels and can serve as an important biomarker related to energy metabolism. Oxygen consumption data may include maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 Max), and the user's physical fitness or activity level can be evaluated through this data. Utilizing oxygen consumption data can enable more detailed brainwave induction tailored to the user. Cerebral oxygen saturation data is used to measure the oxygen supply status of the brain, which allows for more precise tuning of brainwave induction signals.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the measurement unit (130) may include at least one of a first sensor unit configured to measure the three-dimensional acceleration of the user (10) and a second sensor unit configured to measure the user's breathing signal, and the processing unit (120) may be configured to generate corrected PPG data by removing motion artifacts from the PPG data based on at least one of the user's (10) three-dimensional acceleration and the user's breathing signal, and to adjust signal characteristics based on the corrected PPG data and the user's purpose. Since the PPG data may have errors in situations where the user (10) moves significantly, the user's (10) three-dimensional acceleration may be measured to correct this. For example, the first sensor unit for measuring three-dimensional acceleration may be provided in a headset-type brainwave induction device (100). A second sensor unit for measuring breathing signals may be additionally provided. The respiratory signal may include respiratory-induced variation, and by measuring it in real time, the periodicity of the respiratory signal can be analyzed, and by taking this into account, heart rate (HR) variation or variation in PPG data caused by respiration can be filtered out.

[0060] According to the embodiment, signal decomposition analysis may be performed to further improve the accuracy of PPG data. For example, signal decomposition analysis may include empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Low-frequency components caused by respiration can be separated and removed from PPG data by an EMD algorithm, thereby allowing for the extraction of purer data related to heart rate fluctuations. Additionally, a method of verifying the validity of the biosignal by detecting whether the user (10) is using a smartphone, etc., may be utilized.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the output unit (110) may include a first headphone unit configured to output a first bit signal to one of the user's (10) two ears and a second headphone unit configured to output a second bit signal to the other of the user's (10) two ears. For example, depending on the structure of the output unit (110), the brainwave induction device (100) may be a headset device of various forms. The form of the brainwave induction device (100) may include various forms of wearable devices, such as an earbud form, an open form, a headset form, or a hat form.

[0062] According to an embodiment, information regarding the adjustment of signal characteristics of a binaural beat signal and information regarding the adjustment of acoustic characteristics of a background sound source may be provided through a user device (20) of a user (10). The user device (20) may transmit information regarding the adjustment of signal characteristics of a binaural beat signal and information regarding the adjustment of acoustic characteristics of a background sound source to the user (10) through a user interface (UI). For example, the user device (20) may be a mobile device, and the user interface (UI) may provide information in the form of a mobile app screen.

[0063] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of operation of a brainwave induction device according to some embodiments.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, the brainwave induction device (300) can perform the steps of biosignal measurement (310), signal analysis (320), and real-time stimulation (330).

[0065] In the case of biosignal measurement (310), biosignal data such as brainwaves and heart rate can be measured in real time through the user's (10) ear. For example, EEG signals can be measured through an in-ear type sensor, and through this, sleep state and brainwave state can be analyzed. In addition, PPG signals can be measured through an in-ear type sensor, and through this, heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), stress state, etc. can be analyzed.

[0066] In the case of real-time analysis (320), a process of comprehensively classifying an individual's physical condition and situation may be performed. For example, the condition of the user (10) may be analyzed based on biometric data using an AI model. In the case of real-time stimulation (330), a customized solution for the physical condition of the user (10) may be provided. Personalized functional stimulation may be provided according to the individual's condition measured in real time, and the functional stimulation may include sound and / or light. According to an embodiment, the output unit (110) may include a voice output unit and / or a light output unit. The light output may be determined based on the user's (10) biometric data.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the voice output may include a binaural beat signal, and the frequency and left / right volume of the binaural beat signal may be controlled in real time. Additionally, the light output may include elements such as brightness, color temperature, and wavelength, and the brightness, color temperature, and wavelength may be controlled in real time based on biometric data.

[0068] According to the embodiment, the AI ​​model can be utilized for the recommendation and prediction of background music. The AI ​​model can analyze the user's (10) music preferences based on the user's (10) past music playback history through machine learning, reinforcement learning, etc., and the background music can be recommended to the user (10) by considering this together with current biometric data measurements. According to the embodiment, background music can be recommended to the user (10) based on the brainwave induction history of other users. For example, background music can be recommended to the user (10) based on a list of background music played by other users who exhibit a pattern similar to the user's (10) biometric signal pattern, or a list of background music played by other users who have a history similar to the user's (10) past music playback history.

[0069] The brainwave induction device (300) may be configured in the form of earbuds for sleep and / or mental care. It may be provided in a small size for side-sleepers who sleep on their side, and may be provided with an active noise canceling function for daily life. A pulse wave sensor (PPG) and an accelerometer may be employed, through which pulse and heart rate variability may be measured, and through which sleep stages, sleep posture, symptoms of apnea, snoring, etc. may be managed.

[0070] The brainwave induction device (300) can function as an earbud platform that measures complex biosignals from the user's (10) ear and provides comprehensive healthcare services based on them. For brainwave measurement, a flexible electrode structure may be utilized, and sleep, pulse, blood pressure, stress, and exercise volume may be analyzed as management indicators for chronic diseases. Integrated biosignals may be measured by combining brainwave sensors, pulse wave sensors, and accelerometer sensors, and an integrated chipset may be utilized to manage them. The ambient temperature, light intensity, and humidity may be monitored in the earbud cradle. Through this, both the user's (10) mental and physical health can be comprehensively managed.

[0071] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of managing the operation of a brainwave induction device through a user device according to some embodiments.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4, screens (410–440) illustrating a method of managing the operation of a brainwave induction device through a user device (20) may be shown. The screens (410–440) may be examples of a user interface (UI) provided to a user (10) through the user device (20).

[0073] At the top of the screen (410), a menu according to the purpose of use may be selected, and the purpose of use may include sleep, meditation, learning, concentration, etc. Depending on the purpose of use, biosignals such as PPG may be measured, and based on this, changes in brainwaves may be induced in real time. On the screen (420), the home frequency and hearing of both the left and right ears may be measured, and the test results may be displayed on the screen (430).

[0074] According to the measurement results of the audible frequency, the center frequency of the binaural beat signal can be customized. For example, depending on the audible frequency of the user (10), different center frequencies (e.g., 400–410 Hz, 300–310 Hz, etc.) can be used for the same target frequency (e.g., 10 Hz). Additionally, the hearing of the left and right ears can be measured, and based on this, the left and right volume balance of the binaural beat signal can be adjusted.

[0075] As shown in the screen (440), the left / right volume and frequency of the binaural beat signal can be changed in real time by the user (10), separate from the background sound source, thereby allowing the intended brainwave state to be induced quickly. The background sound source currently being output can be separated from the left / right frequencies of the binaural beat signal, thereby allowing only the target frequency, center frequency, and amplitude of the binaural beat signal to be changed in real time. The screen (440) can display the left frequency, right frequency, and frequency difference of the binaural beat signal currently being played, and can visually display biometric data such as the user's (10) HR and HRV currently being measured. The background sound source can also be stopped or resumed through input from the user (10).

[0076] FIG. 5 illustrates a process of independently controlling a binaural beat signal and a background sound source through a brainwave induction device according to some embodiments.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 5, a flow (500) illustrating a process of independently controlling a binaural beat signal and a background sound source through a brainwave induction device may be illustrated. The flow (500) may include steps (510) to (590).

[0078] In step (510), the service may be configured as a sleep mode or a refresh mode; the sleep mode may include a deep sleep mode and a power nap mode, and the refresh mode may include a meditation mode and a concentration mode. In step (520), the current heart rate (HR) may be measured. In step (530), the hearing of the user (10) may be tested. In step (540), customized background audio content and binaural beat signals may be played based on data such as heart rate (HR), hearing measurement results, gender, and age. For example, background audio with a BPM similar to the heart rate may be played, and preferred genres based on gender or age and / or preferred audio based on usage history may be adopted as background audio. The target frequency and center frequency of the binaural beat signal according to the heart rate may be provided in a customized manner (step 550).

[0079] In step (560), HRV can be measured in real time, and the state of brainwaves and the autonomic nervous system can be analyzed from thereon. For rapid and effective brainwave synchronization, the target frequency and center frequency of the binaural beat signal can be changed in real time (step 570). After the completion of step (580), in step (590), a comprehensive analysis result and recommendation guide summarizing the care results can be provided. According to an embodiment, the AI ​​report in step (590) can be provided based on generative AI.

[0080] FIG. 6 illustrates the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) data and brainwave state according to some embodiments.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, a table (600) illustrating the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) data and brainwave states may be illustrated. Examples of HRV data may include the standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of the difference between consecutive RR intervals (RMSSD), etc.

[0082] Brainwave states corresponding to the numerical range of SDNN and the numerical range of RMSSD can be matched, and the results can be constructed into a table (600). According to an embodiment, the brainwave induction device (100) can analyze the relationship between the second bio-data and the brainwave state of the user (10) based on the table (600), and can use this to adjust the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal. For example, the higher the HRV value, the more the user's (10) body or mind may be in a relaxed and recovered state, which may be related to the activation of brainwaves such as alpha waves, beta waves, theta waves, and delta waves. On the other hand, the lower the HRV value, the more tense or stressed the state may be, which may be related to the activation of beta waves or high-frequency beta waves. Such relationships can be classified by the rows of the table (600).

[0083] HRV data may include HF / LF ratio values. LF power can be primarily influenced by the sympathetic nervous system, and the activation state of the sympathetic nervous system can be determined based on whether the LF power is low, medium, or high. Similarly, HF power can be primarily influenced by the parasympathetic nervous system, and the activation state of the parasympathetic nervous system can be determined based on whether the HF power is low, medium, or high. Depending on whether the ratio of HF power to LF power is less than 1, between 1 and 2, or greater than 2, it can be determined which of the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous systems is dominant, and the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal can be adjusted using this.

[0084] FIGS. 7 to 10 illustrate a user interface for managing a brainwave induction device through a user device according to the purpose of use in some embodiments.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, screens (710–740) regarding binaural beat signals for deep sleep purposes may be illustrated. The screens (710–740) may be examples of a user interface (UI) provided to the user (10) through the user device (20).

[0086] The screen (720) can display HR measurement results and hearing test results, and the screen (730) can display the current center frequency, current target frequency, and current left and right volume of the binaural beat signal, and can provide a function to change the background sound source for deep sleep. Additionally, the screen (730) can visually represent the real-time heart rate (HR) and the current nervous system state estimated based thereon between a calm state and an excited state. On the screen (740), after the output of the binaural beat signal and background sound source for deep sleep purposes has ended, an AI report summarizing this can be provided. The AI ​​report can be provided based on generative AI and may include information on sleep quality, sleep stage graphs, heart rate, and HRV indicators.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 8, screens (810–840) regarding binaural beat signals for power nap purposes may be illustrated. The screens (810–840) may be examples of a user interface (UI) provided to a user (10) through a user device (20).

[0088] The screens (810–840) of FIG. 8 can display information similar to the screens (710–740) of FIG. 7. Meanwhile, screen (840) can visually provide graphs showing the trend of heart rate, minimum and maximum values, and the trend of the sedative / excited state of the nervous system as a form of AI report.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 9, screens (910–940) regarding binaural beat signals for meditation purposes may be illustrated. The screens (910–940) may be examples of a user interface (UI) provided to the user (10) through the user device (20).

[0090] The screens (910–940) of FIG. 9 can display information similar to the screens (710–740) of FIG. 7 and the screens (810–840) of FIG. 8. Meanwhile, on screen (930), the user interface can provide the user (10) with guide information regarding breathing techniques during meditation.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 10, screens (1010–1040) regarding binaural beat signals for concentration purposes may be illustrated. The screens (1010–1040) may be examples of a user interface (UI) provided to a user (10) through a user device (20). The screens (1010–1040) of FIG. 10 may display information similar to the screens (710–740) of FIG. 7, the screens (810–840) of FIG. 8, and the screens (910–940) of FIG. 9.

[0092] FIG. 11 illustrates steps constituting a brainwave induction method according to some embodiments.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 11, the brainwave induction method (1100) may include steps (1110) to (1140). However, it is not limited thereto, some steps may be omitted or other general steps may be added, and the steps of the brainwave induction method (1100) may be executed in a different order than the illustrated order.

[0094] The brainwave induction method (1100) may consist of steps processed sequentially in the brainwave induction device (100). Therefore, even if the details are omitted below, the description of the brainwave induction device (100) above may be equally applicable to the brainwave induction method (1100).

[0095] Steps (1110) to (1140) of the brainwave induction method (1100) can be performed by the output unit (110), processing unit (120), and measurement unit (130) of the brainwave induction device (100).

[0096] In step (1110), the brainwave induction device (100) may perform the step of outputting a binaural beat signal including a first beat signal having a first frequency output from a first direction toward the user and a second beat signal having a second frequency output from a second direction toward the user through an output unit.

[0097] In step (1120), the brainwave induction device (100) can perform the step of measuring the user's first biometric data through a measurement unit.

[0098] In step (1130), the brainwave induction device (100) can perform the step of deriving second biodata representing the user's nervous system state based on first biodata through a processing unit.

[0099] In step (1140), the brainwave induction device (100) can perform the step of adjusting the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal based on the second bio-data and the user's purpose through a processing unit.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the brainwave induction method (1100) may be implemented in the form of a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium. That is, the computer program may include instructions for implementing the brainwave induction method (1100), and the instructions of the program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program may include a mobile application.

[0101] According to an embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium may include magnetic media such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape, optical media such as a CD-ROM and a DVD, magneto-optical media such as a floptical disk, and a hardware device specifically configured to store and execute computer program instructions such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Computer program instructions may include machine code generated by a compiler and high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0102] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of rights according to the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as described in the following claims should also be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights according to the present invention.

Claims

1. In a binaural beat-based brainwave induction device, An output unit configured to output a binaural beats signal comprising a first beat signal having a first frequency output from a first direction toward the user and a second beat signal having a second frequency output from a second direction toward the user; A measurement unit configured to measure the first biometric data of the above user; and A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device comprising: a processing unit configured to derive second biodata representing the nervous system state of the user based on the first biodata, and to adjust the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal based on the second biodata and the user's purpose.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above first biological data includes photoplethysmogram (PPG) data, and A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device, wherein the processing unit is configured to adjust the signal characteristics based on the signal characteristics of the PPG data and the user purpose.

3. In Paragraph 2, The second biometric data above includes heart rate variability (HRV) data derived based on the PPG signal, and A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device, wherein the processing unit is configured to adjust the signal characteristics based on the signal characteristics of the HRV data and the user purpose.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above output unit is configured to output a background sound source together with the binaural beat signal, and A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device configured such that the processing unit is configured to control the acoustic characteristics of the background sound source and the signal characteristics independently of each other.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above user purpose includes at least one of a deep sleep purpose, a power nap purpose, a meditation purpose, and a concentration purpose selected by the user, and The above background sound source is a binaural beat-based brainwave induction device configured based on the above user purpose.

6. In Paragraph 4, The processing unit adjusts the target frequency of the induced brainwave based on the fluctuation of the second bio-data, and A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device configured to adjust the signal characteristics independently of the background sound source based on the above target frequency.

7. In Paragraph 6, A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device, wherein the processing unit is configured to control the first frequency and the second frequency such that the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency becomes equal to the target frequency.

8. In Paragraph 6, The above processing unit determines the user purpose progress step corresponding to the variation of the second biometric data using an artificial intelligence classification model, and Based on the above process steps, the first volume of the first beat signal and the second volume of the second beat signal are adjusted, and A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device configured to adjust the acoustic characteristics of the background sound source based on the above-mentioned process steps.

9. In Paragraph 8, A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device configured such that the processing unit further adjusts the first volume of the first beat signal and the second volume of the second beat signal based on the auditory information of the user.

10. In Paragraph 1, A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device comprising at least one of the above first biodata, photoplethysmography (PPG) data, electrocardiogram (ECG) data, electroencephalography (EEG) data, respiration data, blood pressure data, body temperature data, oxygen saturation data, galvanic skin response (GSR) data, electromyogram (EMG) data, heart rate (HR) data, skin temperature data, eye movement data, blood glucose data, oxygen consumption data, and cerebral oxygen saturation data.

11. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned measuring unit includes at least one of a first sensor unit configured to measure the three-dimensional acceleration of the user and a second sensor unit configured to measure the breathing signal of the user, and The processing unit generates corrected PPG data by removing motion artifacts from the PPG data based on at least one of the user's 3D acceleration and the user's breathing signal, and A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device configured to adjust the signal characteristics based on the above-mentioned correction PPG data and the above-mentioned user purpose.

12. In Paragraph 1, A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device comprising: a first headphone unit configured to output the first beat signal to one of the user's two ears; and a second headphone unit configured to output the second beat signal to the other of the user's two ears.

13. In Paragraph 4, A binaural beat-based brainwave induction device, wherein information regarding the adjustment of signal characteristics of the above binaural beat signal and information regarding the adjustment of acoustic characteristics of the above background sound source are provided through the user's user device.

14. In a binaural beat-based brainwave induction method, A step of outputting a binaural beats signal through an output unit, comprising a first beat signal having a first frequency output from a first direction toward the user and a second beat signal having a second frequency output from a second direction toward the user; A step of measuring the first biometric data of the user through a measuring unit; A step of deriving second biometric data representing the nervous system state of the user based on the first biometric data through a processing unit; and A binaural beat-based brainwave induction method comprising: a step of adjusting the signal characteristics of the binaural beat signal based on the second biometric data and the user's purpose through the processing unit.

15. In a computer program stored on a computer-readable medium, The instructions of the above computer program are a computer program stored in a computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the binaural beat-based brainwave induction method of claim 14.

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