Nasal breathing sensing device

Abstract

A wearable device for being worn on a nose of a person, the wearable device comprising: a main body configured to be coupled to the septum of the nose, a first sensor housing fixed to the main body, a power supply unit, a controller, a communication unit configured to perform communication with an external device, wherein the first sensor housing comprises a first sensor unit, wherein the first sensor unit is configured to detect an airflow out of a first nostril of the nose and / or detect an airflow into the first nostril of the nose, wherein the controller is configured to control the communication unit to transmit the detected airflow out of the first nostril and / or the detected airflow into of the first nostril to the external device.

Description

[0001] Nasal Breathing Sensing Device

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a wearable device, a control method thereof, and a system comprising the wearable device and an external device, and more particularly to a wearable device for detecting and / or measuring bidirectional airflow from a nostril of a user.

[0004] Background

[0005] Many wearable devices like wristbands, watches and chest straps measure heart rate and estimate respiratory rate of a user based on indirect measurement, such as detection of motion or heart rate variability (HRV). These devices do not provide a precise or accurate measurement of airflow into and out of the nostrils of the user, especially during daily activities or breathing exercises of the user, such as during pranayama or yoga or breathwork.

[0006] Respiratory health, especially in the context of mindfulness and therapeutic practices, often focuses on nasal breathing patterns. Existing devices do not track the flow of air through each nostril, which can be crucial in detecting issues such as nasal obstruction or understanding asymmetry in breathing patterns.

[0007] Devices that monitor overall respiratory rate (e.g., chest-worn monitors) fail to address nostril-specific measurements, which are crucial for detecting imbalances or blockages in nasal airflow, a key factor in conditions such as nasal obstruction, sinusitis, or other respiratory conditions.

[0008] Conventional devices for respirator monitoring in clinical settings, such as spirometers, are bulky and not portable for daily monitoring.

[0009] Many humans, in particular athletes, particularly during intense exercise, tend to breathe through their mouths rather than their noses. This is often a result of insufficient training on nasal breathing techniques, which has been shown to have several advantages, such as increased oxygen efficiency, better airflow regulation, and filtration of incoming air. Current training tools and wearables lack the capability to monitor and provide real-time feedback on nasal vs. mouth breathing, leaving athletes without effective guidance to adopt nasal breathing patterns during training or recovery. Existing devices that track heart rate or respiratory rate do not distinguish between air intake through the nose and mouth or between each nostri, which limits their utility in optimising breathing for endurance and performance.

[0010] Technical Problem

[0011] The present disclosure is devised to address the above problems. The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable device capable of measuring the airflow into and out of a nostril of a user and a system comprising the wearable device and an external device.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] According to an aspect of the invention, there is an integrated system for measuring and analysing nasal airflow, addressing critical gaps in existing wearable devices. Unlike prior art, the present disclosure offers a unified approach by combining multiple innovative features that work together to deliver superior functionality in real-world applications such as health diagnostics, mindfulness practices, athletic training, and therapeutic interventions. Key aspects of the invention include:

[0014] 1. Form Factor for Continuous Wear:

[0015] Designed as a septum-mounted wearable, the device provides unobtrusive, all-day use. The form factor combines function and aesthetics, enabling continuous monitoring without sacrificing comfort or style— key factors for usability in daily life and mindful practices.

[0016] 2. Dual Monitoring with Enhanced Accuracy:

[0017] The system uses pressure sensors as the primary means to measure bi-directional airflow and respiration rate, supplemented by temperature sensors for additional accuracy. This combination ensures precise, validated data for airflow and respiration rate, overcoming limitations in measuring these parameters independently or less accurately.

[0018] 3. Individual Nostril Monitoring for Precision:

[0019] According to an aspect of the invention, airflow in each nostril is monitored independently by deploying separate sensor units (140) within each nostril, specifically designed to detect and measure bidirectional airflow and respiration rate. This configuration addresses the non-laminar nature of nasal airflow, eliminating inaccuracies inherent in generalized airflow measurements. The processor (160) differentiates data from each nostril, ensuring precision in applications like therapeutic breathing exercises, athletic training, and mindful practices such as yoga and pranayama, where balanced nasal breathing is essential

[0020] 4. Optimised Sensor Placement: Strategic positioning of sensors inside and outside the nostrils, enhances measurement accuracy by capturing the nuances of airflow dynamics. Sensors are strategically placed to measure airflow at different points within the nasal passage, addressing individual anatomical variations in nasal structure. This sensor placement strategy ensures detailed bidirectional monitoring in real-time, maintaining user comfort and not interfering with normal activities, thus providing accurate data for both static and dynamic breathing scenarios.

[0021] 5. System-Level Integration and Feedback:

[0022] According to an aspect of the invention, a sophisticated haptic feedback mechanism is integrated, providing immediate, non-intrusive alerts to guide users in real-time. The haptic feedback unit generates distinct vibration patterns for various breathing irregularities; for instance, a short, sharp vibration for rapid breathing, a sustained vibration for nasal obstruction, or a rhythmic pattern for encouraging deeper breaths. This feature, controlled by the processor based on real-time sensor data analysis, allows users to optimise their breathing patterns during exercise, stress management, or mindful practices like meditation or pranayama, without relying on visual monitoring, thereby enhancing user experience and effectiveness of the device 6. Data accuracy

[0023] Using adaptive sampling rate, Al machine learning for airflow estimation, sensor fusion, and individual user nasal calibration to filter out noise and provide data with the highest accuracy.

[0024] This invention's strength lies in its holistic integration of features. The combination of pressure sensors as primary measurement tools with supplemental temperature sensors ensures validated and precise airflow and respiration rate measurements. By enabling individual nostril monitoring, the system addresses critical challenges in real-world applications, including mindfulness practices such as yoga and pranayama, where balanced and accurate nasal breathing is essential. Additionally, the form factor and optimized sensor placement ensure comfort and usability for continuous wear, enabling applications in health diagnostics, athletic performance, and therapeutic interventions. This unique combination of features delivers utility and accuracy far superior to existing devices, meeting unmet needs across various domains.

[0025] According to a first aspect, there is provided a wearable device for being worn on a nose of a person, the wearable device comprising: a main body configured to be coupled to the septum of the nose, a first sensor housing fixed to the main body, a power supply unit, a controller, and a communication unit configured to perform communication with an external device, wherein the first sensor housing comprises a first sensor unit, wherein the first sensor unit is configured to detect an airflow out of a first nostril of the nose and / or detect an airflow into the first nostril of the nose, wherein the controller is configured to control the communication unit to transmit the detection of airflow out of the first nostril and / or the detection of airflow into the first nostril to the external device.

[0026] In some embodiments, the main body is configured to be coupled to the nose by being placed either side of the septum and above the columella of the nose to be passively held in position by the anatomical features of the nose without applying a pinching force or a clamping force to the nose, or the first sensor housing is configured to be coupled to the nose by being placed on one side of the septum and above the columella of the nose to be held in position by the anatomical features of the nose without applying a pinching force or a clamping force to the nose.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first sensor unit comprises a first sensor configured to measure the airflow out of the first nostril and measure the airflow into the first nostril.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first sensor unit comprises a first sensor configured to measure the airflow out of the first nostril and a second sensor configured to measure the airflow into the first nostril.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first sensor housing is configured to divert the flow path of air flowing out of the first nostril away from the second sensor and configured to divert the flow path of air flowing into the first nostril away from the first sensor. In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a second sensor housing fixed to the main body, wherein the second sensor housing comprises a second sensor unit configured to detect an airflow out of a second nostril of the nose and detect an airflow into the second nostril of the nose.

[0030] In some embodiments, the second sensor unit comprises a third sensor configured to measure the airflow out of the second nostril and a fourth sensor configured to measure the airflow into the second nostril.

[0031] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a fourth sensor housing fixed to the main body, wherein the fourth sensor housing comprises a fourth sensor unit configured to detect the airflow out of the second nostril and detect the airflow into the second nostril, wherein the second sensor housing is positioned inside the second nostril at a first distance from the second nostril opening and the fourth sensor housing is positioned inside the second nostril at a second distance from the second nostril opening, and wherein the first distance is different to the second distance In some embodiments, the first sensor unit comprises at least one MEMS sensor to detect and / or measure the airflow out of the first nostril of the nose and detect and / or measure the airflow into the first nostril of the nose. In some embodiments, the first sensor unit comprises at least one temperature sensor to detect and / or measure the airflow out of the first nostril of the nose and detect and / or measure the airflow into the first nostril of the nose.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first sensor unit comprises at least one pressure sensor to detect and / or measure the airflow out of the first nostril of the nose and detect and / or measure the airflow into the first nostril of the nose.

[0033] In some embodiments, the detection or measurement of the airflow out of the first nostril of the nose using the at least one temperature sensor is compared to the simultaneous detection or measurement of the airflow out of the first nostril of the nose using the at least one pressure sensor to validate the detection or measurement of the airflow out of the first nostril of the nose.

[0034] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a heart rate sensor configured to measure a heart rate of the person, wherein the controller is further configured to control the communication unit to transmit the measured heart rate to the external device.

[0035] In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor is configured to measure the heart rate based on blood volume change in the septum of the nose.

[0036] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a humidity sensor. In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a processor configured to determine the respiration rate of the user based on the data obtained by the first sensor unit.

[0037] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the first sensor unit based on the noise of the data obtained by the first sensor unit.

[0038] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to perform machine learning to estimate the airflow into the first nostril and the airflow out of the first nostril based on the data obtained by the first sensor unit.

[0039] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to calibrate the first sensor unit based on the nasal shape of the user.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a coupling member coupled to the main body and / or the first and second sensor housings, wherein the coupling member comprises friction pads configured to contact a surface of the nose when the wearable device is coupled to the nose, and optionally the coupling member is configured to widen the area of the first nostril when the wearable device is coupled to the nose of the user.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first sensor housing and the second sensor housing are configured to be coupled to an inner surface of the nose. In some embodiments, the main body comprises an elastic member configured to push the first sensor housing and the second sensor housing towards the nose when the first sensor housing and the second sensor housing are coupled to the nose.

[0042] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a third sensor housing comprising a third sensor unit, wherein the third sensor unit is configured to detect and / or measure airflow into and out of the first nostril, wherein the first sensor housing is positioned inside the first nostril and the third sensor housing is positioned outside the first nostril.

[0043] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a haptic feedback unit configured to provide haptic feedback to the nose.

[0044] In some embodiments, the haptic feedback unit is configured to provide first haptic feedback to the first nostril and second haptic feedback to a second nostril of the nose.

[0045] In some embodiments, the haptic feedback unit is configured to indicate the nostril of the nose through which the majority of air flows out of and into the nose.

[0046] In some embodiments, the haptic feedback unit is configured to provide haptic feedback based on the measured airflow out of and into the first nostril being below a first threshold.

[0047] In some embodiments, the haptic feedback unit is configured to provide feedback based on Al analysis performed on the measured airflow out of the first nostril and the measured airflow into the first nostril.

[0048] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of controlling a wearable device, the wearable device including a main body configured to be coupled to the septum of a nose, a first sensor housing fixed to a first end of the main body, a power supply unit, a controller, and a communication unit configured to perform communication with an external device, wherein the first sensor housing comprises a first sensor unit configured to detect an airflow out of a first nostril of the nose and / or detect an airflow into the first nostril of the nose, the method comprising: detecting an airflow out of the first nostril of the nose and / or detecting an airflow into the first nostril of the nose, and transmitting the detected airflow out of the first nostril and / or the detected airflow into the first nostril to the external device.

[0049] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the example embodiments.

[0050] Brief Description of Drawings Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a wearable device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a wearable device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a wearable device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of the wearable device according to an embodiment coupled to a nose of a person.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a wearable device according to an embodiment coupled to a nose of a person.

[0053] Fig. 6 is a schematic drawing of a sensor housing of the wearable device according to an embodiment.

[0054] Fig. 7 is a schematic drawing of a sensor housing of the wearable device according to an embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a wearable device according to an embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 9 is a schematic drawing of a wearable device according to an embodiment, FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of the wearable device of FIG. 9 coupled to a nose of a person.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an external device according to an embodiment.

[0058] Detailed Description

[0059] Technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Based on the embodiments described herein, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Also, like reference numerals or symbols denoted in the drawings of the present disclosure represent members or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0060] The terms used in the present specification are merely used to describe embodiments, and are not intended to limit the disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "includes," "comprises," "including," and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0061] It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component could be termed a second component, and, similarly, a second component could be termed a first component, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.

[0062] The present disclosure addresses the problems of limited respiratory monitoring capability in existing wearables and offers a more specialised, accurate, and user-friendly solution for tracking nasal breathing including detecting and / or measuring inhale and exhale airflow for each individual nostril. The wearable device of the present disclosure may be in the form of a nose ring. The nose ring design enables secure attachment to the user, real-time tracking of airflow in both nostrils, precise detection of breathing irregularities, and seamless feedback.

[0063] The wearable device of the present disclosure provides a lightweight, discreet, and direct way to monitor airflow through both nostrils of a user and to provide detailed real-time feedback to the user. The wearable device 100 of the present disclosure is portable.

[0064] The user of the wearable device is a person. In other words, the wearable device is suitable to be worn by humans. The wearable device may be waterproof or water resistant to make it suitable for daily use, including in sports and fitness contexts.

[0065] Unlike conventional wearable devices, which may miss finer respiratory irregularities like mild apnea or nostril blockages, the wearable device of the present disclosure may be equipped with MEMS sensors or other sensors which provide highly sensitive and direct measurement of airflow, pressure, humidity and / or temperature, and / or indirect measurement of airflow such as pressure differentials, humidity differentials and temperature differentials caused by airflow.

[0066] In addition to continuous monitoring, the wearable device of the present disclosure offers the possibility of haptic feedback or mobile alerts when irregular breathing patterns are detected. This provides a proactive tool for users engaging in breathwork therapy, stress reduction exercises, or athletic training, where precise control of breathing is crucial.

[0067] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a wearable device 100 according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, a wearable device 100 includes a main body 10 and at least one sensor housing 20. The wearable device 100 is configured to be detachably coupled to a nose of a user. The main body 10 and the at least one sensor housing 20 are configured to be detachably coupled to the nose of the user. The at least one sensor housing 20 is configured to be positioned inside a nostril of the user when the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose of the user. The wearable device 100 may be held onto the nose of the user, may pinch the nose of the user, may be clipped onto the nose of the user or may be adhered onto the nose of the user when the wearable device is coupled to the nose of the user. The wearable device 100 may be detachably coupled to the nose of the user using friction between the wearable device 100 and nose. The wearable device 100 may be detachably coupled to the nose of the user without requiring the user to have a nose piercing. Alternatively, the wearable device 100 may be detachably coupled to a nose piercing of the user.

[0069] The wearable device 100 may further include at least one coupling member 30 attached to the at least one sensor housing 20 and / or the main body 10 and configured to couple the wearable device 100 to the nose of the user. The coupling member 30 is an optional feature of the wearable device 100 and may be omitted from the wearable device 100.

[0070] The main body 10 may be tubular and may have a variable cross-sectional area along its length. The cross-sectional area of the main body 10 may be largest in the middle of the main body 10. The largest diameter of the cross-section of the main body 10 may be 20 mm or less, such as 10 mm or 5 mm. The main body 10 comprises a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end. The main body 10 may have a sphere, cube or pyramid shape.

[0071] The main body 10 may be shaped into a ring portion. The main body may comprise a ring portion. The ring portion may enable the main body to be securely coupled to the nose of the user by inserting at least one end of the ring portion into a nostril of the nose. The ring portion may have a horseshoe shape. The ring portion may be circular, oval, square, or rectangularly shaped or any other shape that forms part of a ring.

[0072] The main body 10 may comprise titanium to provide strength, durability, and hypoallergenic properties. The material of the main body 10 may comprise any suitable metal or alloy, such as aluminium, magnesium-aluminium alloy, and titaniumaluminium alloy to provide strength, durability and hypoallergenic properties. The main body 10 may also comprise removable silicon for comfort, adjustability, and hygiene. The main body 10 may accommodate components of the wearable device 100.

[0073] The at least one sensor housing 20 may be attached to any part of the main body, including the first end and / or the second end of the main body 10. The at least one sensor housing 20 may be attached to a portion along the length of main body 10 which is separated from the first end and the second end. The sensor housings 20 may be placed at separate positions along the main body 10.

[0074] According to a first embodiment as shown in Fig. 1, the wearable device 100 may comprise a first sensor housing 21 attached to the first end, or close to the first end, of the main body 10 and a second sensor housing 22 attached to the second end, or close to the second end, of the main body 10. The first sensor housing 21 may be configured to be inserted into a first nostril of the user and the second sensor housing 22 may be configured to be inserted into a second nostril of the user when the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose of the user. A wearable device according to the first embodiment may resemble a faux septum ring and the main body 10 may be configured to be detachably coupled to the nose of the user in the same way as a faux septum ring. The shape of the main body 10 may resemble a horseshoe shape or a 'U' shape. Alternatively, the wearable device 100 may be configured to be attached to the nose of the user by passing through a septum piercing of the user.

[0075] The wearable device 100 of the first embodiment may comprise a first coupling member 31 and a second coupling member 32. However, the first coupling member 31 and the second coupling member 32 are optional and may be omitted from the first embodiment.

[0076] The at least one sensor housing 20 and / or main body 10 may be configured to couple the wearable device 100 to the nose of a person. In other words, the main body and / or the first and second sensor housings 21, 22 may be configured to hold the wearable device 100 on the nose of the user. The main body 10 and / or the first and second sensor housings 21, 22 may pinch the nose to be coupled to the nose. The main body 10 and / or the first and second sensor housings 21, 22 may use friction to be coupled to the nose of a person. At least one of the main body 10, the first sensor housing 21 and the second sensor housing 22 may include a silicon external layer to grip onto the skin of the nose of the user. The main body 10, the first sensor housing 21 and the second sensor housing 22 may be coupled to the inside of the nose. The main body 10, the first sensor housing 21 and the second sensor housing 22 are configured to be detachably coupled to the nose. The main body 10 and / or the first and second sensor housings 21, 22 may be configured to be coupled to the nose by being either side of the septum and above the columella of the nose. The wearable device 100 may not use adhesive or require a nose piercing to couple the wearable device to the nose.

[0077] The optional coupling member 30 may comprise a friction pad configured to provide additional coupling or grip to the nose. The friction pad may be formed from silicon and may also be referred to as a silicon shoe. The coupling member 30 may be configured to contact the inner surface of the nasal ala of the nose of the user when the wearable device is worn by the user. The coupling member 30 may be configured to enlarge the cross-sectional area of at least one nostril of the nose when the wearable device is coupled to the nose. The coupling member 30 may be formed from silicon or plastic.

[0078] The coupling member 30 may comprise a first coupling member 31 and a second coupling member 32. The first coupling member 31 may be configured to be coupled to a first nostril and the second coupling member 32 may be configured to be coupled to a second nostril. The first and second coupling members 31, 32 may be used together to provide additional coupling of the wearable device 100 to the nose.

[0079] The coupling member 30 may be detachably coupled to the sensor housing 20 and / or the main body 10. In particular, the first coupling member 31 may be detachably coupled to the first sensor housing 21, and the second coupling member 32 may be detachably coupled to the second sensor housing 22. The size of the coupling member 30 may be changed by replacing the coupling member 30 with a differently sized coupling member 30. Due to the coupling member 30 being detachably coupled to the sensor housing 20 and / or the main body 10, the coupling member 30 can be easily replaced and the wearable device 100 can be easily modified to couple securely to different sized noses. The main body 10 may connect the first sensor housing 21 to the second sensor housing 22 and may optionally connect the first coupling member 31 to the second coupling member 32. The first sensor housing 21 and optionally the first coupling member 31 may be formed on a first end of the main body 10 and the second sensor housing 22 and optionally the second coupling member 32 may be formed on a second end of the main body 10. The main body 10 may house components of the wearable device 100 which will be described later. The first coupling member 21 and the second coupling member 31 may be omitted.

[0080] The main body 10 may comprise an elastic member configured to press the first sensor housing 21 and the second sensor housing 22 into the inner surface of the nose when the wearable device is coupled to the nose of a person. The elastic member may enable the main body 10 to deform elastically. In particular, the elastic member may be configured to press the first sensor housing 21 into the first nostril and press the second sensor housing 22 into the second nostril. Alternatively, the elastic member may be configured to press the first sensor housing 21 into an inner surface of the first nostril and press the second sensor housing 22 into an outer surface of the first nostril. The main body 10 may be formed of elastic material and may be configured to press the first sensing housing 21 and the second sensing housing 22 into the inner surface of the nose when the wearable device is coupled to the nose of a person.

[0081] The wearable device is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, in another embodiment, the wearable device 100 may be coupled to a piercing in the nose (e.g. a septum piercing) of the user. In this case, there may be a fixing member configured to connect the first sensor housing 21 to the second sensor housing 22 through the piercing when the wearable device is coupled to the nose. The fixing member may be a ring portion moveably coupled to at least one of the first and second sensor housings 21, 22 and configured to open or close the wearable device nose ring 100 to enable the fixing member to penetrate through a nose piercing.

[0082] The main body 10 may be configured to be coupled to the nose by being placed either side of the septum and above the columella of the nose to be passively held in position by the anatomical features of the nose without applying a pinching force or a clamping force to the nose, or the first sensor housing 21 may be configured to be coupled to the nose by being placed on one side of the septum and above the columella of the nose to be held in position by the anatomical features of the nose without applying a pinching force or a clamping force to the nose.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 2, the wearable device 100 of the first embodiment may further comprise a third sensor housing 23 attached along the main body 10 and distanced from the first end of the main body 10. The first sensor housing 21 may be positioned at any point along a first end portion 11 of the main body 10 adjacent to the first end as shown in Fig. 2. The third sensor housing 23 may be positioned such that the third sensor housing 23 is inside the first nostril and closer to the first nostril opening of the nose of the user than the first sensor housing 21 when the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose of the user. Alternatively, the third sensor housing 23 may be positioned at any point along the main body, such as near to the first nostril opening, and comprise a sensor unit further configured to measure at least one of the ambient pressure, ambient temperature, and ambient humidity. The third sensor housing 23 may be positioned on a curved portion 13 of the main body 10 adjacent to the first nostril opening. The first sensor housing 21 may be referred to as a distal sensor housing and the third sensor 23 housing may be referred to as a proximal sensor housing.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 2, the wearable device 100 of the first embodiment may further comprise a fourth sensor housing 24 attached along the main body 10 and distanced from the second end of the main body 10. The second sensor housing 22 may be positioned at any point along a second end portion 12 of the main body 10 adjacent to the second end as shown in Fig. 2. The fourth sensor housing 24 may be positioned such that the fourth sensor housing is inside the second nostril and closer to the second nostril opening of the nose of the user than the second sensor housing 21 when the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose of the user. Alternatively, the fourth sensor housing 24 may be positioned at any point along the main body, such as near to the second nostril opening, and comprise a sensor unit further configured to measure at least one of the ambient pressure, ambient temperature, and ambient humidity. The fourth sensor housing 24 may be positioned on the curved portion 13 of the main body 10 adjacent to the second nostril opening. In this embodiment, the second sensor housing 22 may be referred to as a distal sensor housing and the fourth sensor housing 24 may be referred to as a proximal sensor housing.

[0085] The wearable device 100 may include the third sensor housing 23 as an alternative to the first sensor housing 21 and so the first sensor housing 21 or the third sensor housing 23 may be omitted from the embodiment of Fig. 2. The wearable device 100 may include the fourth sensor housing 24 as an alternative to the second sensor housing 22 and so the second sensor housing 22 or the fourth sensor housing 24 may be omitted.

[0086] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a wearable device 100 according to a second embodiment. According to a second embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the wearable device may comprise a first sensor housing 21 attached to the main body 10, such as the first end of the main body 10, and no sensor housing attached to the second end of the main body 10. In this embodiment, the first sensor housing 21 and the first end may be configured to be inserted into the nostril of the user while the second end of the main body 10 may be configured to contact the outside of the nose of the user, in particular, the nasal ala. Alternatively, the main body 10 may be configured to be coupled to the septum of the nose. A wearable device 100 according to the second embodiment may resemble a faux nose ring and be configured to be detachably coupled to the nose of the user in the same way as a faux nose ring or a faux septum ring. The shape of the main body 10 according to the second embodiment may resemble the letter 'D' where a first end portion 11 of the main body 10 is formed to be straight and a second end portion of the main body 10 is formed to be curved. Alternatively, the wearable device may resemble a nose ring with a second end portion of the main body 10 being attached to the rest of the main body 10 through a hinged portion to enable the second end to penetrate a nasal ala piercing and be detachably coupled to the first sensor housing 21.

[0087] The wearable device 100 of the second embodiment may further comprise a second sensor housing 22 attached along the main body 10 and distanced from the first end of the main body 10. The second sensor housing 22 may be positioned such that the second sensor housing 22 is inside the nostril and closer to the nostril opening of the nose of the user than the first sensor housing 21 when the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose of the user. The second sensor housing 22 may be positioned at the opposite end of the straight first end portion 11 of the main body 10 than the first sensor housing 21. Alternatively, the second sensor housing 22 may be positioned at any point on the main body 10, such as close to the nostril opening. The first sensor housing 21 may be referred to as a distal sensor housing and the second sensor housing 22 may be referred to as a proximal sensor housing.

[0088] Although specific shapes of the main body 10 have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and the different ways, which would be recognised by the skilled person, to detachably couple the wearable device 100 to the nose of the user while positioning the at least one sensor housing 20 in at least one nostril of the user are included within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the main body 10 may be stuck or clipped onto the nasal sidewalls outside or inside the nose of the user.

[0089] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a wearable device 100 according to the first embodiment coupled to the nose of a person. Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of the nose of the person with the wearable device 100 coupled to the nose.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 4, the wearable device 100 is coupled to an inside surface of the nose, in particular, the septum of the nose. The main body 10 may have a portion which is exposed and protrudes outside of the nose. The sensor housings 21, 22, 23, 24 may be securely coupled inside the nose and may not be exposed to outside of the nose. Alternatively, at least one sensor housing may be coupled inside the nose and at least one other sensor housing may be coupled outside and close to the nostril. The at least one sensor housing 21, 22, 23, 24 may be in direct contact with, or adjacent to, the inner surface of the nose or close to a nostril opening.

[0091] The main body 10 may comprise an elastic member configured to press the first sensor housing 21 and the second sensor housing 22 inwards towards each other when the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose. The first and second sensor housings 21, 22, or the third and fourth sensor housings 23, 24, may be configured to sit on top of the nasal sill of the nose of the user to couple the wearable device 100 to the nose of the user.

[0092] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a wearable device according to an embodiment coupled to the nose of a person. FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the nose of the person with the wearable device coupled to the nose.

[0093] The wearable device 100 of FIG. 5 differs from the wearable device 100 of FIG. 4 due to the wearable device 100 further comprising a coupling member 30 being configured to be coupled to the nose. The coupling member 30 may include a first coupling member 31 and a second coupling member 32.

[0094] The first coupling member 31 and the second coupling member 32 may be connected to each other by a coupling member body (not shown), and the coupling member body is configured to be attached to the main body 10 and / or the at least one sensor housing 20. The first coupling member 31 may be coupled to at least one of the first sensor housing 21 and the main body, and the second coupling member 32 may be coupled to at least one of the second sensor housing 22 and the main body 10.

[0095] The coupling member 30 may comprise an elastic member configured to press the first coupling member 31 and the second coupling member 32 outwards into the inner surface of the nose when the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose. In particular, the elastic member may be configured to press the first coupling member 31 into one inner side of the nasal ala and press the second coupling member 32 into another inner side of the nasal ala. The coupling member 30 may be rigid instead of elastic. The coupling member 30 may expand the nostrils of the user when the wearable device 100 is worn by the user to allow for improved airflow through the nostrils.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a sensor housing 20 of a wearable device 100 according to an embodiment. The sensor housing 20 is configured to be positioned in a nostril of the user or close to the nostril opening. The sensor housing 20 may accommodate a sensor unit 140 configured to detect and / or measure the airflow out of the nostril of the user and / or detect and / or measure the airflow into the nostril of the user. The airflow may be measured by the velocity and / or mass flow rate of the air. The measurement of the airflow may be an estimation of the velocity and / or flow rate of the air. The sensor unit 140 may measure pressure substantially perpendicular to the direction of the airflow within the nasal passage, thereby detecting the force exerted against the nostril walls. The sensor unit 140 may measure absolute pressure. The sensor unit 140 may detect and / or measure both static and dynamic pressure changes.

[0097] The sensor unit 140 may be configured to detect and / or measure the airflow along the sensor housing 20. The sensor unit 140 may measure the velocity of the air and / or the mass flow rate of the air flowing to the sensor unit 140. The sensor unit 140 may comprise a sensor configured to detect and / or measure the airflow to, or along, the surface of the sensor housing 20. The sensor unit 140 may comprise at least one of at least one pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, at least one humidity sensor and at least one airflow sensor. At least one of the at least one pressure sensors may be a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) pressure sensor. At least one of the at least one airflow sensors may be a MEMS airflow sensor. A MEMS sensor may be advantageous due to the small size and low weight of the sensor. For example, the sensor unit 140 may include a BMP390 sensor, a BMP180 sensor, or a MS5837-02BA sensor. The at least one pressure sensor of the sensor unit 140 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of airflow in the nostril and configured to measure the force per unit area (pressure) exerted against the walls of the nostril. The at least one pressure sensor may be configured to measure the change in pressure over the time of one breath (inhalation and exhalation) without disrupting the airflow. The placement of the at least one pressure sensor within the nasal passage allows for the detection of pressure changes due to airflow. These pressure changes are related to airflow dynamics, which are partially described by principles of fluid dynamics, including but not limited to Bernoulli's principle. Bernoulli's principle describes the relationship between fluid velocity and pressure, wherein an increase in fluid velocity results in a corresponding decrease in pressure, and a decrease in fluid velocity results in a corresponding increase in pressure. The at least one pressure sensor may include an absolute pressure sensor and / or a differential pressure sensor.

[0098] According to Bernoulli's principle, the fluid velocity of the air is also influenced by the cross-sectional area of the nostril at the position of the pressure sensor. Close to the nostril opening, the nasal passage is wider than deeper into the nasal passage, and so the airflow is slower close to the nostril opening than deeper into the nasal passage. To avoid the cross-sectional area of the nasal passage affecting the measured change in pressure during a breath of the user, the sensor housing 20 may be firmly coupled to the nose of the user. For example, the sensor housing 20 may be covered in silicone or plastic to grip the skin of the nostril.

[0099] Using the Bernoulli equation or other principles of fluid dynamics, the pressure change measured between stationary air and air flowing past the pressure sensor can be used to determine the velocity of the air flowing past the pressure sensor. The measured pressure may be a maximum in between an inhalation and exhalation of the user and correspond to ambient pressure. The measured pressure may decrease during an inhalation or an exhalation due to the air flowing past the pressure sensor resulting in a lower pressure exerted onto the pressure sensor in the direction substantially perpendicular to the airflow.

[0100] The at least one temperature sensor of the sensor unit 140 may be used to detect and / or measure the airflow. The sensor unit 140 may comprise at least one sensing surface S1 configured to detect and / or measure a change in temperature caused by an airflow over the at least one sensing surface. For example, the sensor unit 140 may comprise two thermopiles either side of a small heater element used to measure the deviations in heat symmetry caused by the airflow over the sensor unit.

[0101] The at least one temperature sensor of the sensor unit 140 may be used to distinguish between an inhale and an exhale of the user. The temperature of exhaled air may be assumed to be higher than the temperature of inhaled air due to the internal body temperature of the user being assumed to be higher than the external ambient temperature. As a result, the temperature sensor can track the temperature change over the time of detecting the change in measured pressure to determine if the detected airflow was due to an inhalation or an exhalation. The temperature sensor used to distinguish between an inhale and an exhale may be positioned on the main body 10 and may be positioned close to the nostril opening.

[0102] The at least one humidity sensor of the sensor unit 140 may be used to distinguish between an inhale and an exhale of the user. The humidity of exhaled air may be assumed to be higher than the humidity of inhaled air. As a result, the humidity sensor can track the humidity change over the time of detecting the change in measured pressure to determine if the detected airflow was due to an inhalation or an exhalation. The humidity sensor used to distinguish between an inhale and an exhale may be positioned on the main body 10 and may be positioned close to the nostril opening.

[0103] The at least one temperature sensor and the at least one humidity sensor can be used in combination to validate whether a detected airflow is due to an inhalation or an exhalation.

[0104] The at least one airflow sensor may detect and / or measure a velocity and / or mass rate of the air flowing through the nostril. The at least one airflow sensor may be any one of a thermistor-based flow sensor, ultrasonic flow sensor, capacitive flow sensor, piezoelectric sensor, hot-wire anemometer, optical flow sensor, and a MENS airflow sensor.

[0105] The MEMS airflow sensor may comprise a flexible layer (diaphragm) which deflects under pressure, a first conductive layer placed on the flexible layer and second conductive layer facing the first conductive layer and arranged on the bottom of a cavity. The deformation of the flexible layer changes the capacitance between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer which is detected by the MEMS airflow sensor as a measure of the pressure exerted on the flexible layer. The MEMs airflow sensor may comprise a diaphragm onto which piezoresistive conducting sensing elements are arranged which change their resistance based on the pressure applied to the diaphragm.

[0106] The MEMS airflow sensor may comprise two thermopiles either side of a small heater element used to measure the deviations in heat symmetry caused by the airflow over the MEMS airflow sensor.

[0107] Implementing the airflow sensor as a MEMS airflow sensor may enable the airflow sensor unit to be miniaturized to be included within the wearable device 100 which may be a wearable nose ring or a wearable septum ring.

[0108] The sensor housing 20 may further comprise a heart rate sensor 170 which will be described in more detail below.

[0109] The sensor housing 20 may further comprise a haptic feedback unit 180 which will be described in more detail below.

[0110] The above-described sensor housing 20 may be any one of the first to fourth sensor housings 21, 22, 23, 24. The first to fourth sensor housings 21, 22, 23, 24 may be the same as each other, or may differ from each other and comprise a different combination of sensors and components. For example, the first sensor housing 21 may comprise a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor or humidity sensor and optionally a heart rate sensor, and the second sensor housing 22 may comprise a pressure sensor and optionally a heart rate sensor.

[0111] FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of a sensor housing 20 of a wearable device 100 according to an embodiment. The sensor housing 20 of FIG. 7 is similar to the sensor housing of FIG. 6, however the sensor unit 140 of the sensor housing 20 is configured to detect and / or measure the pressure of the airflow in the direction of the airflow.

[0112] The sensor unit 140 may comprise at least one sensing surface S1, S2 configured to detect and / or measure the pressure exerted on the at least one sensing surface S1, S2 by an airflow to the at least one sensing surface S1. The at least one sensing surface S1, S2 may be in the form of a flat plane or a curved surface. The sensor unit 140 may comprise a dual-direction sensor configured to detect and / or measure the airflow downwards onto the sensor housing 20 and detect and / or measure the airflow upwards onto the sensor housing 20. The sensor unit 140 may comprise a plurality of sensors with at least one of the plurality of sensors configured to detect and / or measure airflow downwards onto the sensor housing and another at least one of the plurality of sensors configured to detect and / or measure the airflow upwards onto the sensor housing 20. The sensor unit 140 may comprise at least one of at least one pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, at least one humidity sensor and at least one airflow sensor. At least one of the at least one pressure sensors may be a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) pressure sensor. At least one of the at least one airflow sensors may be a MEMS airflow sensor. A MEMS sensor may be advantageous due to the small size and low weight of the sensor. For example, the sensor unit may include a BMP390 sensor, a BMP180 sensor, or a MS5837-02BA sensor.

[0113] The above-described sensor housing 20 of Fig. 6 or 7 may be any one of the first to fourth sensor housings 21, 22, 23, 24. The first to fourth sensor housings 21, 22, 23, 24 may be the same as each other, or may differ from each other and comprise a different combination of sensors.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 7, the sensor housing 20 may be shaped to guide a downward airflow to the first sensor surface S1 and away from the second sensor surface S2. The sensor housing 20 may be shaped to guide an upward airflow to the second sensor surface S2 and away from the first sensor surface S1. When the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose, the downward airflow may be due to the user's exhale through the first nostril and the upward airflow may be due to the user's inhale through the first nostril.

[0115] In all of the embodiments, the heart rate sensor 170 may be positioned against a side wall of the sensor housing 20 to be adjacent to, or in contact with, the inner surface of the nose when the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose. The sensor housing 20 may not accommodate the heart rate sensor 170.

[0116] In all of the embodiments, the haptic feedback unit 180 may be positioned against a side wall of the sensor housing 20 to be adjacent to, or in contact with, the inner surface of the nose when the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose. The sensor housing 20 may not accommodate the haptic feedback unit 180. The sensor housing 20 may comprise further components of the wearable device 100, such as at least one of the power supply unit 110, the controller 120, the communication unit 130, the memory 150, and the processor 160.

[0117] Although a specific shape of the sensor housing 20 is depicted in FIGs. 6 and 7, it is to be understood that the sensor housing 20 is not limited to this shape and other shapes are included within the scope of the present disclosure. The sensor housing 20 may have a cuboidal shape, a cylindrical shape, a cone shape, a spherical shape, an ellipsoidal shape or an aerodynamic shape, such as ellipsoidal, to reduce the air resistance in the nostril of the user caused by wearing the wearable device 100 on their nose.

[0118] In all of the embodiments, the sensor unit 140 may detect and / or measure the velocity of the air and / or the mass flow rate of the air flowing to the sensor unit. The sensor unit 140 may be exposed to outside of the sensor housing 20 or may form part of the outer surface of the sensor housing 20. The sensor unit 140 may be used to measure the respiration rate of the user and / or the airflow through a nostril of the user.

[0119] In a first example, the sensor unit 140 may comprise one pressure sensor which is oriented to measure the pressure of airflow in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the airflow. Such a pressure sensor may detect and / or measure a decrease in pressure below ambient pressure due to an inhalation and may detect and / or measure an increase in pressure above ambient pressure due to an exhalation. Alternatively, the pressure sensor may be oriented in the opposite direction to detect and / or measure an increase in pressure due to an inhalation and detect and / or measure a decrease in pressure due to an exhalation. The cycle of one decrease in pressure (inhalation or exhalation) and one increase in pressure (exhalation or inhalation) may correspond to one breath. The number of detected breaths within a preset period, such as one minute, corresponds to the respiratory rate of the user.

[0120] In the above first example, the magnitude of the change in measured pressure from the ambient pressure corresponds to the magnitude of the airflow and so the measurement of the pressure change provides a measurement of the airflow.

[0121] In a second example, the sensor unit 140 may comprise one pressure sensor which is oriented to measure the pressure of airflow in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the airflow. Such a pressure sensor may detect and / or measure a decrease in pressure below ambient pressure due to an inhalation or exhalation.

[0122] According to Bernoulli's Principle, the pressure of moving air in the direction perpendicular to the airflow is lower than the pressure of stationary air in the same direction.

[0123] In order to discern between an inhalation and an exhalation, the sensor unit 140 of the above second example may further comprise a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. The temperature of exhaled air may be assumed to be higher than the temperature of inhaled air due to the internal body temperature of the user being assumed to be higher than the external ambient temperature. The humidity of exhaled air may be assumed to be higher than the humidity of inhaled air. As a result, the temperature sensor and / or humidity sensor can track the temperature and / or humidity change over the time of detecting the decrease in measured pressure to determine if the detected airflow was due to an inhalation or an exhalation.

[0124] According to a third example, two sensor housings may be separated and positioned within the same nostril at different depths within the nostril or with one sensor housing in the nostril and one close to the nostril opening. In other words, the wearable device comprises a proximal sensor housing and a distal sensor housing. The proximal sensor housing comprises a proximal sensor unit, and the distal sensor housing comprises a distal sensor unit.

[0125] The proximal sensor unit may comprise a proximal pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure perpendicular to the direction of the airflow in the nostril at a position close to the nostril opening. For example, the proximal pressure sensor may be placed less than or equal to 5 mm from the nostril opening, either inside or outside the nostril. The distal sensor unit may comprise a distal pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure perpendicular to the airflow in the nostril at a position deeper into the nasal passage than the proximal pressure sensor. For example, the distal pressure sensor may be placed at a distance greater than or equal to 5 mm from the nostril opening and within the nostril passage. Each of the proximal pressure sensor and the distal pressure sensor may measure a pressure decrease compared to ambient pressure when the user inhales or exhales. The timing of the pressure decrease depends on whether the user exhaled or inhaled. For an inhale, the proximal pressure sensor detects a pressure decrease before the distal pressure sensor. For an exhale, the proximal pressure sensor detects a pressure decrease after the distal pressure sensor. In order to detect the respiration rate of the user, it is necessary to detect the period between the start of consecutive inhalations and / or the period between the start of consecutive exhalations of the user.

[0126] A processor 160, such as a signal processor, of the wearable device 100 may receive a signal from the sensor unit 140 including the at least one pressure sensor and filter out noise caused by external factors. For the pressure sensor being configured to measure the downward (parallel to the direction of exhaled air) air pressure onto the sensor unit, peaks in the measured pressure correspond to exhalation and valleys in the measured pressure correspond to inhalation. A single cycle (one peak and one valley) corresponds to one breath. A controller 120 of the wearable device 100 may receive the filtered signal from the signal processor 160 and count the number of complete cycles over a specific period, for example one minute, to determine the respiration rate of the user. The specific period is not limited to one minute.

[0127] The at least one temperature sensor can also be used to detect the respiration rate of the user and can be used in combination with or instead of the at least one pressure sensor. A temperature sensor can measure the cyclic temperature changes and provide insight into the timing of breaths. Air entering and leaving nostrils will have different temperatures. Inhalation will appear as a minimum point (valley) in the temperature signal output by the temperature sensor in the sensor unit 140 or main body 10, and exhalation will appear as a maximum point (peak). Each valley-to-peak pair represents a single breath. By counting these over a specific period, for example one minute, the respiration rate (breaths per minute) is calculated. The raw data from the temperature sensor may be transmitted to the signal processor 160 to be smoothed and to remove noise caused by environmental factors before being sent to the controller to calculate the respiration rate. The at least one temperature sensor may be placed near the entrance of one nostril or each nostril to capture temperature changes as air enters or exits the nostril. Air entering the nostril may be assumed to be at a lower temperature than air exiting the nostril.

[0128] The at least one humidity sensor of the sensor unit 140 or main body 10 can be used to detect the respiration rate of the user in a similar way to the at least one temperature sensor as described above.

[0129] For inhalation, a proximal temperature sensor may record a decrease in temperature before a distal temperature sensor. For exhalation, the proximal temperature sensor may record an increase in temperature after the distal temperature sensor. The order, timing, sign and magnitude of the temperature changes can be used to determine the direction and magnitude of the airflow and be used to determine the respiration rate of the user.

[0130] The at least one sensor unit 140 may be used to monitor asymmetry in nasal airflow by comparing the inflow and outflow of each nostril of the user. This provides a highly detailed insight into a breathing cycle of the user which can be particularly relevant in, but not limited to, yoga, breathwork practices, and athletic training.

[0131] The sensor housing 20 may accommodate the heart rate sensor 170 configured to measure the heart rate of a person. The heart rate sensor 170 may be an optical heart rate sensor or photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor configured to use light to see the expansion of blood vessels and track a pulse rate. The heart rate sensor 170 may be configured to estimate a blood oxygen level. The heart rate sensor 170 may be positioned adjacent to, or in direct contact with, an inner wall of the nose when the wearable device is coupled to the nose of a person. The heart rate sensor 170 may be positioned against the inner surface of the nasal ala of the person. The heart rate sensor 170 may be positioned against the septum of the nose to accurately determine the heart rate by blood volume change in the septum. The heart rate sensor 170 may be comprised in both, or only one of, the first sensor housing 21 and the second sensor housing 22. The wearable device 100 may comprise multiple heart rate sensors 170 to ensure that at least one heart rate sensor 170 is placed adjacent to the nose skin of the user when the wearable device 100 is worn by the user.

[0132] Alternatively, the heart rate sensor 170 may be accommodated in the main body 10 of the wearable device 100 and may be located adjacent to the septum of the nose when the wearable device 100 is worn by the user. In particular, the heart rate sensor 170 may be accommodated in the middle of the main body 10 such that the heart rate sensor is configured to be under the septum when the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose of the user. The heart rate sensor 170 may be configured to face the base of the septum when the wearable device 100 is coupled to the nose. The heart rate sensor 170 may be configured to directly contact the base of the septum when the wearable device 100 is worn by the user.

[0133] Although the at least one temperature sensor and the at least one humidity sensor have been described as being part of the sensor unit 140 accommodated in a sensor housing, the present disclosure is not limited to this. At least one of the at least one temperature sensor and at least one of the at least one humidity sensor may be included in the main body 10 of the wearable device 100.

[0134] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the wearable device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the wearable device 100 comprises a power supply unit 110, a controller 120, a communication unit 130 and at least one sensor unit 140. The wearable device 100 may further comprise a memory 150, a processor 160, at least one heart rate sensor 170 and at least one haptic feedback unit 180.

[0135] The power supply unit 110 is configured to supply power to the electrical components of the wearable device 100. The power supply 110 may be a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery may be rechargeable and may be wirelessly rechargeable. The battery may be replaceable.

[0136] The controller 120 is configured to control the electrical components of the wearable device 100. The controller 120 may comprise control circuitry on a circuit board. In particular, the controller 120 may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 120 may alternatively be implemented as at least one of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an embedded processor, a microprocessor, hardware control logic, hardware Finite State Machine (FSM), and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP).

[0137] The communication unit 130 is configured to communicate with an external device 200. The communication unit 130 is configured to transmit the data detected and / or measured by the wearable device 100 to the external device 200 and may be configured to receive control instructions from the external device 200. The external device 200 may be a user terminal such as a smartphone. The communication unit 130 may perform communication with various external devices using a wireless communication technology or a mobile communication technology. Examples of such wireless communication technology include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), CAN communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, ultrawide band (UWB) communication, Zigbee, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication, Near Field Communication (NFC), and the like, and examples of the mobile communication technology include 3GPP, Wi-Max, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, and the like. The communication unit 130 may be implemented using an antenna, a communication chip and substrate, and the like capable of transmitting electromagnetic waves to outside or receiving the electromagnetic waves transferred from the outside. The communication unit 130 may use Bluetooth Low Energy to reduce the amount of power used by the communication unit 130.

[0138] The communication unit 130 may transmit the data measured by the wearable device 100 in real-time. In other words, the communication unit 130 may transmit the data measured by the wearable device 100 continuously and / or be in continuous communication with the external device 200. Real-time communication between the wearable device 100 and the external device 200 enables the user to be alerted of any immediate issues with the measured data.

[0139] Alternatively, the communication unit 130 may periodically transmit the data to the external device 200. The time interval between data transmissions may be set by the user of the wearable device 100 through inputs on the external device 200 in communication with the wearable device 100. The communication unit 130 may enter a low-power standby state or be powered off when not in use and may only be powered on when the controller 120 controls the power supply 110 to supply power to the communication unit 130. The controller 120 may power on the communication unit 130 based on a predetermined period of time elapsing since the data measured by the wearable device 100 was last transmitted. Periodic communication between the wearable device 100 and the external device 200 reduces the power consumption of the wearable device 100.

[0140] The external device 200 may display and may store the data received from the communication unit 130. Tracking and displaying real-time data on breathing rate, depth, and rhythm, may help the user become more aware of their breathing patterns. If the wearable device 100 or external device 200 detects irregular breathing patterns that could indicate hyperventilation or other issues, the wearable device 100 and / or external device could alert the user to stop or modify their practice or to breathe more, when spotting periods of reduced breathing. The wearable device 100 may alert the user by providing haptic feedback by the haptic feedback unit 180. Collecting data on breathing patterns allows users to track their progress.

[0141] Improvements in metrics like breath duration, consistency, and depth could be visualised on the external device, providing motivation and a sense of accomplishment to the user.

[0142] The at least one sensor unit 140 is configured to detect and / or measure airflow into a first nostril of the nose of a person and detect and / or measure airflow out of the first nostril of the nose of the person. The at least one sensor unit 140 may be further configured to detect and / or measure airflow into a second nostril of the nose of the person and detect and / or measure airflow out of the second nostril of the nose of the person. The at least one sensor unit 140 may comprise a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, a dual-direction MEMS airflow sensor or any of the sensors of the at least one sensor unit 140 described above.

[0143] A first sensor unit 140 may comprise a first sensor configured to detect and / or measure airflow out of the first nostril, and detect and / or measure airflow into the first nostril. For example, the first sensor may be bidirectional and detect and / or measure airflow in two opposite directions. Alternatively, the first sensor may be a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of airflow in the direction out of the nostril of the user. In this case, an increase in pressure from the ambient pressure indicates an airflow due to exhalation with the magnitude of the pressure increase corresponding to the magnitude of the airflow, a decrease in pressure from the ambient pressure indicates an airflow due to inhalation with the magnitude of the pressure decrease corresponding to the magnitude of the airflow. The above are merely examples and should not be considered to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0144] The first sensor unit 140 may alternatively comprise a first sensor configured to detect and / or measure airflow out of the first nostril, and a second sensor configured to detect and / or measure airflow into the first nostril. A second sensor unit 140 may comprise a third sensor configured to detect and / or measure airflow out of the second nostril, and a fourth sensor configured to detect and / or measure airflow into the second nostril.

[0145] The first sensor and the second sensor may be accommodated within the first sensor housing 21 which may be configured to guide the flow of air out of the first nostril away from the second sensor and guide the flow of air into the first nostril away from the first sensor. The first sensor housing 21 may be configured to guide the flow of air out of the first nostril to the first sensor and guide the flow of air into the first nostril to the second sensor.

[0146] The second sensor housing 22 may accommodate the third sensor and the fourth sensor. The second sensor housing 22 may be configured to guide the flow of air out of the second nostril away from the fourth sensor and guide the flow of air into the second nostril away from the third sensor. The second sensor housing 22 may be configured to guide the flow of air out of the second nostril to the third sensor and guide the flow of air into the second nostril to the fourth sensor.

[0147] As described above the at least one sensor unit 140 and / or main body 10 may comprise at least one humidity sensor. Humidity sensors can provide additional information for: Breath Cycle Validation: Confirming breath timing and potentially distinguishing between nasal and oral breathing; Respiratory Health Monitoring:

[0148] Providing insights into conditions like nasal congestion or mouth dryness; and Hydration Assessment (Indirect): Potentially offering an indirect measure of hydration status.

[0149] The memory 150 may be configured to store the data measured by the wearable device 100. The data measured by the wearable device 100 includes the at least one airflow detected and / or measured by the at least one sensor unit 140 and may include the heart rate measured by the heart rate sensor 170. The memory 150 may store various programs or data temporarily or non-temporarily and transfer the stored information to the processor 160 according to calling of the processor 160. In addition, the memory 150 may store various pieces of information necessary for computation, process, or control operation of the controller 120 and the processor 160 in an electric format. The memory 150 may be implemented using a semiconductor storage medium such as a ROM and / or a RAM. The ROM may include, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, and / or a MASK-ROM. The RAM may include, for example, a DRAM and / or a SRAM.

[0150] The processor 160 is configured to analyse the data measured by the wearable device 100. The processor 160 in the disclosure may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a micro-processing unit (MPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP), and an ARM processor for processing a digital signal or may be defined as the corresponding term. In addition, the processor 160 may be implemented as System on Chip (SoC) or large scale integration (LSI) including the processing algorithm or may be implemented in form of a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor 160 may perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in the memory 150. In addition, in order to perform an artificial intelligence function, the processor 160 may include at least one of a graphics-processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), and a visual processing unit (VPU) which are separate AI dedicated processors. The processor 160 may analyse the data measured by the at least one sensor unit 140 to detect changes in breathing patterns and identify signs of stress or anxiety, such as rapid and / or shallow breathing. The processor 160 may perform analysis of the data measured by the at least one sensor unit 140 and the heart rate sensor 170 to detect a level of stress of the user and detect the breathing pattern, breathing rate and heart rate of the user before and during sleep to aid better sleep. The processor 160 may perform a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to analyse the data such as a pressure waveform obtained by at least one pressure sensor.

[0151] The processor 160 may be configured to use AI to analyse the data measured by the wearable device 100. By leveraging AI for real-time analysis, pattern recognition, and personalised feedback, the processor 160 can provide a smarter, more proactive approach to respiratory and heart rate health. The processor 160 may use AI algorithms to analyse the large amounts of breathing and HRV data collected by the wearable device. Machine learning models can detect patterns in respiratory behaviour, predict potential issues, and identify early signs of respiratory distress or irregular heart function. The AI could also help to fine-tune the user's breathing by providing personalised feedback based on long-term data.

[0152] The processor 160 may use AI to analyse the breathing patterns of the user and offer tailored recommendations based on their needs. For example, if the wearable device detects that one nostril is consistently underperforming in terms of airflow, the processor 160 could recommend specific breathing exercises or training to help improve balance between the nostrils, optimising airflow efficiency. The processor 160 may communicate the recommendations to the user using the haptic feedback system or via the external device.

[0153] By continuously monitoring the data, AI can help predict irregularities or potential health risks, such as sleep apnea episodes, high stress levels, or abnormal HRV. Early detection can trigger haptic alerts to prompt the user to take corrective action or seek medical attention, helping to prevent health complications.

[0154] AI can dynamically adjust the feedback provided to the user through the haptic system. If irregular breathing patterns or HRV readings are detected, the device can provide real-time adjustments in vibration intensity or frequency, guiding the user toward more effective breathing patterns. This continuous learning and adjustment based on real-time data enhances the effectiveness of the device. For users with sleep disorders, AI models can process overnight breathing and HRV data to identify interruptions in normal sleep cycles, such as sleep apnea. AI may provide insights on breathing irregularities during sleep and notify the user through the app or a healthcare provider.

[0155] Although the controller 120 and the processor 160 are illustrated as being separate components, they may be implemented as the same component.

[0156] The processor 160 may process the data from the at least one sensor unit 140 and the heart rate sensor (for example, at least one PPG sensor) 170 and may be implemented as an integrated System on Chip (SoC). The processor 160 may determine the respiration rate of the user from the data obtained by the sensors of the wearable device 100.

[0157] The processor 160 may be configured to execute calibration algorithms which are employed to compensate for variations due to individual anatomical differences (such as the shape of the nostril), environmental factors (e.g., ambient temperature, barometric pressure), and sensor characteristics. The processor 160 may be configured to perform signal processing techniques, including but not limited to digital filtering, noise reduction algorithms, and peak and trough detection algorithms, which are implemented to minimise noise and ensure accurate detection of temporal patterns in the pressure and temperature data. The data analysis performed by the processor may further consider potential artifacts, including but not limited to movement artifacts, nasal congestion, and inter-subject anatomical variations, to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the respiratory measurements.

[0158] All sensors of the wearable device 100 (for example the pressure and temperature sensors) may collect data at a sufficiently high frequency (e.g., 50-100 Hz) to capture the relevant physiological signals. All sensors of the wearable device may collect data at high frequency (e.g. 50-100 Hz) to ensure no signal is missed. The processor 160 may apply a low-pass filter to remove high frequency noise and implement baseline correction to account for environmental shifts. The processor 160 may apply an algorithm to sample data simultaneously from all sensors of the wearable device 100. The processor 160 may use one sensor to validate another sensor, such as by aligning the timing of pressure fluctuations with temperature peaks and valleys. The processor 160 may assign a weight to each sensor's signal based on quality and consistency of their data.

[0159] The processor 160 does not rely solely on simplified applications of Bernoulli's principle due to the complex and dynamic nature of nasal airflow. Instead, the processor 160 may perform airflow estimation through a process such as:

[0160] - Differential Pressure Measurement: Measuring the pressure difference (ΔP) between a reference pressure (e.g., ambient pressure measured by an additional sensor or a pre-determined constant value) and the pressure measured within the nostril by the at least one pressure sensor.

[0161] - Empirical Calibration or Computational Modelling: Establishing a relationship between ΔP (change in pressure) and airflow. This relationship is determined through empirical calibration using a known airflow measurement device (e.g., a spirometer) or through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of a representative nasal passage. This relationship may be stored in the memory 150 accessible to the processor 160.

[0162] - Airflow Estimation: Applying the established relationship to measured ΔP values to estimate airflow. The processing unit uses the stored relationship to convert the measured ΔP into an estimated airflow value.

[0163] - Breath Cycle Identification: Identifying pressure peaks and troughs to define the start and end of inhalation and exhalation phases.

[0164] The processor 160 may use both pressure and temperature data to refine the airflow estimation. The approach may utilise a data fusion algorithm executed by the processor 160 to combine pressure and temperature data for enhanced airflow estimation. Faster airflow reduces pressure and the rate of temperature change increases with faster airflow. The processor 160 may use pressure data to estimate flow rates, and use temperature data to refine timing and volume of each breath, combining pressure differential with the temperature change to estimate the volume of air moved in each nostril.

[0165] The processor 160 may combine the respiratory data with heart rate variability (HRV) from a PPG sensor 170 which can provide valuable insights into the interplay between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and offer information about autonomic nervous system function, stress levels, and cardiovascular health.

[0166] The processor 160 may execute a Python-based firmware algorithm for a wearable device or sensor system designed to monitor human respiration. The processor may implement an Enhanced Respiration Algorithm designed to process breathing data from sensors (e.g. pressure and temperature sensors) to calculate respiration rate and estimate airflow dynamics. The processor 160 may integrate signal processing, machine learning, and adaptive methods to enhance accuracy and reliability. The processor 160 may process raw signals from pressure and temperature sensors, identify breath cycles, calculate the breathing rate, and detect airflow patterns.

[0167] The processor 160 may remove noise from pressure and temperature signals using advanced digital filters (bandpass for pressure, low-pass for temperature). The processor may identify inhalation and exhalation events by detecting peaks in the filtered signals and correlating them. The processor 160 may compute the number of breaths per minute using the intervals between breath cycles. The processor 160 may, using pressure and temperature gradients, predict airflow patterns, and may be optionally enhanced by a machine learning model. The processor 160 may monitor the respiration rate and airflow for unusual patterns and issues warnings if values fall outside predefined ranges. The processor 160 may adjust the frequency of data collection based on whether the user is actively breathing or at rest, saving energy in low-activity scenarios. The processor 160 may include an optional logging feature for developers to troubleshoot issues during calibration or use.

[0168] The controller 120 may be a microcontroller which collects the airflow sensor data and the hearth rate sensor data, processes it, and controls the communication unit 130 to transmit the data it wirelessly to a paired external device 200, such as a smartphone. The communication unit 130 may use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0169] The functions of the processor 160 may alternatively be performed by the external device 200 which receives the data measured by the wearable device 100 and so the external device 200 may perform the AI analysis described above. The neural network constituting the AI may be comprised on an external device 200, such as a server, which may be accessed through the communication unit 130 of the wearable device 100.

[0170] The heart rate sensor 170 is configured to measure a heart rate of the person based on blood flow through the nose. The heart rate sensor 170 may utilise the reflective method of photoplethysmography to ensure that data on cardiovascular function can be captured simultaneously with respiratory data. The heart rate sensor 170 may be a PPG sensor and may be placed at strategic points in the nose when the wearable device is worn to monitor the pulse and heart rate variability (HRV) of the user.

[0171] The haptic feedback unit 180 is configured to provide haptic feedback to the nose. The haptic feedback unit 180 may be located in at least one of the first sensor housing 21 and the second sensor housing 22. The haptic feedback unit 180 may comprise a first haptic feedback unit accommodated in the first sensor housing 21 and a second haptic feedback unit accommodated in the second sensor housing 22. The haptic feedback unit 180 may comprise at least one eccentric rotating mass (ERM) actuator configured to provide haptic feedback using vibrations.

[0172] The haptic feedback unit 180 may comprise at least one small haptic motor integrated into the wearable device 100 to provide vibrational feedback to the user in real-time. This may be used to alert the user to irregular breathing patterns, including the detection of mouth breathing or an imbalance in nasal airflow, as well as irregularities in HRV. This haptic feedback is particularly useful during physical activities, enabling the user to adjust their breathing without needing to frequently check their mobile device.

[0173] The main body 10 of the wearable device may comprise at least one of the power supply unit 110, the controller 120, the communication unit 130, the memory 150, the processor 160, the heart rate sensor 170, the haptic feedback unit 180, at least one temperature sensor and at least one humidity sensor. A sensor housing 20, such as the first sensor housing 21 and / or the second sensor housing 22, may comprise at least one of the sensor unit 140, the heart rate sensor 170 and the haptic feedback unit 180. In other words, if the heart rate sensor 170 and / or the haptic feedback unit 180 are not comprised in the main body 10, they may be comprised in the sensor housing 20 connected to the main body 10. Although, the present disclosure is not limited to this and any of the power supply unit 110, controller 120, communication unit 130, memory 150, and processor 160 of the wearable device 100 may be accommodated in any of the first sensor housing 21, the second sensor housing 22 and the main body 10.

[0174] The external device 200 may be a smartphone running an application connected to the wearable device. The application may use AI for long-term data trend analysis. The AI may assess the users breathing habits, HRV trends, and exercise performance, offering insights and personalised training programs based on the data collected. Over time, the application could improve its accuracy in predicting health outcomes, providing more tailored advice.

[0175] Al can continuously improve the accuracy and relevance of the data provided to the user, offering a seamless and smarter experience. The heart rate sensor data and the sensor unit data may be processed using AI on the processor 160 of the wearable device 100 or on the processor 210 of the external device 200. The wearable device 100 may be a nose ring, allowing for an unobtrusive, wearable design. The wearable device ring 100 may contain pressure sensors that detect airflow in both directions, across both nostrils, and transmit data wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to a mobile application. The mobile app may analyse the data and provide real-time feedback, alerts, and visualisations of the user's breathing patterns. The app can also issue individual haptic feedback on to each or both nostrils, through the wearable device ring 100 itself when irregular breathing patterns are detected, such as deviations from nasal breathing to mouth breathing, or interruptions that may indicate conditions like sleep apnea.

[0176] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of a wearable device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the coupling member 30 may comprise detachable silicon shoes for providing grip to the inside of the user's nose.

[0177] FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of the wearable device 100 of FIG. 9 coupled to the nose of a person. As shown in FIG. 10, the wearable device may be securely coupled to the nose using friction between the coupling member 30 and the inside surface of the nose. The wearable device is detachably coupled to the nose and may be removed by the user moving the first coupling member 31 closer to the second coupling member 32 by squeezing the main body 10. The main body 10 may comprise an elastic member configured to push the first coupling member 31 away from the second coupling member 32 when the wearable device is worn.

[0178] The elastic member of the main body 10 may be configured to widen the nostrils of the user when the wearable device is coupled to the nose of the user. This may improve the airflow through the nostrils of the user. Alternatively, the first coupling member 31 and the second coupling member 32 may be configured to widen the nostrils of the user when the wearable device is coupled to the nose of the user to improve the airflow through the nostrils.

[0179] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the external device 200 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the external device 200 may comprise a second processor 210, a second memory 220, a second communication unit 230 and a second power supply unit 240. The second power supply unit 240 is optional as the external device 200 may instead be plugged into a socket to receive mains power. The second processor 210 may be configured to perform AI analysis on the data measured by the wearable device 100. The second memory 220 may be configured to store the data measured by the wearable device 100 and received via the second communication unit. The second communication unit 230 may be configured to perform communication with the wearable device 100, such as to provide information on the nasal shape of the user. The second power supply unit 240 may be configured to supply power to the electric components of the external device.

[0180] This invention relates to a wearable device / septum ring which may be embedded with sensors designed to measure both inflow and outflow of nasal airflow in each nostril. The device's unique design, incorporating multiple sensors, allows for real-time, precise measurement of breathing patterns and provides feedback to the user via a connected mobile application and haptic feedback. The integration of these features together with Heart Rate Variability (HRV) data through photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors allows for precise measurement of breathing patterns and HRV, providing users with comprehensive insights into both respiratory and cardiovascular health. Data is relayed via a connected mobile application in the external device 200, which may also deliver feedback through haptic alerts.

[0181] The wearable device 100, in particular the processor 160, may analyse airflow data (measuring volume and pressure differentials), as well as HRV data, calculating both breathing efficiency and cardiovascular health metrics. These data streams may be sent to the user via the external device in real-time.

[0182] The app, in particular the processor 210 of the external device 200, may analyse metrics such as breathing rate, flow symmetry between the nostrils, and breathing depth, alongside HRV trends, to provide insights into the user's overall health.

[0183] Users may be alerted to irregular patterns, such as mouth breathing during a workout or a sudden drop in HRV, through vibrational alerts via the wearable device's haptic feedback unit 180 or the app, guiding them to adjust their breathing or seek medical advice if necessary.

[0184] An athlete may wear the wearable device (nose / septum ring) during training. As they run, the wearable device may monitor their breathing patterns and HRV, and may send the data to the app. The app may show that the athlete is starting to breathe through their mouth at a high heart rate. The haptic feedback unit 180 may vibrate, notifying them to adjust their breathing to nasal only. The wearable device 100 can differentiate between inhalation and exhalation with high precision, providing a more detailed analysis of breathing patterns. This level of specificity is often missing in other wearables, which might only provide an aggregate measure of respiratory rate without distinguishing the phases of the breath cycle. By capturing the strength and duration of each breath phase, the wearable device 100 according to an embodiment can offer insights into the dynamics of breathing, such as whether the user is exhaling completely or taking deep enough breaths— details that many existing wearables may overlook.

[0185] Unlike bulkier wearables, the wearable device (septum ring) 100 is compact and discreet. It avoids the discomfort of chest straps or large wrist devices, making it a more attractive option for long-term wear. Its location in the nose is also non-invasive compared to throat-based or nasal-insert sensors.

[0186] It will be appreciated that the functionality of each of the components discussed can be combined in a number of ways other than those discussed in the foregoing description. Conditional language such as "may", is generally used to indicate that features / steps are used in a particular embodiment, but that alternative embodiments may include alternative features, or omit such features altogether.

Claims

Claims1. A wearable device (100) for being worn on a nose of a person, the wearable device (100) comprising:a main body (10) configured to be coupled to the septum of the nose;a first sensor housing (21) fixed to the main body (10);a power supply unit (110);a controller (120); anda communication unit (130) configured to perform communication with an external device (200);wherein the first sensor housing (21) comprises a first sensor unit (140), wherein the first sensor unit (140) is configured to detect an airflow out of a first nostril of the nose and / or detect an airflow into the first nostril of the nose, wherein the controller (120) is configured to control the communication unit (130) to transmit the detection of airflow out of the first nostril and / or the detection of airflow into the first nostril to the external device (200).

2. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the main body (10) is configured to be coupled to the nose by being placed either side of the septum and above the columella of the nose to be passively held in position by the anatomical features of the nose without applying a pinching force or a clamping force to the nose, orthe first sensor housing (21) is configured to be coupled to the nose by being placed on one side of the septum and above the columella of the nose to be held in position by the anatomical features of the nose without applying a pinching force or a clamping force to the nose3. The wearable device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensor unit comprises a first sensor configured to measure the airflow out of the first nostril and measure the airflow into the first nostril.

4. The wearable device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensor unit comprises a first sensor configured to measure the airflow out of the first nostril and a second sensor configured to measure the airflow into the first nostril.

5. The wearable device of claim 4, wherein the first sensor housing is configured to divert the flow path of air flowing out of the first nostril away from the second sensor and configured to divert the flow path of air flowing into the first nostril away from the first sensor.

6. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second sensor housing (22) fixed to the main body, wherein the second sensor housing comprises a second sensor unit configured to detect an airflow out of a second nostril of the nose and detect an airflow into the second nostril of the nose, optionally wherein the second sensor unit comprises a third sensor configured to measure the airflow out of the second nostril and a fourth sensor configured to measure the airflow into the second nostril.

7. The wearable device of claim 6, further comprising a fourth sensor housing (24) fixed to the main body, wherein the fourth sensor housing comprises a fourth sensor unit configured to detect the airflow out of the second nostril and detect the airflow into the second nostril,wherein the second sensor housing is positioned inside the second nostril at a first distance from the second nostril opening and the fourth sensor housing is positioned inside the second nostril at a second distance from the second nostril opening, andwherein the first distance is different to the second distance.

8. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a third sensor housing (23) comprising a third sensor unit, wherein the third sensor unit is configured to detect and / or measure airflow into and out of the first nostril, wherein the first sensor housing is positioned inside the first nostril and the third sensor housing is positioned outside the first nostril.

9. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first sensor unit comprises at least one MEMS sensor to detect and / or measure the airflow out of the first nostril of the nose and detect and / or measure the airflow into the first nostril of the nose.

10. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first sensor unit comprises at least one temperature sensor to detect and / or measure the airflow out of the first nostril of the nose and detect and / or measure the airflow into the first nostril of the nose.

11. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first sensor unit comprises at least one pressure sensor to detect and / or measure the airflow outof the first nostril of the nose and detect and / or measure the airflow into the first nostril of the nose.

12. The wearable device of claim 10 when dependent on claim 9, wherein the detection or measurement of the airflow out of the first nostril of the nose using the at least one temperature sensor is compared to the simultaneous detection or measurement of the airflow out of the first nostril of the nose using the at least one pressure sensor to validate the detection or measurement of the airflow out of the first nostril of the nose.

13. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a heart rate sensor (170) configured to measure a heart rate of the person,wherein the controller is further configured to control the communication unit to transmit the measured heart rate to the external device.

14. The wearable device of claim 13, wherein the heart rate sensor is configured to measure the heart rate based on blood volume change in the septum of the nose.

15. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a humidity sensor.

16. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a processor (160) configured to determine the respiration rate of the user based on the data obtained by the first sensor unit.

17. The wearable device of claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the first sensor unit based on the noise of the data obtained by the first sensor unit.

18. The wearable device of claim 16 or 17, wherein the processor is configured to perform machine learning to estimate the airflow into the first nostril and the airflow out of the first nostril based on the data obtained by the first sensor unit.

19. The wearable device of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the processor is configured to calibrate the first sensor unit based on the nasal shape of the user.

20. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a coupling member (30) coupled to the main body and / or the first housing, wherein thecoupling member comprises friction pads configured to contact a surface of the nose when the wearable device is coupled to the nose, andoptionally wherein the coupling member is configured to widen the area of the first nostril when the wearable device is coupled to the nose of the user.

21. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first sensor housing is configured to be coupled to an inner surface of the nose.

22. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprises an elastic member configured to push the first sensor housing towards the nose when the first sensor housing is coupled to the nose.

23. The wearable device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a haptic feedback unit (180) configured to provide haptic feedback to the nose.

24. The wearable device of claim 23, wherein the haptic feedback unit is configured to provide first haptic feedback to the first nostril and second haptic feedback to a second nostril of the nose.

25. The wearable device of claim 23 when dependent on claim 3 or 4, wherein the haptic feedback unit is configured to provide haptic feedback based on the measured airflow out of and into the first nostril being below a first threshold.

26. A method of controlling a wearable device (100), the wearable device (100) including a main body (10) configured to be coupled to the septum of a nose, a first sensor housing (21) fixed to the main body (10), a power supply unit (110), a controller (120), and a communication unit (130) configured to perform communication with an external device (200), wherein the first sensor housing (21) comprises a first sensor unit (140) configured to detect an airflow out of a first nostril of the nose and / or detect an airflow into the first nostril of the nose, the method comprising:detecting an airflow out of the first nostril of the nose and / or detecting an airflow into the first nostril of the nose; andtransmitting the detected airflow out of the first nostril and / or the detected airflow into the first nostril to the external device (200).

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