Adaptive Alarm Time Adjustment Using Sleep Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current alarms do not consider sleep disruptions and often wake individuals before they have received adequate sleep, particularly for those with medical conditions requiring sufficient rest, lacking effective and cost-efficient solutions.

Innovation Solution

A device with a processor and sleep sensor that monitors sleep data to determine whether to adjust the alarm time based on the amount of sleep received, ensuring the user achieves desired sleep parameters before waking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional alarm is set to wake a person at a specific time, then the alarm activates at the designated time, but the person may be woken up before receiving adequate sleep, especially when sleep disruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadequacy of sleep receivedVSAvoidalarm time adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors sleep parameters (wake times, sleep duration, sleep quality) and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the alarm time. The processor compares actual sleep data against target sleep parameters and modifies the alarm time accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to sleep disruptions without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The alarm time is transformed from a static, fixed value into a dynamic parameter that automatically adjusts based on real-time sleep data. The system enables flexible alarm scheduling that responds to changing sleep patterns, allowing the alarm time to move earlier or later based on whether the person has received adequate sleep or needs to be woken up sooner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the alarm time is fixed regardless of sleep data, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot account for sleep disruptions or medical conditions requiring adequate sleep

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to sleep disruptionsVSAvoidsleep monitoring and adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring sleep parameters and modifying alarm times without requiring manual user intervention. The processor autonomously compares sleep data against target parameters and makes adjustments, reducing the burden on the user while maintaining adaptability to sleep disruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual alarm adjustment mechanisms with an automated electronic system that uses sleep sensors, processors, and software algorithms. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with electronic automation enables sophisticated adaptability to sleep patterns while managing complexity through integrated electronic components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If sleep data is monitored and alarm time is adjusted based on sleep quality, then adequate sleep can be ensured, but the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleep adequacy for medical conditionsVSAvoidsleep sensor integration and processing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system integrates multiple functions into a single unified platform: sleep monitoring, data analysis, alarm time adjustment, and user notification. By combining these functions in one system, the patent reduces the need for separate devices and manages complexity through functional integration rather than multiplying components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9615787B2Determining whether to change a time at which an alarm is to occur based at least in part on sleep data

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

In one aspect, a device includes a processor and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory bears instructions executable by the processor to receive data from a sleep sensor in communication with the device and, based at least in part on the data, determine whether to change a time at which an alarm is to occur at the device.