Breathing Biofeedback Eyeglasses Thermal Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breathing monitoring technologies are uncomfortable, impractical for daily use, and limited in their ability to monitor various breathing parameters that affect emotional and physiological states, lacking effectiveness in providing real-time biofeedback.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing head-mounted thermal cameras to measure respiratory activity by capturing thermal data from regions below the nostrils, providing feedback through a user interface for breathing biofeedback sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current breathing monitoring technologies are used, then breathing parameters can be monitored, but the device is uncomfortable and impractical for daily use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical breathing monitoring devices (chest straps, belts) with a thermal camera-based system that optically detects thermal patterns from breath condensation on the upper lip, eliminating mechanical contact and improving comfort for daily use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal imaging technology as an intermediary to indirectly measure breathing parameters by detecting thermal patterns from breath condensation, rather than directly measuring respiratory mechanics, thereby achieving non-intrusive monitoring
2Adaptability or versatility
If current breathing monitoring technologies are used, then limited breathing parameters are monitored, but the ability to monitor various breathing parameters affecting emotional and physiological states is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the breathing monitoring process into multiple thermal pattern detection zones on the upper lip region, analyzing different thermal characteristics (condensation patterns, temperature variations, moisture distribution) to extract comprehensive breathing parameters including rate, depth, and rhythm
3Loss of information
If current breathing monitoring technologies are used, then breathing awareness can be obtained, but real-time biofeedback is not effectively provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time biofeedback by continuously capturing thermal patterns from the upper lip region, processing the thermal data to determine breathing parameters, and immediately providing visual or audible feedback to the user about their breathing state, enabling real-time breathing regulation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables comfortable and effective monitoring of breathing patterns, providing users with awareness and control over their respiratory activity, improving emotional and physiological states through real-time feedback.
Implementation Method 1
at least one head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) worn on a user's head takes thermal measurements of a region below the nostrils (THROI) of the user, where THROI are indicative of the exhale stream
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and methods for providing a breathing biofeedback session utilizing thermal measurements. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) that takes thermal measurements of a region below the nostrils (THROI) of a user. THROI are indicative of the exhale stream. Optionally, each CAM is located less than 15 cm from the user's face and above the user's upper lip, and does not occlude any of the user's mouth and nostrils. Optionally, THROI include thermal measurements of at least first and second regions below right and left nostrils of the user. The system also includes a user interface configured to provide feedback, calculated based on THROI, as part of a breathing biofeedback session for the user. Optionally, the system includes a computer that calculates the feedback.