Non-Contact Sleep Monitoring via CO2 Concentration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleep monitoring systems require physical contact with the subject, which can be uncomfortable and disrupt sleep, leading to accuracy issues.
Innovation Solution
A sleep monitoring system using a CO2 sensor and processor to determine whether a subject is awake or asleep by monitoring CO2 concentration levels, without physical contact, and adjusting environmental conditions for improved sleep quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical contact sensors (pressure sensors, brainwave detecting means) are used to monitor sleep, then measurement precision is improved, but the subject's comfort and sleep quality deteriorate due to uncomfortable contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces CO2 concentration as an intermediary parameter to indirectly monitor sleep patterns. Instead of directly contacting the subject with sensors, the system measures CO2 levels in the breathing zone, which serve as a mediator between the subject's physiological state and the monitoring system. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement accuracy through the intermediary CO2 metric while eliminating direct physical contact that causes discomfort.
2Ease of operation
If non-contact monitoring methods are used to improve subject comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to indirect measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the monitored parameter from direct physiological signals (brainwaves, pressure) to environmental CO2 concentration. By measuring CO2 levels in the subject's breathing zone and analyzing temporal patterns of CO2 concentration changes, the system achieves accurate sleep stage detection without direct contact. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by finding an alternative measurable property that maintains precision while improving ease of operation.
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 accurate sleep pattern monitoring and optimization of sleep conditions without disturbing the subject, improving sleep quality and reducing chronic health issues.
Implementation Method 1
CO2 sensors typically operate by measuring the amount of infrared light absorbed by CO2 molecules at specific wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A sleep monitoring system (10) for monitoring the sleep of a subject is disclosed. The system comprises a CO2 sensor (21) and a processor (31) communicatively coupled to the CO2 sensor, wherein the processor is adapted to monitor a CO2 concentration from sensor data produced by the CO2 sensor; and derive sleep pattern information from the monitored CO2 concentration, wherein the sleep pattern information comprises at least an indication that the subject is awake and an indication that the subject is asleep. A sleep monitoring method and computer program product are also disclosed.