Gyroscope-Accelerometer Sensing for Mandibular Sleep Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleep disturbance detection systems fail to accurately differentiate between mandibular and head movements, leading to inaccurate diagnosis of sleep disorders due to the influence of body and head movements during breathing, particularly with accelerometer-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a gyroscope to measure mandibular rotational movements, combined with an accelerometer and optionally a magnetometer, to analyze and distinguish between mandibular and head movements, using a data analysis unit to classify sleep disorders based on mandibular movement patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accelerometer-based systems are used to measure head and mandible movements, then the system can detect movements, but the measurement precision is insufficient to differentiate between mandibular and head movements accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines accelerometer and gyroscope sensors into a single sensing unit to measure both linear acceleration and rotational movement. This merging of sensing capabilities allows the system to capture complete movement data of the head and mandible, enabling accurate differentiation between passive head movements and active mandibular movements, thereby resolving the measurement precision issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational movement measurement (angular velocity and orientation) as an additional dimension beyond linear acceleration. By measuring the rotational component of mandibular movement using the gyroscope, the system gains a new degree of freedom in movement analysis, which is critical for distinguishing mandibular movements from head movements and improving diagnosis accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If only accelerometer data is processed, then the system is simpler, but the measurement precision is limited and affected by movements of other body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges accelerometer and gyroscope sensors into a single integrated sensing unit that measures both linear and rotational movements. This combination provides complementary information that compensates for the limitations of accelerometer-only systems, improving mandibular movement detection precision while keeping the device compact and wearable.
3Reliability
If in-lab polysomnography is used for sleep assessment, then the diagnosis accuracy is high, but the system is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical polysomnography system with a wireless wearable sensor unit that uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect sleep disturbances. This substitution eliminates the need for overnight stays in dedicated facilities, reducing costs and time requirements while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through advanced signal processing and machine learning algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a portable copy of the polysomnography functionality that can be used outside the laboratory. By replicating the essential measurement capabilities in a wearable device, the system makes sleep assessment accessible to patients in their natural environment, significantly improving productivity and accessibility without sacrificing diagnostic reliability.
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
Enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of sleep disorder detection by distinguishing between mandibular and head movements, allowing for precise identification of sleep stages and disorders such as bruxism and apneas with improved patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a gyroscope adapted to measure movements of the mandible of a subject
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer adapted to measure movements of the head and/or of the mandible of a subject
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for detection of a sleep event of a subject. In an aspect of the invention the system comprises a sensing unit configured for mounting on the mandible, a data analysis unit, and a data link. The sensing unit comprises a gyroscope and an accelerometer configured to measure mandibular and head movements. A data analysis unit receives timestreams of rotational and acceleration data and identifies signals characteristic of sleep events. These can include frequency-based and positional/movement-based signals and a third signal representing a change in mandibular or head position. A memory stores classes of mandibular movements, each defined by sets of rotation and acceleration values. A sampling element samples both data streams during the same sampling period. The analysis unit derives measured values from the sampled data, matches them to movement classes indicative of sleep events, and generates diagnostic information for diagnosing a sleep disorder.