Image-Based Sleep Scoring for Non-Invasive Sleep Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with sleep-related and respiratory disorders often find traditional respiratory therapy systems uncomfortable, aesthetically unappealing, or expensive, leading to non-compliance or discontinuation of use despite potential benefits.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes a user device to capture an image of a user, analyze it using a machine learning algorithm, and determine a sleep score based on the image analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional respiratory therapy systems are used to treat sleep disorders, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but user comfort and aesthetic appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image capture and machine learning analysis to create a digital representation of sleep quality metrics instead of requiring physical respiratory therapy equipment. The system captures images during sleep and generates sleep scores that replicate the functionality of traditional therapy monitoring without the physical apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical respiratory therapy systems with an optical-based image analysis system. Instead of using masks, tubes, and pressurized air delivery mechanisms, the system uses cameras and machine learning algorithms to assess sleep quality and provide treatment guidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional respiratory therapy systems are used, then symptom management is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymptom managementVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential monitoring and assessment functionality from complex respiratory therapy systems. By isolating the key function of sleep quality assessment through image analysis, the system eliminates the need for complex mechanical components while retaining symptom management capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs affordable, readily available components such as standard camera devices and software-based machine learning algorithms instead of expensive medical equipment. The system uses consumer-grade technology to achieve clinical-grade sleep assessment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If respiratory therapy systems are made more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, then user compliance improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser complianceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical therapy delivery systems with a software-based image analysis approach. This substitution maintains user compliance by providing comfortable, non-invasive monitoring while actually reducing device complexity compared to traditional respiratory therapy equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260013787A1Systems and methods for determining sleep scores based on images

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 RESMED INC

AI summary

A method includes causing, via an application executing on a user device, the user device to capture an image of a user. The method also includes receiving, by a control system, the image of the user. The method also includes analyzing, by the control system based on a machine learning algorithm, the image of the user. The method also includes determining, by the control system based on the analyzing the image of the user, the sleep score for the user.