In-Ear Bruxism Detection Using Dynamic Sensor Rate and Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bruxism detection and feedback systems face challenges in accurately detecting bruxism events while being power-efficient, as larger power sources required for longer battery life increase the device size, making them uncomfortable to wear and noticeable during the day.
Innovation Solution
A bruxism detection and feedback system featuring an in-ear device with shape-conforming materials, integrated heart rate, microvibration, and breathing rate sensors, and a processor that determines microarousal events to increase bruxism sensor measuring rate, using acoustic or strain gauge sensors to detect jaw movement-induced ear canal shape changes, and providing personalized feedback stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a larger local power source is used in the in-ear device, then the battery life is extended, but the device size increases making it uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional parts: a small in-ear detection device that consumes minimal power for sensing only, and a separate external processing unit that handles data analysis and feedback. This segmentation allows the in-ear device to remain small and comfortable while extending overall system operation through the external unit's power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source and data processing functions are extracted from the in-ear device and placed in an external unit. The in-ear device retains only the essential sensing components, dramatically reducing its size and improving wearability while maintaining extended operational capability through the external power source.
2Ease of operation
If the in-ear device is made smaller to fit comfortably in the ear canal, then wearability is improved, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the in-ear detection function from the power consumption functions. The small in-ear device performs only sensing operations with minimal power requirements, while the external unit handles computationally intensive tasks and provides feedback, allowing the in-ear device to remain compact and wearable.
Solution Approach 2:
Power-intensive functions including data processing, bruxism detection algorithms, and feedback generation are extracted from the in-ear device and implemented in an external unit. This extraction enables the in-ear device to be small and comfortable to wear while the external unit provides sustained operation.
3Measurement precision
If the bruxism sensor measuring rate is increased to improve detection accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor measuring rate is made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the measurement frequency based on detected conditions - using higher rates when bruxism activity is detected and lowering rates during normal conditions. This dynamic adjustment maintains detection accuracy when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous high-rate measurement, the system employs periodic sampling at variable intervals. The measurement rate is increased periodically when microarousal events are detected, maintaining detection precision during critical moments while using lower rates during stable periods to conserve energy.
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
This system allows for accurate and energy-efficient detection of bruxism events, reducing false positives by correlating microarousal events with bruxism occurrences and providing tailored feedback to manage bruxism effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the in-ear portion is at least partially made from a shape conforming material that conforms to a shape of the ear canal
Implementation Method 2
using acoustic or strain gauge sensors to detect jaw movement-induced ear canal shape changes
Implementation Method 3
using acoustic or strain gauge sensors to detect jaw movement-induced ear canal shape changes
Implementation Method 4
a microvibration sensor to measure microvibrations
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a bruxism detection and feedback system comprising an in-ear device having an in-ear portion and a feedback device. The in-ear device comprises a heart rate sensor and/or a breathing rate sensor and a bruxism sensor. The bruxism detection and feedback device further comprises a processor connected to the heart rate sensor and/or the breathing rate sensor, the bruxism sensor and the feedback device. In embodiments the bruxism sensor is an acoustic sensor for measuring an acoustic signal in the ear canal of a wearer. The invention further relates to a method for use of the bruxism detection and feedback system.