Portable Sleep Accessory Using Segmented Biofeedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable devices for inducing sleep or aiding physical exercise lack portability, are often bulky and expensive, and do not allow users to influence the device's state with their physiological changes beyond music tempo.
Innovation Solution
A portable device system comprising a lightweight accessory unit, such as a wristband, connected to a main unit via wireless communication, which measures physiological parameters like pulse rate to adjust music, sounds, and device state to induce target sleep or exercise states, allowing user control over measurement intervals and methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biofeedback devices are used to monitor physiological state and provide feedback, then the user can achieve target physiological states, but the devices become bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a simple accessory unit worn by the user that contains only sensors and a wireless transmitter, and a portable unit that contains the processing unit, memory, and user interface. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to be accurate while the main processing components are portable and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex processing unit, memory storage, and user interface are extracted from the accessory worn by the user and placed in a separate portable unit. This extraction reduces the bulk and cost of what the user wears while maintaining full functionality in the portable unit that the user carries.
2Ease of operation
If portable feedback devices are used, then portability is improved, but the user cannot influence the device state with physiological changes beyond music tempo
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the processing unit continuously receives physiological data from the accessory unit, analyzes the user's current state, and automatically adjusts playback parameters (music tempo, sound characteristics) in real-time. This allows the device to adapt to the user's physiological changes without requiring manual intervention, enhancing both portability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The playback parameters are made dynamic and adjustable in real-time based on the user's physiological state. The system can change music tempo, modify sound characteristics, and adjust playback timing automatically as the user's physiological parameters change, providing versatile control while maintaining portability.
3Measurement precision
If measurement sensors are integrated into portable devices, then physiological monitoring is enabled, but the device lacks controlling function to influence user state
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the physiological measurement data not only for monitoring but as input for controlling the audio output. The processing unit analyzes the measured parameters and automatically adjusts playback characteristics to influence the user's physiological state, creating a bidirectional system that both monitors and actively intervenes to facilitate relaxation or exercise goals.
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable device, accessory unit, system, method and computer program for inducing a target physiological state in a user, where the current physiological state of the user is compared data indicative of well-known physiological states in a human being and where the audio output produced from the portable device or from the accessory unit is adjusted according to the target physiological stated to be induced in the user.