Intelligent Sleep Apnea Device Setup System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sleep apnea devices require manual setup and configuration, which can be cumbersome and lead to improper operation if not done correctly, resulting in ineffective therapy for patients.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent setup and recommendation system using a mobile computing device with an augmented reality interface to assist users in setting up sleep apnea devices, including facial data collection for optimal mask sizing and automated recognition of device and mask types to provide personalized assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual setup and configuration is used for sleep apnea devices, then device complexity is reduced, but setup accuracy and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup processVSAvoidsetup system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables patients to autonomously complete device setup by capturing images of their face and mask with a mobile device camera. The processing server automatically analyzes these images to determine mask positioning and sizing, eliminating the need for manual configuration instructions or professional assistance during setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical setup procedures with an automated image processing system. Instead of requiring patients to physically adjust and configure components based on paper instructions, the system uses optical capture and automated image analysis to guide and verify proper device configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automated image processing is implemented, then setup accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemask positioningVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary image capture during the initial setup phase before therapy begins. By capturing images of the patient's face and the positioned mask at the start, the system establishes baseline measurements for mask positioning and sizing that guide subsequent setup adjustments without requiring repeated measurements during therapy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The processing server analyzes captured images and provides feedback to the patient through the mobile device, indicating whether the mask is properly positioned and sized. This feedback loop allows patients to make real-time adjustments and re-capture images until optimal positioning is achieved, ensuring accuracy without excessive processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3891659B1Intelligent setup and recommendation system for sleep apnea device
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 RESMED INC
  • EP3891659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3891659B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3891659B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A system and method for assisting a patient in setting up and using respiratory therapy device is disclosed. The system includes an equipment database storing data relating to respiratory therapy device types and mask types. A device recognition module is operable to identify the type of the respiratory therapy device from an image of the respiratory therapy device captured by a client computing device in comparison with the data relating to the device types. A mask recognition module is operable to identify the type of the mask from an image of the mask captured by the client computing device in comparison with the data relating to the mask types. A media database includes media relating to assistance information relating to mask types and device types. A management server is operable to send media relating to assistance information for the identified type of mask or identified type of device to the client computing device.