Sleep Induction Rhythm Control Using Sleep Onset Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sleep induction devices lack the ability to adaptively adjust stimulation rates based on individual user responses for optimal sleep induction, often leading to suboptimal results due to fixed stimulation settings.

Innovation Solution

A sleep induction device with an attachment unit, drive device, and control unit that allows users to input instructions, detects sleep onset, and adjusts stimulation rates based on individual responses, storing optimal rates and times for personalized stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed stimulation settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but sleep induction effectiveness deteriorates due to lack of adaptability to individual user responses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to individual user responsesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device detects sleep onset in the user and uses this detection to adjust stimulation parameters. The control unit reads detection time from sensor data and compares it with stored sleep induction time to determine whether to update stimulation settings, creating a closed-loop feedback system that adapts to individual user responses while maintaining manageable device complexity through algorithmic decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-adjustment of stimulation parameters by automatically comparing detected sleep onset time with stored optimal values and updating its own stimulation rate without requiring external intervention. The control unit autonomously calculates stimulation candidates, outputs adjusted drive signals, and stores new optimal parameters, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If stimulation rate is adjusted based on sleep onset detection, then sleep induction effectiveness is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleep induction effectivenessVSAvoidsleep onset detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device stores predetermined sleep induction time values and stimulation rate candidates in advance. When detection occurs, the control unit compares the detected time with stored values and selects from pre-calculated stimulation candidates, cushioning against the need for real-time complex calculations and reducing the burden on measurement precision by working with predetermined thresholds and discrete adjustment options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12502505B2Sleep induction device, operation method for respiratory rhythm adjustment device, and computer readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 SHIRASAWA AYUMU

AI summary

A sleep induction device, wherein the control unit reads a stimulation rate that is associated with a stimulation part from a storage unit, calculates a stimulation candidate by making a shift in the stimulation rate by a predetermined amount, outputs a drive signal according to the stimulation candidate, acquires a detection time from start of output of the drive signal to detection of sleep onset by the sensor, and causes the storage unit to store the stimulation candidate and the detection time as the stimulation rate and a sleep induction time, in association with the stimulation part, when the detection time is shorter than the sleep induction time.