Sleeping Mask Infrared Sensor Sleep Stage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for monitoring sleep stages, such as polysomnograms and CPAP devices, are burdensome and disruptive due to the use of multiple on-skin electrodes, which can be interrupted or distorted by poor contact, leading to inaccurate signal readings.

Innovation Solution

A sleeping mask with integrated sensors, including infrared light sources and sensors, a signal processor, and other sensors like EEG and movement sensors, that emit infrared light towards the eyelid, detect reflected light, and analyze patterns to identify sleep events like REM and non-REM stages without the need for direct skin contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple on-skin electrodes are used for monitoring sleep stages, then sleep characteristics can be detected, but user comfort deteriorates and signal accuracy is reduced due to poor contact and disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleep stage detection accuracyVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based electrodes with an optical system using infrared light sources and sensors. The infrared sensors detect eye movements by measuring changes in reflected light from the eyelid, eliminating the need for physical skin contact while maintaining measurement capability. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing accurate sleep stage detection without the discomfort and signal interference caused by traditional electrodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple on-skin electrodes are used for monitoring sleep stages, then sleep characteristics can be detected, but signal reliability deteriorates due to poor contact and distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleep stage detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional EEG or EOG with multiple electrodes is used, then sleep stages can be monitored, but device complexity increases and ease of use decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleep stage monitoring capabilityVSAvoidnumber of electrodes and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and utilizes a specific physiological indicator (eye movement) that is characteristic of different sleep stages, particularly REM sleep. By focusing on this single extracted indicator through infrared sensing, the system achieves comprehensive sleep stage monitoring without requiring the complex array of multiple electrodes needed for conventional EEG or EOG methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The infrared sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects eye movements to identify REM sleep, monitors eyelid position, and can potentially track other facial movements. This multi-functionality allows the system to monitor various sleep characteristics using a single integrated approach rather than requiring separate specialized sensors for each measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a non-invasive, flexible, and accurate method for monitoring sleep characteristics, reducing user discomfort and signal interference, while aggregating data for improved sleep analysis and diagnosis.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared light source coupled to the signal processor and configured to emit infrared light toward an eyelid of a user, and an array of infrared sensors coupled to the signal processor and configured to receive infrared light reflected from the eyelid of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

receive infrared light reflected from the eyelid of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11666269B2Sleeping mask methods and panels with integrated sensors

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A sleeping mask includes a signal processor for processing sensor data, an infrared light source coupled to the signal processor and configured to emit infrared light toward an eyelid of a user, and an array of infrared sensors coupled to the signal processor and configured to receive infrared light reflected from the eyelid of the user.