Sound-Induced Sleep System Using EEG-Based Acoustic Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inducing sleep are invasive or not easily implementable, especially for individuals in pain, and there is a need for a non-invasive and effective method to quickly achieve good quality sleep.
Innovation Solution
A sound-induced sleep method that combines music therapy with brain-computer interface technology, using EEG sensors to detect brainwave signals, analyze sleep states, and adaptively select sounds based on a quantified association index between brainwave signals and acoustic features to induce sleep.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical pulses (TENS-like pulses) are used to induce sleep, then sleep induction effectiveness is improved, but invasiveness increases due to skin contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical TENS pulse delivery system with an acoustic field-based system. Instead of using electrical pulses that require skin contact and electrode placement, the invention uses sound waves (acoustic energy) to stimulate the vagus nerve and induce sleep, thereby eliminating the invasiveness while maintaining sleep induction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sound waves as an intermediary medium to transmit the sleep-inducing stimulus. Rather than direct electrical stimulation requiring skin contact, acoustic waves serve as the mediator that can penetrate and stimulate the nervous system non-invasively, bridging the gap between external stimulus and physiological response
2Adaptability or versatility
If TENS-like pulses are used for sleep induction, then pain relief sleep is achieved, but applicability is limited to pain sufferers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sleep induction system based on acoustic stimulation that can serve multiple purposes: it can induce sleep in pain sufferers (by stimulating vagus nerve to release endorphins) and in non-pain individuals (by promoting relaxation and sleep cycles). The single acoustic stimulation mechanism replaces the pain-specific TENS approach, making the system universally applicable while maintaining effectiveness
3Measurement precision
If EEG and ECG monitoring is used to monitor sleep quality, then sleep quality assessment is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the sleep induction system to automatically monitor and adjust based on physiological feedback without requiring complex external monitoring equipment. The system uses the subject's own physiological signals (detected through simple sensors) to self-regulate the acoustic stimulation, thereby achieving accurate sleep quality monitoring while minimizing system complexity
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 method effectively and non-invasively induces sleep by selecting appropriate sounds based on individual brainwave patterns, improving sleep quality and providing a customizable sleep-inducing solution.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an electrocardiogram (ECG) and/or an electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor the sleep quality
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and system for sound-induced sleep is provided. The method includes detecting brainwave signals of a subject. The method further includes analyzing the brainwave signals to determine a current sleepy state of the subject and selecting a sound in response to the current sleepy state based on a quantified association index between the brainwave signals and acoustical features of the sound. The method further more includes playing the sound to the subject.