GB2312309A - Sleep detection and alarm system - Google Patents
Sleep detection and alarm system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2312309A GB2312309A GB9607969A GB9607969A GB2312309A GB 2312309 A GB2312309 A GB 2312309A GB 9607969 A GB9607969 A GB 9607969A GB 9607969 A GB9607969 A GB 9607969A GB 2312309 A GB2312309 A GB 2312309A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- alarm
- sleep
- signal
- wearable device
- detector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
- G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
- G08B13/194—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems
- G08B13/196—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
- G08B13/19617—Surveillance camera constructional details
- G08B13/19621—Portable camera
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
- A61B5/02438—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
- A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/48—Other medical applications
- A61B5/4806—Sleep evaluation
- A61B5/4809—Sleep detection, i.e. determining whether a subject is asleep or not
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/06—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons indicating a condition of sleep, e.g. anti-dozing alarms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
- A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
- A61B2562/0219—Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
- A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
- A61B5/6824—Arm or wrist
Abstract
A system for waking an individual upon onset of sleep comprises a wearable device and an alarm, the wearable device comprising a sleep detector 1,2,3 for determining the sleep/wake state of an individual when wearing the device, a signal generator 3 that provides an activating signal for the alarm 4 upon detection of a sleep state by the detector 1,2,3, and manually operable alarm reset means 5. The wearable device preferably comprises the alarm 4. The system may comprise a
Description
SLEEP DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a system which on detection of the onset of sleep in an individual activates an alarm with the aim of waking the individual. In particular, the invention relates to such a system that comprises a portable device, preferably to be worn on the wrist.
Various ways for the determination of the waking or sleeping state of individuals are available.
Typical ways of determining the onset of sleep include measurements of pulse, respiration and muscle movement and also polysomnographic recording. As the sleeping state is approached, these physiological signs show fundamental changes which may be measured.
It has been found (Mullany DJ et al, Sleep, 1980, 3:82-91) that one particularly successful method of unobtrusively identifying the sleeping state is based on wrist activity. Cole et al (American Sleep Disorders
Association and Sleep Research Society, 1992, 15(5), 461469) published an automatic sleep/wake identification method based on this work. Wrist activity is measured and stored as a function of time using a commercially available Mini-Motionlogger Actigraph (motional transducer). This is available from Ambulatory Monitoring
Inc, 731 Saw Mill Road, Ardsley, New York, USA. Mini
Motionlogger Actigraph is a trade mark. This record of wrist activity is then extracted from the actigraph at a later time by an additional device and analysed using a computer. Optionally, an algorithm essentially averages the measured wrist activity over a set period of time.
Periods of low activity are equated with the sleeping state and periods of high activity with the waking state.
The duration of wrist movements during sleep and sleepiness is substantially greater than during awake, alert periods.
In order to test the accuracy of this method, Cole et al simultaneously made polysomnographic measurements on the same subjects. There is a better than 80% agreement of the assignment of sleeping and waking states between the two methods in most patients, the accuracy being insensitive to small changes in the averaging algorithm.
Some vehicles such as aircraft have sleep detectors.
For example, in one system a camera measures movement, usually-eye movement, to detect the sleeping state. The system may then attempt to wake the subject with an alarm of some form, typically by blowing air on the subject or by playing a recorded message. Various disadvantages are associated with such devices, not least the fact that the subject has a very restricted range of movement if the system is to be effective.
The present inventor has realised the advantages of providing a device comprising a portable, preferably wearable, sleep detector and alarm. A wearer of the device may have complete freedom of movement and should be woken on onset of sleep. The sleep detector may be appropriately calibrated so as to determine onset of sleep, i.e. that a subject is in a sleep state as opposed to awake, at a certain level of sleepiness or drowsiness rather than when the subject is fully asleep.
Thus, according to the present invention there is provided a system for waking an individual upon onset of sleep, the system comprising a sleep detector and a manually resettable alarm. The sleep detector is a component of a portable, preferably wearable device that generally also comprises manually operable reset means for the alarm. A signal generator provides an activating signal for the alarm upon detection of a sleep state by the detector.
The alarm is preferably included in the portable or wearable device but may be separate, provided a suitable activating signal is generated by the signal generator.
For instance, the alarm may be remote from the device, e.g. in a building or vehicle, in which case it may be activated by an optical signal such as infra-red or by a radio signal.
The device is preferably wearable on the wrist, though embodiments may be provided for wearing on any part of the body, for example on the leg or round the neck.
For attachment to the body, the device may comprise a strap or belt and buckle. One advantage of using a wearable device is the lack of restriction on movement of the wearer, particularly if the alarm is included in the wearable device. A further, important advantage may arise from the alarm reset means being included in the wearable device, that is the need for a positive physical movement in order to reset the alarm. For instance, if the device is worn on a wrist of one arm of an individual, operation of the alarm reset will require use of the other arm.
This action is likely to require conscious effort, in turn requiring a certain level of awareness or awakening.
A system according to the present invention has a range of important applications. For example, it may be used by truck drivers, motorists or coach drivers, airline pilots, and so on. Other applications may include workers manning dangerous machinery, possibly at a range of sites or positions where conventional sleep detection apparatus would not be able to keep track of the operatives.
The system may also be used by medical staff or security guards who may cover large areas during their shifts. Security guards often work in isolation where the system would be particularly useful.
The sleep detector may comprise a motion sensor.
The motion sensor may comprise a motional transducer such as an actigraph system for measuring the duration of movements of the wearer. The motion sensor may comprise a device for measuring the frequency of movements of the wearer. The motion sensor may comprise an accelerometer which converts measured acceleration of the sensor into a signal.
The portable or wearable device may comprise a signal processor that may comprise a memory for recording the signal generated by the motion sensor and a computer or computing element for interpreting the measured data in order to determine the sleep/wake state of the wearer.
An averaging algorithm such as the Webster algorithm may be used in the determination of the waking or sleeping state, the algorithm (Webster et al, Sleep (1982) 5: 389399; see also Cole, et al) using measured velocity as a function of time to determine the sleeping or waking state.
A suitable algorithm may use measured acceleration as a function of time to determine the sleeping or waking state.
A digital or an analogue circuit may be employed.
The sleep detector may comprise a device for measuring blood pressure or pulse rate.
Use of a non-invasive mode of determination of the sleep/wake state, which is generally the case in the present invention, allows for various advantages including minimal discomfort to the subject, simplicity of operation and an absence of side-effects. It allows for prolonged use of the system in wide variety of different situations.
Preferably, in the present invention, the alarm emits a sound, for example a buzz, ring, tone, siren or recorded or synthesized message. The alarm may aim to wake the wearer by inducing vibrations in a surface of the device in contact with the skin, or in any other suitable way likely to wake a sleeping or sleepy person.
No existing sleep detection system reliably determines if the subject has been woken by the alarm.
There is a danger therefore that the subject sleeps through the alarm, or sleeps long enough to be in or cause danger and/or be in neglect of his duties.
The system according to the present invention may therefore comprise a second, e.g. remote alarm, that is preferably activated in the event that the first alarm is not switched off by operation of the reset means within an allotted time.
Thus, in further preferred embodiments of the present invention the system comprises a second alarm and a second signal generator that provides an activating signal for the second alarm if the first alarm is not after its activation reset within a pre-determined time.
The pre-determined or allotted time may be variable. The activating signal for the second alarm may be optical or a radio signal, for example.
When such embodiments are employed, the first alarm is activated upon detection of a sleep state in the subject. Should the subject not reset the alarm within a pre-determined time, suggesting that the subject has not been woken by the alarm, the second alarm will be activated. This alarm may be designed to be a further attempt to wake the subject, e.g. by emitting a louder or more piercing sound, or, more preferably, may be remote from the wearer and designed to alert someone else, e.g a manager, supervisor or controller, to the onset of the sleep in the wearer. This may prompt emergency action, for example machinery operated by the subject may be turned off, or other pre-arranged procedure as appropriate.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail by way of example and not limitation, and with reference to the following figures:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the device.
Figure 2 is a second block diagram of another embodiment of the invention, including a remote alarm and a means of activating said alarm.
All documents mentioned are incorporated herein by reference.
The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a transducer 1, memory 2, processor 3, alarm 4 and alarm reset 5. Onset of sleep is determined as follows: The transducer 1 is part of a device to be worn on the wrist and detects wrist motion, information about which is then stored in memory 2. The processor 3 processes the stored data in real time and generates a signal that activates the alarm 4 if a sleep state is detected. The device comprising the sleep detector comprises a manual reset button 5, operation of which resets the alarm 4.
The action of resetting the alarm manually, and so having to make some physical motion to stop the alarm, is more effective than just the alarm alone in waking an individual wearing the device.
The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 2 is a system comprising a second, remote alarm.
Components 1-5 are as in the embodiment illustrated in
Figure 1 and described above, but the wrist-worn device further comprises a delay circuit 6 and an emitter 7.
Determination of the wake/sleep state of a wearer is as described above with reference to Figure 1. A signal from the processor 3 is passed to the alarm 4 as before to activate the alarm 4 upon detection of a sleep state in the subject.
In this embodiment, however, the signal from the processor 3 is also sent to an emitter 7 which in turn generates a signal that activates the remote alarm 9 following receipt of the signal by receiver 8. Between the emitter 7 and processor 3 is a delay circuit 6 that delays the signal from the processor 3 from reaching the emitter 7 for a pre-determined length of time, which may be varied according to operating preferences. As previously, the alarm may be reset manually by operation of the reset 5. Resetting the alarm 4 also prevents the signal from the processor 3 from activating the emitter 7.
Provided the alarm 4 is reset before the signal activates the emitter 7, i.e. within the pre-determined time of delay by the delay circuit 6, the second alarm 9 is not activated.
If on the other hand the first alarm 4 is not reset within the pre-determined time, emitter 7 is activated and generates a radio signal. Receipt of the signal by the remote receiver 8 leads to activation of the second alarm 9. This may alert a supervisor or manager to the onset of sleep in the individual wearing the sleep detector, who may for example be operating dangerous machinery. The supervisor or manager may then take appropriate action.
Claims (13)
1. A system for waking an individual upon onset of sleep, the system comprising a wearable device and an alarm, the wearable device comprising a sleep detector for determining the sleep/wake state of an individual when wearing the device, a signal generator that provides an activating signal for the alarm upon detection of a sleep state by the detector, and manually operable alarm reset means.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the wearable device comprises the alarm.
3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the sleep detector comprises a motion sensor.
4. A system according to claim 3 wherein the motion sensor comprises an accelerometer.
5. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the sleep detector comprises a blood pressure measuring device.
6. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the sleep detector comprises a pulse rate measuring device.
7. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the alarm emits a sound on activation.
8. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the wearable device is for the wrist.
9. A system according to any of the preceding claims comprising a second alarm and a second signal generator that provides an activating signal for the second alarm if the first alarm is not after its activation reset within a pre-determined time.
10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the activating signal for the second alarm is optical.
11. A system according to claim 10 wherein the activating signal for the second alarm is a radio signal.
12. A system substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1.
13. A system substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 2.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9607969A GB2312309A (en) | 1996-04-17 | 1996-04-17 | Sleep detection and alarm system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9607969A GB2312309A (en) | 1996-04-17 | 1996-04-17 | Sleep detection and alarm system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB9607969D0 GB9607969D0 (en) | 1996-06-19 |
GB2312309A true GB2312309A (en) | 1997-10-22 |
Family
ID=10792227
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB9607969A Withdrawn GB2312309A (en) | 1996-04-17 | 1996-04-17 | Sleep detection and alarm system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2312309A (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1999056262A1 (en) * | 1998-04-09 | 1999-11-04 | Ist International Security Technology Oy | Control system for building automation controlled by human physiological signals |
EP0985373A1 (en) * | 1998-09-11 | 2000-03-15 | Stevo Cvetkovic | Device for monitoring and evaluation of human body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure etc |
FR2808609A1 (en) * | 2000-05-05 | 2001-11-09 | Univ Rennes | Monitoring system for elderly person includes activity sensor and physiological sensor combined to initiate warning of fall |
GB2375645A (en) * | 2001-02-08 | 2002-11-20 | Douglas Maximillian Lore Mudge | Drowsiness monitor having a means for detecting a metabolic function of a user |
GB2385696A (en) * | 2002-02-21 | 2003-08-27 | Harry Duncan Macdonald | Driver monitoring system detecting pulse, pressure or temperature of the driver |
GB2481116A (en) * | 2010-06-07 | 2011-12-14 | Lucy Jane Bradshaw | Apparatus for helping a baby to sleep |
CN105042769A (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2015-11-11 | 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 | Sleeping state monitoring method and device and air conditioner system |
US10709330B2 (en) | 2004-11-15 | 2020-07-14 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Ambulatory medical telemetry device having an audio indicator |
US20220234594A1 (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2022-07-28 | Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan | Monitoring system and non-transitory storage medium |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9808185B2 (en) * | 2014-09-23 | 2017-11-07 | Fitbit, Inc. | Movement measure generation in a wearable electronic device |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1416425A (en) * | 1971-08-27 | 1975-12-03 | Emi Ltd | Movement monitoring systems |
US4059830A (en) * | 1975-10-31 | 1977-11-22 | Threadgill Murray H | Sleep alarm device |
US4272764A (en) * | 1980-01-14 | 1981-06-09 | Oliver A. Miller | Self contained head mountable sleep inhibiting device |
US4361834A (en) * | 1978-12-13 | 1982-11-30 | King Johnnie L | Safety alarm device |
GB2150725A (en) * | 1983-11-30 | 1985-07-03 | Aisin Seiki | Safety apparatus for a road vehicle |
US4728939A (en) * | 1987-01-29 | 1988-03-01 | Otani Tony U | Steering wheel steering aid |
-
1996
- 1996-04-17 GB GB9607969A patent/GB2312309A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1416425A (en) * | 1971-08-27 | 1975-12-03 | Emi Ltd | Movement monitoring systems |
US4059830A (en) * | 1975-10-31 | 1977-11-22 | Threadgill Murray H | Sleep alarm device |
US4361834A (en) * | 1978-12-13 | 1982-11-30 | King Johnnie L | Safety alarm device |
US4272764A (en) * | 1980-01-14 | 1981-06-09 | Oliver A. Miller | Self contained head mountable sleep inhibiting device |
GB2150725A (en) * | 1983-11-30 | 1985-07-03 | Aisin Seiki | Safety apparatus for a road vehicle |
US4728939A (en) * | 1987-01-29 | 1988-03-01 | Otani Tony U | Steering wheel steering aid |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6348867B1 (en) | 1998-04-09 | 2002-02-19 | Ist International Security Technology Oy | Control system for building automation controlled by human physiological signals |
WO1999056262A1 (en) * | 1998-04-09 | 1999-11-04 | Ist International Security Technology Oy | Control system for building automation controlled by human physiological signals |
EP0985373A1 (en) * | 1998-09-11 | 2000-03-15 | Stevo Cvetkovic | Device for monitoring and evaluation of human body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure etc |
US7384398B2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2008-06-10 | Universite De Rennes | Device and method for detecting abnormal situations |
FR2808609A1 (en) * | 2000-05-05 | 2001-11-09 | Univ Rennes | Monitoring system for elderly person includes activity sensor and physiological sensor combined to initiate warning of fall |
WO2001085025A1 (en) * | 2000-05-05 | 2001-11-15 | Universite De Rennes 1 | Device and method for detecting abnormal situations |
GB2375645A (en) * | 2001-02-08 | 2002-11-20 | Douglas Maximillian Lore Mudge | Drowsiness monitor having a means for detecting a metabolic function of a user |
GB2385696A (en) * | 2002-02-21 | 2003-08-27 | Harry Duncan Macdonald | Driver monitoring system detecting pulse, pressure or temperature of the driver |
US10709330B2 (en) | 2004-11-15 | 2020-07-14 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Ambulatory medical telemetry device having an audio indicator |
GB2481116A (en) * | 2010-06-07 | 2011-12-14 | Lucy Jane Bradshaw | Apparatus for helping a baby to sleep |
GB2481116B (en) * | 2010-06-07 | 2013-10-09 | Lucy Jane Bradshaw | Apparatus for helping a baby to sleep |
CN105042769A (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2015-11-11 | 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 | Sleeping state monitoring method and device and air conditioner system |
CN105042769B (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2018-05-22 | 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 | Sleep state monitoring method and device, air-conditioner system |
US20220234594A1 (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2022-07-28 | Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan | Monitoring system and non-transitory storage medium |
US11904869B2 (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2024-02-20 | Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan | Monitoring system and non-transitory storage medium |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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GB9607969D0 (en) | 1996-06-19 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |