NL2022527B1 - Relaxation monitoring device with respiration sensor and air passageway at a user side - Google Patents

Relaxation monitoring device with respiration sensor and air passageway at a user side Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2022527B1
NL2022527B1 NL2022527A NL2022527A NL2022527B1 NL 2022527 B1 NL2022527 B1 NL 2022527B1 NL 2022527 A NL2022527 A NL 2022527A NL 2022527 A NL2022527 A NL 2022527A NL 2022527 B1 NL2022527 B1 NL 2022527B1
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NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
user
monitoring device
relaxation
relaxation monitoring
sensor
Prior art date
Application number
NL2022527A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Pieter Modderman Herman
Leneman Marijn
Heinen Clément
Jeroen Antonisse Stijn
Joris Engel Job
Original Assignee
Somnox Holding B V
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Somnox Holding B V filed Critical Somnox Holding B V
Priority to NL2022527A priority Critical patent/NL2022527B1/en
Priority to CA3128877A priority patent/CA3128877A1/en
Priority to CN202080017738.2A priority patent/CN113597637B/en
Priority to EP20704956.0A priority patent/EP3921822B1/en
Priority to PCT/NL2020/050065 priority patent/WO2020162750A1/en
Priority to US17/424,320 priority patent/US20220152340A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2022527B1 publication Critical patent/NL2022527B1/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/08Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
    • A61B5/082Evaluation by breath analysis, e.g. determination of the chemical composition of exhaled breath
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M21/00Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
    • A61M21/02Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis for inducing sleep or relaxation, e.g. by direct nerve stimulation, hypnosis, analgesia
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/48Other medical applications
    • A61B5/4806Sleep evaluation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/70Means for positioning the patient in relation to the detecting, measuring or recording means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/74Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means

Abstract

A relaxation monitoring device 1 for monitoring a physiological characteristic of a user during relaxation comprising a cushion 17 which defines an elongated outer shape 10 of the device 5 with a head portion HP and a tail portion TP. The device has at least one respiratory sensor 31 for monitoring an exhaled air flow and an air passageway 311 which are positioned at a user side at the head portion of the outer shape. A centre of gravity CG of the device is positioned in the tail portion TP, such that the device when picked up will intuitively be held by the user in a correct upright orientation. The device includes a hand pad 171, such that the air 10 passageway 311 will be directed towards a face of the user when the user places a hand onto the hand pad 171 and attracts the device towards the users body. Fig. 3 15

Description

P33700NLOO/KHO Title: Relaxation monitoring device with respiration sensor and air passageway at a user side.
The present invention relates to a relaxation monitoring device for monitoring a physiological characteristic of a user during relaxation. US5167610 discloses a sleep inducing system which employs a respiration as a biological signal for shifting a person organically into a state of sleep in accordance with a respiration cycle. The sleep inducing system is capable of realising a sleep induction smoothly within a short time. The sleep inducing system comprises a respiration detecting section and a control unit to which a stimulus output means is connected through a driving circuit means. The respiration detecting section includes a respiration sensor. The respiration sensor is provided in a shape mountable to the person’s abdominal or chest region without substantial feeling of foreign matter or unpleasantness for detecting variation in the region’s bulginess by means of a strain gauge or the like. For the detection, a bed sheet type strain gauge, a thermistor type sensor disposed in a zone where nose exhalation is sensible enough for detecting thermal change or like means may also be employed.
The stimulus output means employs, for example, a light emitting means. A brightness of the light emitted by the stimulus output means may be caused to vary to be bright and dark during the awakening period in conformity to the respiration rhythm, so that the brightness will be gradually elevated upon the inhalation but will be gradually lowered upon the exhalation. An open loop control is carried out for gradually darkening with time up to a time when a detection of the respiration rhythm can be discriminated to be an indication of the state in which the person has fallen asleep. Then a feedback control is carried out for providing the light stimulus as adapted to the deepness of the sleep immediately after the discrimination of the fallen-asleep state. Further, it is disclosed that alternatively to a stimulus being light, the stimulus may be any of sound, vibration, wind, fragrance and the like. A drawback of the known sleep inducing system is that the system lacks accuracy. The bed sheet type strain gauge or thermistor type sensor is to be disposed in a zone of nose exhalation. However, in practice, a person is moving around in his bed and switches sides which negatively affects the detection of the respiration cycle. Attaching the sensor to the person’s abdominal or chest may provide a more accurate detection, but in practice, such an attached sensor remains a disturbing item, is more vulnerable to get damaged and attaching
-2- a sensor to a person's body is experienced as inconvenient and bothersome when a person wants to go to bed.
WO2017/194450 discloses a sleep monitoring system for monitoring a sleep of a subject.
The sleep monitoring system comprises a CO2 sensor and a processor communicatively coupled to the CO2 sensor.
The processor is adapted to monitor a CO2 concentration from sensor data produced by the CO2 sensor to derive sleep pattern information, such as an indication that the subject is awake or asleep.
The sleep pattern information can be derived without having to contact the subject being monitored.
A sensor device is provided which comprises the CO2 sensor.
The sensor device may be a stand-alone device, e.g. a sensor box, that may be positioned in close vicinity to the subject to be monitored.
The sensor device may be dimensioned such that it can be clipped or otherwise secured to a bed, e.g. to a headboard of the bed, in which the subject sleeps.
As illustrated in fig. 8, a sleep monitoring system is embodied by an air purification apparatus having a fan positioned at an air inlet to drive an air flow along an air purification path to an air outlet.
The sensor device including the CO2 sensor is integral to the air purification apparatus.
The known sleep monitoring system may further comprise a sensory output device to generate a sensory stimulus in response to an identified sleep phase.
A sensory stimulus like a pleasant and calming sound or perfume scent may be released in a confined space in order to enhance or improve that particular sleep phase of the sleeping subject.
A drawback to this known sleep monitoring system is that also in this sleep monitoring system the monitoring of the CO2 concentration lacks accuracy.
The monitoring is negatively affected when a person is moving around or switching sides before falling asleep, i.e. when a head of a person is closer or farther away from the sensor device at the headboard of the bed.
WO2018186739 discloses a sleep induction device for inducing changes during a sleep session of a user, wherein the sleep induction device comprises at least one sensor for detecting a physiological characteristic of the user, a stimulator which is configured to provide successive stimuli to the user to anticipate on the detected physiological characteristic.
The sleep induction device has an outer shape which is formed as a peanut-shaped pillow.
A drawback of this known sleep induction device is that poor measurements of a physiological characteristic may be obtained when the device is not used as intended.
-3- The general object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the above mentioned drawbacks and/or to provide a usable alternative. More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a relaxation monitoring device having an improved accuracy in measuring a psychological characteristic which accuracy is less dependent of a position and orientation of the relaxing user.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by a relaxation monitoring device according to claim 1.
According to the invention, a relaxation monitoring device is provided for monitoring a physiological characteristic of a user. The relaxation monitoring device is portable and is configured to be used during relaxation in which a user desires to take some rest. In particular the monitoring device is configured to be used during a sleep session. The relaxation monitoring device can be used while sitting on a bench or lying on a mattress. When lying, the monitoring device is to be used in front of the users body and preferably in front of the chest such that the device is close to the users face. When sitting on a bench, the relaxation monitoring device is to be held in front of the user on its lap to obtain accurate measurements.
The relaxation monitoring device comprises a cushion. The cushion has an outer surface which provides a cushioning to support a human hand of the user. Seen in a top view, the cushion defines an outer shape of the device. Seen in a top view means a projection from above onto the device in which the product is in a stable put away position, e.g. laid down on a mattress or put aside on a table besides a sofa. In the top view projection, the device is in a stable position as it may lie on a mattress as shown in Fig. 1. The outer shape is elongated along a longitudinal axis. A head portion and a tail portion of the outer shape are defined in which the head portion has a length along the longitudinal axis which equals a length along the longitudinal axis of the tail portion. In other words, the head portion and the tail portion subdivide the outer shape into substantially equal portions. In use during a relaxation session, the user holds the device close to the users body. The head portion is to be directed to a face of the user and the tail portion is directed away from the face to an abdominal or legs of the user.
The relaxation monitoring device comprises a housing for housing components of the device.
The housing is positioned inside the cushion. Preferably, the cushion completely surrounds and covers the housing, such that the device is soft all around to be used as a pillow. The cushion may comprise a cushion layer which may be a foamed layer. The housing comprises
-4- an outer shell. The outer shell provides rigidity to at least a part of the outer shape of the device. The outer shell delimits an inner space for containing electrical components, like a battery, a motor, an air-pump, a control unit etc.
The relaxation monitoring device comprises at least one sensor for monitoring the physiological characteristic of the user. The at least one sensor is positioned in the head portion of the outer shape of the device, such that in use the at least one sensor can be positioned close to the face of the user.
The relaxation monitoring device comprises a control unit connected to the at least one sensor for receiving a sensor signal from the at least one sensor. Preferably, the control unit is connected to a memory for storing sensor data measured by the at least one sensor. According to the invention, the at least one sensor comprises a respiratory sensor. The respiratory sensor is configured to monitor an exhaled air flow from the user. The respiratory sensor is configured for measuring properties of a gaseous medium contacting the sensor. Preferably, the respiratory sensor is a CO2 sensor for monitoring a CO2 concentration in the exhaled airflow. The respiratory sensor is in fluid communication with an outside of the device by at least one air passageway. The at least one air passageway is configured to allow the exhaled airflow from the user flowing from the outside of the device to the respiratory sensor. The at least one air passageway is provided at the head portion. The at least one air passageway is emerging at the head portion. The at least one air passageway is provided at a side of the outer shape of the device which side is in use to be directed towards the user. Hereafter, the side of the relaxation monitoring device which in use is to be directed towards the user is called a user side. The at least one air passageway is emerging at the user side. The at least one air passageway has an air opening positioned on the user side. The positioning of the at least one air passageway at the head portion and more specific at the user side contributes to a higher level of an accuracy in measurements of the exhaled airflow.
The relaxation monitoring device according to the invention is improved by an implementation of a first and second feature which contribute to a correct orientation of the device during use. In the correct orientation of the device during use the at least one air passageway is correctly directed to the face of the user. The at least one air passageway may be covered by a pillow- case or a room may be darkened such that a user might have a problem to visibly orient the device in a right manner. A first feature stimulates that a the head portion instead of the tail portion of the device is directed to the face of the user. A second feature stimulates that the
-5- user side of the head portion which is provided with the sensor/air passageway will intuitively be directed towards the user. The first feature contributing to a correct orientation of the device during use is that a centre of gravity of the relaxation monitoring device is positioned in the tail portion of the outer shape. In preparing for a relaxation session, when the user takes the device to bed or a relaxing chair, due to a natural tendency to keep a centre of gravity low when carrying a product, the relaxation monitoring device will be held by the user in a predetermined orientation, in which the head portion is held upwards and the tail portion is held downwards. Herewith, the head portion will automatically be directed to the face of the user as it is desired for a proper use of the relaxation monitoring device. When holding the device close to the users body, the tail portion will then be directed to an abdominal of the users body. The second feature contributing to a correct orientation of the device during use is defined by a hand pad for supporting the human hand. The relaxation monitoring device comprises a hand pad which is positioned at a side of the outer shape of the relaxation monitoring device which side is in use facing away from the user. This user facing away side is also called a ‘hand pad side’. The hand pad side of the relaxation monitoring device is positioned opposite the ‘user facing side’ or simply ‘user side’ which user side is provided with the at least one air passageway. The elongated outer shape has an outer contour which includes a concave portion. The concave portion forms a hand pad to support the human hand during the sleep session. Preferably, the concave portion has a width which substantially equals a width of a human hand. The concave portion may be formed by an ergonomic portion corresponding with a human hand shape for accurately positioning the human hand onto the device. A main advantage of the relaxation monitoring device according to the invention is that a use of the device in a correct orientation is improved. The user will intuitively use the device in a correct orientation. The positioning of the centre of gravity in the tail portion and the presence of the hand pad contribute to a proper orientation of the device. The proper orientation of the device ensures that the at least one air passageway for receiving the exhaled air flow is directed towards the face of the user which may increase an accuracy and reliability of the monitoring of the physiological characteristic of the user.
An advantage is that the presence of the hand pad at the side of the relaxation monitoring device facing away from the user is that this hand pad stimulates the user in a natural manner
-6- to attract the relaxation monitoring device towards the users body.
The user is encouraged to embrace the device with his hand.
In a sitting posture on a relaxing chair, the hand pad stimulates the user to keep the device with the head portion upwards and to attract the device to the users body.
In a lying posture, the hand pad stimulates a posture of the user in which the user is laying in a spooning arrangement with the relaxation monitoring device.
The useris stimulated to sleep in a physical contact with the relaxation monitoring device.
Preferably, the user side of the relaxation monitoring device is convex shaped which further stimulates the spooning arrangement.
Herewith, the relaxation monitoring device is positioned close to the user which further contributes to an accurate measurement of the physiologicalcharacteristic.
In an embodiment of the relaxation monitoring device according to the invention, the respiratory sensor is a CO2 sensor for measuring a CO2 concentration in the exhaled air flow flowing from the user.
Advantageously, by measuring a CO2 concentration as a physiologicalcharacteristic, an accurate input may be obtained regarding a relaxing quality or sleep stage of a user.
In a further embodiment, the CO2 sensor may be a chip-shaped sensor.
The chip-shaped sensor is mountable to a printed circuit board.
The chip-shaped sensor is beneficial, becauseof its miniature size.
Such a chip-shaped sensor to be positioned in the head portion of the device will hardly affect a position of a centre of gravity of the device.
The printed circuit board may further contain the control unit and is configured to electronically connect the chip- shaped sensor to the control unit.
Advantageously, the printed circuit board including the CO2 sensor provides a robust structure which can be firmly mounted to the housing of therelaxation monitoring device.
An example of such a chip-shaped CO2 sensor is disclosed in WO2016/083391. In an embodiment of the relaxation monitoring device, the centre of gravity of the device is positioned in a region in a lower half of a length of the tail portion along the longitudinal axiswhich lower half is positioned adjacent to a tail portion end face.
Advantageously, the centre of gravity is positioned at a distance, in particular at least 5 cm, from a geometrical centre point of the outer shape.
The centre of gravity is spaced from the hand pad, such that a moment of inertia is generated when picking up the device to bring the device in an upright position.
Preferably, the centre of gravity is positioned in between the longitudinal axis andthe user side to stimulate an intuitive rotation of the device when picking up.
More in particular, the centre of gravity is positioned in a region in between the longitudinal axis and
-7- the outer contour, which region is spaced at a perpendicular distance from the longitudinal of at least 20% away from the longitudinal axis.
In an embodiment of the relaxation monitoring device, the respiratory sensor is positioned in a region in an upper half of the length of the head portion along the longitudinal axis which upper half is positioned adjacent to a head portion end face.
In an embodiment of the relaxation monitoring device according to the invention, the relaxation monitoring device comprises a housing, a battery, a motor and a suspension for suspending the motor.
Preferably, the motor is connected to a pump to form a pump unit which pump unit is connectable to an inflatable air chamber.
The relaxation monitoring device may further comprise at least one accumulator for dampening vibrations originating from the pump unit.
Preferably, at least the suspension assembled with the motor / pump unit is positioned inside the device, such that a centre of gravity of the assembled suspension is positioned in the tail portion.
The assembled suspension is a considerable factor in a total weight of the device, such that the positioning of the assembled suspension in the tail portion contributes to obtain the centre of gravity of the device in the tail portion.
In an embodiment of the relaxation monitoring device according to the invention, the relaxation monitoring device comprises a light emitting element, in particular a control panel for controlling the device, which is positioned at the hand pad side of the relaxation monitoring device.
Preferably, the control panel is positioned adjacent the hand pad at the tail portion of the relaxation monitoring device to increase the centre of gravity in the tail portion.
The control panel may include a light-emitting element, like a display or LED which is advantageously directed away from the user during sleep.
Besides the control panel, the relaxation monitoring device may comprise any other light-emitting element which is preferably positioned at the hand pad side.
In an embodiment of the relaxation monitoring device according to the invention, the at least one air passageway extends from the outer surface through the cushion and the housing to the respiratory sensor.
Preferably, the cushion comprises a cushion layer which covers the outer shell of the housing.
The at least one air passageway may be formed by a through hole through the cushion layer and the outer shell.
The at least one air passageway may have an air opening at the outer surface of the relaxation monitoring device.
The air opening may have adiameter of at least 5 mm.
The air opening may be fully open and non-covered.
In particular, the cushion may comprise a pillow-case of a textile material to cover the air opening in the cushion layer.
The pillow-case may comprise a seam, which is preferably
-8- closable by a razor, which seam is positioned in the assembly of the pillow-case across the at least one air passageway. Advantageously, due to the positioning of the razor across the at least one air passageway, the seam may be sufficient permeable for the airflow for flowing to the respiratory sensor while at the same time covering the at least one air passageway to prevent any non-desired intrusion. Preferably, the relaxation monitoring device comprises a group of at least two air passageways to increase a reach for receiving the exhaled air flow. Preferably, the at least two air passageways are linearly aligned in an array along the user side.
In an embodiment of the relaxation monitoring device according to the invention, the relaxation monitoring device is arranged as a hand-pillow. The hand-pillow is configured as small as possible and just adapted to comfortably support the human hand. The hand-pillow may have a total volume of that most 10 liters, preferably at most 5 liters. Herewith, the hand- pillow is advantageously sized to be taken into bed or when sitting in a relaxed chair to be held close to a users body while relaxing.
In an embodiment of the relaxation monitoring device according to the invention, the user side is convex shaped. The outer shape may be an arc-shape. The head portion and the tail portion may be equally shaped. The head and tail portion of the outer shape may be circular.
The head and tail portion may have a same radii. Also the concave hand pad side and convex user side may have a same radii. Preferably, the outer shape of the relaxation monitoring device has a kidney-shape, also called a jellybean shape, including a concave portion at the hand pad side and a convex portion at the user side. The concave portion may have a smaller radius than the convex portion and the tail end face may have a smaller radius than the head end face, such that the elongated outer shape forms an arc-shape. The centre of gravity may be positioned on an central arc-line defining the arc shape, in particular in a region within 3cm of the arc-line. Advantageously, the kidney-shape of the relaxation monitoring device stimulates the spooning of the user and the device while sleeping, such that a sensor at the user side will be positioned close to the users body, in particular close to the users face, which contributes to the accuracy of measurements.
In an embodiment of the relaxation monitoring device according to the invention, the relaxation monitoring device comprises a stimulator. The stimulator is configured to improve a quality of a relaxing moment. The relaxation monitoring device is then not only arranged for monitoring a physiological characteristic of the user during the relaxing period, but is further arranged to enhance the relaxing moment. The stimulator may be arranged to create a
-9- comfortable atmosphere. The stimulator may for example be formed by a speaker to provide music. In a further embodiment of the relaxation monitoring device, the stimulator is configured for helping a person to fall asleep. The stimulator may be configured to improve a quality of a sleep session by providing successive stimuli to guide a user during a sleep session to manage and optimise a sleep pattern of a user. Herewith, the relaxation monitoring device is a sleep induction device. A sleep induction device may be arranged to induce a change during a sleep session of a user, in particular to let the user fall asleep. A change during a sleep session means a change from a first sleep state to a second sleep state. The change may for example be a change in a respiration rate during a NREM-sleep stage. It is noted that a sleep session, in the context of this document, spans the time period from getting ready to sleep, e.g. getting into bed or lying on a couch, until waking up, e.g. getting out of bed or stepping from the couch. In particular, the sleep induction device is arranged to induce a change, a so called sleep stage transfer, which means a change from a first sleep stage to a second sleep stage, e.g. from a light to a deep sleep stage or from a REM to a NREM sleep stage. The stimulator of the sleep induction device may be configured to provide successive stimuli to the user during the sleep session. The stimulator may provide stimuli to the user continuously. The stimulator provides successive stimuli to anticipate on the detected physiological characteristics, to guide the user. Multiple stimulators may be comprised in the sleep induction device. Multiple stimulators may be active at the same time, the stimulators working in parallel.
In particular, the user is guided by the successive stimuli via a guidance path, the user following the guidance path to induce a change during the sleep session of the user, e.g. to guide a user from a first sleep state of the user to a second sleep state of the user. Preferably, the guidance path is configured to provide a smooth and timely transfer from the first sleep state to the second sleep state. It is noted that this ‘following’ the guidance path by the user is preferably done subconsciously. The sleep induction device may comprise at least one memory for storing data during the sleep session. The memory is arranged to store values of detected physiological characteristics and provided stimuli during the sleep session. The memory may for example compute a historic record of the provided stimuli and the corresponding physiological characteristics. Preferably, this historic record is updated in real-time.
-10- In an embodiment the sleep induction device comprises a processing unit, also called a control unit, for operating the device. The processing unit includes a control programme which is programmed to determine a current sleep state of the user during the sleep session. The current sleep state is based on at least one detected physiological characteristic measured by the at least one sensor. The current sleep state may depend on real-time measurements, and may also depend on the historic record of measurements, stored in the memory. For example, when transitioning from a light to a deep sleep, the heart rate of a user may slow down, to rise again when reaching REM sleep. Based on only the real-time measurements, it may be difficult to determine whether the user is awake or in REM sleep. For that reason, the current sleep state may be determined by the real-time measurements in combination with a historic record of measurements. In a further embodiment of the relaxation monitoring device according to the invention, the stimulator of the relaxation monitoring device is configured to provide a haptic stimulus via the hand pad. Advantageously, by providing haptic stimuli instead of audible stimuli, sounds which may be disturbing in falling asleep may be prevented. Preferably, the stimulator comprises an inflatable air chamber under the hand pad to provide the haptic stimuli. The air chamber is inflatable and deflatable to provide a respiration rhythm as a stimuli to the user. The air chamber is preferably positioned close to the outer surface of the device. Preferably, the air chamber is positioned under the hand pad, such that the haptic stimulus are directly transferred to a users hand. Preferably, the air chamber is connected to a pump unit for frequently inflating the air chamber. Alternatively, the stimulator may comprise a stimulator mechanism for frequently expanding and collapsing a body, to provide a stimulating rhythm to the user to influence the users respiration rate.
In an embodiment the relaxation monitoring device comprises a transfer element. The relaxation monitoring device may e.g. have a Bluetooth component or have a wifi-component to connect the device to a wireless network. By transferring a signal based on measurement data of at least one physiological characteristic, the relaxation monitoring device may be used to operate other devices. The relaxation monitoring device may for example be used to operate a relax chair, a wake-up device or to operate climate control devices to condition a room. Advantageously, a quality of the relaxation can be improved based on at least one measured physiological characteristic, such a physiological characteristic may be a respiration rate, heart rate, body activity, body temperature, brain activity or any other physiological characteristic which might be of interest to control a relaxation of the user.
-11- Further, the invention relates to a monitoring method for monitoring a person during relaxation by using a relaxation monitoring device, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - providing a relaxation monitoring device according to any of the preceding claims; - picking up the relaxation monitoring device by placing a hand onto a hand pad of the relaxation monitoring device; - bringing the relaxation monitoring device in an operational orientation by attracting the relaxation monitoring device towards a person's body; Further, the invention relates to a use of the relaxation monitoring device as a sleep inducing device for guiding a user in falling asleep and/or to guide the user during a sleep session to manage a sleep pattern.
Further, the invention relates to a use of the relaxation monitoring device for operating connected devices e.g. for operating a massage chair, massage tool, alarming device or climate device for climate control of a room.
In first aspect of the invention, the hand pad is provided at a hand pad side of the relaxation monitoring device.
In a second aspect, the invention relates to a relaxation monitoring device for monitoring a physiological characteristic of a user during relaxation, comprising a cushion having an outer surface which provides a cushioning to support a human body part, in particular a human hand, wherein when seen in a top view the cushion defines an outer shape of the device which outer shape is elongated along a longitudinal axis, in which a head portion and a tail portion of the outer shape are defined in which the head portion has a length along the longitudinal axis which equals a length along the longitudinal axis of the tail portion; a housing for housing components of the device, which housing is at least partially covered by the cushion, wherein the housing comprises an outer shell which delimits an inner space for containing electrical components, like a battery, a motor, an air-pump and a control unit; at least one sensor for monitoring the psychological characteristic of the user, which at least one sensor is positioned at the head portion of the outer shape of the relaxation monitoring device; a control unit connected to the at least one sensor for receiving a sensor signal from the at least one sensor.
In particular, the at least one sensor comprises a respiratory sensor for monitoring an exhaled air flow from the user, wherein at least one air passageway is provided at the head portion at a user side which is a side of the outer shape which side is in use to be directed towards the user which at least one air passageway is in fluid communication with the respiratory sensor to allow the airflow flowing from an outside of the device to the respiratory sensor;
-12- In particular, a centre of gravity of the relaxation monitoring device is positioned in the tail portion of the outer shape, such that in starting use -when picking up the device- due to a natural tendency the relaxation monitoring device will be held by the user in a predetermined orientation, in which the head portion is directed to a face of the user and the tail portion is directed to an abdominal of the user.
In particular, the elongated outer shape has an outer contour which includes a hand pad which hand pad is positioned at a side of the outer shape which side is in use to be directed away from the user, such that in use due to a natural tendency the at least one passageway will be directed towards a face of the user when the user places a hand onto the hand pad and attracts the relaxation monitoring device towards the users body. A concave portion to form a hand pad is preferred, but the hand pad may be provided by another feature, for example be indicated by a coloured portion of the hand pad side of the device. Providing a hand pad without the centre of gravity being positioned at the tail portion may still be beneficial to intuitively stimulate a correct orientation. In a first aspect of the invention, the at least one air passageway is provided at the head portion at the user side of the relaxation monitoring device. In a third aspect, the invention relates to a relaxation monitoring device for monitoring a physiological characteristic of a user during relaxation, comprising a cushion having an outer surface which provides a cushioning to support a human body part, in particular a human hand, wherein when seen in a top view the cushion defines an outer shape of the device which outer shape is elongated along a longitudinal axis, in which a head portion and a tail portion of the outer shape are defined in which the head portion has a length along the longitudinal axis which equals a length along the longitudinal axis of the tail portion; a housing for housing components of the device, which housing is at least partially covered by the cushion, wherein the housing comprises an outer shell which delimits an inner space for containing electrical components, like a battery, a motor, an air-pump and a control unit; at least one sensor for monitoring the psychological characteristic of the user, which at least one sensor is positioned at the head portion of the outer shape of the relaxation monitoring device; a control unit connected to the at least one sensor for receiving a sensor signal from the at least one sensor. In particular, the at least one sensor comprises a respiratory sensor for monitoring an exhaled air flow from the user, wherein at least one air passageway is provided at the head portion at a user side which is a side of the outer shape which side is in use to be directed towards the user which at least one air passageway is in fluid communication with the respiratory sensor to allow the airflow flowing from an outside of the device to the respiratory sensor. According
-13- to the third aspect, the at least one sensor is a sensor for measuring a physiological characteristic.
Instead of the respiratory sensor for monitoring a gaseous medium, the at least one sensor may comprise another type of sensor, e.g. an accelerometer or a temperature sensor provided at a functional location in the outer shape to achieve optimal measurement close to the users body.
The functional location requires the relaxation monitoring device to be used in a predetermined orientation.
The at least one sensor may for example be positioned close to the user side, e.g. at a distance of at most 2cm.
In particular, a centre of gravity of the relaxation monitoring device is positioned in the tail portion of the outer shape, such that in starting use -when picking up the device- due to a natural tendency the relaxation monitoring device will be held by the user in a predetermined orientation, in which the head portion is directed to a face of the user and the tail portion is directed to an abdominal of the user; and In particular, the elongated outer shape has an outer contour which includes a concave portion which forms a hand pad which concave portion is positioned at a side of the outer shape which side is in use to be directed away from the user, such that in use due to a natural tendency the at least one passageway will be directed towards a face of the user when the user places a hand onto the hand pad and attracts the relaxation monitoring device towards the users body.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawings.
The drawings show a practical embodiment according to the invention, which may not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.
Specific features may also be considered apart from the shown embodiment and may be taken into account in a broader context as a delimiting feature, not only for the shown embodiment but as a common feature for all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, in which: Fig. 1 shows in a schematic view a person in a side posture who is sleeping with a relaxation monitoring device according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows in a perspective view an assembly of the relaxation monitoring device without cushion; Fig. 3 shows in a top view of the relaxation monitoring device of Fig. 2 an outer contour determining a functional outer shape of the device; Fig. 4 shows in an exploded view an inner space of the housing containing a plurality of electronic components;
-14 - Fig. 5 shows a top view which corresponds with Fig. 3 to illustrate a positioning of the electronic components to obtain a centre of gravity of the device in a tail portion; Fig. 6 shows in a side view the user side of the relaxation monitoring device of Fig. 2; and Fig. 7 shows in a side view the hand pad side of the relaxation monitoring device of Fig.
2. Identical reference numbers are used in the drawings to indicate the same or similar features. Fig. 1 shows a person P who is relaxing in a bed. The person is lying on a side and an arm is resting on a relaxation monitoring device 1. In the shown sleeping posture, a hand of the person is positioned at a hand pad 171 of the relaxation monitoring device 1. The hand pad is positioned in such a manner that the person may intuitively attract the relaxation monitoring device 1 close to the persons body. The person P and the relaxation monitoring device 1 are positioned in a so called spooning arrangement. The relaxation monitoring device 1 is configured to be used in this posture when lying in a bed, wherein the relaxation monitor device is oriented in a right manner in front of the user. Once the relaxation monitoring device is correctly oriented in front of the user, the user may shift in position, for example shift an arm along the relaxation monitoring device without affecting the correct orientation.
The relaxation monitoring device 1 has a cushion 17. The cushion 17 includes a pillow-case which is placed around a foam body. Here, the relaxation monitoring device 1 is completely covered by the cushion 17 and forms a hand-pillow. The pillow-case is of a textile material which is comfortable in skin contact and can be removed to be cleaned when desired. The cushion 17 provides a soft outer surface which forms a cushioning support for a human lower arm and hand BP in a comfortable manner. Fig. 2 shows the relaxation monitoring device 1 in further detail without the cushion 17. The relaxation monitoring device 1 has a housing 11 for housing electronic components.
The housing 20 comprises an outer shell 110 which delimits an inner space 119 for containing electrical components, like a battery pack 19, an air-pump 130, a control unit 30 etc. The outer shell 110 forms a hard outer covering. The housing 11 is made of plastic. The housing 11 is manufactured by injection moulding. The outer shell 110 has an upper and a lower half. The outer shell 110 comprises an upper shell section 111 and a lower shell section 112 whose outer contours fit to each other to enclose the inner space 119.
-15- Preferably, all electronic components are housed in the outer shell 110. The housing 11 including the outer shell 111 may enclose at least some of the electronic components which may be beneficial in sound reducing. In addition, the electronic components may be firmly mounted to the housing 11 and shielded by the outer shell 110 which may contribute in preventing damages, e.g. when the relaxation monitoring device is falling from a bed.
Here, the outer shell 110 of the housing 11 determines an outer shape of the relaxation monitoring device. The outer shell 110 is configured to be covered by the foam body of the cushion 17 in which the foam body is formed by a layer. The foam body has a substantially constant thickness. The cushion 17 fully circumvents the outer shell 110.
Fig. 3 shows a top view of the housing 11 of the fig. 2 which top view projection is illustrative for a typical geometrical form of the relaxation monitoring device 1. The housing 11 which is to be covered by the cushion 17 (as indicated by stripes) which cushion 17 determines the geometry of the relaxation monitoring device 1. When the relaxation monitoring device is put away, the device will be in a stable laid away position and the shown geometry can be seen in a projection from above. This top view onto this stable position determines the relevant outer shape 10 of the device 1.
The shown geometry in Fig. 3 has a kidney shape, also called a jellybean shape. Here, the upper shell section 112 has an outer contour which is in parallel with the outer contour OC of the relaxation monitoring device 1. The outer contour of the upper shell section 112 defines the typical outer shape 10 of the relaxation monitoring device.
The housing 11 is elongated along a longitudinal axis L-L. From a functional point of view, the relaxation monitoring device 1 has two halves in the longitudinal direction, i.e. a head portion HP and a tail portion TP. The longitudinal axis L-L extends through an origin of an head portion end face HPe and through an origin of an tail portion end face TPe. The head portion HP has a length along the longitudinal axis L-L which equals a length along the longitudinal axis L-L of the tail portion TP. In a correct use, the relaxation monitoring device 1 has an orientation in which the head portion HP is directed to a face of the user, while the tail portion TP is directed to an abdominal of the user.
As shown in detail in figures 4 and 5, the relaxation monitoring device 1 comprises at least one sensor 31 for monitoring the physiological characteristic of the user. The device may include a temperature sensor and/or an accelerometer as a sensor for measuring vibrations to deduct heart and/or respiration data. Here, the at least one sensor comprises a respiratory
- 16 - sensor 31 for measuring at least one characteristic of a gaseous medium in contact with the sensor. The respiratory sensor 31 is positioned at the head portion HP of the outer shape of the device 1. In particular, the respiratory sensor 31 is positioned in an upper half of the length of the head portion HP along the longitudinal axis L-L. The upper half is positioned adjacent to the head portion end face HPe. The relaxation monitor device 1 further comprises a control unit 30 which is connected to the at least one sensor 31 for receiving a sensor signal from the at least one sensor 31. Both the control unit 30 and the at least one sensor 31 are connected to a printed circuit board 3.
Figure 2 - 4 further show at least one air passageway 311, 312, 313 which are provided at the head portion HP. The air passageway 310 is formed by a hole in the housing 11. The hole may have a diameter of at most 5 mm. The at least one air passageway 311 is in fluid communication with the at least one sensor 31. Preferably, multiple air passageways are provided to increase a reach for receiving an exhaled airflow from the user. Preferably, the plurality of air passageways are aligned in an array along the outer contour OC of the outer shell 110.
The at least one air passageway 311 is positioned at a top region of the head portion HP. The at least one air passageway 311 is laterally positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis L- L. The at least one air passageway 311 is positioned at a side of the device which is in a correct use directed to a user. The at least one air passageway 311 is positioned at the so- called user side of the device.
To warrant a proper working of the relaxation monitoring device 1, it is required that the relaxation monitoring device is positioned and oriented by the user in a correct orientation. To obtain accurate measurements by the respiratory sensor 31, the respiratory sensor at the head portion HP should be directed to the face of the user. An upside down orientation and/or inside out orientation should be prevented. The head portion and the user side should be directed to the users face . The typical geometry of the relaxation monitoring device 1 is provided to obtain the correct positioning and orientation of the relaxation monitoring device by profiting from an intuition of the user.
As shown in figure 3, a first feature which contributes to a correct orientation of the relaxation monitoring device 1 during use is formed by a centre of gravity CG which is located in the tail portion TP of the device. The centre of gravity CG is positioned in the tail portion TP of the outer shape. When starting use, the relaxation monitoring device 1 is carried by the user to a place for relaxing. The place to relax may e.g. be a bed, a sofa or a relax chair. When
-17 - carrying a product, it is a natural tendency to carry such a product in a manner that a centre of gravity is in its lowest position.
When lifting up an elongated product, a lightest portion of the product will lift more easy, such that the elongated product will automatically get in an orientation in which the lightest portion is held above.
Due to this natural tendency, when it is picked up, the elongated relaxation monitoring device will be held by the user in a predetermined orientation in which the head portion HP is directed upwards, in particular to a face of the user, and the tail portion TP is directed downwards, in particular to an abdominal of the user.
The centre of gravity CG in the tail portion TP determines the orientation of the relaxation monitoring device when the user carries the product.
Herewith, an incorrect use of the relaxation monitoring device in which the device is oriented upside down may be prevented.
As further shown in figure 3, the elongated outer shape 10 of the relaxation monitoring device 1 has an outer contour OC which includes a concave portion which forms a hand pad 171. The hand pad 171 is a second feature of the device which contributes to a correct orientation of the relaxation monitoring device 1 during use.
The hand pad 171 is configured for receiving a hand of the user.
The concave portion is dimensioned in correspondence with a human hand.
The concave portion has a width which substantially equals a human hand width.
The concave portion is positioned at a side of the outer shape which side is in use to be directed away from the user.
This side is also called a hand pad side ‘hsp’. As shown in the top projection of Fig. 3, the longitudinal axis can be seen as subdividing the outer shape 10 into a user side ‘us’ for facing the user body and a hand pad side ‘hps’ for facing away from the users body.
When the user puts a hand onto the hand pad, the user is holding the relaxation monitoring device in an embracing manner.
In this posture, the user has a natural tendency to attract the relaxation monitoring device 1 to the users body.
At the same time, by placing a hand onto the hand pad 171, the hand pad side hps is oriented away from the user as it is intended for a correct use.
The user side ‘us’ opposite the hand pad side is directed towards the users body.
Herewith, the presence of the hand pad 171 helps the user to bring the device intuitively in a predetermined orientation in which the user side is directed to the users body for a correct use of the device.
Due to the positioning of the centre of gravity CG in the tail portion TP and the presence of the hand pad, the at least one air passageway 311, 312, 313 will be correctly directed to a face of the user.
An exhaled air flow will be effectively captured by the air passageway and conducted to the respiratory sensor 31. Herewith, the accuracy in measuring the physiological characteristic of the user may be improved.
-18- As shown in figure 5, the respiratory sensor 31 may be a CO2 sensor 310 for measuring a CO2 concentration in the exhaled airflow. The CO2 sensor 310 may be a chip-shaped sensor which is mountable on to a printed circuit board (PCB) 3. The CO2 sensor 310 is mounted at a corner of the PCB. The PCB electrically interconnects the CO2 sensor 310 with a control unit 30. The PCB 3 is positioned at the head portion HP of the outer shape 10. The PCB 3 is positioned in the housing 11, such that the CO2 sensor 310 is positioned right behind the first air passageway 311. As further shown in figure 5, the relaxation monitoring device comprises a battery 19.
Because of its weight, the battery 19 is preferably positioned in the tail portion TP. Here, as shown, both the battery 19 and an accumulator 16 are positioned in the head portion HP of the outer shape 10. The relaxation monitoring device further comprises a pump unit suspension 15 for holding a pump unit {not shown). The pump unit suspension 15 has a centre of gravity which is positioned in the tail portion TP of the outer shape 10. The pump unit suspension 15 is a relative heavy component of the device and may form more than 20% of a total weight of the device. The placement of the pump unit suspension 15 in the tail portion may be sufficient to position the centre of gravity of the device 1 in the tail portion TP of the outer shape 10.
The pump unit holded by the pump unit suspension 15 comprises a motor for driving a pump which is pneumatically connected to an inflatable air chamber 12. The accumulator 16 is fluidly connected in between the pump unit and the inflatable air chamber 12. The inflatable air chamber forms a stimulator to provide stimuli to a user. The provided stimuli can be used to improve a quality of a relaxation of the user. The inflatable air chamber is positioned close to the outer surface of the device. The inflatable air chamber is positioned under the hand pad 171 to transfer haptic stimuli to the hand of the user. Shown in Figure 1 is an embodiment of a sleep induction device for inducing changes during asleep session of a user P, the sleep induction device comprising a stimulator 12 and two sensors for detecting a physiological characteristic of the user P: a heart rate monitor, and a respiratory sensor 31. The stimulator 12 may comprise a stimulator mechanism (not visible) for frequently expanding and collapsing the stimulator, to provide a stimulating rhythm to the user to influence the users respiration rate. Many alternative stimulator bodies can however be used, stimulating the user in many different ways, including via light, sound, vibration, temperature changes, or with other stimuli that can be experienced by the user.
-19- The sleep induction device further comprises a housing 11 for housing components e.g. electrical components. Further, the sleep induction device may comprise a memory, arranged to store values of detected physiological characteristics and provided stimuli during the sleep session and a processing unit. Further, the sleep induction device may comprise a control unit including a control programme which is programmed to determine a current sleep state of the user, which current sleep state is based on at least one detected physiological characteristic measured by the at least one sensor and which control programme is programmed to generate an initial guidance path to induce a change from the determined current sleep state to another sleep state. The control unit may receive input from the heart rate and respiratory sensor, and may determine the sleep state of the user based upon those inputs.
The sleep induction device is able to influence the sleep state of the user by inducing changes, stimulating the user with successive stimuli and defining a guidance path via said successive stimuli. This guidance path is for example defined by a simulated breathing rhythm of the stimulator.
Any number of guidance paths may be programmed into the sleep induction device, offering various guidance paths to be followed by the user when using the sleep induction device.
In the set-up stage, one of the various guidance paths may be selected as an initial guidance path. The set-up stage may be very minimal and only require answering some questions about, for example, preferred sleep position, estimated time between getting in bed and falling asleep, desired amount of sleep per night, and heart rate in rest. Optionally, some questions may be also be asked to the partner of the user, such as questions related to the frequency of position changes, sleepwalking, and/or talking in the sleep.
Alternatively or additionally, the set-up stage may include wearing the sensors of the sleep induction device during one or several sleep sessions without the stimulator being activated, e.g. for sleep session spanning up to a week or longer, such that the natural guidance path of a person can be measured, and such that an appropriate guidance path can be selected.
When used, the sleep induction device starts with monitoring at least one physiological characteristic of the user. These physiological characteristics may for example include
-20- measuring the heart rate, the respiratory rate, the eye movement, noise produced, body temperature, brain wave pattern, or other physiological characteristics. The values of the detected physiological characteristics of the user during the sleep session are stored in the memory of the sleep induction device.
Based on these monitored physiological characteristics, a sleep state is determined. A single physiological value may be used, or multiple physiological values may be used to determine said sleep state. Often-used sleep stages include full awakeness, non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM), and rapid eye movement sleep (REM). The NREM sleep can further be categorized in four sleep stages: NREM 1, NREM 2, NREM 3, NREM 4. A multitude of these six sleep stages may be defined as sleep states for each individual user. As such, the term ‘sleep state’ does not only include the six sleep stages recognized in the sleep literature, but also more refined states in between these stages, personal to a user. A stated before, a change in sleep state is thus not only limited to a change in sleep stage, but may, for example, also include a change in the respiratory rate of the user in REM sleep, changing the state of the user. By stimulating the user with successive stimuli, an initial guidance path is formed to guide the user from a first sleep state to a second sleep state, such that a change in the sleep state of the user is induced. This change in the sleep state of the user can for example be achieved by gradually lowering the respiratory rate simulated by the stimulator, e.g. in continuous or incremental steps. For example, in guiding the user from full awakeness to NREM 1 sleep, the respiratory rate simulated by the simulation device may be changed slowly, over the course of several minutes or even longer, from 10 breaths per minute to 8 breaths per minute. This stimulates the user to lower the breathing frequency, and induces sleep, lowering the sleep onset latency of the user. During the guiding phase, the physiological characteristics are continuously monitored, to determine if the sleeper is following the guidance path initiated by the stimulator.
The values of the provided initial guidance path and the monitored physiological characteristics are stored in a memory while providing the initial guidance path during the sleep session of the user.
FOR EXAMPLE: When the user steps into bed, e.g. to start a night of sleep, the sensors are activated and start detecting the physiological characteristics of the user. For example, a heart rate monitor and a respiration monitor can be used. The monitors monitor the
-21- physiological characteristics of the user and determine that the user is fully awake. To make the user fall asleep, the user is first paced, to relax the user and to synchronise the stimulator with the user. For example, the stimulator may simulate a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute, for a continued period of time, e.g. 2 — 10 minutes. While pacing the user, the heart and respiratory rate of the user are continuously monitored, to determine if the user is synchronizing with the stimulator. Once it is established that the user and the stimulator are synchronizing, the initially measured heart and respiratory rate, the applied respiratory rate of the stimulator, and the time it took until the user was synchronized are stored in the memory of the sleep induction device. In the next step, the sleeper can be guided from a fully awakened sleep stage to the NREM 1 sleep stage, changing the sleep state of the user. Figure 6 and figure 7 show respectively the user side ‘us’ and the hand pad side ‘hps’ of the relaxation monitoring device. Figure 6 shows the presence of the at least one air passageway 311, 312, 313 at the head portion HP. Further, a speaker 33 for generating sounds is positioned at the head portion HP. The speaker 33 is positioned in between the air passageway and the head portion end face HPe. The speaker 33 can be used to generate an audible stimulus during the relaxing period. The speaker 33 can be used for example to produce successive stimuli to guide a user during a sleep session to manage a sleep pattern of the user. Herewith, the relaxation monitoring device can be used to generate haptic stimuli and in addition audible stimuli to improve a quality in relaxation. Stimuli can be provided to the user based on a measured physical characteristic. The stimuli may assist the user P during a sleep session to improve a sleep quality.
The relaxation monitoring device 1 can be used to assist in falling asleep. A sleep period starts when a user gets into the bed to prepare for a sleep. The relaxation monitoring device is configured to provide successive stimuli to influence a breathing rhythm of the user. The relaxation monitoring device is configured to stimulate a breathing rhythm of the user by providing a haptic stimulus. The haptic stimulus is generated at a position of the hand pad
171. The user senses the stimulus by placing a hand onto the hand pad 171. The haptic stimulus is transferred via the hand to the user. As shown in figure 7, the relaxation monitoring device 1 comprises at least one light emitting element. The at least one light emitting element is positioned at the hand pad side ‘hps’ of the device for not disturbing the user during a relaxing period. Here, the device 1 comprises an LED 32. The LED 32 is connected to the PCB 3. Further, the device 1 comprises a control
-22- panel 18 which also might include a light-emitting element, e.g. a display.
The control panel 18 at the hand pad side allows the user to adjust the device before the relaxing period starts.
It is noted that the term “comprising” (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of “having” or “including”, and not in the exclusive sense of “consisting only of”. It is further noted that features and aspects described for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with features and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to particular embodiments, from reading this description those of skilled in the art might appreciate a change or modification that may be possible from a technical point of view but which still do not depart from the scope of the invention as described above and claimed hereafter.
It will be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention.
It is in particular possible to make modifications with respect to the illustrated embodiments which are provided as exemplary embodiments.
Modifications may be made within the teaching of the invention and without departing from the scope thereof to adapt a particular situation.
Therefore, the invention is nat limited to the particular embodiments disclosed and illustrated inthe above detailed description, but the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope as described above and defined in the appended claims.
Reference list: 1 Relaxation monitoring device OC outer contour CG centre of gravity BP body part; human hand us user side L-L longitudinal axis hps hand pad side HP head portion P user; person HPe head portion end face TP tail portion 10 outer shape TPe tail portion end face 11 housing
-23. 110 outer shell 111 lower shell section 3 PCB 112 upper shell section 30 Control unit; processor 119 inner space 31 sensor; respiratory sensor 12 stimulator; inflatable air chamber; air- 310 CO2 sensor pocket 311 air passageway 312 air passageway 13 pump unit 313 air passageway 130 Pump: diaphragm pump 32 LED 131 pump outlet 33 speaker Motor pump unit suspension 15 151 tubular core 1512 tubular core end 1513 tubular core end 1511 circumferential wall 152 inner suspension 1521, 1522, 1523 resilient element 1524 outer circumferential wall 1525 inner circumferential wall 153 pair of end caps 1531 protruding walls 15386, 1537 suction holes 154 outer suspension 14, 16 accumulator
17 cushion; foam body Hand-pillow; 171 hand pad 18 Control panel 181 Display 182 on/off button 19 Battery

Claims (14)

-24- CONCLUSIES-24- CONCLUSIONS 1. Relaxatie monitoring apparaat (1) voor het monitoren van een fysiologische karakteristiek van een gebruiker (P) gedurende het relaxen, omvattende: - een kussen (17) met een buitenvlak dat een verzachting verschaft voor het ondersteunen van een menselijke hand (BP), waarbij het kussen (17) gezien vanuit een bovenaanzicht een uitwendige vorm (10) van het apparaat definieert, welke uitwendige vorm langwerpig is langs een longitudinale as (L-L), waarbij een kopgedeelte (HP) en een staartgedeelte (TP) van de uitwendige vorm gedefinieerd zijn waarbij het kopgedeelte (HP) een lengte heeft langs de longitudinale as die gelijk is aan een lengte van het staartgedeelte (TP) langs de longitudinale as; - een behuizing (20) voor het behuizen van componenten van het apparaat, welke behuizing ten minste gedeeltelijk bedekt is door het kussen (17), waarbij de behuizing ten minste een uitwendige wand (110) heeft die een inwendige ruimte (119) begrensd voor het houden van elektronische componenten, zoals een batterij, een motor, een luchtpomp en een besturingseenheid; - ten minste een sensor (31) voor het monitoren van de fysiologische karakteristiek van de gebruiker, welke ten minste ene sensor (31) in het kopgedeelte (HP) van de uitwendige vorm van het relaxatie monitoring apparaat gepositioneerd is; - een besturingseenheid (30) verbonden met de ten minste ene sensor (31) voor het ontvangen van een sensorsignaal van de ten minste ene sensor (31); waarbij de ten minste ene sensor (31) een ademhalingssensor (31) omvat voor het monitoren van een uitgeademde luchtstroom van de gebruiker, waarbij ten minste een luchtdoorgang (310,311,312) voorzien is op het kopgedeelte (HP) aan een gebruikerszijde (us) dat een zijde van de uitwendige vorm betreft dat in gebruik naar de gebruiker gericht dient te worden, waarbij de ten minste ene luchtdoorgang in stromingsverbinding is met de ademhalingssensor (31) om de luchtstroom van een buitenzijde van het apparaat naar de ademhalingssensor (31) te laten stromen; waarbij een zwaartepunt (CG) van het relaxatie monitoring apparaat (1) in het staartgedeelte (TP) van de uitwendige vorm gepositioneerd is, zodanig dat bij aanvang van het gebruik -bij het oppakken van het apparaat- het relaxatie monitoring apparaat als gevolg van een natuurlijke neiging door de gebruiker in een vooraf bepaalde oriëntatie gehouden zal worden, waarbij het kopgedeelte (HP) naar een gezicht van de gebruiker gericht is en het staartgedeelte (TP) gericht is naar een buik van de gebruiker; en waarbij de langwerpige uitwendige vorm (10) een buitencontour (OC) heeft met een concaaf gedeelte dat een handvlak (171) vormt, welk concaaf gedeelte aan een zijde van de uitwendige vorm gepositioneerd is dat in gebruik van de gebruiker vandaan gericht is, zodanig dat de ten minste ene luchtdoorgang (310,311,312) tijdens gebruik als gevolg vanA relaxation monitoring device (1) for monitoring a physiological characteristic of a user (P) during relaxation, comprising: - a cushion (17) with an outer surface that provides a cushion for supporting a human hand (BP) , the pad (17) as viewed from a plan view defining an outer shape (10) of the device, which outer shape is elongated along a longitudinal axis (LL), wherein a head portion (HP) and a tail portion (TP) of the outer shape are defined where the head portion (HP) has a length along the longitudinal axis that is equal to a length of the tail portion (TP) along the longitudinal axis; - a housing (20) for housing components of the device, the housing being at least partially covered by the pad (17), the housing having at least one outer wall (110) defining an inner space (119) for holding electronic components such as a battery, a motor, an air pump and a control unit; - at least one sensor (31) for monitoring the physiological characteristic of the user, which at least one sensor (31) is positioned in the head portion (HP) of the external shape of the relaxation monitoring device; - a control unit (30) connected to the at least one sensor (31) for receiving a sensor signal from the at least one sensor (31); wherein the at least one sensor (31) includes a respiration sensor (31) for monitoring an exhaled airflow of the user, the at least one air passage (310,311,312) being provided on the head portion (HP) on a user side (us) that provides a side of the external shape is to face the user in use, the at least one air passage being in flow communication with the respiration sensor (31) to allow the airflow to flow from an exterior of the device to the respiration sensor (31) ; wherein a center of gravity (CG) of the relaxation monitoring device (1) is positioned in the tail portion (TP) of the external shape, such that upon commencement of use -when picking up the device- the relaxation monitoring device as a result of a natural inclination will be held in a predetermined orientation by the user, with the head portion (HP) facing a user's face and the tail portion (TP) facing a user's abdomen; and wherein the elongated outer shape (10) has an outer contour (OC) with a concave portion forming a palm face (171), the concave portion being positioned on a side of the outer shape that faces away from the user in use, such that the at least one air passage (310,311,312) during use due to - 925. een natuurlijke neiging naar een gezicht van de gebruiker gericht zal worden wanneer de gebruiker een hand op het handvlak plaatst en het relaxatie monitoring apparaat naar het lichaam van de gebruiker haalt.925. A natural tendency will be directed towards a user's face when the user places a hand on the palm of the hand and draws the relaxation monitoring device towards the user's body. 2 Relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de ademhalingssensor (31) een CO2 sensor (310) voor het meten van een CO2 concentratie in een uitgeademde luchtstroom van de gebruiker is, waarbij de CO2 sensor een door een chip gevormde sensor betreft die bevestigbaar is op een printplaat (3).A relaxation monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the respiration sensor (31) is a CO2 sensor (310) for measuring a CO2 concentration in an exhaled air stream of the user, the CO2 sensor being a chip-formed sensor that is attachable on a printed circuit board (3). 3. Relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij het zwaartepunt van het apparaat (1) gepositioneerd is in een gebied van een laag gelegen helft van de lengte van het staartgedeelte (TP) langs de longitudinale as (L-L) welke laag gelegen helft aangrenzend gepositioneerd is aan een eindvlak van het staartgedeelte (TPe).Relaxation monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the center of gravity of the device (1) is positioned in a region of a low half the length of the tail portion (TP) along the longitudinal axis (LL) which low half positioned adjacent to an end face of the tail portion (TPe). 4 Relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de ademhalingssensor (31) in een gebied gepositioneerd is in een bovengelegen helft van het kopgedeelte (HP) langs de longitudinale as (L-L) welke bovengelegen helft aangrenzend aan een eindvlak van het kopgedeelte (HPe) is.Relaxation monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the respiration sensor (31) is positioned in a region in an upper half of the head portion (HP) along the longitudinal axis (LL) which upper half is adjacent to an end face of the head portion ( HPe). 5. Relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het relaxatie monitoring apparaat een batterij (19), een motor, in het bijzonder een pompeenheid met een motor en een pomp, en een ophanging (15) voor het ophangen van de pomp of pompeenheid binnen de behuizing heeft, waarbij de ophanging in samenstelling met de motor of pompeenheid een zwaartepunt heeft dat in het staartgedeelte (TP) van het relaxatie monitoring apparaat is gepositioneerd.Relaxation monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the relaxation monitoring device comprises a battery (19), a motor, in particular a pump unit with a motor and a pump, and a suspension (15) for suspending the pump. or pump unit within the housing, wherein the suspension in assembly with the motor or pump unit has a center of gravity positioned in the tail portion (TP) of the relaxation monitoring device. 6. Relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het relaxatie monitoring apparaat een licht emitterend element, zoals een bedieningspaneel (18) of LED (32), omvat dat aan de zijde van het handvlak van het relaxatie apparaat is gepositioneerd.Relaxation monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the relaxation monitoring device comprises a light emitting element, such as a control panel (18) or LED (32), positioned on the palm face side of the relaxation device. 7. Relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de ten minste ene luchtdoorgang (3 10,311,312) zich van het buitenvlak van het kussen (17) door de behuizing (11) naar de ademhalingssensor (31) toe uitstrekt, waarbij het relaxatie monitoring apparaat een groep van ten minste twee luchtdoorgangen (310,311) omvat langs de buitencontour, waarbij in het bijzonder elke luchtdoorvoer een diameter heeft van ten minste 5 mm.Relaxation monitoring device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one air passage (3 10,311,312) extends from the outer surface of the pad (17) through the housing (11) to the respiration sensor (31), wherein the relaxation monitoring device comprises a group of at least two air passages (310,311) along the outer contour, in particular each air passage having a diameter of at least 5 mm. - 926 -- 926 - 8. Relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het relaxatie monitoring apparaat een hand-kussen is voor het steunen van een menselijke hand, welk hand-kussen in het bijzonder met een totaal volume van ten hoogste 10 liter gedimensioneerd is.Relaxation monitoring device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the relaxation monitoring device is a hand cushion for supporting a human hand, which hand cushion is particularly dimensioned with a total volume of at most 10 liters. 9. Relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de zijde van het relaxatie monitoring apparaat dat in gebruik naar de gebruiker gericht dient te worden, de gebruikerszijde, convex gevormd is, waarbij in het bijzonder de uitwendige vorm van het relaxatie monitoring apparaat een niervormig is met een concaaf gedeelte aan de zijde van het handvlak en het convexe gedeelte aan de gebruikerszijde.Relaxation monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side of the relaxation monitoring device to be directed towards the user in use, the user side, is convex shaped, in particular the external shape of the relaxation monitoring device. is kidney-shaped with a concave portion on the side of the palm of the hand and the convex portion on the user side. 10. Relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies omvattende een stimulator (12), waarbij de stimulator (12) ingericht is om een voelbare stimulus te verschaffen, waarbij de stimulator onder het handvlak (11) gepositioneerd is voor het overbrengen van voelbare stimuli naar de hand van de gebruiker via het handvlak.A relaxation monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a stimulator (12), wherein the stimulator (12) is arranged to provide a tactile stimulus, the stimulator being positioned under the palm face (11) for transmitting tactile stimuli. to the user's hand via the palm plane. 11. Relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens conclusie 10, waarbij de stimulator (12) een luchtkamer omvat die door een pompeenheid opblaasbaar is, welke luchtkamer verbonden is met een pompeenheid voor het frequent opblazen van de kamer, waarbij de luchtkamer gepositioneerd is onder het handvlak (11) voor het overbrengen van de voelbare stimulus naar de hand van de gebruiker.A relaxation monitoring device according to claim 10, wherein the stimulator (12) comprises an air chamber which is inflatable by a pump unit, which air chamber is connected to a pump unit for frequent inflation of the chamber, the air chamber being positioned below the palm plane (11). ) for transferring the tactile stimulus to the user's hand. 12. Relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens een van de conclusies 1-9 omvattende een data transfer element voor het besturen van een ander elektronisch apparaat, zoals relax artikelen, klimaat beheersingsapparaten, alarmapparaten etc. gebaseerd op een meting van een fysiologische karakteristiek gedurende het relaxen.Relaxation monitoring device according to any one of claims 1-9 comprising a data transfer element for controlling another electronic device, such as relax articles, climate control devices, alarm devices, etc. based on a measurement of a physiological characteristic during the relaxation. 13. Monitoring werkwijze voor het monitoren van een persoon gedurende het relaxen met gebruikmaking van een relaxatie monitoring apparaat, waarbij de werkwijze te stappen omvat van: - het verschaffen van een relaxatie monitoring apparaat volgens een van voorgaande conclusies; - het oppakken van het relaxatie monitoring apparaat door het plaatsen van een hand op een handvlak van het relaxatie monitoring apparaat; - het in een werkzame oriëntatie brengen van het relaxatiemonitoring apparaat door het relaxatiemonitoring apparaat naar een lichaam van de persoon toe te halen.13. Monitoring method for monitoring a person during relaxation using a relaxation monitoring device, the method comprising the steps of: - providing a relaxation monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims; - picking up the relaxation monitoring device by placing a hand on a palm of the relaxation monitoring device; - bringing the relaxation monitoring device into an operative orientation by pulling the relaxation monitoring device towards a body of the person. 27 -27 - 14. Gebruik van het relaxatie monitoring apparaat als een slaap induceer apparaat voor het geleiden van een gebruiker om in slaap te vallen en/of het geleiden van de gebruiker gedurende een slaapsessie om een slaappatroon te managen. Gebruik van het relaxatie monitoring apparaat voor het bedienen van verbonden apparaten, bijvoorbeeld voor het bedienen van een massagestoel of voor een klimaatbeheersing van een kamer.Use of the relaxation monitoring device as a sleep inducer device for guiding a user to fall asleep and / or guiding the user during a sleep session to manage a sleep pattern. Use of the relaxation monitoring device for operating connected devices, for example for operating a massage chair or for climate control of a room.
NL2022527A 2019-02-07 2019-02-07 Relaxation monitoring device with respiration sensor and air passageway at a user side NL2022527B1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2022527A NL2022527B1 (en) 2019-02-07 2019-02-07 Relaxation monitoring device with respiration sensor and air passageway at a user side
CA3128877A CA3128877A1 (en) 2019-02-07 2020-02-06 Haptic respiration simulator with noise reducing pump suspension and method for relaxation of a user making use of the same
CN202080017738.2A CN113597637B (en) 2019-02-07 2020-02-06 Haptic breathing simulator and method for relaxing a user using the same
EP20704956.0A EP3921822B1 (en) 2019-02-07 2020-02-06 Haptic respiration simulator with noise reducing pump suspension and method for relaxation of a user making use of the same
PCT/NL2020/050065 WO2020162750A1 (en) 2019-02-07 2020-02-06 Haptic respiration simulator with noise reducing pump suspension and method for relaxation of a user making use of the same
US17/424,320 US20220152340A1 (en) 2019-02-07 2020-02-06 Haptic respiration simulator with noise reducing pump suspension

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