WO2000079499A1

WO2000079499A1 - Sleep prevention device and tinnitus relief device

Info

Publication number: WO2000079499A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/002322
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Munro Groves Paterson
Original assignee: William Munro Groves Paterson
Priority date: 1999-06-19
Filing date: 2000-06-14
Publication date: 2000-12-28
Also published as: AU5546700A; GB9914300D0

Abstract

A sleep prevention device operates by monitoring light reflected from the area of at least one of the users eyes and by discriminating between light reflected from an open eye and a closed eye. If the eye remains shut for longer than a predetermined period, an alarm is activated to rouse the user. The device may be configured as a pair of spectacles, with light sensors (18L, 18R) an alarm (20) and power source (22) incorporated therein. A further light sensor (24) may be included to detect ambient light for comparison with reflected light signals detected by the main sensors. Also disclosed is a tinnitus relief device in which solid state signal generating means generates an audio signal adapted to at least partially cancel the audible whistling/ringing which is symptomatic of tinnitus. This device may be worn adjacent the user's ear, may be incorporated into a pair of spectacles, or may be incorporated into a sleep prevention device as disclosed.

Description

"Sleep Prevention Device and Tinnitus Relief Device"

The present invention relates primarily to a device for preventing a user of the device from falling asleep. The device is intended particularly, but not exclusively, for use by motorists. The invention relates also to a device for providing relief from the effects of tinnitus.

A large proportion of road casualties are directly attributable to driver fatigue. Accordingly, there is a need for a device to prevent motorists from falling asleep whilst driving. It is an object of the present invention to provide such a device.

The invention also concerns a device for providing relief from the symptoms of tinnitus. This device may be combined with the sleep prevention device or may be implemented separately therefrom.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sleep prevention device comprising at least one light sensor mounted on support means adapted to be worn on the face of a user, wherein the light sensor is oriented so as to detect light reflected from the area of at least one of the user's eyes and to generate an output signal representative of the intensity of reflected light, signal processing means for monitoring said output signal and alarm means adapted to generate an alarm signal responsive to said signal processing means.

Preferably, the device includes at least two light sensors, one for detecting light reflected from the area of each of the user's eyes.

Most preferably, said light sensor (s) detect reflected ambient light.

Preferably, said signal processing means is adapted to discriminate between differing intensities of light reflected from an open eye and a closed eye.

Preferably, said signal processing means is adapted to discriminate between differing intensities relative to a variable level of ambient light. Optionally, the device may include a further light sensor for monitoring the level of ambient light.

Preferably, said signal processing means is adapted to monitor variations in the intensity of reflected light with respect to time and to activate said alarm means in accordance with predetermined criteria. Preferably, the alarm is activated if the signal processing means determines that the user's eye(s) remain closed for longer than a predetermined time period.

Preferably, said alarm is an audible alarm. Most preferably, the audio output from said alarm progressively increases in volume from a first, minimum level to a second, maximum level if the signal processing means determines that the user's eye(s) remain closed.

Most preferably, the support means comprises a pair of spectacle frames comprising first and second frames connected by a bridge member and first and second legs connected to outer portions of said frames and adapted to engage the ears of a user.

Preferably, said light sensor (s) are located on or adjacent to said bridge portion.

Preferably also, said signal processing means and said alarm are located in one earpiece at the end of one of said legs.

Preferably, the device is powered by an electrical battery contained in the other earpiece. Most preferably, said other earpiece comprises a battery package which is removable and replaceable.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an electrical battery package configured as an earpiece of a pair of spectacles and adapted to be removably attached to the end of a leg of said pair of spectacles.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for providing relief from the symptoms of tinnitus, comprising solid state signal generating means for generating a predetermined audio frequency signal, and audio output means for generating an audio signal responsive to said audio frequency signal, said device being adapted to be worn in or adjacent to at least one ear of a user and said predetermined audio frequency signal being adapted to at least partially cancel the audible whistling/ringing which is symptomatic of tinnitus.

Optionally, the device in accordance with the third aspect of the invention may be incorporated into a pair of spectacles and/or combined with a device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. Preferably, the audio output means of the third aspect comprises audible alarm means forming part of the device in accordance with the first aspect.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and

Fig. 2 is a timing diagram illustrating one example of a scheme for operating the device of Fig. 1.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a pair of spectacles incorporating a device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. It should be understood that the spectacles may or may not have lenses, may be prescribed or not and may be sunglasses or the like. For the purposes of the present invention, the spectacle frames merely provide a support and housing for the device, but the device may be incorporated into spectacles which are worn for another purpose.

The spectacles comprise right and left frames 10R and 10L, a bridge portion 12, right and left legs 14R and 14L and right and left earpieces 16R and 16L, and are shown in Fig. 1 with the legs 14 spread flat for clarity of illustration.

The preferred embodiment of the invention includes right and left light sensors 18R and 18 , which are mounted on the spectacles at any convenient location allowing the sensors to detect light reflected from the areas of the user's right and left eyes respectively. The sensors 18 may, for example, be located on or adjacent to the bridge portion 12. The sensors 18 are connected to a signal processing package and alarm 20 which, in the preferred embodiment, is enclosed in one of the earpieces 16L. The sensors 18 and signal processing and alarm package 20 are connected to a power supply 22 which, in the preferred embodiment, is enclosed in the other earpiece 16R. The sensors 18, signal processing and alarm package 20 and power supply 22 are connected by means of suitable conductors (not shown) extending through or along the spectacle legs 14 and frames 10. The device will also incorporate an on/off switch (not shown) in the power supply package, at any convenient location such as one of the earpieces 16.

The design and styling of the spectacles may vary widely to suit a variety of tastes and functions. Rimless styles of spectacles may employ optical fibres in place of electrical conductors as far as possible.

The signal processing and alarm package 20 typically comprises an electronics package providing memory, comparator and timing functions etc, and an audio alarm device such as a piezoelectric sounder. The power supply is typically an electric battery such as a lithium battery. It is preferred that the earpiece 16R comprises a disposable or rechargeable battery package which can be detached from the end of the leg 14R and replaced as necessary. The device may also be adapted to generate a distinctive "low battery" alarm signal, suitably using the audio alarm of the electronics package 20.

The sensors 18 detect ambient light reflected from the eye left and right areas of the user. The device operates by detecting when the user's eyes are shut and generating an audible alarm to alert the user and prevent him/her from falling asleep. The signal processing package discriminates between open and closed eyes on the basis of the intensity of the reflected light. An open eye will reflect light more efficiently than a closed eye. The sensors 18 are positioned in order to ensure a clear difference between the light detected from an open eye and that detected by a closed eye. The signal processing and alarm package 20 monitors the variations in output from the sensors 18 and activates the alarm if one or both eyes is/are judged to have been closed for a time period greater than a predetermined minimum period. The volume of the alarm signal is preferably increased progressively from a minimum value to a maximum value if the eye(s) remain closed.

Fig. 2 illustrates one example of the manner in which the device might operate. IL is the intensity of light reflected from the left eye as detected by sensor 18L. IR is the intensity of light reflected from the right eye as detected by sensor 18R. A is the output volume from the alarm. II is a reflected light intensity corresponding to an open eye and 12 is a lower reflected light intensity corresponding to a closed eye. The intensities I and volume A are plotted against time, all in arbitrary units. At time tl, the user blinks, so that both eyes are closed momentarily and IL and IR both drop from II to 12 for a brief time. This time is less than a predetermined minimum time (suitably of the order of 0.5 to 1.0 seconds) which must elapse before the alarm is activated. Accordingly, the device ignores transient changes in reflected light intensity such as might be caused by the user blinking. At time t2, the user closes his left eye and IL drops from II to 12. Once a predetermined time (t3-t2) has elapsed, the alarm is activated at a minimum volume level. At time t4, the user opens his left eye and, after a further predetermined time period (t5-t4) has elapsed, the alarm is deactivated. At time t6, the user closes both eyes and both IL and IR drop from II to 12. After the predetermined time period (t7-t6) , the alarm is again activated at minimum volume. After a further predetermined period (t8-t7) the user's eyes remain closed and the alarm volume is increased to an intermediate level. After a further period (t9-t8) , the user's eyes are still closed and the volume is increased further to a maximum level. The user opens his eyes at time tlO and, after the predetermined period (tll-tlO), the alarm is once again deactivated.

This operational scheme is merely illustrative and exemplary. It will be understood that the relevant time periods prior to activation and disactivation of the alarm may be varied. The criteria for determining whether the eyes are open and closed and for the alarm being activated in response to one or both eyes being closed may also be varied. Also, the time periods for increasing the volume and the minimum and maximum volume levels may be varied and the volume may be increased in a stepwise or continuous manner. As previously mentioned, it is preferred that the device operates on the basis of reflected ambient light. Since the level of ambient light will vary with time of day and weather conditions etc., the operating logic must take account of variations in ambient light and judge the variations in reflected light intensity relative to the prevailing level of ambient light. This may be done by correlating the output from the two sensors 18 with one another and/or with stored reference data. Optionally, the device may include a further sensor 24 positioned to monitor light reflected from a surface having constant reflectance (such as the user's forehead) to provide a reference intensity against which the outputs from the sensors 18 may be compared. The audible alarm signal may be selected to maximise its ability to rouse a user who may be on the verge of falling asleep.

The light sensors 18 may be of any suitable type which are sufficiently compact to be incorporated into a pair of spectacles and sufficiently sensitive to provide useful signals under a wide range of lighting conditions, such as Selenium-based sensors. The other components and power supply of the device are configured and positioned to provide even weight distribution between the two legs 14.

It will be understood that a device in accordance with this first aspect of the invention could be incorporated in a support structure adapted to be worn on the face of the user, other than a pair of spectacles. The device could operate by monitoring the light reflected from only one eye, but it is preferred that the device monitors both eyes .

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for relieving the symptoms of tinnitus: i.e. a persistent whistling or ringing in the ears .

It is known that tinnitus can be relieved by the use of audio tapes with a prerecorded signal which is substantially equal and opposite to the characteristic ringing experienced by tinnitus sufferers. In accordance with this further aspect of the invention, a device is provided which includes a solid state audio signal generator which generates an audio signal similar to that provided by prerecorded tinnitus -relief tapes. Such a device may be extremely compact compared with an audio tape (or disc) and player. Such a device might be worn discretely in or behind one or both ears. The device might be incorporated into the earpiece (s) of a pair of spectacles, and could be combined with a sleep-prevention device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, employing the audio alarm thereof to generate the required audio output. In this way, the device may be used conveniently and unobtrusively when the user is reading, viewing television, driving etc. The output of the device could be input directly into the user's ear or into the skull adjacent the ear, and would be audible only to the wearer.

Improvements and modifications may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sleep prevention device comprising at least one light sensor mounted on support means adapted to be worn on the face of a user, wherein the light sensor is oriented so as to detect light reflected from the area of at least one of the user's eyes and to generate an output signal representative of the intensity of reflected light, signal processing means for monitoring said output signal and alarm means adapted to generate an alarm signal responsive to said signal processing means.

2. A sleep prevention device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the device includes at least two light sensors, one for detecting light reflected from the area of each of the user's eyes.

3. A sleep prevention device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said at least one light sensor detects reflected ambient light.

4. A sleep prevention device as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said signal processing means is adapted to discriminate between differing intensities of light reflected from an open eye and a closed eye.

5. A sleep prevention device as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said signal processing means is adapted to discriminate between differing intensities relative to a variable level of ambient light.

6. A sleep prevention device as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the device further includes a further light sensor for monitoring the level of ambient light.

7. A sleep prevention device as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said signal processing means is adapted to monitor variations in the intensity of reflected light with respect to time and to activate said alarm means in accordance with predetermined criteria.

8. A sleep prevention device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the alarm is activated if the signal processing means determines that the user's eye(s) remain closed for longer than a predetermined time period.

9. A sleep prevention device as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said alarm is an audible alarm.

10. A sleep prevention device as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the audio output from said alarm progressively increases in volume from a first, minimum level to a second, maximum level if the signal processing means determines that the user's eye(s) remain closed.

11. A sleep prevention device as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the support means comprises a pair of spectacle frames comprising first and second frames connected by a bridge member and first and second legs connected to outer portions of said frames and adapted to engage the ears of a user.

12. A sleep prevention device as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said at least one light sensor is located on or adjacent to said bridge portion.

13. A sleep prevention device as claimed in Claim 11 or Claim 12, wherein said signal processing means and said alarm are located in one earpiece at the end of one of said legs.

14. A sleep prevention device as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the device is powered by an electrical battery contained in the other earpiece.

15. A sleep prevention device as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said other earpiece comprises a battery package which is removable and replaceable.

16. An electrical battery package configured as an earpiece of a pair of spectacles and adapted to be removably attached to the end of a leg of the sleep prevention device as claimed in Claim 15.

17. A device for providing relief from the symptoms of tinnitus, comprising solid state signal generating means for generating a predetermined audio frequency signal, and audio output means for generating an audio signal responsive to said audio frequency signal, said device being adapted to be worn in or adjacent to at least one ear of a user and said predetermined audio frequency signal being adapted to at least partially cancel the audible whistling/ringing which is symptomatic of tinnitus.

18. A device as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the is incorporated into a pair of spectacles.

19. A device as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the device is incorporated into a sleep prevention device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 15.

20. A device as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the audio output means of the device comprises audible alarm means forming part of the sleep prevention device.