WO2018231858A1 - Système et procédé de surveillance de respiration au moyen de signaux de capteur de posture et de diaphragme - Google Patents

Système et procédé de surveillance de respiration au moyen de signaux de capteur de posture et de diaphragme Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018231858A1
WO2018231858A1 PCT/US2018/037146 US2018037146W WO2018231858A1 WO 2018231858 A1 WO2018231858 A1 WO 2018231858A1 US 2018037146 W US2018037146 W US 2018037146W WO 2018231858 A1 WO2018231858 A1 WO 2018231858A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
belt
sensor
user
housing
breathing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2018/037146
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andre Persidsky
Robin AHLUND
Original Assignee
Andre Persidsky
Ahlund Robin
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
Priority claimed from US15/972,172 external-priority patent/US11172850B2/en
Application filed by Andre Persidsky, Ahlund Robin filed Critical Andre Persidsky
Publication of WO2018231858A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018231858A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/08—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
    • A61B5/0806—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs by whole-body plethysmography
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
    • A61B5/1116—Determining posture transitions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
    • A61B5/113—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb occurring during breathing
    • A61B5/1135—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb occurring during breathing by monitoring thoracic expansion
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/45—For evaluating or diagnosing the musculoskeletal system or teeth
    • A61B5/4538—Evaluating a particular part of the muscoloskeletal system or a particular medical condition
    • A61B5/4561—Evaluating static posture, e.g. undesirable back curvature
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/72—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/7203—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes for noise prevention, reduction or removal

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system and method to monitor, guide, and evaluate respiration with respect to one or more breathing patterns, and a method of processing one or more sensor signals related to breathing and a use thereof.
  • respiration rate has been adapted to determine respiration rate, using specialized algorithms which can extract this measure from the heart rate signal. While a pulse oximeter device can be ergonomic and convenient, unfortunately, the extracted respiration data generally lags and does not provide enough resolution to track against a breath pattern in real time. It is generally limited to summary measures such as respiration rate. Also, there are no direct means of determining diaphragmatic breathing or posture.
  • Spirometry is another well-established technology which can provide accurate real-time measures of air flow rates and volume during inhalation and exhalation.
  • the limitation is that breathing into a tube is required, which is not convenient for everyday settings or for use over extended periods of time.
  • a spirometer has no means of distinguishing between diaphragmatic and chest breathing or taking into account the effects of posture.
  • Optoelectronic Plethysmography is another recently developed method to track respiration through measurement of the chest wall motion, using a number of small reflective markers placed on the abdominal or chest wall surface, and requiring a specially designed camera to analyze the motion of these markers. While the real-time data can be highly accurate and could in principle track diaphragmatic breath, this system is generally a cumbersome setup in a lab-type setting with expensive components, and not practical for everyday use.
  • Respiration belts worn around the waist or chest, or individual sensors placed in those areas offer another approach. Such devices typically measure variations in girth or attempt to track movements or angle changes in the chest or abdominal wall by placing a sensor thereupon. In the former case, a stretch or displacement sensor may be used for example, and in the latter, a sensor such as an accelerometer is often employed. Such respiration belts are often bulky and inconvenient to use.
  • Some products in the breathing monitoring field include the Spire Stone and Health Tag, produced by Spire, Inc., San Francisco, California.
  • the invention was inspired, in part, by traditions such as Yoga, which emphasize the interconnection of healthy breathing techniques with good posture.
  • a respiration monitoring system it is preferable for a respiration monitoring system to take into account the effects of posture on breathing, so that inhalation depths, for example, can be consistently measured across varying postures.
  • the invention was also inspired, in part, by the observation that certain breathing monitoring devices presently on the market have certain disadvantages. For example, some of these devices require the user to wear a bulky non-compact belt around the waist. Another requires that the device be clipped or even permanently attached to the user's clothing, such as to the user's front waistband or bra. This can be problematic, because in addition to requiring that the user wear a particular compatible clothing configuration, if the user's clothing is too loose or bulky, or shifts position during use, this can result in an inaccurate or inconsistent breathing signal, and may not be an optimal location for concurrent posture tracking. Additionally, some devices cannot distinguish between diaphragmatic and chest breathing, in particular, those which are clipped to the bra.
  • Another popular device used for posture tracking requires taping the device to the user's body for holding it in place, which is inconvenient and in turn requires periodically purchasing the tape.
  • taping the device to the user's body for holding it in place, which is inconvenient and in turn requires periodically purchasing the tape.
  • the invention was also inspired, in part, by the insight that it would be desirable to overcome the above problems of accurately tracking and evaluating a user's breathing by providing an apparatus and method for breath monitoring and training, which can accurately track all phases of respiration across the entire breath waveform, taking into account the effects of posture changes, body movement noise, and able to identify and track diaphragmatic breathing, while providing an ergonomic and convenient to wear device
  • the invention may be a user-worn device with posture and diaphragm (breathing status) sensor signals.
  • the user-worn device will typically be a unitized device (e.g. with a housing, and a retractable belt worn around the user's trunk), that often holds the housing on the user's back.
  • the housing contains both posture and breathing sensors.
  • the device monitors the output signals of these sensors and measures the state of both the user's posture and diaphragm (e.g. changes in the belt's length or force on the belt as a function of user breathing) to analyze breathing signals.
  • the system's processor receives, processes, and transmits sensor signal data, and can also calibrate, and interpret these signals utilizing various algorithms.
  • the posture sensor is an accelerometer, and the retractable belt winds around a spring tensioned spool in the device's housing.
  • the software can produce posture adjusted user respiration data, and can also be used for breath training and other purposes.
  • the device is "unitized” in that the housing, all sensors, at least one device processor, and the belt all form a single unit, and work together as a single unit.
  • any of the device's built-in processor and/or an external computing program processor can be further configured to use current (e.g. present, real-time) breathing sensor data and current (e.g. present, real-time) angle sensor data to determine a user current diaphragm position and a user current posture position.
  • current angle sensor data refer to the present or real-time user angle sensor data reporting on the angle or posture of the user
  • current breathing sensor data refer to the present or real-time breathing sensor data reporting on the breathing status of the user.
  • a breath training device which can include both an angle sensor and displacement sensor (which can be used to measure user breathing, and thus will often be referred to in the alternative as a breathing sensor) housed in a single case, which also can include a microcontroller, memory for storing firmware and data, battery, port, and an I/O such as Bluetooth for communicating with an external computing platform such as a smartphone or laptop.
  • the case (or housing) can be mounted on a retractable respiration belt worn around the waist area or chest portion of the user's trunk, with the case worn on a user's back, and a buckle or other fastener on the belt which can be reversibly secured and adjusted (or detached) to the housing in various places.
  • the belt can extend from both sides of the case or housing, and fastened near the user's abdomen or chest.
  • the housing may have a built-in housing fastener (which may be either proximate the housing or separated from the housing) in which case the belt fastener will attach to the housing fastener.
  • the displacement sensor e.g. a breathing sensor, which as will be discussed may comprise one or more types of different sensor devices
  • the angle sensor tracks posture and body movements for correcting and calibrating the displacement sensor output signal to compute a filtered breath signal.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for computing a filtered (or posture adjusted) breath signal.
  • This can be used, for example, to reduce the impact of varying user postures on the user respiration measurements.
  • this can include the steps of computing a current posture angle of an angle sensor and a trunk circumference change of a displacement sensor, computing a relative posture position based on the relation of current posture angle to a sampled posture angle range, retrieving a learned zeroing offset from an offsets array indexed by relative posture position for dynamically setting a fully exhaled level baseline of trunk circumference, computing a relative diaphragm position based on the deviation of a current inhale level from said fully exhaled level baseline, scaling relative diaphragm position using a current posture zone coefficient to compute a signal B to account for the effect of posture, applying a motion damping filter to signal B to compute a signal C, applying a normalization test to signal C which if true, then normalizing and setting filtered breath signal to 0, and if false, setting
  • the invention may be a device, system, or method for tracking respiration and posture from a location on a human user.
  • This device can comprise a housing comprising a computer processor, an electronic angle sensor, a retracting belt, a retracting mechanism, a housing fastener, and an electronic breathing sensor configured to produce an electronic breathing sensor signal reporting on at least one of force and movement of the retracting belt.
  • the retracting belt can comprise a first belt end that is connected to the retracting mechanism, and a second belt end configured with a belt fastener that is configured to reversibly attach (e.g. attach and detach) to the housing fastener.
  • the housing and the retracting belt are often configured so that when the retracting belt is worn around the user's trunk and the belt fastener is attached to the housing fastener, the retracting belt experiences force, movement, or a combination of force and movement in response to user respiration.
  • the breathing sensor produces a breathing sensor signal reporting on this respiration.
  • the electronic angle sensor is configured so that when the retracting belt is worn around the user's trunk, and the belt fastener is attached to the housing fastener, the angle sensor produces an angle sensor signal reporting on an angle of the user's posture.
  • the device's processor(s) is also configured to process the breathing sensor signal and the angle sensor signal and to produce one or more different types of output.
  • the output can be angle sensor data reporting on the user's posture, and breathing sensor data reporting on the user's respiration.
  • This output can then be sent to external processors for additional processing as desired.
  • the device processors may also do additional onboard processing, and for example, also report posture corrected user respiration data.
  • FIG. 1 shows an external view of the device housing, retracting belt, and with a first belt end connected to the retracting mechanism inside the device, and a second belt end that is presently detached from the housing fastener at the opposite end of the housing.
  • FIG. 2 shows an internal view of a bottom half of the device housing, showing a spindle (arbor) upon which the spring tensioned spool (not shown) can rotate.
  • FIG. 3 shows an internal view of the top half of the device housing.
  • FIG. 4 shows an external view of the device housing previously shown in FIG. 1, here from a different angle. Note that the end of the belt protruding from the housing lacks a fastener.
  • FIG. 5 shows a photograph of a prototype of the device previously shown in FIG. 1, here with the retractable belt fully retracted onto retracting mechanism (a spring tensioned spool), not shown.
  • FIG. 6 shows a photograph of a prototype of the device previously shown in FIG. 1, here with the retractable belt partially extended (due to hand pressure) from the housing.
  • FIG. 7A shows a photograph of the device worn around the front of a user, around waist position.
  • FIG. 7B shows a photograph of the device worn around the back of a user.
  • FIG. 8 A shows a detail of a top view of the device's spool (reel) retraction mechanism.
  • FIG. 8B shows a detail of a bottom view of the device's spool (reel) retraction mechanism.
  • FIG. 8C shows a photograph of the spring that provides spring tensioning for the spool, and the retraction belt wound onto the spool
  • FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the retraction belt.
  • FIG. 10 shows a detail of the inner portion of the housing, with the spool retraction mechanism positioned over the spindle (arbor), and the retractable belt wound around the spool.
  • FIG. 11 shows another detail of the inner portion of the housing, with the spool retraction mechanism positioned over the spindle, and the retractable belt wound around the spool, and a magnet centrally positioned on top of the reel.
  • FIG. 12 shows more details of the top inner portion of the device previously shown in FIG. 3, here with additional electronics such as a printed circuit board, battery, rotary sensor (e.g. rotary encoder), notifier (an output device such as a speaker, or LED or LCD display) and other components.
  • additional electronics such as a printed circuit board, battery, rotary sensor (e.g. rotary encoder), notifier (an output device such as a speaker, or LED or LCD display) and other components.
  • FIG. 13 shows how the electronic components, previously shown in FIG. 12, can be positioned on top of the components previously shown in FIG. 11 when the device is assembled.
  • FIG. 14 shows a detail of how a magnetic rotary encoder, or other sensor, can fit over the spindle of the spool with a magnet on the top of the spool, detect motion (e.g. rotation of the spool), and hence displacement of the belt.
  • FIG. 15 shows a circuit block diagram of one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 16 shows a more detailed circuit diagram for one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 17 shows additional details of the circuit diagram for one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 18 shows a closer view of how the belt can wind around a belt guide shaft as the belt unwinds from the spool and untwists, and extends out of the housing opening to the outside.
  • FIG. 19 shows the device of FIG. 18, here shown from a different angle.
  • Fig. 20A shows an additional detail of how an optional device flexing element and flex sensor can be positioned.
  • FIG. 20B shows the device of FIG. 20A, here showing the belt extending over the flexing element and flex sensor.
  • FIG. 21 shows a more detailed view of the flexing element that can be used in an optional flex sensor.
  • FIG. 22 shows how an electronic flex sensor device can be mounted on the flexing element.
  • FIG. 23 shows how alternatively, the flex sensor can be integrated into a sensor clip.
  • FIG. 24A shows a detail of how the flex sensor can operate in an alternative embodiment where the belt clip couples a force or displacement of the retraction belt onto the flex sensor.
  • FIG. 24B shows a further detail of how the flex sensor can operate in an alternative embodiment where the belt clip couples a force or displacement of the retraction belt onto the flex sensor.
  • FIG. 25 shows a top-down view of a third version of the preferred embodiment of the breath training device.
  • FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a third version of the preferred embodiment of the breath training device.
  • FIG. 27 shows the retractable belt deployed and plugged into the opposite side of the device housing.
  • FIG. 28 shows the inside components of the device housing.
  • FIG. 29 shows an enlarged view of a roller, retractable belt, and belt exit slot.
  • FIG. 30 shows the inner surface of a lid.
  • FIG. 31 shows an alternate way for guiding the retractable belt out of the device housing by using a guide opening and a belt exit slot.
  • FIG. 32A shows an example of a retractable belt and clip arrangement
  • FIG. 32B shows the retractable belt inserted into a clip, clamped down with a clip plate.
  • FIG. 33A shows the clip channel and flexing element holders on the inner surface of the lid.
  • FIG. 33B shows the flexing element installed over the clip channel.
  • FIG. 33C shows the clip head fully plugged into the extended clip channel in the flexing element.
  • FIG. 34 shows the outer surface of the lid with the clip head plugged into the clip channel.
  • FIG. 35 shows a partially transparent view of the clip head plugged into the clip channel.
  • FIG. 36 shows an elevated view of the isolated device housing.
  • FIG. 37A shows the bottom plate with attached spring compartment of the reel.
  • FIG. 37B shows the assembled reel with the top plate attached to the bottom plate.
  • FIG. 38A shows a clip channel pedestal in the device housing.
  • FIG. 38B shows a partially transparent view of the clip head plugged into an alternate embodiment of the clip channel.
  • FIG. 38C shows the clip channel attached to and extending from the inner surface of the lid.
  • FIG. 38D shows a sensor wall attached to a clip channel type housing fastener for holding a flex sensor.
  • FIG. 38E shows both an attachment point and a gap between the sensor wall and the clip channel type housing fastener.
  • FIG. 38F shows the distal end of the sensor wall extending beyond the distal end of the clip channel type housing fastener.
  • FIG. 39 shows an alternate embodiment of the third version of the preferred embodiment of the breath training device, showing a square device housing and lid, prior to the retractable belt being deployed.
  • FIG. 40 shows the retractable belt has been withdrawn from the device housing, but not yet plugged in.
  • FIG. 41 shows the device housing and lid have been rotated 45 degrees after the retractable belt has been deployed, and the clip plugged into the clip channel to fasten the belt to the device housing.
  • FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of the square device housing and lid, both with rounded corners.
  • FIG. 43 shows the components inside the device housing, with the lid removed, prior to the retractable belt being deployed.
  • FIG. 44 shows the components inside the device housing, with the lid removed, after the retractable belt has been deployed and plugged in, but omitting the step of rotating the device housing and lid by 45 degrees.
  • FIG. 45 shows the device housing with lid removed, having been rotated 45 degrees after the retractable belt has been deployed, and the clip plugged into the clip channel to fasten the belt to the device housing.
  • the terms “case” and “housing” will often be used interchangeably.
  • the invention's device, system, and method will sometimes be referred to in the alternative by one or more of its specific uses, such as a "breath training device”, “device for tracking respiration and posture”, and other specific application names. Because, in some applications, the invention can be used for breath training, the invention is often referred to in the alternative as a “breath training device”, but this term is not intended to be limiting. In fact, the present devices and methods can be used for a wide variety of different educational, entertainment, physiological, sports, and medical applications.
  • a breathing signal from a breathing sensor is often referred to in the alternative as a "filtered breath signal”.
  • the invention may be a device, system or method for tracking respiration and posture from a location on a human user.
  • This invention can comprise measuring user respiration by using a device comprising a housing, a computer processor, an electronic angle sensor, a belt (such as a retracting belt), one or more types of retracting mechanism, one or more types of fasteners (such as a housing mounted fastener), and an electronic breathing sensor to produce an electronic breathing sensor signal reporting on at least one of force and movement on the retracting belt.
  • a device comprising a housing, a computer processor, an electronic angle sensor, a belt (such as a retracting belt), one or more types of retracting mechanism, one or more types of fasteners (such as a housing mounted fastener), and an electronic breathing sensor to produce an electronic breathing sensor signal reporting on at least one of force and movement on the retracting belt.
  • this retracting belt can comprise a first belt end that is connected to a retracting mechanism, and a second belt end configured with a belt fastener that is configured to reversibly attach to a housing mounted fastener.
  • This housing mounted fastener (housing fastener) can be built into the housing itself, or alternatively can be connected to the housing by a section of belt or belt-like material.
  • the housing and the retracting belt can be configured so that when the retracting belt is worn around the user's trunk, the user is "buckled in", (e.g. the belt fastener is attached to said housing fastener), the retracting belt experiences any of force and movement in response to user respiration. That is as the user inhales, the trunk expands, and there is force exerted on the belt in the direction of causing the belt to expand. As the user exhales, the trunk contracts, and any retracting force on the belt caused by the device will cause the belt to experience a force in the opposite direction, and/or will cause the belt to retract.
  • the retracting belt can be configured so that when the retracting belt is worn around the user's trunk, the user is "buckled in", (e.g. the belt fastener is attached to said housing fastener), the retracting belt experiences any of force and movement in response to user respiration. That is as the user inhales, the trunk expands, and there is force exerted on the belt in the direction of causing the belt to
  • the breathing sensor (often called a displacement sensor, because it can measure any of a force or movement of displacement on the belt), can produce a breathing sensor signal reporting on this respiration.
  • an electronic angle sensor can be used to report on an angle of the user's posture with respect to a direction of gravity.
  • This electronic angle sensor is typically configured so that when the retracting belt is worn around the user's trunk, and the belt is "buckled in” (e.g. the belt fastener is attached to the housing fastener), the angle sensor produces an angle sensor signal reporting on an angle of the user's posture (here often just the term "posture" is used).
  • the invention can use its processor(s) to process these breathing sensor signal(s) and angle sensor signals, and produce various types of outputs.
  • the invention may use the processor to produce one or more outputs reporting information such as the angle sensor data reporting on the user's posture, and breathing sensor data reporting on the user's respiration.
  • the invention can also do more processing, either using housing mounted processors, or remote processors, and do additional processing such as reporting on posture adjusted user respiration data.
  • the invention operates by sensing the displacement of the retractable belt during respiration
  • at least some embodiments of the breathing sensor will be termed the "displacement sensor”. Note, however, that there can be more than one type of breathing sensor, and in some cases, useful breathing information can also be obtained from additional types of sensors as well, which will be discussed shortly.
  • the invention will often comprise various electronic components, such as a case containing a microcontroller (e.g. processor), a memory for storing firmware and data, one or more computer data input/output (I/O devices), a breathing sensor (e.g. displacement sensor), an angle sensor, an one or more optional human interface notifier or optical/audio output device (e.g. such as an audio or visual output device) to alert the user of various states relating to breath evaluation.
  • the device will often also have a battery (such as a rechargeable battery), and a charging and/or programming port (such as a USB port) for battery charging and optionally for uploading new firmware and retrieving data stored in memory.
  • the device's displacement sensor and angle sensor can be connected to the device's microcontroller by wires for sending microcontroller sensor output signals.
  • microcontrollers have an ADC (analog to digital converters) built in, a separate ADC may also be included if desired.
  • the microcontroller can be based on the firmware platform, such as the iOS Mini or iOS Fio implementations, although many other microcontroller hardware platforms and brands are possible. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to using a microcontroller. For example, a microprocessor or CPU could be utilized, with needed components such as memory, ADC, and I/O provided separately in the case. Use of a microcontroller can simplify the hardware design by integrating many common processing-related functions in one system.
  • Memory can be a non- volatile memory, such as flash memory.
  • the notifier can be a buzzer or vibrational element which can vibrate the case, or alternately can be an audio component such as a small speaker to alert the user through audio cues in relation to certain breath states.
  • the I/O device can be configured to allow transferring sensor output signals and other data to an external computing platform such as an external computerized device (external platform device) with its own CPU (e.g. an external platform processor), memory, storage, display, platform I/O and input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touch screen, or one or more buttons.
  • This external computing platform can, for example, be a laptop, desktop, tablet, smartphone, PDA, or watch computer, wherein data can be visualized and further evaluated.
  • System data can also be stored in storage devices such a hard drive or flash memory (e.g. saving the raw or processed breath signal, breath scores, and other breath and posture statistics over time.
  • the system can also be configured for receiving data from a relevant external computing platform.
  • This I/O can be wired or wireless based.
  • BluetoothTM wireless protocols can be used to wirelessly transmit sensor output signals, as well as other wireless protocols..
  • the invention can further comprise a wireless transceiver.
  • the device and processor can be further configured to use the processor and the wireless transceiver to transmit at least some of the various signals or data to an external computing platform, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, cloud server, IoT (Internet of Things) device, or other type external computing platform.
  • an external computing platform such as a smartphone, tablet computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, cloud server, IoT (Internet of Things) device, or other type external computing platform.
  • the device's breathing sensor can be coupled to at least one of the retracting mechanism and the belt.
  • the breathing sensor can further comprise any of a linear potentiometer, a slide potentiometer, a draw wire sensor, a string potentiometer, a linear variable differential transformer, a magneto-inductive displacement sensor, a capacitive sensor, an eddy current sensor, a laser distance sensor, a confocal sensor, an infrared sensor, a sonar sensor, a rotary displacement sensor, a rotary displacement sensor comprising a magnetic rotary encoder, a rotary potentiometer, a flex sensor, a variable resistance stretch sensor, an electret foil sensor, an electric foil sensor, a piezoelectric element sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, and a textile stretch sensor.
  • additional mechanisms such as one or more springs, spring-loaded spools, and the like may also be used as needed to provide a retracting force on respiration belt causing the belt to experience some force to at least partially retract the belt into the housing, thus creating a retracting mechanism that makes belt a retractable belt.
  • the displacement sensor can be made using a linear potentiometer such as the Miniature Linear Potentiometer, part LP804-01 manufactured by Omega Engineering.
  • a linear potentiometer such as the Miniature Linear Potentiometer, part LP804-01 manufactured by Omega Engineering.
  • This can employ a displacement sensor connector made as a rod, having a certain restricted range of mechanical travel, such as between one and two inches, causing a measurable and consistent change in output resistance of the linear potentiometer when the connector travels back and forth.
  • the system may use an angle sensor, such as an accelerometer, for measuring inclination changes or acceleration, having one or more axes along which the inclination changes or acceleration can be measured, although a variety of other sensor types with suitable sensitivity can be used.
  • an angle sensor such as an accelerometer
  • magnetometers or gyroscopes can be used. Magnetometers can measure angular position with respect to a magnetic field, while gyroscopes measure angular acceleration, from which angular position or inclination can be derived by integration for example.
  • the angle sensor can be any of an accelerometer, a magnetometer, and a gyroscope.
  • the angle sensor is configured to determine an orientation of the housing (case) with respect to any of a direction of gravity, a magnetic field, and/or a prior orientation of the housing.
  • Accelerometers for example, often operate with respect to a direction of gravity.
  • the invention may employ a retracting mechanism, such as a tension mechanism for placing the belt under tension during all phases of user respiration, so that the belt extends further out of the housing during user inhalation, and the belt retracts further into the housing during user exhalation.
  • a retracting mechanism such as a tension mechanism for placing the belt under tension during all phases of user respiration, so that the belt extends further out of the housing during user inhalation, and the belt retracts further into the housing during user exhalation.
  • the sensor cases can be a wide variety of different shapes. These can be rectangular shapes, round or oval shapes, or even irregular shapes like a ladybug. In general, it is useful to employ a case designs that helps add stability by reducing wobbling against the body.
  • Type 1 comprises two separate angle (or acceleration) sensors, one on the abdomen or chest, and one on the user's back.
  • Type 2 comprises one angle (or acceleration) sensor, and one displacement (or breathing) sensor, such as third version 900 of the preferred embodiment of breath training device.
  • Type 3 comprises three sensors including two separate angle (or acceleration) sensors, one on the abdomen or chest, and one on the back, and one displacement sensor.
  • Type 4 comprises one angle sensor in one sensor case.
  • the invention can be further configured to standardize different user inhalation depths across different user postures, or to reduce the impact of varying user posture on user respiration measurements.
  • the user's posture (often measured by the angle sensor data) can have a significant impact on the user's respiration data, and thus various methods of producing posture adjusted user respiration data are often desirable.
  • the device's processor (and/or an external computing program processor receiving data from the device) can be further configured to correct for effects of different relative user posture positions.
  • the device's processor and/or an external computing program processor receiving data from the device
  • Various schemes are possible here.
  • the system can sample and store the breathing sensor data across a plurality of different relative user posture positions (as defined by the angle sensor data). This can be used to create a set of first calibration data.
  • the instructions might be: "inhale all the way, and then gradually change your posture from a fully reclined to a fully upright position, and then exhale all the way, and then gradually change your posture from a fully upright to a fully reclined position".
  • the system can be storing data all during this procedure.
  • the system's processors can then produce posture adjusted user respiration data by using this first calibration data, the breathing sensor data, and the angle sensor data to correct the breathing sensor data for variations in the user's posture.
  • the defined respiratory state can be any of a defined exhalation state and a defined inhalation state.
  • This calibration process can, for example, sample and store the breathing sensor data across a plurality of different relative user posture positions as defined by the angle sensor data, thereby creating first calibration data.
  • the device can also produce posture adjusted user respiration data by using this first calibration data, the breathing sensor data, and the angle sensor data to correct the breathing sensor data for variations in the user posture.
  • this defined respiratory state can be any of a defined exhalation state and a defined inhalation state.
  • the device retraction mechanism can be a spring tensioned spool.
  • the belt can wind around this spring tensioned spool, and the motion or force on the spool or belt can be measured.
  • the breathing sensor can for example be any of a rotary encoder, a magnetic rotary encoder, and a strain gauge. Other rotary encoders, such as optical rotary encoders, may also be used.
  • such a spring tensioned spool and the rotary encoder can further be used to measure a displacement of the belt (e.g. how far the belt has extended or retracted from the housing). This displacement can be used for other applications such as computing any of a dimension or change in dimension of a user body part or muscle.
  • breath training device 700 is shown in FIG. 1.
  • breath training device 700 is able to measure and track the circumference of a person's waist as part of a weight loss and health application, as well as to measure and track the size of major muscle groups on the body, such as by measuring the circumference of arms and legs, for a body -building application.
  • breath training device 700 consists of a device housing 702, containing a retractable belt 704.
  • the device housing 702 can consist of a bottom housing 706, and a lid 708.
  • Bottom housing has an internal surface 710, and an outer surface 712 as shown in FIG. 4.
  • Bottom housing 706 can have a recessed lip 714 around its top edge as shown in FIG. 2, over which lid 708 can be placed and glued when device housing 702 is assembled.
  • Many other means of securing lid 708 over bottom housing 706 can be utilized as well known in the art, such as by snap fitting, or by adding support columns in bottom housing 706 into which lid 708 can be screwed into place.
  • Bottom housing 706 can have a belt opening 716 through which retractable belt 704 moves in and out of breath training device 700.
  • a clip 718 (an example of a belt fastener) is attached to a distal end 720 of retractable belt 704 as shown in FIG. 1.
  • the device housing 702 can be made of plastic such as by injection molding, aluminum, steel, or other materials known in the art.
  • a user wears breath training device 700 by pulling clip 718 to withdraw retractable belt 704, and wrapping the belt around his/her waistline or chest to form a belt loop 722.
  • the user then secures retractable belt 704 by fastening clip 718 onto a clip receptacle 724 (an example of a housing fastener) located on an opposite side of bottom housing 706 relative to the position of belt opening 716, as shown in FIG.2.
  • the device housing 702 can be worn at multiple positions along the trunk, but preferably near the lower back area as shown in FIG. 7B for measuring breathing and posture as previously discussed for a type 2 BTD.
  • Device housing 702 is worn with outer surface 712 of bottom housing 706 against the body.
  • Outer surface 712 can have a cushionable layer 713 on it, formed from Neoprene or foam for example, or by silicone overmolding for creating a more comfortable soft surface against the body.
  • device housing 702 can be worn near the navel or on the chest as shown in FIG. 7A.
  • An important advantage of breath training device 700 over devices is that it does not need to be attached to clothing or clipped onto a waistband to be supported on the body.
  • the retractable belt can be worn directly against the skin, or can be worn over clothing, without relying on a particular configuration of clothing, and can be easily worn at multiple locations.
  • breath training device 700 is much more compact than non- retractable belt designs, since retractable belt 704 can be entirely contained inside device housing 702 when not in use, and does not need belt length adjusters, as the retractable design allows the belt length to automatically adjust to a variety of body sizes and shapes, while maintaining adequate tightness around the body.
  • bottom housing 706 contains a reel 726 onto which retractable belt 704 is wound and unwound.
  • Reel 726 consists of a power spring compartment 728 contained inside a spool 730, a spring engagement opening 732 in a spool wall 734, a plate 736, a rotation axis opening 738, and a flange 740.
  • Retractable belt 704 is wound around spool 730, with the width of the belt preferably smaller than the height of spool wall 734.
  • a proximal end 742 of the retractable belt 704 can be secured to an external side 744 of spool wall 734 as an anchor point for winding, by means of gluing, bonding, crimping, or other well-known means in the art.
  • the outer diameter of the stacked wound belt is preferably smaller than the width of plate 736, as shown in FIG. 8C, to help support the stability of retractable belt 704 on spool 730.
  • Retractable belt 704 can be made from a variety of materials and configurations including but not limited to PVC plastic, TPE, TPU, fiberglass, silicone, combinations of these, and many other different plastic and rubber materials, or other materials such as leather, nylon, or from various fabrics as well known in the art. It is preferable that the material be flexible and suitable for retraction, and durable for long cycle life. It is also preferable that the material be nontoxic for contact against skin, and comfortable for extended wearing. In a preferred embodiment, retractable belt 704 can be relatively flat in configuration, as shown sectionally in FIG. 9, allowing a suitable length to be wound onto spool 730 for accommodating most waist sizes, while minimizing the overall width of reel 726 and consequently overall size of device housing 702, since a flat belt winds more compactly.
  • retractable belt 704 resist longitudinally stretching when a moderate force is applied.
  • one or more strengthening strands 746 can be included along the inside length.
  • Strands 746 can be made from nylon for example, or from copper wire or other wire material to resist longitudinal stretching.
  • retractable belt 704 can be made from PVC with nylon strands inside, approximately 50 inches in length for accommodating most waist sizes, and approximately 5mm wide by 0.6mm thick, which helps keep device housing 702 relatively flat.
  • retractable belt 704 can be implemented as a string to help further decrease size and thickness of device housing 702.
  • a string can be made from materials previously discussed, or many other materials including metals.
  • the disadvantage of a string is that it may not be as comfortable against skin as a flat belt configuration.
  • power spring compartment 728 contains a power spring 748.
  • Power spring 748 can be a flat spiral spring as well known in the art, typically made of stainless steel, carbon, or other materials, similar to springs found inside retractable tape measures or badge holders.
  • Power spring 748 provides the torque for rewinding retractable belt 704 onto reel 726.
  • Power spring 748 can be preloaded by several turns of reel 726, increasing the base level of torque when retractable belt 704 is initially withdrawn by the user from device housing 702.
  • Bottom housing 706 contains an arbor 750 with a spring slot 752 as shown in FIG. 2.
  • reel 726 can be positioned inside bottom housing 706 with power spring compartment 728 facing downwards.
  • Internal surface 710 can have a layer of Teflon tape covering it, for example, to help decrease frictional forces of the rotation of reel 726 against internal surface 710.
  • Rotation axis opening 738 on reel 726 fits over arbor 750, such that reel 726 can engage and rotate around arbor 750. As shown in FIG.
  • power spring 748 has a catch 754 on its centrally located end which is placed into spring slot 752, and a hook 756 near its peripheral end for attaching over spool wall 734, accessible by spring engagement opening 732, allowing power spring 748 to be wound and unwound around arbor 750 as reel 726 rotates when retractable belt 704 is pulled out or drawn into breath training device 700.
  • flange 740 is situated around rotation axis opening 738 on reel 726, such that flange 740 extends above arbor 750 when reel 726 is positioned on arbor 750, creating a magnet recess 758.
  • a magnet 760 can be glued into magnet recess 758 against the inside surface of flange 740, but not in contact with arbor 750, such that magnet 760 can rotate together with reel 726.
  • Magnet 760 can be a disc-shaped magnet for example, preferably diametrically magnetized with north and south poles on the same surface, and can be made from Neodymium, ceramic, or other materials.
  • Lid 708 has an inner surface 762 and outer surface 764. As shown in FIG.
  • inner surface 762 can have a printed circuit board 766 attached to it by bonding for example.
  • Lid 708 can have a plurality of registration posts 768 which fit through mounting holes 770 in printed circuit board 766 to help secure and orient printed circuit board 766. Registration posts 768 can also function as a stop to prevent reel 726 from moving upwards as it rotates, preventing reel 726 from colliding with printed circuit board 766.
  • a battery recess 772 on lid 708 can contain a battery 774 for powering printed circuit board 766. Battery 774 can be secured to lid 708 by bonding for example. Battery 774 can be a rechargeable Polymer Lithium-Ion Battery for example.
  • a first surface 776 of printed circuit board 766 faces reel 726 when lid 708 is secured over bottom housing 706, and a second surface 778 faces inner surface 762 of lid 708 as shown in FIG. 13.
  • Printed circuit board 766 has a rotary sensor 780 mounted on first surface 776.
  • Rotary sensor 780 can be, for example, a hall effect magnetic sensor as well known in art, which is capable of detecting a changing magnetic field, and capable of detecting an angle position through a 360-degree rotation of a nearby rotating magnet.
  • Rotary sensor 780 is positioned on printed circuit board 766 such that its magnetic center 782 is positioned over the center of magnet 760 in reel 726. This arrangement is for the purpose of tracking the rotation of reel 726.
  • inhalation and exhalation can cause the circumference of belt loop 722 to increase and decrease, which causes retractable belt 704 to unwind and wind from spool 730, causing reel 726 to rotate in one direction and then in an opposite direction which rotary sensor 780 can track.
  • rotary sensor 780 can function as the displacement sensor previously discussed.
  • a clearance gap 784 is provided between magnet 760 and rotary sensor 780 as shown in FIG. 14.
  • Many commercial IC's options are available for rotary sensor 780, such as but not limited to the AS5048 Magnetic Rotary Encoder from AMS, or part TLV493DA1B6HTSA2 from Infineon Technologies.
  • Second surface 778 of the printed circuit board 766 could also have additional electronic components such as a status LED 779 for example.
  • the invention may be an even more capable device, system or method for tracking respiration and posture from a location on a human user.
  • this device will typically comprise a housing comprising a computer processor, an electronic angle sensor, a retracting belt, a retracting mechanism, a housing fastener, and an electronic breathing sensor configured to produce an electronic breathing sensor signal reporting on at least one of force and movement of the. retracting belt.
  • the electronic angle sensor may be an accelerometer.
  • the retracting belt may comprise a first belt end that is connected to the retracting mechanism, and a second belt end configured with a belt fastener that is configured to reversibly attach to a housing fastener.
  • the housing and the retracting belt can be configured so that when the retracting belt is worn around the user's trunk, and the belt fastener is attached to the housing fastener, the retracting belt experiences any of force or movement in response to user respiration, and the breathing sensor produces a breathing sensor signal reporting on this respiration.
  • the retracting mechanism can comprise a tension mechanism for placing the belt under tension during all phases of user respiration, so that the belt extends further out of the housing during user inhalation, and the belt retracts into the housing during user exhalation.
  • the retraction mechanism can be a spring tensioned spool, where the belt winds around this spring tensioned spool, and the breathing sensor can be at least one of a strain gauge, a rotary encoder, and a magnetic rotary encoder (optical rotary encoders may also be used).
  • the electronic angle sensor may be configured so that when the retracting belt is worn around the user's trunk, and the belt fastener is attached to the housing fastener, the angle sensor produces an angle sensor signal reporting on an angle of the user's posture.
  • this processor can be configured to process the breathing sensor signal, and the angle sensor signal, and to produce various types of outputs. These can include outputs reporting on the angle sensor data reporting on the user's posture, and breathing sensor data reporting on the user's respiration.
  • the processor (or external processors) can also be configured to report on posture adjusted user respiration data.
  • the device may be configured to simply store all of the signals or data on internal or removable memory, in a preferred embodiment, the device will additionally comprise a wireless transceiver (e.g. a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other type wireless transceiver) and be configured to use the processor and the wireless transceiver to transmit at least some of the signals or data to an external computing platform. Often the device will also be configured so that the housing is worn on the user's back.
  • a wireless transceiver e.g. a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other type wireless transceiver
  • the components can include a CPU 786, a memory 788 for storing firmware and data, angle sensor 790, I/O 792 which is preferably wireless, optional notifier 794 such as a vibrating motor (e.g. gives haptic output), optional switch 796, port 798, and rotary sensor 780 previously described.
  • a port opening 800 can be formed in bottom housing 706 and lid 708 to provide access to port 798 for charging battery 774.
  • Port 798 can be a USB port.
  • a microcontroller can be used instead of a CPU or microprocessor as previously discussed in the first embodiment.
  • Angle sensor 790 and rotary sensor 780 can be electrically connected to CPU 786 on printed circuit board 766 for sending CPU 786 sensor output signals.
  • CPU 786 can be a Nordic semiconductor nRF52832 ARM processor
  • I/O 792 can be provided by Bluetooth support integrated on the nRF52832 chip
  • angle sensor 790 can be a
  • MMA8452QR1 3-axis accelerometer provided by NXP USA Inc.
  • rotary sensor 780 can be a TLV493DA1B6HTSA2 provided by Infineon Technologies.
  • FIGS. 16 and 17 show an example schematic. Additional support electronics 802 as shown in FIG. 15 are also provided on printed circuit board 766 as well known in the art to make it functional, such as a battery charging circuit, analog to digital converter, digital pot for calibration, voltage regulator, voltage reference, and op-amp, though many other component brands and configurations are possible within the scope of the present invention.
  • switch 796 could be excluded, and CPU 786 could be placed into a low power mode via a command through I/O 792, and similarly, woken up by a command sent through I/O 792, or when serial data arrives from I/O 792, or when rotary sensor 780 or angle sensor 790 senses corresponding rotation of reel 726 or changing angle of device housing 702.
  • port 798 could be excluded and a wireless battery charging system as previously described could be included with breath training device 700, such as one specified by the Qi interface standard, which charges via resonant inductive coupling.
  • bottom housing 706 can contain a belt guide shaft 804.
  • Belt guide shaft 804 can help guide retractable belt 704 towards belt opening 716 as it unwinds from spool 730.
  • retractable belt 704 is flat in configuration as previously described.
  • a flat surface 806 of retractable belt 704 can move in contact against a rotating roller 808 situated on belt guide shaft 804 to decrease frictional forces.
  • retractable belt 704 twists 90 degrees in orientation before exiting belt opening 716, such that retractable belt 704 leaves device housing 702 in a flat orientation relative to a user's body.
  • retractable belt 704 is wound onto spool 730 in a vertical orientation, which is 90 degrees relative to its desired flat exit orientation.
  • belt opening 716 can be slit-shaped in a horizontal orientation to help constrain retractable belt 704 in a flat orientation when outside device housing 702.
  • a flexing element 810 can be added between belt guide shaft 804 and belt opening 716 as shown in FIGS 20A-B.
  • Flexing element 810 can rest on internal surface 710 of bottom housing 706 and secured there by a mounting element 812 and mounting posts 814, and bonded thereto.
  • Flexing element 810 can be bow- shaped as shown in FIG. 21, and made from a material such as plastic, rubber, or a thin metal such as stainless steel, which allows flexing when a downward force or pressure is applied.
  • Flexing element 810 can be a flat metal spring for example, or an injection molded or 3D printed plastic part, or could be a compression spring, or other springy structure. As shown in FIG.
  • retractable belt 704 passes over a contact surface 816 of flexing element 810 before exiting belt opening 716.
  • breath training device 700 When breath training device 700 is worn around the body and when the user breathes, the expansion of the abdomen or chest can increase tension on retractable belt 704.
  • retractable belt 704 exits belt opening 716 it is inclined at a downward angle relative to outer surface 712 of bottom housing 706 as visible in FIG. 7B, since outer surface 712 is worn against the body and retractable belt 704 must travel towards the plane defined by outer surface 712 as it loops around the body to form belt loop 722.
  • a flex sensor 818 can be mounted on an under-surface (e.g. concave side) 820 of flexing element 810 to measure such deformation as shown in FIG. 22.
  • Flex sensor 818 can be a strain gauge, such as a semiconductor strain gauge or foil strain gauge for example, or other types of strain gauges can be utilized for measuring strain on a material, such as gauges that generally provide a variation in resistance values based on strain.
  • force sensitive resistors can be used, piezo-electric sensors such as piezo film sensors, variable capacitors such as a sensor including two or more metal plates, where small variations in the distance between the plates can be measured through changing capacitance, variable inductance sensors, or other sensor types for measuring strain.
  • Flex sensor 818 can be connected by wires 822 to CPU 786 for sensing strain on the sensor. Flexing element holes 824 can be provided to facilitate passage of wires 822 from concave under-surface 820.
  • a Wheatstone bridge circuit as well known in the art can be provided on printed circuit board 766 as part of support electronics 802 to help increase the sensitivity of flex sensor 818.
  • flex sensor 818 is a semiconductor strain gauge with a high gauge factor for enhanced sensitivity, and with a flexible backing material or film, which is bonded with epoxy to concave under-surface 820.
  • the breathing sensor can sensor further comprise an electronic strain gauge configured to report strain type force on the belt to the processor.
  • flex sensor 818 can instead be integrated in a sensor clip 826 as shown in FIG. 23.
  • Flex sensor 818 can be mounted on a flex element 828, similar to the mounting on flexing element 810 on under surface 820 as already shown in FIG. 22.
  • the distal end 720 of retractable belt 704 can be looped over flex element 828 forming loop 830 for the purpose of transmitting a pulling force or pressure onto flex element 828 during respiration to cause a measurable strain on flex sensor 818.
  • Flex element 828 can be mounted on a support surface 832 of sensor clip 826 against which loop 830 can pull flex element 828.
  • the support surface 832 can have belt loop openings 834 in order for retractable belt 704 to pass into and out of sensor clip 826 to form loop 830.
  • Sensor clip 826 can have an outer housing 836 connected to support surface 832, with a spring-loaded catch 838 positioned near a distal end 840 of outer housing 836.
  • Sensor clip 826 can be plugged into clip receptacle 724, causing spring loaded catch 838 to move inwards into sensor clip
  • sensor clip 826 to allow entry, and then preventing removal of sensor clip 826 when it is pulled by retractable belt 704, by engaging with a catch wall 842 in clip receptacle 724.
  • the user can remove sensor clip 826 to allow power spring 748 to wind retractable belt 704 back into device housing 702, by pressing a clip release button 844, which functions to disengage spring loaded catch 838 from catch wall 842 to allow removal.
  • Sensor wires 846 can travel from flex sensor 818 and connect to electrical contacts 848 at the distal end 840 of sensor clip 826.
  • Electrical contacts 848 can interface with receiving electrical contacts 850 inside clip receptacle 724. Receiving electrical contacts 850 can have connected wires 852 which travel and connect to CPU 786 for sending signals from flex sensor 818.
  • flex sensor 818 can be alternately located inside clip receptacle 724 inside device housing 702, as shown in FIGS. 24A-B similarly mounted on an internal flexing element 854 which is mounted against a support wall 856.
  • clip 718 can releasably engage with a sliding element 858, which can ride on rails 860.
  • Sliding element 858 can be a rectangular hollow plastic piece for example with a clip engagement opening 862 and internal wall 864.
  • Clip 718 can have spring-loaded catch 838 as previously described, and clip release button 844 on device housing 702, with spring-loaded catch 838 engaging with internal wall 864 of sliding element 858, and clip release button 844 disengaging clip 718 from sliding element 858 when pressed.
  • the range of motion of sliding element 858 can be limited by a proximal stop 866 and a distal stop 868.
  • Sliding element springs 870 and 872 such as compression springs, can push sliding element 858 so that it normally rests against distal stop 868 when no pulling force is applied on retractable belt 704 as shown in FIG. 24A, corresponding to a user having exhaled.
  • a force transmission element 874 such as a rod, belt, or other connecting means can connect sliding element 858 to internal flexing element 854 so that when sliding element 858 is pulled in the proximal direction by a pulling force on retractable belt 704 and hence on clip 718 due to inhalation for example, internal flexing element 854 can flex against support wall 856 as shown in FIG. 24B.
  • Flex sensor 818 can have wires 876 connected to CPU 786.
  • FIGS. 25-26 show a third version 900 of the preferred embodiment of breath training device 700, similar to the already described second version 703, with key differences described below.
  • Third version 900 can have a lid 902 and a device housing 904.
  • FIGS. 25-26 show retractable belt 704 prior to being deployed or withdrawn from the device, with a clip 906 (another example of a belt fastener) held in a clip holder 908 which is part of the device housing 904.
  • Clip 906 can have a clip body 910, a clip neck 912, and a clip head 914.
  • FIG. 32A-32B show one example of how retractable belt 704 can be attached to clip 906, where one end of retractable belt 704 is inserted through a clip slot 916 and secured in place by a clip plate 918 which can be screwed or bonded to clamp down on retractable belt 704.
  • clip holder 908 can be recessed and can have an inverse shape of clip body 910 for mating with and holding clip 906.
  • Clip holder 908 can have a narrow belt exit slot 909 for keeping retractable belt 704 in a flat orientation after it twists 90 degrees inside device housing 904 prior to exiting, as shown in FIG. 29.
  • Lid 902 can have a sloped finger recess 920 to facilitate easier user access for grabbing clip 906 as shown in FIG. 26.
  • clip head 914 When retractable belt 704 is pulled out and worn around a user's body, clip head 914 can plug into a clip channel 922 (another example of a housing fastener) in lid 902 as shown in FIG. 27 for reversibly attaching clip 906 (along with attached retractable belt 704) to device housing 904.
  • Clip head 914 can be hammer-head shaped, spherical, or many other possible shapes, and can be made from metal, plastic, or other materials, but preferably a durable material such as stainless steel or bronze.
  • the belt fastener can comprise a clip type belt fastener, that has a belt mounted clip that clips into the device's housing.
  • the belt fastener may alternatively be called a clip
  • the housing fastener may alternatively be called a clip channel.
  • Fig. 28 shows the inside of device housing 904 with lid 902 removed.
  • a flexing element 924 can be used for mounting previously discussed flex sensor 818 thereto.
  • a roller 926 can be used to guide retractable belt 704 for exiting device housing 904.
  • roller 920 can be cylindrically shaped with end plates 928 and an open central shaft 930.
  • the device housing 904 can have a bottom spindle 932 on which roller 926 is situated.
  • Lid 902 can have a top spindle 934 on its inner surface 936 as shown in FIG. 30 so that roller 926 is held from both ends for stable rotation around bottom spindle 932 and top spindle 934 when lid 902 is covering device housing 904.
  • FIG 31 shows an alternate way for guiding retractable belt 704 out of device housing 904 without requiring roller 926.
  • a guide opening 927 is provided in an inner wall 929 of device housing 904 through which retractable belt 704 initially exits prior to exiting device housing 904 through belt exit slot 909.
  • Guide opening 927 functions to change the tangential path of retractable belt 704 as it winds off spool 730 so that retractable belt 704 can exit device housing 904 in a perpendicular orientation relative to exit slot 909.
  • Retractable belt 704 twists 90 degrees between guide opening 927 and exit slot 909, so that it also leaves exit slot 909 in a flat orientation as shown.
  • Guide opening 927 can have a round shape to help facilitate the twisting of retractable belt 704.
  • FIG 31 there are two openings in the device housing.
  • the first opening 927 functions to alter the tangential path of the belt as it leaves the spool, and the second opening 909 guides the belt so it leaves the housing in a flat orientation. Without this first opening 927, the belt would emerge from the second opening on the same continued tangential path off the spool, which would be about 45 degrees upwards relative to the housing in FIG. 31.
  • the tangential path is already in a straight or perpendicular path relative to the housing (requiring just one exit hole), but the belt is leaving near the bottom of the device.
  • the housing further comprises an inner wall guide opening 927 and an exit slot opening 909.
  • the inner wall guide opening 927 and the exit slot opening 909 are configured so that the inner wall guide opening 927 alters a tangental path of the belt 704 as the belt winds off of the spring tensioned spool and exits the housing using the exit slot opening 909.
  • flexing element holders 938 and 940 are shown on opposite sides of clip channel 922 extending from inner surface 936 of lid 902.
  • Flexing element 924 can have flexing element posts 942 and 944 which can be inserted and frictionally held in flexing element holders 938 and 940 as shown in FIG. 33B.
  • flexing element holders 938 and 940 can be inserted into and held in openings 946 and 948 in a flexing element pedestal 950 located on an inner side 952 of the device housing 904, also visible in FIG. 28.
  • flexing element 924 can further consist of an extended clip channel 954, which is situated over to continue clip channel 922, and an arch 956. Flex sensor 818 can be bonded to arch 956 as shown in FIG. 33C.
  • clip 906 When fastening retractable belt 704 around the waist or another region of the user's trunk, the user presses clip 906 into clip channel 922, and continues to press it until clip head 914 continues deeper into extended clip channel 954 as shown in FIG. 33C, where it can be frictionally held.
  • a neck slot 958 in lid 902 and device housing 904 allows passage of clip neck 912 as shown in FIG. 33C and FIG. 34.
  • Clip head 914 can be hammer-shaped to prevent rotation of clip 906 when plugged into extended clip channel 954, where the channel can be cylindrically shaped. Respiration causes a force to be applied onto retractable belt 704, and consequently onto clip 906.
  • Clip neck 912 is able to move outwards and inwards from device housing 904 through neck slot 958 during inhalation and exhalation, transmitting this force onto clip head 914 inside extended clip channel 954, causing flexing arch 956 to flex or strain, which flex sensor 818 can detect.
  • flexing element holders 938 and 940 By holding flexing element holders 938 and 940 in openings 946 and 948 as shown in FIG. 35, flexing element holders 938 and 940 are prevented from bending when a pulling force is applied on retractable belt 704, causing such a force instead to tend to flex or strain arch 956 to help maximize the strain detected by flex sensor 818.
  • FIG. 34 shows a top surface 960 of lid 902, with clip head 914 plugged into clip channel 922.
  • Clip channel 922 can have a funnel-shaped entrance 962, wider than the diameter of clip channel 922 and extended clip channel 954, in order to help guide the plugging in of clip 906, especially when a user is doing this behind their back.
  • neck slot 958 can have neck tabs 964 and 966 for locking clip neck 912 vertically in place when clip neck 912 in pushed downwards beyond neck tabs 964 and 966 where it clicks into place, which corresponds to clip head 914 fully plugged into extended clip channel 954. The user can easily withdraw clip 906 when discontinuing to use the device, by using sufficient force to lift clip 906 past neck tabs 964 and 966 and out of clip channel 922.
  • FIGS. 37A and 37B show an alternate embodiment of a reel 968 used for winding retractable belt 704.
  • Reel 968 can consists of a bottom plate 970 with an arbor opening 972, an attached spring compartment 974, and a separately attachable top plate 976 which can be bonded onto spring compartment tabs 978 through plate holes 980.
  • This arrangement of assembling reel 968 from two parts provides the advantage that retractable belt 704 and power spring 748 can be enclosed and protected on both sides by bottom plate 970 and top plate 976.
  • reel 968 rotates around the bottom of arbor 750 since arbor opening 972 is at the bottom of reel 968. This can create more stability for the rotation of reel 968 compared to reel 726 which has rotation axis opening 738 near its top.
  • FIGS. 38A-C show an alternate embodiment of a clip channel type housing fastener 982, where clip channel type housing fastener 982 can be a single continuous channel extending from inner surface 936 of lid 902, for holding clip head 914, not utilizing flexing element 924 with arch 956.
  • Flex sensor 818 can be attached to a back side 984 of clip channel type housing fastener 982 as shown in FIG. 38C.
  • a distal end 986 of clip channel type housing fastener 982 can be held in an optional clip channel holder 988 in a clip channel pedestal 990 on inner side 952 of the device housing 904.
  • FIGS. 38D-F show a further alternate embodiment of a clip channel type housing fastener 982, where a sensor wall 981 is attached to clip channel type housing fastener 982 for holding flex sensor 818.
  • Flex sensor 818 can be bonded to sensor wall 981.
  • a distal sensor wall end 983 can extend beyond distal end 986 of the clip channel type housing fastener 982 as shown in FIG. 38F.
  • a proximal end 991 of sensor wall 981 can be attached to inner surface 936 of lid 902. When lid 902 is secured over device housing 904, distal sensor wall end 983 can plug into a sensor wall groove 985 located on inner side 952 of device housing 904.
  • clip channel type housing fastener 982 is not restrained by clip channel holder 988, such that when a pulling force is applied to clip 906 (another belt-type fastener), clip channel type housing fastener 982 can slightly bend relative to inner surface 936. This, in turn, can cause a flexing or bowing of sensor wall 981, given that the sensor wall is held on both its proximal and distal ends. Flex sensor 818 can detect this bowing.
  • 38E shows a wall attachment point 987 between sensor wall 981 and clip channel type housing fastener 982, with a gap 989 between sensor wall 981 and clip channel type housing fastener 982 which helps facilitate the flexing of sensor wall 981 when clip type belt fastener 906 is pulled.
  • the clip 914 slides into the clip channel 986.
  • the strain gauge or flex sensor 818 is attached to a rectangular slab shaped sensor wall 981 which is attached to the clip channel 982, which flexes when the clip 914 is pulled during respiration.
  • the clip channel type housing fastener can further comprises an electronic strain gauge or flex sensor.
  • the clip channel type housing fastener and the electronic strain gauge/flex sensor may be configured so the electronic strain gauge/flex sensor can detect strain transmitted by the clip type belt fastener during the user's process of respiration.
  • FIG. 39 shows an alternate embodiment 992 of third version 900 of breath training device 700, utilizing similar components as just described, with key differences discussed below.
  • Embodiment 992 can have a square lid 994 and square housing 996 with optionally rounded corners, as shown in FIG. 42.
  • clip holder 908 for holding clip 906 is positioned not centrally, but near a corner of housing 996, as shown in FIG. 39.
  • Retractable belt 704 is withdrawn off-center relative to housing 996 as shown in FIG 40.
  • Retractable belt 704 is pulled out directly straight from housing 996, forming a 90-degree angle with respect to an adjoining side 998 of housing 996.
  • FIG. 45 shows the same view with lid 994 removed.
  • a belt exit slot 1000 as shown in FIG. 42 wraps around a corner of housing 996, allowing retractable belt 704 to follow a 45 degree exit path relative to side 998 when housing is rotated by 45 degrees, so that retractable belt 704 can exit housing 996 at the same angle as it clips to housing 996 on the other side so as to be collinear.
  • FIG. 44 shows that retractable belt 704 is not collinear if the 45-degree rotation step is omitted.
  • retractable belt 704 follows its natural tangential path as it leaves reel 968 and exits housing 996, and when retracted back onto reel 968 as shown in FIGS. 43-44. There is no need for roller 926 to redirect the path of retractable belt 704, as was necessary in previous embodiments, where retractable belt 704 was guided to centrally exit the device housing. By not needing roller 926, the lifespan of the retractable belt 704 can be increased, as well as the perceived smoothness of the deployment of retractable belt 704 due to lower frictional forces.
  • Clip 718 and clip receptacle 724 can be implemented in many ways known in the art and within the scope of the present invention.
  • clip 718 can be hook-shaped as shown in FIG. 1, and clip receptacle 724 can be ring-shaped to allow attaching the clip.
  • clip 718 and sensor clip 826 can utilize a spring-loaded catch as previously described, with clip receptacle 724 forming an opening for receiving clip 718 inside housing 702.
  • clip 718 can form a springy structure as shown in FIG. 5, which is securable inside clip receptacle 724, with the user compressing clip 718 to narrow it to release it from clip receptacle 724.
  • Device housing 702 can be elliptically shaped as shown in FIGS. 1-5, or ladybug shaped as shown in FIG. 25. This provides for a stylish appearance, as well as providing an enclosure geometry which accommodates the distribution of functional components as described in breath training device 700. As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 18, more space inside device housing 702 is generally needed along the horizontal axis to accommodate belt guide shaft 804 and the twisting and release of retractable belt 704, than in the vertical axis, thus forming an ellipse. Many other shapes of device housing 702 can be used within the scope of the present invention, such as rectangular, polygonal, circular, or square as shown in FIG. 39
  • a first version 701 of the preferred embodiment of breath training device 700 differs from second version 703 as shown in FIG. 20A, in that it does not contain flex sensor 818 or the corresponding flexing element it rests upon, and relies only on rotary sensor 780 for tracking breathing, as well as for measuring waist and muscle circumferences, and with angle sensor 790 used for tracking posture.
  • the first version 701 functions similar to a type 2 BTD
  • breathing training device can correct the breathing sensor data for variations in the user's posture as previously discussed.
  • the motivation for adding flex sensor 818 is to be able to reliably track very light breathing, particularly unconscious breaths.
  • the rotary sensor 780 may not always detect such breaths. This can be due to several factors.
  • the first is the resistance provided by power spring 748, which should be overcome to cause rotation of reel 726.
  • a second is the changing arrangement of clothing on the body. For example, a user may inhale and cause a measurable rotation of reel 726, but then the clothing can shift prior to the time that the user exhales in such a way as to momentarily impede the winding back of retractable belt 704, and the return of reel 726 to its previous rotational position. This can mistakenly appear to CPU 786 as though the user is holding their breath.
  • flex sensor 818 of the second version 703 as well as the third version 900 and embodiment 992, can be used to overcome this problem.
  • Flex sensor 818 is effectively able to measure micro displacements of retractable belt 704, which can manifest as a pressure or force on the flexing elements previously described, causing measurable strains on flex sensor 818 corresponding to the full cycle of respiration. In this way, flex sensor 818 is equivalent to the displacement sensor previously discussed.
  • Flex sensor 818 and angle sensor 790 of second version 703 as well as the third version 900 and embodiment 992 also each constitute a type 2 BTD (breath training device) and can correct the breathing sensor data for variations in the user's posture as previously discussed.
  • BTD breath training device
  • second version 703 as well as the third version 900 and embodiment 992, it is possible to use both rotary sensor 780 and flex sensor 818 to track breathing.
  • rotary sensor 780 is not detecting a movement of retractable belt 704, data from flex sensor 818 can be used at that time to further analyze or corroborate the respiration state of the user.
  • the fourth version of breath training device 700 can be provided with the omission of rotary sensor 780 and magnet 760.
  • the electronic breathing sensor can consist of only the flex sensor 818, which is used to track breathing.
  • the first version 701 and the second version 703 of the breath training device 700 as well as the third version 900 and embodiment 992 can also be used to measure waist and muscle circumferences by utilizing rotary sensor 780.
  • the system processor can execute a formula for calculating the length of a rolled material on a spool for this purpose. For example, the following formula can be used to derive the length, based on measuring the rotation angle of reel 726:
  • DO is the diameter of spool 730
  • Dl is the diameter of spool 730 + the added diameter of retractable belt 704 fully wound onto spool 730
  • "h" is the thickness of retractable belt 704.
  • the system processor can use a simple lookup table to cross-reference the rotation angle of reel 726 with the deployed length of retractable belt 704, with such a lookup table being populated by taking many samples of different angles of reel 726, and noting the deployed length of retractable belt 704 at each angle.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif, un système et un procédé de surveillance de profils de respiration d'utilisateur au moyen de signaux de capteur de posture et de diaphragme (respiration). Le dispositif porté par l'utilisateur comprend un boîtier fixé à une ceinture rétractable qui est portée autour du tronc de l'utilisateur. Le boîtier contient à la fois des capteurs de posture et de respiration, et une bobine à tension de ressort qui interagit avec la ceinture rétractable. Le dispositif surveille les signaux de sortie de ces capteurs et mesure l'état de la posture et du diaphragme de l'utilisateur (par exemple, des changements de la longueur de la ceinture ou de la force sur la ceinture sur la ceinture en fonction de la respiration de l'utilisateur) pour analyser des signaux de respiration. Le processeur du système reçoit, traite et transmet des données de signal de capteur, et peut également étalonner et interpréter ces signaux en utilisant différents algorithmes. Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, le capteur de posture est un accéléromètre, et la ceinture rétractable s'enroule autour d'une bobine à tension de ressort dans le boîtier du dispositif.
PCT/US2018/037146 2017-06-13 2018-06-12 Système et procédé de surveillance de respiration au moyen de signaux de capteur de posture et de diaphragme WO2018231858A1 (fr)

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US201762519160P 2017-06-13 2017-06-13
US62/519,160 2017-06-13
US15/972,172 US11172850B2 (en) 2014-05-07 2018-05-06 System and method to monitor, guide, and evaluate breathing, utilizing posture and diaphragm sensor signals
US15/972,172 2018-05-06

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CN112755474A (zh) * 2020-12-31 2021-05-07 合肥工业大学 一种呼吸训练设备及其用途
CN115633970A (zh) * 2022-12-19 2023-01-24 浙江强脑科技有限公司 便携式生理信号监测装置及生理信号监测方法

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US2709393A (en) * 1954-09-27 1955-05-31 Arnold P Anderson Reflective belt and storage buckle
US20020189365A1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2002-12-19 Blakesley Patrick B. Seat belt tension sensor
US20120011649A1 (en) * 2010-07-19 2012-01-19 Bryan Jeffrey Ophaug Spring Retractable Transfer Belt Apparatus
WO2013179670A1 (fr) * 2012-06-01 2013-12-05 エイペックスメディカル株式会社 Dispositif de surveillance de respiration, ceinture de détection de mouvement de corps, système de détection de mouvement de corps et système d'émission de rayonnement
US20150342518A1 (en) * 2014-05-07 2015-12-03 Andre Maxim Persidsky System and method to monitor, guide, and evaluate breathing, utilizing posture and diaphragm sensor signals

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2709393A (en) * 1954-09-27 1955-05-31 Arnold P Anderson Reflective belt and storage buckle
US20020189365A1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2002-12-19 Blakesley Patrick B. Seat belt tension sensor
US20120011649A1 (en) * 2010-07-19 2012-01-19 Bryan Jeffrey Ophaug Spring Retractable Transfer Belt Apparatus
WO2013179670A1 (fr) * 2012-06-01 2013-12-05 エイペックスメディカル株式会社 Dispositif de surveillance de respiration, ceinture de détection de mouvement de corps, système de détection de mouvement de corps et système d'émission de rayonnement
US20150342518A1 (en) * 2014-05-07 2015-12-03 Andre Maxim Persidsky System and method to monitor, guide, and evaluate breathing, utilizing posture and diaphragm sensor signals

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112755474A (zh) * 2020-12-31 2021-05-07 合肥工业大学 一种呼吸训练设备及其用途
CN115633970A (zh) * 2022-12-19 2023-01-24 浙江强脑科技有限公司 便携式生理信号监测装置及生理信号监测方法
CN115633970B (zh) * 2022-12-19 2023-06-06 浙江强脑科技有限公司 便携式生理信号监测装置及生理信号监测方法

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