Systems and methods for optimization of sleep and post-sleep performance
Inventors
Berka, Christine • Popovic, Djordje • Levendowski, Dan • Davis, Gene • McConnell, Catherine • Yanagi, Matthew A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8784293-B2
Publication Date
2014-07-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods for optimizing sleep and post-sleep performance. In an embodiment, a system comprising a device and sleep mask are provided. The mask may comprise electroencephalographic (EEG) sensors and one or more stimulation elements configured to stimulate the senses of a wearer of the mask. The mask may be releasably and electrically coupled to a device which receives EEG signals from the mask, determines current and target sleep states based, at least in part, on the EEG signals, and uses this determination to tailor a sleep architecture of the wearer by controlling the stimulation elements. The mask may be a soft mask which utilizes conductive thread embroidered into one or more textile layers. In an embodiment, the stimulation elements may comprise one or more heating elements, electroluminescent panels, and speakers. In addition, the EEG sensors may comprise hybrid sensors comprising hydrogel in a conductive spacer fabric.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system for tailoring sleep architecture that uses a wearable mask with electroencephalographic sensors and stimulation elements, together with a device that determines sleep states and controls guidance output. The mask is configured to be worn by a user and includes one or more electroencephalographic sensors configured to generate one or more electroencephalographic signals. The system includes stimulation elements that provide sensory stimuli, including a heater element and one or more electroluminescent panels, for guiding the user between sleep states.
The system electrically couples the mask and the device using one or more coupling elements, so the device can receive electroencephalographic signals from the electroencephalographic sensors. A controller comprising one or more modules receives the electroencephalographic signals when the device is electrically coupled to the mask, determines a current sleep state and a target sleep state based, at least in part, on the electroencephalographic signals, and compares the current sleep state with the target sleep state. When the current sleep state and the target sleep state are different, the controller controls the heater element and the one or more electroluminescent panels via the coupling elements to guide the user to the target sleep state.
The disclosed mask and device include specific hardware constructs for sensing and stimulus delivery, including electroencephalographic sensors where each sensor comprises hydrogel in a conductive spacer fabric. In addition, the heater element is configured to generate heat and comprises insulated first conductive thread electrically coupled to the coupling elements, while the visual element comprises one or more electroluminescent panels and second conductive thread electrically coupled to the coupling elements. The electrical coupling is further defined by conductive attachment elements and conductive snap halves, which electrically connect the mask and the device.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims covering the sleep architecture tailoring system with EEG sensing and heater/visual stimulation control. Across these independent claims, the core inventive features comprise electrically coupling a mask to a device, EEG sensing on the mask, and determining a current sleep state versus a target sleep state and controlling heater and electroluminescent panels to guide the user when the states differ.
Electrically coupled mask and device for sleep guidance
One or more coupling elements electrically couple a device to a mask, and the device receives electroencephalographic signals from one or more electroencephalographic sensors when the device is electrically coupled to the mask.
EEG sensors using hydrogel in conductive spacer fabric
The mask comprises one or more electroencephalographic sensors, wherein each sensor comprises hydrogel in a conductive spacer fabric, and the electroencephalographic sensors provide one or more electroencephalographic signals based on acquired electrical activity.
Heater element and electroluminescent panels controlled based on sleep states
If the current sleep state and the target sleep state are different, the controller controls the heater element and the one or more electroluminescent panels via the one or more coupling elements to guide the user to the target sleep state.
Determining current sleep state and target sleep state from EEG signals
The controller determines a current sleep state and a target sleep state based, at least in part, on the one or more electroencephalographic signals, and compares the current sleep state and the target sleep state.
Overall, the independent claims define a tailoring sleep architecture system where a wearable EEG mask is electrically coupled to a controller device, the controller determines a current sleep state versus a target sleep state from EEG signals, and when they differ, controls a heater element and electroluminescent panels to guide the user to the target sleep state.
Stated Advantages
Tailors a user’s sleep architecture.
Improves post-sleep performance.
Documented Applications
Guiding a user between sleep stages by determining a current sleep state and a target sleep state from electroencephalographic signals and controlling heater and electroluminescent panels when the states differ.
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