Systems and methods for controlling position
Inventors
Levendowski, Daniel J. • Zavora, Timothy • Westbrook, Philip R. • Mitrovic, Mirko • Veljkovic, Bratislav • Berka, Chris • Trejo, Jonny
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9198615-B2
Publication Date
2015-12-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
A wearable positional therapy device for influencing a position of a user. In an embodiment, the device comprises a position detector that generates positional data used to determine a position of a user, a feedback generator that generates feedback to the user, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to receive and analyze the positional data to determine whether the user is in a target position, while, in response to the device being turned on or a reset operation, delaying feedback for a delay period. If it is determined that the user is in the target position during the delay period, no feedback is provided. However, if it is determined that the user is in the target position following the delay period, feedback is provided to the user to induce the user to change to a different, non-target position.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to wearable position therapy devices for influencing the position of a user during sleep or other periods. The device includes a position detector configured to generate positional data to determine whether the user is in a target position or a non-target position.
The device further includes a feedback generator and a microcontroller in communication with the position detector and the feedback generator. The microcontroller receives and analyzes the positional data and, in response to the device being turned on or a reset operation, delays feedback for a delay period; if the user is in the target position during the delay period, feedback is withheld.
If it is determined that the user is in the target position following the delay period, the microcontroller generates a control signal to cause the feedback generator to provide feedback to induce the user to change to a different, non-target position. The invention also documents monitoring and storing positional data and feedback-related data, including optional snoring detection, and generating compliance and efficacy reports over time.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims: an apparatus claim directed to a wearable position therapy device and a method claim directed to influencing a user’s position using the wearable position therapy device. Across both independent claims, the core inventive features include positional data collection and determination, a target-position decision, and conditional feedback with a delay after turn-on or reset.
Delayed conditional feedback based on target position
A microcontroller receives and analyzes positional data to determine whether the user is in a target position, delays feedback for a delay period in response to the device being turned on or a reset operation, does not provide feedback if the user is in the target position during the delay period, and generates a control signal to cause feedback to induce the user to change to a different, non-target position if the user is still in the target position following the delay period.
Collecting positional data and inducing position change with delayed conditional feedback
Collect positional data to determine a position of the user while the user is wearing the wearable position therapy device, determine whether the user is positioned in a target position based at least in part on the positional data while delaying feedback for a delay period in response to the device being turned on or a reset operation, not provide feedback if the user is in the target position during the delay period, and generate feedback to induce the user to change to a different, non-target position if the user is in the target position following the delay period.
Both independent claims are centered on using positional data to determine whether a user is in a target position, withholding feedback during an initial delay period after the device is turned on or reset, and then providing feedback only if the user remains in the target position after the delay period to induce a change to a different, non-target position.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Wearable positional therapy use to influence sleep or body position, including targeting non-supine sleep positions for conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and addressing pregnancy-related aggravation.
Monitoring and generating compliance and efficacy reports based on positional data and related feedback data over time, including sleep state, arousals, and optional snoring detection.
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