WO2019110407A1 - A computer implemented method for breathing exercises - Google Patents

A computer implemented method for breathing exercises Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019110407A1
WO2019110407A1 PCT/EP2018/082959 EP2018082959W WO2019110407A1 WO 2019110407 A1 WO2019110407 A1 WO 2019110407A1 EP 2018082959 W EP2018082959 W EP 2018082959W WO 2019110407 A1 WO2019110407 A1 WO 2019110407A1
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Prior art keywords
curve
breathing
user
heart rate
mobile
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PCT/EP2018/082959
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French (fr)
Inventor
Anders Søndergaard
Thomas SCHERNING
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Resilio Aps
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Publication of WO2019110407A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019110407A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
    • G16H20/30—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A61B5/02416—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/48—Other medical applications
    • A61B5/486—Bio-feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • A61B5/6898—Portable consumer electronic devices, e.g. music players, telephones, tablet computers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B19/00—Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
    • G09B19/003—Repetitive work cycles; Sequence of movements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H50/00—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
    • G16H50/30—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for calculating health indices; for individual health risk assessment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a computer implemented method for breathing exercises.
  • Cardiorespiratory intervention also known as heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) biofeedback, or resonance frequency feedback (RFF), has been known for some time.
  • HRVB heart rate variability biofeedback
  • RSA respiratory sinus arrhythmia
  • RLF resonance frequency feedback
  • the procedure consists of feeding back beat by beat heart rate data during slow breathing maneuvers, such that the participant tries to maximize RSA.
  • RSA is the heart pattern that occurs when heart rate increases during inhalation and decreases during exhalation.
  • the primary proposed mechanistic path for FIRVB has been the restoration of autonomic balance or homeostasis as a product of the training.
  • FGID functional gastrointestinal disorders
  • FM fibromyalgia
  • hypertension a condition that suggests improved autonomic regulation.
  • FIRVB promotes slow diaphragmatic breathing, which in turn stimulates sub-diaphragmatic vagal afferents that may have central effects. It appears that FIRVB is a promising intervention for depression, anxiety, sleep, and possibly optimal performance.
  • One aspect relates to a computer implemented method for breathing exercises comprising the steps of:
  • the method enables the user to learn how to synchronize the breathing and heart rate.
  • the method is not a method of treatment, but merely a method for use with self-training.
  • the user is visually guided during the training session, as a heart rate curve, based on the user’s continuously measured heart rate, is computed and displayed within a display area defined by a displayed breathing curve.
  • a heart rate curve based on the user’s continuously measured heart rate
  • the progressing heart rate curve is computed to overlap with the breathing curve.
  • the progressing heart rate curve is computed to show an asynchronous path relative to the breathing curve.
  • the display area defined by the breathing curve is to be understood as the area of the display, where the breathing curve is displayed.
  • the visualized heart rate curve is prepared from more than just the measured heart rate.
  • different curve fitting operations may be used, such as interpolation and smoothening.
  • the heart rate curve is a result of constructing a curve that has the best fit to a series of data points (measured heart rates at a given point in time).
  • the curve fitting operation is preferably limited to curves with smooth repetitive oscillations.
  • the peaks of the breathing curve represent the time point between an inhalation and an exhalation of the user, and wherein a period represents one breath (one inhalation, and one
  • the time for inhaling may be different than the time for exhaling.
  • the breathing curve defines a longer exhalation period than inhalation period.
  • the breathing curve comprises smooth repetitive oscillations, such as a sinusoidal curve (when the time for inhaling is the same as the time for exhaling).
  • the computer implemented method further comprises the steps of:
  • a key aspect of HRVB involves identifying each person’s unique resonance frequency (RF) breathing rate, and then teaching them how to breathe at this rate through self-practice. Hence, the above steps automatically determine the user’s unique resonance frequency (RF) breathing rate.
  • Each person has a unique RF breathing rate, ranging typically between 4.5 and 7.0 breaths/min.
  • the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve are therefore varied within the range of 3-10 periods per minute for a preset time, such as within the range of 4-9 periods per minute for a preset time, e.g. within the range of 5-8 periods per minute for a preset time.
  • the breathing curve progresses continuously with the heart rate curve. This embodiment helps the user to timely follow the breathing curve.
  • an indicator shows at what stage the user should be on a breathing curve where a part of the future path is already displayed on the display.
  • the indicator may e.g. be the growing end of the heart rate curve.
  • the mobile/handheld computing device is configured to compute the extent of overlap of the breathing curve and the heart rate curve during a breathing exercise.
  • the mobile/handheld computing device is configured to compute the extent of overlap of the breathing curve and the heart rate curve during a breathing exercise; and wherein when the extent of overlap reaches a predefined threshold, it is further configured to transmit an encouraging signal to the user, such as a sound or a figure shown on the display unit.
  • steps iii) and/or v) further comprises computing the extent of overlap of the breathing curve and the heart rate curve during the breathing exercise; and wherein when the extent of overlap reaches a predefined threshold, transmitting an encouraging signal to the user, such as a sound or a figure shown on the display unit.
  • a light sensor attached to a subject's ear lobe or finger may detect pulses of the heart through blood pulse oximetry and feeds the heart pulse signal to the application executing on the mobile/handheld computing device.
  • step ii) comprises using the flash and/or the camera and/or the proximity sensor of the mobile/handheld computing device to emit light into a body part of a user touching a surface of said mobile/handheld computing device; and using at least one of the camera, an ambient light sensor, or the proximity sensor to receive at least part of the emitted light reflected by the body part of the user to determine the heart rate.
  • the flash, the camera, the ambient light sensor, and the proximity sensor are positioned to be at least partially covered by the body part of the user at a same time.
  • step ii) comprises receiving, by the
  • a second aspect relates to mobile/handheld computing device for use in the method of the present invention, the mobile/handheld computing device comprising:
  • processing unit communicably coupled to the means adapted for determining a biomarker related to the user’s heart rate, and to the display unit;
  • processing unit is configured to:
  • the peaks of the breathing curve represent the time point between an inhalation and an exhalation of the user, and wherein a period represents one breath; wherein the processing unit is further configured to:
  • a third aspect relates to a computer program product, including a non- transitory storage medium, for use in the method of the present invention, comprising:
  • a fourth set of instructions stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to continuously compute and use the display unit to display a heart rate curve, representing the user’s heart rate over time, within a display area defined by the breathing curve.
  • the peaks of the breathing curve represent the time point between an inhalation and an exhalation of the user, and wherein a period represents one breath; wherein the computer program product further comprises:
  • the computer program product further comprises:
  • a seventh set of instructions stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to compute the extent of overlap of the breathing curve and the heart rate curve during the breathing exercise; and wherein when the extent of overlap reaches a predefined threshold, transmitting an encouraging signal to the user, e.g. using the display unit to display a figure, or using the loudspeaker of the
  • Figure 1 shows an example of a progress of a heart rate curve relative to a breathing curve computed in accordance with the method of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a smartphone displaying the progress of a heart rate curve relative to a breathing curve computed in accordance with the method of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 shows an example of a progress of a heart rate curve 10 relative to a breathing curve 20 computed in accordance with the method of the present invention. It is the user’s task to overlap the two curves by controlling his/her breath.
  • the visualized heart rate curve 10 is interpolated and smoothed.
  • the peaks 24 of the breathing curve 20 represent the time point between an inhalation 22 and an exhalation 26 of the user, and a period 21 represents one breath.
  • the heart rate curve 10 As can be seen from the heart rate curve 10, the heart rate increases with inhalation, and decreases with exhalation. Thus, the respiratory sinus arrhythmia is the fluctuation in heart rate corresponding to breathing.
  • the progressing heart rate curve 10 is computed to overlap with the breathing curve 20.
  • the progressing heart rate curve 10 is computed to show an asynchronous path relative to the breathing curve 20.
  • the first part 30 of the heart rate curve 10 has an asynchronous path relative to the breathing curve 20. The user then improves his/her breathing, and the second part 40 of the heart rate curve 10 has a synchronous path relative to the breathing curve 20.
  • the breathing curve 20 progresses continuously with the heart rate curve 10 to help the user to timely follow the breathing curve 20.
  • the growing end of the heart rate curve 20 is indicated with the number 28.
  • the mobile/handheld computing device is configured to compute the extent of overlap of the breathing curve 20 and the heart rate curve 10 during a training session. Wherein when the extent of overlap reaches a predefined threshold, it is further configured to transmit an encouraging signal to the user; here shown as a figure (sparks) 50.
  • Figure 2 shows a smartphone displaying the progress of a heart rate curve relative to a breathing curve computed in accordance with the method of the present invention.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer implemented method for breathing exercises comprising the steps of: i) instructing a user, by an application executing on a mobile/handheld computing device, to inhale and exhale over time according to a breathing curve displayed on said mobile/handheld computing device; ii) continuously determining, by an application executing on said mobile/handheld computing device, the user's heart rate; and iii) continuously computing and displaying a heart rate curve, representing the user's heart rate over time, within the display area defined by the breathing curve.

Description

A computer implemented method for breathing exercises
Technical field of the invention
The present invention relates to a computer implemented method for breathing exercises.
Background of the invention
Cardiorespiratory intervention, also known as heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) biofeedback, or resonance frequency feedback (RFF), has been known for some time. The procedure consists of feeding back beat by beat heart rate data during slow breathing maneuvers, such that the participant tries to maximize RSA. RSA is the heart pattern that occurs when heart rate increases during inhalation and decreases during exhalation.
The primary proposed mechanistic path for FIRVB has been the restoration of autonomic balance or homeostasis as a product of the training.
Disorders, such as asthma, functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), cardiovascular disorders, fibromyalgia (FM), hypertension, and chronic muscle pain seem to respond to FIRVB in a manner that suggests improved autonomic regulation.
A second proposed mechanism is that FIRVB promotes slow diaphragmatic breathing, which in turn stimulates sub-diaphragmatic vagal afferents that may have central effects. It appears that FIRVB is a promising intervention for depression, anxiety, sleep, and possibly optimal performance.
There are several applications for smartphones that are capable of measuring the user’s heart rate, and a few of them a capable of time stamping the heart rate data. Flowever, at present, none of the applications are configured for properly helping the user to maximize respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
Summary of the invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for breathing exercises, that leads the user to maximize his/her respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
One aspect relates to a computer implemented method for breathing exercises comprising the steps of:
i) instructing a user, by an application executing on a mobile/handheld computing device, to inhale and exhale over time according to a breathing curve displayed on said mobile/handheld computing device;
ii) continuously determining, by an application executing on said
mobile/handheld computing device, the user’s heart rate; and
iii) continuously computing and displaying a heart rate curve, representing the user’s heart rate over time, within the display area defined by the breathing curve.
The method enables the user to learn how to synchronize the breathing and heart rate. The method is not a method of treatment, but merely a method for use with self-training. The user is visually guided during the training session, as a heart rate curve, based on the user’s continuously measured heart rate, is computed and displayed within a display area defined by a displayed breathing curve. When the user is breathing correctly, the progressing heart rate curve is computed to overlap with the breathing curve. When the user is breathing incorrectly, the progressing heart rate curve is computed to show an asynchronous path relative to the breathing curve. The user will thereby visually see when the training is performed both correctly and incorrectly. In the present context, the display area defined by the breathing curve is to be understood as the area of the display, where the breathing curve is displayed. It is the user’s task to overlap the two curves by controlling his/her breath. In order to visualize the heart rate curve in front of or behind the breathing curve, and to secure that the visualized heart rate curve supports and inspires the user to continue the training session, the visualized heart rate curve is prepared from more than just the measured heart rate. As an example, different curve fitting operations may be used, such as interpolation and smoothening. In one or more embodiments, the heart rate curve is a result of constructing a curve that has the best fit to a series of data points (measured heart rates at a given point in time). The curve fitting operation is preferably limited to curves with smooth repetitive oscillations.
In one or more embodiments, the peaks of the breathing curve represent the time point between an inhalation and an exhalation of the user, and wherein a period represents one breath (one inhalation, and one
exhalation). The time for inhaling may be different than the time for exhaling. In one or more embodiments, the breathing curve defines a longer exhalation period than inhalation period. In one or more
embodiments, the breathing curve comprises smooth repetitive oscillations, such as a sinusoidal curve (when the time for inhaling is the same as the time for exhaling).
In one or more embodiments, the computer implemented method further comprises the steps of:
iv) varying the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve within the range of 3-10 periods per minute for a preset time, and calculating the variation in time intervals between heart beats for each variation of number of periods per minute; and
v) continuing the breathing exercise with the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve resulting in the largest variation in time intervals between heart beats. A key aspect of HRVB involves identifying each person’s unique resonance frequency (RF) breathing rate, and then teaching them how to breathe at this rate through self-practice. Hence, the above steps automatically determine the user’s unique resonance frequency (RF) breathing rate. Each person has a unique RF breathing rate, ranging typically between 4.5 and 7.0 breaths/min. The number of periods per minute in the breathing curve are therefore varied within the range of 3-10 periods per minute for a preset time, such as within the range of 4-9 periods per minute for a preset time, e.g. within the range of 5-8 periods per minute for a preset time.
In one or more embodiments, the breathing curve progresses continuously with the heart rate curve. This embodiment helps the user to timely follow the breathing curve. Alternatively, an indicator shows at what stage the user should be on a breathing curve where a part of the future path is already displayed on the display. The indicator may e.g. be the growing end of the heart rate curve.
In one or more embodiments, the mobile/handheld computing device is configured to compute the extent of overlap of the breathing curve and the heart rate curve during a breathing exercise.
In one or more embodiments, the mobile/handheld computing device is configured to compute the extent of overlap of the breathing curve and the heart rate curve during a breathing exercise; and wherein when the extent of overlap reaches a predefined threshold, it is further configured to transmit an encouraging signal to the user, such as a sound or a figure shown on the display unit.
In one or more embodiments, steps iii) and/or v) further comprises computing the extent of overlap of the breathing curve and the heart rate curve during the breathing exercise; and wherein when the extent of overlap reaches a predefined threshold, transmitting an encouraging signal to the user, such as a sound or a figure shown on the display unit.
Different types of means may be used by the application executing on the mobile/handheld computing device to continuously determine the user’s heart rate. A light sensor attached to a subject's ear lobe or finger may detect pulses of the heart through blood pulse oximetry and feeds the heart pulse signal to the application executing on the mobile/handheld computing device.
In one or more embodiments, step ii) comprises using the flash and/or the camera and/or the proximity sensor of the mobile/handheld computing device to emit light into a body part of a user touching a surface of said mobile/handheld computing device; and using at least one of the camera, an ambient light sensor, or the proximity sensor to receive at least part of the emitted light reflected by the body part of the user to determine the heart rate.
In one or more embodiments, the flash, the camera, the ambient light sensor, and the proximity sensor are positioned to be at least partially covered by the body part of the user at a same time.
In one or more embodiments, step ii) comprises receiving, by the
mobile/handheld computing device, image data including a plurality of representations of at least a portion of the face of the user; analyzing the image data frame to determine a rate of coloration change of the plurality of representations; and determining the user’s heart rate from the rate of coloration change. A second aspect relates to mobile/handheld computing device for use in the method of the present invention, the mobile/handheld computing device comprising:
- means adapted for determining a biomarker related to the user’s heart rate;
- a display unit; and
- a processing unit communicably coupled to the means adapted for determining a biomarker related to the user’s heart rate, and to the display unit;
wherein the processing unit is configured to:
- use the display unit to display a breathing curve;
- use the display unit to instruct the user to inhale and exhale over time according to the displayed breathing curve;
- use the means adapted for determining a biomarker related to the user’s heart rate to continuously generate heart rate data;
- to continuously compute a heart rate curve and use the display unit to display said heart rate curve, representing the user’s heart rate over time, within a display area defined by the breathing curve.
In one or more embodiments, the peaks of the breathing curve represent the time point between an inhalation and an exhalation of the user, and wherein a period represents one breath; wherein the processing unit is further configured to:
- vary the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve within the range of 3-10 periods per minute for a preset time, and calculating the variation in time intervals between heart beats for each variation of number of periods per minute; and
- continuing the breathing exercise with the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve resulting in the largest variation in time intervals between heart beats. A third aspect relates to a computer program product, including a non- transitory storage medium, for use in the method of the present invention, comprising:
- a first set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by at least one processing unit to use the display unit to display a breathing curve;
- a second set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to use the display unit to instruct the user to inhale and exhale over time according to the displayed breathing curve;
- a third set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to use the means adapted for determining a biomarker related to the user’s heart rate to continuously generate heart rate data; and
- a fourth set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to continuously compute and use the display unit to display a heart rate curve, representing the user’s heart rate over time, within a display area defined by the breathing curve.
In one or more embodiments, the peaks of the breathing curve represent the time point between an inhalation and an exhalation of the user, and wherein a period represents one breath; wherein the computer program product further comprises:
- a fifth set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to vary the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve within the range of 3-10 periods per minute for a preset time, and calculating the variation in time intervals between heart beats for each variation of number of periods per minute; and
- a sixth set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to continue the breathing exercise with the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve resulting in the largest variation in time intervals between heart beats.
In one or more embodiments, the computer program product further comprises:
- a seventh set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to compute the extent of overlap of the breathing curve and the heart rate curve during the breathing exercise; and wherein when the extent of overlap reaches a predefined threshold, transmitting an encouraging signal to the user, e.g. using the display unit to display a figure, or using the loudspeaker of the
mobile/handheld computing device to emit a sound.
As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.
Brief description of the figures
Figure 1 shows an example of a progress of a heart rate curve relative to a breathing curve computed in accordance with the method of the present invention; and
Figure 2 shows a smartphone displaying the progress of a heart rate curve relative to a breathing curve computed in accordance with the method of the present invention.
Detailed description of the invention
Figure 1 shows an example of a progress of a heart rate curve 10 relative to a breathing curve 20 computed in accordance with the method of the present invention. It is the user’s task to overlap the two curves by controlling his/her breath. In order to visualize the heart rate curve in front of the breathing curve, and to secure that the visualized heart rate curve 10 supports and inspires the user to continue the training session, the visualized heart rate curve 10 is interpolated and smoothed. The peaks 24 of the breathing curve 20 represent the time point between an inhalation 22 and an exhalation 26 of the user, and a period 21 represents one breath.
As can be seen from the heart rate curve 10, the heart rate increases with inhalation, and decreases with exhalation. Thus, the respiratory sinus arrhythmia is the fluctuation in heart rate corresponding to breathing. When the user is breathing correctly, the progressing heart rate curve 10 is computed to overlap with the breathing curve 20. When the user is breathing incorrectly, the progressing heart rate curve 10 is computed to show an asynchronous path relative to the breathing curve 20. In this example, the first part 30 of the heart rate curve 10 has an asynchronous path relative to the breathing curve 20. The user then improves his/her breathing, and the second part 40 of the heart rate curve 10 has a synchronous path relative to the breathing curve 20.
The breathing curve 20 progresses continuously with the heart rate curve 10 to help the user to timely follow the breathing curve 20. The growing end of the heart rate curve 20 is indicated with the number 28. The mobile/handheld computing device is configured to compute the extent of overlap of the breathing curve 20 and the heart rate curve 10 during a training session. Wherein when the extent of overlap reaches a predefined threshold, it is further configured to transmit an encouraging signal to the user; here shown as a figure (sparks) 50.
Figure 2 shows a smartphone displaying the progress of a heart rate curve relative to a breathing curve computed in accordance with the method of the present invention.
References
10 Heart rate curve
20 Breathing curve
21 Period
22 Inhalation
24 Peak
26 Exhalation
28 Growing end
30 First part
40 Second part
50 Encouraging signal

Claims

Claims
1. A computer implemented method for breathing exercises comprising the steps of:
i) instructing a user, by an application executing on a mobile/handheld computing device, to inhale and exhale over time according to a breathing curve displayed on said mobile/handheld computing device;
ii) continuously determining, by an application executing on said
mobile/handheld computing device, the user’s heart rate; and
iii) continuously computing and displaying a heart rate curve, representing the user’s heart rate over time, within the display area defined by the breathing curve.
2. A computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein when the user is breathing correctly, the progressing heart rate curve is computed to overlap with the breathing curve, and wherein when the user is not breathing correctly, the heart rate curve is computed not to overlap with the breathing curve.
3. A computer implemented method according to any one of the claims 1 -2, wherein the heart rate curve is a result of constructing a curve that has the best fit to a series of data points representing measured heart rates at a given point in time.
4. A computer implemented method according to claim 3, wherein the curve fitting operation is limited to curves with smooth repetitive oscillations.
5. A computer implemented method according to any one of the claims 1 -4, wherein the peaks of the breathing curve represent the time point between an inhalation and an exhalation of the user, and wherein a period
represents one breath.
6. A computer implemented method according to claim 5, wherein the time for inhaling is different than the time for exhaling.
7. A computer implemented method according to claim 5, wherein the breathing curve defines a longer exhalation period than inhalation period.
8. A computer implemented method according to any one of the claims 5-7, wherein the breathing curve comprises smooth repetitive oscillations.
9. A computer implemented method according to any one of the claims 1 -8, further comprising the steps of:
iv) varying the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve within the range of 3-10 periods per minute for a preset time, and calculating the variation in time intervals between heart beats for each variation of number of periods per minute; and
v) continuing the breathing exercise with the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve resulting in the largest variation in time intervals between heart beats.
10. A computer implemented method according to any one of the claims 1 -
9, wherein step ii) comprises using the flash and/or the camera and/or the proximity sensor of the mobile/handheld computing device to emit light into a body part of a user touching a surface of said mobile/handheld computing device; and using at least one of the camera, an ambient light sensor, or the proximity sensor to receive at least part of the emitted light reflected by the body part of the user to determine the heart rate.
1 1. A computer implemented method according to any one of the claims 1 -
10, wherein step ii) comprises receiving, by the mobile/handheld computing device, image data including a plurality of representations of at least a portion of the face of the user; analyzing the image data frame to determine a rate of coloration change of the plurality of representations; and determining the user’s heart rate from the rate of coloration change.
12. A computer implemented method according to any one of the claims 2- 1 1 , wherein steps iii) and/or v) further comprises computing the extent of overlap of the breathing curve and the heart rate curve during the breathing exercise.
13. A computer implemented method according to any one of the claims 2- 1 1 , wherein steps iii) and/or v) further comprises computing the extent of overlap of the breathing curve and the heart rate curve during the breathing exercise; and wherein when the extent of overlap reaches a predefined threshold, transmitting an encouraging signal to the user, such as a sound or a figure shown on the display unit.
14. A mobile/handheld computing device for use in the method of any one of the claims 1 -13, the mobile/handheld computing device comprising:
- means adapted for determining a biomarker related to the user’s heart rate;
- a display unit; and
- a processing unit communicably coupled to the means adapted for determining a biomarker related to the user’s heart rate, and to the display unit;
wherein the processing unit is configured to:
- use the display unit to display a breathing curve;
- use the display unit to instruct the user to inhale and exhale over time according to the displayed breathing curve;
- use the means adapted for determining a biomarker related to the user’s heart rate to continuously generate heart rate data;
- continuously compute a heart rate curve and use the display unit to display said heart rate curve, representing the user’s heart rate over time, within a display area defined by the breathing curve.
15. A mobile/handheld computing device according to claim 14, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine when the user is breathing correctly or incorrectly, and wherein when the user is determined to be breathing correctly, the processing unit is configured to compute the progressing heart rate curve to overlap with the breathing curve, and wherein when the user is determined not to be breathing correctly, the processing unit is configured to compute the progressing heart rate curve to not overlap with the breathing curve.
16. A mobile/handheld computing device according to any one of the claims 14-15, wherein the processing unit is configured to compute the extent of overlap of the breathing curve and the heart rate curve during a breathing exercise.
17. A mobile/handheld computing device according to claim 16, wherein when the extent of overlap reaches a predefined threshold, the processing unit is configured to transmit an encouraging signal to the user, such as a sound or a figure shown on the display unit.
18. A mobile/handheld computing device according to any one of the claims 14-17, wherein the peaks of the breathing curve represent the time point between an inhalation and an exhalation of the user, and wherein a period represents one breath; wherein the processing unit is further configured to:
- vary the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve within the range of 3-10 periods per minute for a preset time, and calculating the variation in time intervals between heart beats for each variation of number of periods per minute; and
- continuing the breathing exercise with the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve resulting in the largest variation in time intervals between heart beats.
19. A mobile/handheld computing device according to any one of the claims 14-18, wherein the heart rate curve is a result of constructing a curve that has the best fit to a series of data points representing measured heart rates at a given point in time.
20. A mobile/handheld computing device according to claim 19, wherein the curve fitting operation is limited to curves with smooth repetitive oscillations.
21. A mobile/handheld computing device according to any one of the claims 14-20, wherein the peaks of the breathing curve represent the time point between an inhalation and an exhalation of the user, and wherein a period represents one breath.
22. A mobile/handheld computing device according to claim 21 , wherein the time for inhaling is different than the time for exhaling.
23. A mobile/handheld computing device according to claim 21 , wherein the breathing curve defines a longer exhalation period than inhalation period.
24. A mobile/handheld computing device according to any one of the claims 20-23, wherein the breathing curve comprises smooth repetitive
oscillations.
25. A mobile/handheld computing device according to any one of the claims 14-24, wherein means adapted for determining a biomarker related to the user’s heart rate is a flash and/or camera and/or proximity sensor, and wherein the processing unit is configured to use the flash and/or the camera and/or the proximity sensor of the mobile/handheld computing device to emit light into a body part of a user touching a surface of said mobile/handheld computing device; and using at least one of the camera, an ambient light sensor, or the proximity sensor to receive at least part of the emitted light reflected by the body part of the user to determine the heart rate.
26. A computer program product, including a non-transitory storage medium, for use in the method of any one of the claims 1 -13, comprising:
- a first set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by at least one processing unit to use the display unit to display a breathing curve;
- a second set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to use the display unit to instruct the user to inhale and exhale over time according to the displayed breathing curve;
- a third set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to use the means adapted for determining a biomarker related to the user’s heart rate to continuously generate heart rate data; and
- a fourth set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to continuously compute and use the display unit to display a heart rate curve, representing the user’s heart rate over time, within a display area defined by the breathing curve.
27. A computer program product according to claim 26, wherein the peaks of the breathing curve represent the time point between an inhalation and an exhalation of the user, and wherein a period represents one breath; wherein the computer program product further comprises:
- a fifth set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to vary the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve within the range of 3-10 periods per minute for a preset time, and calculating the variation in time intervals between heart beats for each variation of number of periods per minute; and
- a sixth set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to continue the breathing exercise with the number of periods per minute in the breathing curve resulting in the largest variation in time intervals between heart beats.
28. A computer program product according to any one of the claims 26-27, wherein the computer program product further comprises:
- a seventh set of instructions, stored in the non-transitory storage medium, executable by the least one processing unit to determine when the user is breathing correctly or incorrectly, and wherein when the user is determined to be breathing correctly, to compute the progressing heart rate curve to overlap with the breathing curve, and wherein when the user is determined not to be breathing correctly, to compute the progressing heart rate curve to not overlap with the breathing curve.
PCT/EP2018/082959 2017-12-06 2018-11-29 A computer implemented method for breathing exercises WO2019110407A1 (en)

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Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100174200A1 (en) * 2004-03-18 2010-07-08 Respironics, Inc. Methods and devices for relieving stress

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100174200A1 (en) * 2004-03-18 2010-07-08 Respironics, Inc. Methods and devices for relieving stress

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