Apparatus, systems and methods for affecting the physiological condition of a user

A system for detecting and affecting the physiological condition of a user can include at least one non-contact sensor configured to detect at least one physiological condition of a user, and a device configured for affecting the user's environment. A controller can be configured to control operation of the device in response to signals from the sensor. The device can include a housing having an interior space, at least one light source positioned in the interior space, a window mounted to the housing and configured to allow light from the at least one light source to pass through the window and outwardly from the housing. Light can be emitted from the at least one light source so that brightness of the light changes through a time cycle that is serially repeated for guiding breathing of the user. The device can be independent of the system.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to devices for use in helping to positively control the psychological state of a user.

There is a desire for such devices that provide a new balance of properties

SUMMARY

An aspect of this disclosure is the provision of an apparatus for affecting the physiological condition of a user. The apparatus can include a housing having an interior space, at least one light source positioned in the interior space, a window mounted to the housing and configured to allow light from the at least one light source to pass through the window and outwardly from the housing, and a controller in communication with the at least one light source. The controller can be configured to provide first and second modes of operation. In the first mode, light is emitted from the at least one light source so that brightness of the light changes through a time cycle that is serially repeated for guided breathing of the user. In the second mode, color of the light emitted from the at least one light source is different than color of the light emitted from the at least one light source during the first mode. At least one switch can be in communication with the controller and configured to allow the user to select between at least the first mode and the second mode.

Another aspect of this disclosure is the provision of a system for detecting and affecting the physiological condition of a user. The system can include at least one non-contact sensor configured to detect at least one physiological condition of a user, a device configured for affecting the user's environment, and a controller configured to communicate with both the sensor and the device. The controller can be configured to control operation of the device and, thus, affect the user's environment in response to signals from the sensor. The device can be the above-mentioned apparatus, a diffusor, and/or other suitable device.

The foregoing summary provides a few brief examples and is not exhaustive, and the present invention is not limited to the foregoing examples. The foregoing examples, as well as other examples, are further explained in the following detailed description with reference to accompanying drawings

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of embodiments are disclosed in the following. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. For example, features disclosed as part of one embodiment or example can be used in the context of another embodiment or example to yield a further embodiment or example. As another example of the breadth of this disclosure, it is within the scope of this disclosure for one or more of the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and/or the like, to qualify each of the adjectives and adverbs of the Detailed Description section of disclosure, as discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 1, depicts a unit10(e.g., “zeitgeber unit”) configured to detect and/or affect one or more physiological conditions of a user, in accordance with a first embodiment of this disclosure. The physiological conditions can include one or more vital signs and/or the physiological state of the user. For example, the unit10can be configured to respectively promote sleep, wakefulness, and/or diaphragmatic or deep breathing. Diaphragmatic or deep breathing typically involves relatively slow and relatively deep inhalation, followed by relatively slow and relatively complete exhalation, as discussed in greater detail below.

Optionally, the unit10can be part of a networked system. In one example, the unit10and/or networked system includes at least one of each of a detector for detecting at least one physiological condition of the user, and a device for affecting the environment in which the user is located (“environment-affecting device”). In the first embodiment, the detector utilizes non-contact sensing to determine one or more indicators of the physiological condition of the user, and the detector outputs data representative of the indicators. The unit10and/or networked system typically further includes a computer, or the like, for processing the data from the detector, and responsively providing instructions to the environment-affecting device. The instructions and environment-affecting device are cooperatively configured in a manner that seeks to affect the physiological condition of the user in a predetermined manner (e.g., to respectively promote sleep, wakefulness, and/or diaphragmatic or deep breathing). The networked system will be discussed in greater detail below, following a detailed description of the unit10.

In the first embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, the unit10is configured to sit on a surface (e.g., the top surface of a bedside table) so that an upper body12of the unit is within several feet or yards from a user, and a front face of the upper body is facing toward the user. In the example depicted in FIG.1, the cylindrical upper body12is supported by an upright, frustoconical base14.

Referring also toFIG. 2, the body12can include a cylindrical housing16at least partially forming a chamber having an interior space18. The housing16can include a cylindrical, outer sidewall that extends around both the interior space18and a horizontal cylindrical axis. Alternatively, the unit10can be configured differently. For example, the cylindrical axis may be inclined. As further examples, the base14may be omitted and/or the body12may be in other suitable shapes that may include, for example, the shape of a truncated cylinder, a dome, a truncated dome, a vase, an obelisk, a sculpture, and/or other suitable shapes.

Referring also toFIG. 2, the first embodiment unit10includes electronic components that are mounted in the interior space18of the upper body12. The unit's electronic components can include at least one light panel, for example an outer light panel20and an inner light panel22. The unit's electronic components can further include a controller for controlling operation of the one or more light panels20,22. As an example, a digital computer28can control operation of the light panels20,22by way of a suitable output adapter. The computer28can have associated therewith and/or may be replaced by one or more programmable logic devices (PLDs) and/or application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), as will be discussed in greater detail below.

As a further example, the unit's electronic components can include at least one sensor, or more specifically a detector (e.g., radar system) including at least one non-contact sensor, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Also discussed in greater detail below, the unit's electronic components can include a network communication adapter26. The electronic components20,22,24,26,28can be mounted in the housing interior18and respectively be in electrical communication by way of electrical wiring30and/or in any other suitable manner. Whereas the electronic components20,22,24,26,28,30are schematically depicted as being separate features inFIG. 2, they may be more closely associated with one another, for example by being incorporated onto (e.g., being mounted on) one or more printed circuit boards and/or being part of one or more integrated circuits.

The unit10can further include a variety of differently user interface. In the example depicted inFIG. 1, the unit10includes at least one relatively simple type of user interface in the form of a manually operable, push-button-actuated switch32mounted to the base14, or in any other suitable location. The switch32can be connected by respective wiring30and an input adaptor to the computer28. Reiterating from above, the computer28can have associated therewith and/or may be replaced by one or more programmable logic devices (PLDs) and/or application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), as will be discussed in greater detail below. The unit10typically further includes a power supply unit (not shown) that supplies electrical power for the unit's electronic components, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring toFIG. 2, the housing16can include a circular rear panel33that is opaque to visible light and closes the rear of the housing interior. In the first embodiment, the front of the housings interior18is closed by a circular window34that forms the front face of the upper body12. The window34is typically mounted to the front of the housing16so that the body's electronic components20,22,24,26,28,30are substantially enclosed within the housing behind the window.

The window34can be a piece of glass, polymeric material, or other suitable material that is transparent or translucent with respect to visible light emitted by the light panels20,22. The light panels20,22and an outer annular wall of the housing16can be concentrically arranged. The light panels20,22can be flat, dimmable, color changing, light emitting diode (LED) light panels that have been cut or otherwise formed in an annular shape.

In the first embodiment, the inner periphery of the outer light panel20is slightly larger than the outer periphery of the inner outer light panel22, and the light panels are arranged so that the outer light panel extends around, and is substantially coplanar with, the inner light panel. The light panels20,22can be closely adjacent to, or in opposing face-to-face contact with, the inner surface of the window34.

The window34can be translucent to visible light in manner that both: (i) allows the outward transmission therethrough of light emitted from the light panels20,22, and (ii) substantially hides the electronic components20,22,24,26,28,30from view behind the window34. Accordingly,FIG. 1depicts that the electronic components20,22,24,26,28,30are substantially unseen through the window34.

In contrast withFIG. 2,FIG. 3schematically depicts the hidden light panels20,22and detector24with dashed lines. Other dashed lines schematically represent the field of view36of the detector24. In the example depicted inFIG. 3, the detector24is centrally located so that its field of view36extends through the central opening of the inner light panel22. Alternatively, the detector24can be positioned less concentrically in the unit's upper body12, or outside of the unit10, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

It is believed that the detector24can be a pulsed wave doppler radar system (“radar apparatus”) capable of detecting presence of a user in the field of view36, distance to the user in the field of view, and motion of the user in the field of view. It is believed that radar apparatus24can detect and/or be used to determine at least the breathing rate of the user in the field of view36. It is believed that radar apparatus24may also be able to detect and/or be used to determine: (i) the heartbeat of the user in the field of view, (ii) whether the user is sleeping or awake, and (iii) whether the user is in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, non-REM sleep and/or the other stages of sleep.

In embodiments of the unit10in which the radar field of view34passes through the window34, the window is typically constructed of material that is substantially transparent to, and minimally attenuates, electromagnetic signals transmitted and received by the radar apparatus24. It is believed that the window may be constructed of polymeric material such as polyurethane and/or other suitable materials. It is believed that a suitable radar apparatus24is available from Novelda AS based in Norway, as products referred to as XeThru radar transceivers.

In the first embodiment, the radar apparatus24is configured for detecting (e.g., non-contact sensing) one or more indicators of the physiological state of the user, and outputting data representative of the indicators. The radar apparatus24and a first software module executed by the processor of the computer28can be cooperatively configured to identify one or more physiological conditions of the user. It is believed that a suitable first software module is available from Novelda AS based in Norway, as products referred to as XeThru software. A second software module executed by the processor of the computer28can access a computer database including a lookup table, or the like, to determine what actions, if any, are to be taken in response to the identified physiological condition(s) of the user, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

In the first embodiment, the unit10is configured for affecting the environment in which the user is located (“environment-affecting device”). In this regard, the unit10can have different modes of operation, examples of which are described in the following, in accordance with the first embodiment.

The first example unit10can function in an Awakening Mode, which seeks to help awaken the user by promoting alertness of the user, and a Sedating Mode, which seeks to help the user relax and fall asleep. In an example of an arrangement for facilitating the Awakening Mode and the Sedating Mode, the unit10can be arranged (e.g., positioned on a bedside table) so that the field of view36of the radar apparatus24is directed toward and encompasses, or at least partially encompasses, the user lying on top of a bed. For example, typically at least the users torso and head are in the radar's field of view36. It is believed that electromagnetic signals transmitted and received by the radar apparatus24can pass through clothing, bed sheets, and blankets with substantially minimal attenuation.

A First Version of the Awakening Mode provided by the unit10stimulates the user by using a first color of light, for example white light, blue light, and/or orange light emitted (e.g., emitted continuously) from one or more of the light panels20,22. More specifically, the at least one switch32, one or more light panels20,22, and a suitable processor (e.g., the computer28, PLD, and/or ASIC) can be cooperatively configured to cause the unit10to operate in the Awakening Mode. The processor can receive a signal from the at least one switch32for initiating the Awakening Mode provided by the unit10. In response to receiving the initiating signal from the at least one switch32, the processor provides at least one signal that controls operation of at least one of the light panels20,22. In response to the signals from the processor, at least one of the light panels20,22emits a first color of light, for example blue light, at a brightness that seeks to stimulate the user. The brightness of the light may increase over a period of time to reach a peak brightness in a predetermined period of time, for example several minutes, thirty minutes, an hour or another suitable time period. In another version of the Awakening Mode, the below-discussed Breathing Exercises are provided with blue light rather than amber, orange, or red light.

A First Version of the Sedating Mode provided by the unit10includes guiding the user through a diaphragmatic or deep breathing exercise (Breathing Exercise) using a second color of light, for example amber light emitted from the one or more light panels20,22. More specifically, the one or more light panels20,22and a suitable processor (e.g., the computer28, PLD, and/or ASIC) can be cooperatively configured to guide the user through the Breathing Exercise. The processor can receive a signal from, for example, the at least one switch32for initiating the Breathing Exercise. In response to receiving the initiating signal from the at least one switch32and/or from another suitable component, the processor provides signals that control operation of at least one of the light panels20,22. In response to the signals from the processor, at least one of the light panels20,22emits light, for example amber light, at a brightness that changes through a time cycle that is serially repeated numerous times. For example, in each cycle the light's brightness fades in and out (e.g., increases and decreases), and the user follows his or her own breath to the light. In one specific example, in each cycle the light fades in and out based on the rhythm of 4 seconds inhale, hold for 6 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds; and the cycles are repeated serially for thirty seconds. For each cycle, the emitted light can be orange during the inhale and hold portions of the cycle, and red during the exhale portion of the cycle.

In another specific example, each cycle can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of: (i) increasing brightness of the light over a period of time (e.g., several seconds; a predetermined number of seconds; about four, five or six seconds; and/or an adjustable number of seconds) for signaling that the user inhale during the brightening; (ii) then optionally maintaining a peak brightness for a period of time (e.g., one or a few seconds) for signaling that the user pause her or his breathing; (iii) then decreasing brightness of the light and/or changing to a different (e.g., deeper) color hue over a period of time (e.g., several seconds; a predetermined number of seconds; about four, five or six seconds; and/or an adjustable number of seconds) for signaling that the user exhale during the dimming; and (iv) then optionally maintaining the lack of or least brightness for a period of time (e.g., one or a few seconds) for signaling that the user pause her or his breathing. For each cycle, the emitted light can be orange during both the inhale portion of the cycle and the immediately following pause portion of the cycle, and red during both the exhale portion of the cycle and the immediately following pause portion of the cycle.

The cycles can be serially repeated numerous times (e.g., a predetermined number of times, for example five to ten times; a predetermined period of time, for example thirty seconds, five minutes or ten minutes; and/or an adjustable number of times).

A Second Version of the Sedating Mode provided by the unit10can be like the First Version of the Sedating Mode except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the Second Version of the Sedating Mode, a first of the light panels20,22is operated to guide the breathing of the user through the Breathing Exercise as discussed above, and a second of the light panels20,22is operated to indicate the present breathing of the user in real time, so that the user can compare the contrast between the light being emitted from the light panels in an effort to better control her or his breathing to follow the Breathing Exercise.

More specifically regarding the second of the light panels20,22being operated to indicate the present breathing of the user in real time, the radar apparatus24is operatively associated with the processor (e.g., the computer28, PLD, and/or ASIC) for providing signals to the processor that provide data indicative of the rate of breathing of the user. In response to receiving the data indicative of the user's breathing rate, the processor provides signals that control operation the second of the light panels20,22. In response to the signals from the processor, the second of the light panels20,22emits light, for example amber light, at a brightness that follows the user's breathing in real time.

For providing an indication of the user's breathing in real time, (i) the brightness of the second of the light panels20,22increases for signaling that the user is inhaling; (ii) then optionally the brightness of the second of the light panels20,22may be maintained at a peak brightness for a period of time for signaling that the user has paused her or his breathing; (iii) then the brightness of the second of the light panels20,22decreases over a period of time to signal exhalation by the user; and (iv) then optionally the brightness of the second of the light panels20,22may be maintained in an off state or a reduced brightness for signaling that the user has paused her or his breathing.

The switch32can be a conventional rotary dial switch associated with the controller for allowing a user to select between any number of the above-discussed operational modes.

A second embodiment of this disclosure can be like the above-discussed first embodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In accordance with the second embodiment,FIG. 4depicts that the unit10is part of a networked system50. The networked system50can include at least one unit10; one or more networks communicatively connected to one another, for example a local area network52(e.g., a wireless local area network (“LAN”)) and a wide area network54(e.g., the internet (“WAN”)). The networks52,54can be connected to numerous network-connected devices having a wide variety of different capabilities. For example, primary network-connected device56(“primary devices”) can include smartphones; smartwatches; personal digital assistants; portable, tablet, or mobile computers; desktop computers; carputers; server computers (e.g., a web server for serving contents (e.g., web pages and sites) to the World Wide Web); and/or any other suitable computerized devices (e.g., one or more controllers for controlling operation of one or more secondary devices). As another example, the networks52,54can be connected to secondary network-connected devices58(“secondary devices”) that typically have at least some lesser capabilities as compared with the primary devices56. For example, the secondary devices58may be at least partially controlled by way of a user interface and/or processor of one or more of the primary devices56. In the example depicted inFIG. 4, each of the unit10and primary and secondary devices56,58is one of the Internet of things.

In the second embodiment, the unit10can be one of the secondary devices58, and each of, or at least some of, the secondary devices can be configured for affecting the environment in which the user is located (“environment-affecting devices”). Other examples of the environment-affecting secondary devices58include a network-connected thermostat, network-connected light, network-connected alarm clock, network-connected fan, network-connected diffuser, network-connected door lock, network-connected speakers, and any other suitable network-connected devices. It is believed each of a network-connected thermostat, a network-connected light, a network-connected alarm clock, a network-connected fan, a network-connected diffuser, a network-connected door lock, and a network-connected speaker are presently commercially available items that are not novel per se. Similarly, one or more of the primary devices56can be configured for affecting the environment in which the user is located (“environment-affecting devices”).

In the second embodiment, the unit10can be communicatively coupled with one or more of the primary and secondary devices56,58by way of one or more of the networks52,54, and/or one or more of the components or features of the unit10can be relocated from the unit10to one or more of the other primary and secondary devices56,58. As another example, rather than or in addition to the unit10including the radar apparatus24, one or more of the primary and secondary devices56,58can include the radar apparatus24. As a more specific example, the unit10can be omitted from at least one version of the second embodiment.

In an example of an arrangement for facilitating the Awakening Mode, the Sedating Mode, and an Restless Sleep Mode that are provided by the system50, the field(s) of view34of the system's one or more radar apparatuses24are directed toward and encompass, or at least partially encompass, the user lying on top of a bed. For example, typically at least the users torso and head are in the one or more fields of view36. For example, a primary or secondary device56,58including a radar apparatus24may be mounted to a wall or a headboard of the bed so that the radar's field of view36is inclined downwardly toward the top of the bed. As another example, a primary or secondary device56,58including a radar apparatus24may be mounted to a ceiling above the bed so that the radar's field of view36is directed downwardly toward the top of the bed, and/or a primary or secondary device56,58including a radar apparatus24may be configured in any other suitable manner so that the radar's field of view36sufficiently encompasses at least a portion of the user. As a further example, one or more of the primary and secondary devices56,58may store a variety of data originating from the radar apparatus(es)24in a databank, and that data may be used for a variety of different proposes. For example, doctors may access the data for the purpose of conducting sleep studies and/or for other suitable purposes.

It is believed that the data from the one or more radar apparatuses24can processed by one or more of the processors of one or more of the primary or secondary devices56,58to monitor the user throughout their sleeping in order to quantify the user's sleep over time, including identifying REM sleep, non-REM sleep, Stage 1 sleep (e.g., the transitional phase), Stage 2 sleep (e.g., a non-REM phase and lighter stage of sleep), Stages 3 and 4 of sleep (e.g., non-REM phases of deep sleep), Stage 5 sleep (e.g., REM sleep), and any restless sleeping experienced by the user.

For example, restless sleeping can be described as being sleeping characterized by a relatively high movement rate of the user, relatively shallow breathing by the user, and/or relatively quick breathing by the user. As another example, restless sleeping can include a relatively rapid heart rate (e.g., pulse) of the user, a relatively high movement rate of the user, relatively shallow breathing by the user, and/or relatively quick breathing by the user.

The system50can have the modes of operation discussed above for the first embodiment, plus additional modes of operation, examples of which are described in the following, in accordance with the second embodiment. The initiating performance of, ceasing performance of, setting the parameters of and/or adjusting the parameters of each of the modes of operation of one or more of the respective environment-affecting devices10,56,58of the second embodiment can be at least partially controlled: (i) by way of a user using the user interface of a respective device56,58executing a respective software application; (ii) by way of a user using a user interface of a respective device56,58having a web browser interacting with a web site served by a respective primary device56; (iii) and/or in response to receiving instructions over one or more of networks52,54from one or more respective processors (e.g., computer processor, PLD, and/or ASIC) of one or more of the devices56,58.

A Second Version of the Awakening Mode provided by the system50can be like the above-discussed First Version of the Awakening Mode, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the Second Version of the Awakening Mode, responsive to instructions from at least one processor (e.g., computer processor, PLD, and/or ASIC) of a respective device56,58:one or more of the light panels20,22can operate to illuminate the environment of the user as in the above-discussed First Version of the Awakening Mode;the network-connected, environment-affecting thermostat58can operate to cause an associated heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) unit to adjust (e.g., increase) the temperature of the environment of the user;the network-connected, environment-affecting light58can turn on or otherwise brighten the environment of the user;the network-connected, environment-affecting alarm clock58can initiate emission of an audible sound (e.g., an alarm sound or music intended to promote alertness of the user) in the environment of the user;operation of the network-connected, environment-affecting fan58positioned in, or otherwise affecting, the environment of the user can be slowed or ceased;the network-connected, environment-affecting diffuser58can initiate diffusion of aromatic oils or other suitable substances (e.g., the smell of peppermint or another suitable stimulating smell) into the environment of the user (e.g., it is believed that a user can learn more quickly when introducing the same smells while sleeping, that were present when they learned something);one or more of the primary devices56(e.g., smartphones; smartwatches; personal digital assistants; portable, tablet, or mobile computers; desktop computers; and/or the like) in the environment of the user can be turned on or otherwise activated;any night time light setting (which reduces the amount of blue light displayed) for the display screen of one or more of the primary devices56(e.g., smartphones; smartwatches; personal digital assistants; portable, tablet, or mobile computers; desktop computers; and/or the like) in the environment of the user can be turned off;the network-connected, environment-affecting speakers58can initiate or adjust the emission of an audible sound (e.g., music intended to promote alertness of the user) in the environment of the user; and/orone or more other suitable network-connected devices56,58can be operated or operatively adjusted in a manner that affects the environment in which the user is located in a manner that seeks to aid in the awakening of/promote alertness of the user.

A Third Version of the Sedating Mode provided by the system50can be like the above-discussed First and Second Version of the Sedating Modes, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the Third Version of the Sedating Mode, responsive to instructions from at least one processor (e.g., computer processor, PLD, and/or ASIC) of a respective device56,58:one or more of the light panels20,22can operate to provide the Breathing Exercise in the environment of the user as in the above-discussed First and Second Version of the Sedating Modes;the network-connected, environment-affecting thermostat58can operate to cause an associated HVAC unit to adjust (e.g., decrease) the temperature of the environment of the user;the network-connected, environment-affecting light58can turn off or otherwise dim the environment of the user;operation of the network-connected, environment-affecting fan58positioned in, or otherwise affecting, the environment of the user can be turned on or sped up;the network-connected, environment-affecting diffuser58can initiate diffusion of aromatic oils or other suitable substances (e.g., the smell of lavender or another suitable relaxing or sedating smell) into the environment of the user;one or more of the primary devices56(e.g., smartphones; smartwatches; personal digital assistants; portable, tablet, or mobile computers; desktop computers; and/or the like) in the environment of the user can be turned off or otherwise manipulated;the night time light setting (which reduces the amount of blue light displayed) for the display screen of one or more of the primary devices56(e.g., smartphones; smartwatches; personal digital assistants; portable, tablet, or mobile computers; desktop computers; and/or the like) in the environment of the user can be turned on;the network-connected, environment-affecting speakers58can initiate or adjust the emission of an audible sound (e.g., music intended to relax or sedate the user) in the environment of the user;one or more network-connected door locks58can operate to lock one or more doors associated with the environment of the user; and/orone or more other suitable network-connected devices56,58can be operated or operatively adjusted in a manner that affects the environment in which the user is located in a manner that seeks to aid in the relaxation or sedation of the user.

In the Restless Sleep Mode provided by the system50, responsive to instructions from at least one processor (e.g., computer processor, PLD, and/or ASIC) of a respective device56,58:one or more of the light panels20,22can operate to provide the Breathing Exercise in the environment of the user as in the above-discussed First and Second Version of the Sedating Modes;the network-connected, environment-affecting thermostat58can operate to cause an associated HVAC unit to adjust (e.g., decrease) the temperature of the environment of the user;the network-connected, environment-affecting light58can turn off or otherwise dim the environment of the user;operation of the network-connected, environment-affecting fan58positioned in, or otherwise affecting, the environment of the user can be turned on or sped up;the network-connected, environment-affecting diffuser58can initiate diffusion of aromatic oils or other suitable substances (e.g., the smell of lavender or another suitable relaxing or sedating smell) into the environment of the user;one or more of the primary devices56(e.g., smartphones; smartwatches; personal digital assistants; portable, tablet, or mobile computers; desktop computers; and/or the like) in the environment of the user can be turned off or otherwise manipulated;the night time light setting (which reduces the amount of blue light displayed) for the display screen of one or more of the primary devices56(e.g., smartphones; smartwatches; personal digital assistants; portable, tablet, or mobile computers; desktop computers; and/or the like) in the environment of the user can be turned on;the network-connected, environment-affecting speakers58can initiate or adjust the emission of an audible sound (e.g., music intended to relax or sedate the user) in the environment of the user; and/orone or more other suitable network-connected devices56,58can be operated or operatively adjusted in a manner that affects the environment in which the user is located in a manner that seeks to aid in the relaxation or sedation of the user.

At least partially reiterating from above, the modes of operation of the present disclosure can be initiated: (i) by way of a user using the user interface of a respective device56,58executing a respective software application; (ii) by way of a user using a user interface of a respective device56,58having a web browser interacting with a web site served by a respective primary device56; (iii) and/or in response to receiving instructions over one or more of networks52,54from one or more respective processors (e.g., computer processor, PLD, and/or ASIC) of one or more of the devices56,58. For example, the at least one radar apparatus24of a respective device56,58can utilizes non-contact sensing to determine one or more indicators of the physiological condition of the user, so that the radar apparatus outputs data representative of the indicators, and the data is received by at least one processor (e.g., computer processor, PLD, and/or ASIC) of a respective device56,58. The at least one processor can compare the data to various thresholds and/otherwise suitably analyze the data, and responsively provide instructions to the respective device(s)56,58for facilitating the respective mode of operation. For example, an Awakening Mode of operation of the system50can be initiated in response to the at least one radar apparatus24and the at least one processor cooperatively detecting that the user in the radar's field of view36has reached the end of Stage 5 sleep and/or other suitable condition(s) exist. As another example, a Sedating Mode of operation of the system50can be initiated in response to the at least one radar apparatus24and the at least one processor cooperatively detecting that the user has lain down on a bed in the radar's field of view36and/or other suitable condition(s) exist. As a further example, a Restless Sleep Mode of operation of the system50can be initiated in response to the at least one detector (e.g., the radar apparatus24and/or other suitable detector(s)) and the at least one processor cooperatively detecting that the user has a relatively high movement rate, relatively shallow breathing, relatively quick breathing, a relatively rapid heart rate (e.g., pulse), and/or other suitable condition(s) exist.

As an example,FIG. 5depicts the unit10and diffuser58positioned closely to one another. The unit10and diffuser58may be provided together, as part of a kit or system configured to detect and/or positively affect the physiological condition of a user. The unit10can be communicatively coupled with the diffuser58, for example by way of one or more of the networks52,54and/or in any other suitable manner. As examples of various implementations, there can be a close physical connection between the unit10and diffuser58. In one specific example, the unit10can be reconfigured to physically include the diffuser58and vice versa, so that the unit10and diffuser58are both integral parts of a single article of manufacture that includes the features of both the unit10and diffuser58.

Each of the primary and secondary devices56,58,10can include one or more of the components described below with reference to a representative one of the primary or secondary devices. The primary or secondary device can include electronic circuits forming a processor communicatively coupled to memory. The processor is typically communicatively coupled to other components of the primary or secondary device via a system bus and/or interface circuit. Similarly, the other components (e.g., the memory) of the primary or secondary device may each be communicatively coupled to other components of the primary or secondary device via the system bus and/or the interface circuits. Other embodiments of system bus architecture providing for efficient data transfer and/or communication between the components of the primary or secondary device may be also be employed.

The primary or secondary device typically further includes, or is otherwise communicatively coupled to, a network communication adapter (see, e.g., the network communication adapter26inFIG. 2) that facilitates communications (e.g., the exchange of messages) between the primary or secondary device and other nodes of the respective network, which communications may be further communicated from the respective network to other networks communicatively connected to the respective network. Messages, in the context of this disclosure, include any intra-network or inter-network communications.

The primary or secondary device's processor is typically communicatively coupled to a user interface. The user interface typically includes a visual display (e.g., display screen). The visual display may be a touch screen, which is capable of displaying visual information and receiving tactile commands from a user. In addition to the visual display, the user interface may also include one or more speakers, buttons, keyboards, mice, and/or microphones.

Typically, the processor (e.g., computer processor, microprocessor, processing unit) of the primary or secondary device is configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with the primary or secondary device. For example, using instructions retrieved from the memory (e.g., a memory block, memory store), the processor may control the reception and manipulation of input and output data between components of the primary or secondary device. The primary or secondary device may include multiple processors for increased processing power. The processors may be in the form of a distributed processor using more than one computer, for example one or more server computers (e.g., a web server for serving contents (e.g., web pages and sites) to the World Wide Web), and/or any other suitable computerized devices.

The processor typically operates with an operating system to execute computer code and produce and use data to support the functioning of the primary or secondary device. The operating system generally is computer code (e.g., software) that manages the primary or secondary device's hardware resources and provides common services for computer applications being executed by the processor. The operating system may be a distributed operating system managing a group of physically independent computers in such a way as to allow them to perform cooperatively and collectively as a single computer. The operating system, other computer code (e.g., program modules, applications), and data may reside within the memory that is operatively coupled to the processor. The processor may be in the form of a distributed processor using more than one computer, for example one or more server computers (e.g., a web server for serving contents (e.g., web pages and sites) to the World Wide Web), and/or any other suitable computerized devices.

It will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the functions performed by the processor in response to computer code may be alternatively implemented in hardware (e.g., computer hardware) or a combination of hardware and software. For example, one or more programmable logic devices (PLDs) and/or application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) could be used to carry out the functions of any of the primary or secondary device's program modules.

The memory generally provides a place to store computer code and data that are used by the primary or secondary device. The memory may include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, and/or other non-transitory storage media. A basic input/output system (BIOS) containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between components of the primary or secondary device, such as during start-up, is stored in ROM. The primary or secondary device's RAM typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently operated on by the processor.

In some embodiments, the memory may house a databank, which is a database for storing data in an organized manner for later searching (e.g., querying) and retrieval. Typically, the databank is housed (e.g., stored) on at least one hard disk drive component of memory. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other computer storage media may be utilized for housing the databank without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the databank may be stored on any combination of hard disk drives, memory chips, solid state drives, optical drives, and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the databank may be housed on multiple, distributed storage devices.

The data may be structured in the databank in any suitable manner, including the following data structure forms: relational database, object-oriented database, hierarchical database, lightweight director access protocol (LDAP) director, object-oriented-relational database, etc. The databank may conform to any database standard, or may conform to a non-standard, private specification. The databank may be implemented using, for example, any number of commercially-available database products, including SQL Server and Access from Microsoft Corporation, Oracle® from Oracle Corporation, Sybase® from Sybase, Incorporated, etc.

The operating system, other computer code, and data may also reside on a removable non-transitory storage medium that is loaded or installed onto primary or secondary device when needed. Exemplary removable non-transitory storage media include CD ROM, PC-CARD, memory card (e.g., flash memory card), floppy disk, and/or magnetic tape. The operating system, other computer code, and data may reside upon more than one computer, for example one or more server computers (e.g., a web server for serving contents (e.g., web pages and sites) to the World Wide Web), and/or any other suitable computerized devices.

Reiterating from above, it is within the scope of this disclosure for one or more of the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and/or the like, to qualify each of the adjectives and adverbs of the foregoing disclosure, for the purpose of providing a broad disclosure. As an example, it is believed that those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that, in different implementations of the features of this disclosure, reasonably different engineering tolerances, precision, and/or accuracy may be applicable and suitable for obtaining the desired result. Accordingly, it is believed that those of ordinary skill will readily understand usage herein of the terms such as “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and the like.

In the specification and drawings, examples of embodiments have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.