Patent Application: US-201414535561-A

Abstract:
the present invention relates to an apparatus to detect , assess and end occurrences of snoring , sleep apnea events and hypopnea episodes , in a manner that will decrease or eliminate hypoxia , hypercapnia and the disturbance of cardiac and pulmonary hemodynamics , and give users of the apparatus a report of their critical sleep data each morning

Description:
accordingly , embodiments of the invention are provided that meet at least one or more of the following objects of the invention . in one embodiment the microphone collects the audio signature of respirations . these signals are evaluated by the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application which determines the quality of said respirations . in another embodiment of the invention , the pulse oximeter collects the blood oxygen saturation information of the user . this information is evaluated by the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application which determines the quality of said blood oxygen saturation level . in another embodiment of the invention , the invention can determine if the user is going to have an apnea ; this embodiment will be addressed in detail later in this document . in another embodiment of the invention , the 3 - axis accelerometer determines the sleeping positions ( dorsal , supine , or side ) of the user . this positional information is evaluated by the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application in conjunction with the history of apneas ( as determined by the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application from the audio signature of respirations collected by the microphone ) to determine if the user has positional apnea . in another embodiment of the invention , a wireless auditory prompter ( bluetooth earbud ) is mounted in the user &# 39 ; s ear and is activated by the stimulation signal to emit an acoustic stimulus which is heard by the user but is inaudible to others . this embodiment provides a sound to terminate snoring or initiate inhalation without requiring other intervention . in another embodiment of the invention , the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus communicates with the smart phone applications using a low power bluetooth transceiver . in another embodiment of the invention , a wired auditory prompter is mounted in the user &# 39 ; s ear and is activated by the stimulation signal to emit an acoustic stimulus which is heard by the user but is inaudible to others . this embodiment provides a sound to terminate snoring or initiate inhalation without requiring other intervention . in another embodiment of the invention , a loud speaker is embedded within said invention and is activated by the stimulation signal to broadcast an acoustic stimulus which is heard by the user . this embodiment provides a sound to terminate snoring or initiate inhalation without requiring other intervention . in another embodiment of the invention , the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application detects the absence of a heartbeat and activates an audible alarm by said loud - speaker embedded within said invention . in another embodiment of the invention , the smart phone application has means to display information from a sleep cycle , inclusive of but not limited to date total hours of sleep * total number of awakenings total number of snoring events total number of apneas total time of sao2 below 90 %** total time of sao2 below 85 %** total number of stimulus related arousals in another embodiment of the invention , the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application has means to store the calculated amplitude , periodicity , and duration of respiration for each respiration of the collection of known good respirations from the first self - calibration in imbedded memory . in another embodiment of the invention , the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application has means to store the calculated values and parameters in imbedded memory . in another embodiment of the invention , the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application has means to store the time ( s ) in which a snoring , sleep apnea event and hypopnea episode occurs in imbedded memory . in another embodiment of the invention , the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application has means to store the time ( s ) in which a snoring , sleep apnea event and hypopnea episodes are terminated in imbedded memory . in another embodiment of the invention , the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application has means to export the calculated values and parameters from imbedded memory to other devices . in another embodiment of the invention , the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application has means to export the time ( s ) in which a snoring , sleep apnea event and hypopnea episode occurs and from imbedded memory to other devices . in another embodiment of the invention , the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application has means to export the time ( s ) in which a snoring , sleep apnea event and hypopnea episode are terminated from imbedded memory to other devices . in another embodiment of the invention , the processor embedded in the wearable apparatus or smart phone application has means to import modifications of the computer programs from other devices . in another embodiment of the invention , there might be a plurality of microphones . in another embodiment of the invention , the mechanical tactile sensory stimulator may be implemented using a haptic display . in another embodiment of the invention , the mechanical tactile sensory stimulator maybe implemented using a haptic display comprising shape memory springs . in another embodiment of the invention , the mechanical tactile sensory stimulator maybe implemented using a haptic display using multiple actuators . in another embodiment of the invention , the mechanical tactile sensory stimulator maybe implemented using a haptic display comprising rotating drums . in another embodiment of the invention , the mechanical tactile sensory stimulator maybe implemented using a haptic display comprising electroactive polymers . the foregoing descriptions of the invention have outlined the key features and technical advantages of the invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows . the foregoing descriptions are not meant to limit the claims of the invention , but rather to describe the broad application of the various embodiments the invention may take . additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention . those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the invention . those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions or derivative works do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form . before undertaking the detailed description , definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document are set forth as follows : the terms “ include ” and “ comprise ” and derivatives thereof mean inclusion without limitation ; the term “ or ,” is inclusive , meaning and / or ; the phrases “ associated with ” and “ associated therewith ,” as well as derivatives thereof , may mean to include , be included within , interconnect with , contain , be contained within , connect to or with , couple to or with , be communicable with , cooperate with , interleave , juxtapose , be proximate to , be bound to or with , have , have a property of , or the like ; and the term “ controller ” means any device , system or part thereof that controls at least one operation , such a device may be implemented in hardware , firmware , or software , or some combination of at least two of the same . definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document . those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many , if not most , instances , such definitions apply to prior , as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases . “ computer ”, “ microcontroller ”, “ processor ”, and “ smart phone ” are used interchangeably in this document and are collectively defined as the device that relies on the application of software programs that are resident within the computer as means or manner of procedure to accomplishing something . the means and reasons for said processing will be addressed in detail within this document . “ measurement ” by the computer in this application is defined as an analog - to - digital conversion . the derivative of analog - to - digital conversion is a numeric value that is representative of the signals amplitude at the time that the measurement is made . those skilled in the art will understand the method of using analog - to - digital conversion . “ processing ”, “ process ”, “ monitoring ”, and “ method ” are used interchangeably in this document and are collectively defined as the application of software programs that are resident within the computer as means or manner of procedure to accomplishing something . the means and reasons for said processing will be addressed in detail within this document . “ communication ” is defined by as the method and processes by which the various electronic components pass data to each another within and without ( outside ) the invention . “ sensor ”, “ sensor head ”, “ wearable device ” and “ wearable apparatus ” are defined as the element ( s ) of the invention whereby respiration , blood oxygen level , heart rate and sleeping position are detected . other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings . it is to be understood , however , that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention , for which reference should be made to the appended claims . for a general understanding of the invention , reference is made to the drawings . in the drawings , like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements . in accordance with this invention , there is provided an apparatus and method for the diagnosis and treatment of snoring , sleep apnea events and hypopnea episodes . in one embodiment of the invention , the respirations of the user are monitored during sleep by the apparatus , which acts as a monitoring system to detect and treat snoring , sleep apnea events and hypopnea episodes in the user . the monitoring system is comprised of an integrated 3 - axis accelerometer , an integrated pulse oximeter , an integrated microphone , integrated or external computer , a software program , apparatus and methods for applying stimulus to the user such as an integrated loud speaker , wired and wireless audio , and an integrated rumble effects actuator . the invention is wearable , and is either attached directly to the skin using a non - allergenic medical grade adhesive patch , attached to the user &# 39 ; s sleep clothing , a sensor head attached directly to the skin using a non - allergenic medical grade adhesive patch , and said device or sensor head is positioned on or close to the upper thorax of the user . at the onset of a snoring , sleep apnea event or hypopnea episode the respiratory induced movement ( expansion and contraction ) of the thorax and / or abdomen are significantly reduced . in addition , the movement of air into the lungs is significantly reduced . these decreases are indicators of an onset of a snoring , sleep apnea event or hypopnea episode . during sleep , it is normal for an individual &# 39 ; s respiration parameters for amplitude , inhalation time , exhalation time , duration of respiration and the period to vary . discerning between those normal variations in the parameters ( for amplitude , inhalation time , exhalation time , duration of respiration and the period during sleep ) and abnormal variations in parameters ( for amplitude , inhalation time , exhalation time , duration of respiration and the period ), is performed using a software program that compares those parameters gathered by monitoring sensors ( for amplitude , inhalation time , exhalation time , duration of respiration and the period during sleep ) to those parameters ( for amplitude , inhalation time , exhalation time , duration of respiration and the period ) gathered before the user fell asleep . this method accurately identifies the onset of a snoring , sleep apnea event or hypopnea episode and eliminates false determinations . the computer &# 39 ; s software program uses rules based processing to determine when stimulation is to be delivered to the user in order to restore airway patency ( by inducing inspiration ). when the user &# 39 ; s respiration parameters are determined by the rules based processing as showing the onset of a snoring or sleep apnea event , or hypopnea episode stimulation is delivered to the user . the invention may use historical data , software programs , algorithms or subroutines to assist with the determination of the rules based processing which are appropriate to the subject user . the embedded computer &# 39 ; s software program uses rules based processing to determine the least amount of stimulation required to induce inspiration . the stimulation is in the form of acoustic audio signals and / or by a cutaneous rumble effects actuator . rules based processing determines the least amount of stimulation required to induce inspiration . fig1 through 8 , discussed below , and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the invention in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the invention . those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the invention may be implemented in any suitably modified system for detecting , assessing and terminating a snoring or sleep apnea event or hypopnea episode . fig1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing sensor external view : top fig2 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing sensor external view : side fig3 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing sensor external view : bottom fig4 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing sensor external view : earbud 400 , attachment clip to attach the sensor case to the user &# 39 ; s bed clothing 401 , sensor head 402 which contains the leds / photodetector of the pulse oximeter monitor section and the microphone . the sensor head is attached to the upper sternum with a non - allergenic medical grade adhesive pad fig5 is illustrative of the signals of breathing sounds that is detected by microphone ( not shown in fig5 ). the microphone ( not shown not shown in fig5 ) detects a multiplicity of audio signals . the multiplicity of audio signals are comprised of the audio components of biologic processes ( heart beats , audio component of the turbulence that occurs in the human respiratory system during respiration , bowels , snoring , wheezing , yawning , coughing , etc ) and external interference artifacts . referring again to fig5 : the signals that are derived by the microphone ( not shown in fig5 ) are measured by the computer ( not shown in fig5 ). each signal is measured for five ( 5 ) discrete parameters . the measurement quantity is assigned a numeric value that represents a direct inferential reading of the specific signal parameter . the parameters that are measured are the : amplitude 500 of the signal . the amplitude 500 is representative of the expansion of the thorax or abdomen during an inspiration . it is a dimensionless number . the range is from 0 to 100 . inhalation time 501 ( tin ) of the signal : the amount time ( in seconds ) that it takes for a discrete inhalation . exhalation time 504 ( tout ) of the signal : the amount time ( in seconds ) that it takes for a discrete exhalation duration of the respiration ( tin + tout ) 502 of the signal : the amount time ( in seconds ) that it takes for a discrete inspiration and exhalation to be completed . periodicity of the signal 503 ( ttot ): the amount of time ( in seconds ) from the start of the inhalation of a respiration to the start of the inhalation of the next respiration fig6 block diagram of the electronic and electrical elements of the invention . the operation of the invention is illustrated in fig6 . it is made up of a number of electronic component modules : 601 is leds & amp ; photodetector of the pulse oximeter sub system 602 is the microphone 603 is illustrative of one embodiment of the invention wherein the 601 leds & amp ; photodetector of the pulse oximeter sub system and 602 the microphone are placed in separate enclosure ; the sensor head . the sensor head 603 is attached to the user by a non - allergenic medical grade adhesive pad and transmits the signals that are picked up to the sensor enclosure for processing . 604 is the analog front end of the pulse oximeter sub system 605 is the 100 hz center frequency band pass filter 606 is the 3 - axis accelerometer 607 is the usb port 608 is the battery 609 is the battery charger 610 is the battery fuel tank 611 is the memory chip 612 is the silicon serial number 613 is the audio amplifier 614 is the earbud 615 is the speaker 616 is the cutaneous rumble effects actuator 617 is the piezo - electric tactile stimulator / electroactive polymers 618 is the haptic driver 619 are leds 620 is the bluetooth transceiver antenna 621 is the bluetooth transceiver 622 is the switch 623 is the microcontroller fig7 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing it positioned on the user &# 39 ; s upper thorax . fig8 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing it positioned on the user &# 39 ; s lower thorax . fig6 block diagram of the electronic and electrical elements of the invention it is a primary objective of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for detecting , assessing and terminating a snoring or sleep apnea event and hypopnea episode , within seconds of said detection . to understand how said process is performed direct your attention to fig6 . fig6 is a block diagram of the block diagram of the electronic and electrical elements of the invention . leds & amp ; photodetector 601 of the pulse oximeter sub system are used to detect the amount of the user &# 39 ; s blood oxygen . the microphone 602 detects the sounds generated during respirations . 603 is illustrative of one embodiment of the invention wherein the leds & amp ; photodetector 601 of the pulse oximeter sub system and 602 the microphone are placed in separate enclosure — the sensor head . the sensor head 603 is attached to the user by a non - allergenic medical grade adhesive pad before sleep and transmits the signals that are picked up by the sensor enclosure for processing . in another embodiment of the invention wherein the leds & amp ; photodetector 601 of the pulse oximeter sub system and the microphone 602 are placed within the single sensor enclosure with the rest of the electronic devices as shown in fig6 block diagram of the electronic and electrical elements of the invention the analog front end ( afe ) of the pulse oximeter sub system is shown in 604 . the device consists of a low - noise receiver channel with an integrated analog - to - digital converter ( adc ), an led transmit section , and diagnostics for sensor and led fault detection . the analog front end ( afe ) 604 controls the leds & amp ; photodetector 601 . it is controlled by and communicates with the microcontroller 623 . band pass filter 605 accepts the audio signal generated by respirations and other bodily processes from microphone 602 ( there is a multiplicity of audio signals which are comprised of the audio components of biologic processes ( heart beats , audio component of the turbulence that occurs in the human respiratory system during respiration , bowels , snoring , wheezing , yawning , coughing , etc .) and external interference artifacts )). the multiplicity of signals forms a spectrum of audio frequencies which are superfluous . band pass filter 605 rejects ( filters ) all signals below 80 hz and above 150 hz . the remaining signal is that which is generated by respirations and is passed to the microcontroller 623 for further processing . the 3 - axis accelerometer is shown in 606 . it generates signals that correspond to the x , y , and z axis of the user &# 39 ; s body . those signals are passed to the microcontroller 623 for further processing . the usb port 607 serves a dual purpose . it serves as an axis point for external devices that communicate with the invention . to accomplish that it is connected to the microcontroller 623 . it also serves as an input point for power to recharge the battery 608 . the battery charger 609 monitors and charges the battery 608 . it communicates with the microcontroller 623 . the battery fuel tank 610 performs measures the remaining power level of battery 608 . it communicates with the microcontroller 623 . memory 611 contains the processing program instructions as well as the results of computations performed by the microcontroller 623 and in one embodiment of the invention , audio files used for stimulus . it communicates with the microcontroller 623 . the silicon serial number 612 contains an electronic registration number that provides an absolutely unique identity for each copy of the invention that is produced . it communicates with the microcontroller 623 . audio amplifier 613 provides the power to drive the earbud 614 and speaker 615 . it communicates with the microcontroller 623 . earbud 614 is a means to provide audio signals such as spoken directions and stimulus to the user . speaker 615 is a means to provide audio signals such as spoken directions and stimulus to the user . haptic driver 618 provides the power to actuate the tactile motor 616 and the piezo - electric tactile stimulator / electroactive polymers 617 . it communicates with the microcontroller 623 . the cutaneous rumble effects actuator 616 provides tactile stimulus to the user . the piezo - electric tactile stimulator / electroactive polymers 617 provides tactile stimulus to the user . leds 619 are status indicators . the colors that the leds emit are indicative of operational conditions of the invention . they communicate with the microcontroller 623 . antenna 620 is the means by which the bluetooth transceiver 621 sends and receives information to and from the smart phone application ( not shown in fig6 ), as well as sending provided audio signals such as spoken directions and stimulus to the user via a bluetooth ear piece ( not shown in fig6 ) or the hardwired earbud . bluetooth transceiver 621 sends and receives information to and from the smart phone application ( not shown in fig6 ), as well as sending provided audio signals such as spoken directions and stimulus to the user via a bluetooth ear piece ( not shown in fig6 ) or the hardwired earbud it communicates with the microcontroller 623 . bluetooth is a wireless protocol utilizing short - range communications technology facilitating data transmission over short distances from fixed and / or mobile device . bluetooth wireless communication is described , for example , in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 225 , 064 , issued to fudali , et al . may 29 , 2007 . the disclosures of these united states patents are incorporated herein by reference switch 622 controls the operations of the invention . it communicates with the microcontroller 623 . microcontroller 623 receives information from the sensor and transmits controlling signals to the electronic elements of the invention as well as performing the processing of data / signals from the smart phone ( not shown in fig6 ) application and sensors . the software programs are a series of modules . each module is specific to the task that it needs to perform . when the user first dons the invention they will , in one embodiment of the invention , insert the earbud in their ear and , in one embodiment , activate the smart phone application . the user will then depress and release switch 401 . in one embodiment this will establish the linkage between the bluetooth transceiver 621 and the smart phone application . the purpose of that linkage is to use processing , storage ( memory ), and display capabilities of the smart phone . in another embodiment of the invention , there is no smart phone application so all processing and storage remains resident within the sensor . in all embodiments of the invention , the device will give audio instruction for the user to enter an area that has the same background noise as the user &# 39 ; s sleeping area . the invention will calibrate itself to the user &# 39 ; s hearing by applying a series of tones , starting with a tone of 0 dbm and ascending in 6 dbm steps until the user hears a tone . at that time the user will depress and release switch 401 . this will establish the lowest amplitude ( loudness ) signal that the user can discern . when an audio stimulus is applied , that determined value is the starting point for the amplitude ( loudness ) of the audio files that will be used . in this way the invention has determined the range of hearing for that user . the invention will ask the user to indicate if they are standing upright . if the user is doing so the user will depress and release switch 401 . this test is performed to determine if the 3 - axis accelerometer is working correctly . the invention will instruct the user to silently count to 30 . this test is performed to determine if the blood oximeter is working correctly as well as whether the microphone 602 and band pass filter 605 are receiving the audio signal generated by respirations and other bodily processes . in addition , during this period of initialization the invention is computing and storing values of respirations : see fig5 . amplitude 500 of the signal : the amplitude 500 is representative of the expansion of the thorax or abdomen during an inspiration . the stored value is the peek amplitude for each respiration . inhalation time 501 ( tin ) of the signal : the amount time that it takes for a discrete inhalation . exhalation time 504 ( tout ) of the signal : the amount time that it takes for a discrete exhalation duration of the respiration ( tin + tout ) 502 of the signal : the amount time that it takes for a discrete inspiration and exhalation to be completed . periodicity of the signal 503 ( ttot ): the amount of time from the start of the inhalation of a respiration to the start of the inhalation of the next respiration . the invention uses these values to constitute a set of respirations for the calculation of the initial referential parameters . these initial referential parameters are calculated in the invention to be 2 standard deviations ( 2 sigma ) of the mean for each measured sets of the parameters . 95 . 45 % of the values of a set for a parameter fall within 2 standard deviations ( 2 sigma ) of the mean . the initial referential parameters are stored in memory 611 . the invention now enters a time of hibernation which lasts until the user lies down . the invention exits hibernation when the user lies down . this determination is made by monitoring and processing of the signals from the 3 axis accelerometer 606 . the invention now commences computing and storing values of respirations : see fig5 . amplitude 500 of the signal . the amplitude 500 is representative of the expansion of the thorax or abdomen during an inspiration . the stored value is the peek amplitude for each respiration . inhalation time 501 ( tin ) of the signal : the amount of time that it takes for a discrete inhalation . exhalation time 504 ( tout ) of the signal : the amount time that it takes for a discrete exhalation duration of the respiration ( tin + tout ) 502 of the signal : the amount time that it takes for a discrete inspiration and exhalation to be completed . periodicity of the signal 503 ( ttot ): the amount of time from the start of the inhalation of a respiration to the start of the inhalation of the next respiration . these values are placed into a 15 minute deep storage buffer in memory 611 . the buffer acts as a fifo device ; early values are replaced by later values on a first - in - first - out basis . when the invention determines that the user has fallen asleep it becomes active . in the active state it will intervene with stimulus as required and in a manner to terminate snoring , apneas or hypopneas that are causing a drop of oxygen blood level below approximately 94 %. in addition if the user has been determined to have positional osa it will encourage the user to shift from a prone sleeping position with a verbal audio signal sent to earbud 614 or speaker 615 . all these processes are addressed in detail later in this document . the user is determined to be asleep when there is no peek respiration amplitude 500 & lt ;= 30 % of the initial referential parameter for amplitude 500 occurring within the time of the initial referential parameter periodicity of the signal 503 ( ttot ). at that time a set of final referential parameters are computed . the final referential parameters are derived by taking each of the values that were placed into the 15 minute deep storage buffer in memory 611 . each set of those values ( the five parametric values constitute a set ) are compared to their initial referential parameters . if any of the individual values are found to be either 25 % greater than or less than it &# 39 ; s initial referential parameter , then the set is discarded . this process continues with each set , working backwards from the newest to the oldest until 60 seconds of contiguous sets are found that meet the above criteria . each parameter is then calculated to derive what is 2 standard deviations ( 2 sigma ) of the mean for that parameter . 95 . 45 % of the values of a set for a parameter fall within 2 standard deviations ( 2 sigma ) of the mean . these derivations form the set of final referential parameters . this process is performed to determine what the “ normal ” parameters are for a sleeping subject user . what is “ normal ” varies from night to night . as a user sleeps their breathing patterns ( and the derived parameters ) change from when they are awake . it is a primary objective of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for detecting , assesing and terminating a snoring or sleep apnea event and hypopnea episode , within seconds of said detection . to be specific it will determine if a user is snoring , if an apnea has occurred , if an apnea is going to occur , if the user has positional osa , if the user is supine , and if the user &# 39 ; s blood oxygen has fallen below approximately 94 %. this is done to decrease or eliminate snoring , hypoxia , hypercapnia and the disturbance of pulmonary hemodynamics in the user . in each of these circumstances the invention will supply an audio stimulus via the earbud 614 or speaker 615 or haptic stimulus via the cutaneous rumble effects actuator 616 or the piezo - electric tactile stimulator / electroactive polymers 617 . a method of stimulation in one embodiment of the invention is the playing of pre - recorded audio files . these audio files are stored in the memory 611 . each audio file consists of a 3 second recording of sound with a specific content at a specific amplitude ( loudness ). content is repeatedly re - recorded with a different amplitude ( loudness ). in this way the same content is in files with amplitudes that increase from 0 db to 100 db in 6 db increments . in keeping with a primary objective of the invention , which is to interrupt snoring and restore patency ( breathing ) to the user as rapidly as possible while avoiding awakening a user travels through 4 layers of sleep and rem . the deepest levels ( 3 & amp ; 4 ) and rem are considered to be the most restorative and are often referred to as slow - wave sleep . they are also the most difficult to arouse a person from . therefore different stages of sleep might require different amplitudes ( loudness ) of audio stimuli . stimuli will often cause a change in sleep state ( from a deeper stage to a lighter stage ); this is referred to as an arousal . any application of any stimuli will always cause a change in blood pressure . the invention applies stimuli in a manner so as to achieve these goals : interrupt snoring restore breathing as rapidly as possible minimize the length of time of an arousal (& lt ; 3 s ) cause the least amount of arousal ( sub cortical arousal ) minimize the change to the user &# 39 ; s blood pressure and heart rate / pulse . to accomplish the primary objective of the invention the device will initially attempt an arousal using a randomly selected audio file with an amplitude ( loudness ) of that has the same amplitude as that which the user was able to discern during initialization . if snoring is terminated or patency is restored within 2 seconds ( as defined by the detection of a respiration that is =& gt ; 70 % of final referential parameter for amplitude 500 ) then amplitude ( loudness ) of that audio file will become a referential starting point for the next time an audio stimulus needs to be applied . if that file is not successful in terminating snoring or restoring patency , then a random file that is louder will be applied . this process continues until snoring is terminated or patency is restored . conversely if the invention determines that files of the same amplitude ( loudness ) are repeatedly successful in restoring patency the next time an audio stimulus is applied it will be a random file with an amplitude that is less than that of the current referential starting point . if it is successful in restoring patency then the amplitude ( loudness ) of that audio file will become the new referential starting point . in this way the varying stages of sleep with their varying stimulus intensity requirements will be met . a method of stimulation in another embodiment of the invention is to provide tactile stimulus arousal . the mechanical tactile sensory stimulator is the cutaneous rumble effects actuator 616 . it differs from a simple vibrator in that it is capable of simulating a wide range of tactile effects . the haptic effects are assembled by using software instructions to control the force amplitude , wave shape , and pulse duration to the stimulation effectors . these instructions are combined to form force portraits . the force portraits are stored in the memory 611 in one embodiment of the invention . different force portraits are felt as different tactile sensations by the user . these force portraits are assigned an irritation index value . irritation index values rank the relative irritation level as perceived by the user . to accomplish the primary objective of the invention the device will initially attempt an arousal using either the cutaneous rumble effects actuator 616 or the piezo - electric tactile stimulator / electroactive polymers 617 . a randomly selected force portrait from the group of those force portraits with the lowest irritation index is initially applied . if snoring is terminated or patency is restored within 2 seconds ( as defined by the detection of a respiration that is =& gt ; 70 % of final referential parameter for amplitude 500 ) then the irritation index of that force portrait will become a referential starting point for the next time force portrait needs to be applied . if that force portrait is not successful in terminating snoring or restoring patency then a random force portrait that has the next larger irritation index will be applied . this process continues until snoring terminates or patency is restored . conversely if the invention determines that force portraits of the same irritation index are repeatedly successful in terminating snoring or restoring patency , the next time a force portrait is applied it will be a force portrait with an irritation index that is less than that of the current referential starting point . if it is successful in terminating snoring or restoring patency , then the irritation index of that force portrait will become the new referential starting point . in this way the varying stages of sleep with their varying stimulus intensity requirements can be met . those skilled in the art should understand that in order to prevent habitation there are a large number of force portraits and audio files that the invention can select from and apply . when the microphone 602 detects a respiration amplitude =& gt ; 2 × that of normal respiration amplitude for the user and that lasts longer that 3 seconds , a stimulus will be applied as described in module 3 to arouse the user . if the user is determined to be sleeping in the supine position when microphone 602 detects a respiration amplitude =& gt ; 2 × that of normal respiration amplitude for the user and that lasts longer that 3 seconds ( such determination is made by the 3 - axis accelerometer 606 ) and has been in the supine position for =& gt ; 10 seconds , audio files , whose content consists of vocal admonishments of increasing urgency and amplitude ( loudness ) will be delivered to the earbud 614 or the speaker 615 . the files will encourage the user to move from the supine position . the audio signal will increase in urgency and amplitude ( loudness ) until the user shifts sleeping position . the least urgent audio file with the lowest amplitude will be applied first , with a more urgent and greater amplitude audio file being played if the user has not moved from the supine position with 5 seconds . this process continues , in a step like fashion , with an increasingly urgent and greater amplitude audio file being played until the desired result is achieved . if the amplitude 500 for a respiration is =& lt ; 10 % of the 2 sigma of the mean of the final referential parameter for amplitudes 500 ( as computed with the time envelope of the 2 sigma of the mean of the final referential parameter of periodicity of the signal 503 ( ttot )), then an apnea has occurred and the stimulus process starts . a respiration signal whose inhalation time 501 ( tin ) approaches 45 % of the periodicity of the signal 503 ( ttot ) for the final referential parameter of periodicity of the signal 503 ( ttot ), it is indicative of an approaching apnea . if this condition occurs then the stimulus process starts . the invention will only apply a stimulus if the blood oxygen level ( as measured by the integral pulse oximeter ) falls below approximately 94 %. the invention will determine if a hypopnea is occurring if the amplitude 500 for a respiration is =& lt ; 70 % of the 2 sigma of the mean of the final referential parameter for amplitudes 500 ( as computed with the time envelope of the 2 sigma of the mean of the final referential parameter of periodicity of the signal 503 ( ttot )) and this condition continues for =& gt ; 10 seconds . apnea hypoxia index ( ahi ) is an index of sleep apnea severity that combines the numbers of apneas and hypopneas . combining these gives an overall sleep apnea severity score that evaluates both number sleep disruptions and degree of oxygen saturation ( blood oxygen level ( as measured by the integral pulse oximeter ). the ahi is calculated by dividing the total number of apnea and hypopnea events by the number of hours of sleep . ( ahi values are typically categorized as 5 - 15 / hr = mild ; 15 - 30 / hr = moderate ; and & gt ; 30 / h = severe .). approximately over half ( 56 %) of all patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome ( osas ) have positional osas ( posas ), where the supine sleeping positions apnea hypoxia index ( ahi )& gt ; 2 × than the ahi of those non - supine sleeping positions . this is especially the case with light or moderate osas . various researchers have shown that the reduction of lying in the supine position is an effective treatment for positional sleep apnea . when the sleep position is adjusted , the symptoms and problems of positional sleep apnea reduce . the avoidance of lying supine is referred to as position therapy . the invention will store the total number of occurrences of apneas and hypopneas during the second week of use by the user . the 3 - axis accelerometer 606 will determine when the user is supine and not supine . each incident of an apnea or hypopnea will be correlated with the sleeping position in which it occurred . at the end of the week the smart phone application or the embedded microprocessor will compute and compare the results of the data that accrued during that period . if the ahi for the supine sleeping position is greater than the ahi of the non - supine sleeping position then for the purposes of treatment by the invention it will be determined that the user does have positional osa and hence forth the invention will treat the user as having it . if the user is determined to be sleeping in the supine position ( such determination is made by the 3 - axis accelerometer 606 ) and has been in the supine position for =& gt ; 10 seconds , audio files , whose content consists of vocal admonishments of increasing urgency and amplitude ( loudness ) will be delivered to the earbud 614 or the speaker 615 . the files will encourage the user to move from the supine position . the audio signal will increase in urgency and amplitude ( loudness ) until the user shifts sleeping position . the least urgent audio file with the lowest amplitude will be applied first , with a more urgent and greater amplitude audio file being played if the user has not moved from the supine position with 5 seconds . this process continues , in a step like fashion , with an increasingly urgent and greater amplitude audio file being played until the desired result is achieved . module 10 : the awakening of the user who does not exit the bed . if the user is awoken by a stimulus the user will depress and release the switch 622 . the invention will hibernate until it is determined by the invention that the user has fallen back asleep . the user is determined to be asleep when there is no peek respiration amplitude 500 & lt ;= 30 % of the initial referential parameter for amplitude 500 occurring within the time of the initial referential parameter periodicity of the signal 503 ( ttot ). upon determination that the user has gone to back to sleep the invention will exit hibernation and fully activate . module 11 : the awakening of the user who sits upright or exits the bed if the 3 - axis accelerometer 606 determines that the user is either sitting upright in bed or has exited the bed it will cause the invention to hibernate until it is determined by the invention that the user has fallen back asleep . the user is determined to be asleep when there is no peek respiration amplitude 500 & lt ;= 30 % of the initial1 referential parameter for amplitude 500 occurring within the time of the initial referential parameter periodicity of the signal 503 ( ttot ). upon determination that the user has gone to back to sleep the invention will exit hibernation and fully activate . when the microphone 602 ceases to acquire the audio signals associated with respirations the invention will illuminate an led 619 whose color will indicate the remaining charge of the battery 608 for a period of 10 seconds . in addition , in one embodiment of the invention a fuel gauge icon will be displayed on the smart phone application for 30 seconds indicating the battery state of discharge . if the battery 608 charge is low the user will plug a power source into the usb port 607 to recharge battery 608 . u . s . pat . no . 7 , 387 , 608 apparatus and method for the treatment of sleep related disorders jun . 1 , 2008 dunlop ; 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