Sleep staging using an in-ear photoplethysmography (PPG)

US10827972B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Bose Corporation · US

Inventors

• Tegan Ayers · Rochester, US
• Christopher R. Paetsch · Cambridge, US
• Christian Trott · Charleston, US
• Brian J. Hetherman · Westborough, US
• Matthew R. Hicks · Marlborough, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 19, 2019
• Grant date: Nov 10, 2020
• Expiry date: Jun 19, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B5/4815
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for determining a subject's sleep stage based on a PPG signal measured using an in-ear earpiece. In aspects, one or more physiological signals are estimated based on the PPG. Based, at least in part, on the determined sleep stage, one or more outputs are provided. In an example, the outputs are provided to the subject, the subject's physician, the subject's clinician, the cloud, and/or a device external to the apparatus. The methods and apparatus of determining the subject's sleep state described herein are continuous and non-invasive and eliminate the need for a clinical setting.