A bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises, and method of use thereof

Abstract

Disclosed herein a bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises, comprising a head assembly (901) configured to detect physiological parameters related to breathing (103), including vibrations generated by the vocal cords (104) and exhaled gases, wherein the detected parameters are processed and displayed in real-time, a limb assembly (902) configured to measure cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure (105,106), pulse rate, and oxygen levels (107), wherein the data is collected and displayed continuously during the breathing exercise, and a control unit (102) for integrating and processing data from the head and body assemblies, providing real-time feedback and continuous monitoring of the subject's bio-physical parameters. The device is used by subjects performing Bhramari Pranayam and is an all-in-one ergonomic bio-medical device that can be used for monitoring and quantifying the technique of Bharamari Pranayam.

Specification

Description:A bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises, and method of use thereof

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to devices used in the biomedical industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises.
Background of the Invention
The advancement of bio-medical technology has enabled the development of sophisticated devices capable of monitoring various bio-physical parameters related to health and well-being. However, the specific domain of measuring bio-physical parameters during unique yogic breathing exercises, such as Bhramari Pranayam, remains largely unexplored. Bhramari Pranayam is a pranayama technique that involves deep nasal inhalation followed by a controlled exhalation accompanied by a humming sound. This practice has been shown to influence multiple physiological systems, including the respiratory system, autonomic nervous system, and stress regulation mechanisms. Despite these proven benefits, no device has been designed to specifically measure and monitor the bio-physical parameters associated with this practice. Existing devices, while capable of measuring individual parameters like pulse, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and nitric oxide output, are not optimized for the complex, multi-sensory nature of Bhramari Pranayam.
The absence of a dedicated device for this purpose presents several technical challenges. Most notably, the current devices available in the market are designed to measure isolated parameters, either in clinical settings or general fitness monitoring. These devices are not equipped to measure multiple bio-physical parameters simultaneously during a highly specific breathing exercise. Furthermore, the parameters themselves - such as laryngeal vibrations from humming, nitric oxide output from nasal exhalation, and synchronized cardiovascular measurements - require highly specialized sensors that need to work in tandem without interfering with the natural practice of the exercise. Current devices lack the integration and real-time processing capabilities needed to monitor and display this range of physiological data in a coordinated manner.
Moreover, ergonomics is a key consideration that existing devices fail to address. In order to monitor Bhramari Pranayam effectively, any bio-medical device must be comfortable and non-intrusive, allowing for unrestricted breathing and natural body movement. Typical medical devices like blood pressure monitors or pulse oximeters are designed for static, resting conditions, whereas Bhramari Pranayam involves active and rhythmic breathing cycles. Therefore, a specialized device must account for the dynamic nature of the practice, ensuring that sensors maintain accurate contact with the body without causing discomfort or altering the breathing technique.
Additionally, one of the major technical problems involves the precise measurement of nasal nitric oxide levels during the exhalation phase of Bhramari Pranayam. Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in respiratory health, and its levels are significantly elevated during humming. However, capturing this measurement in real-time, while also recording other physiological parameters like blood pressure and pulse, requires advanced sensor technology and fast data processing systems. The lack of such technology in existing devices limits their usefulness in providing a comprehensive understanding of the physiological changes that occur during Bhramari Pranayam.
Below are a few prior arts relevant to the present invention:
WO2023026296A1 discloses a Pranayam Machine disclosed in present invention is a device that facilitates the performance of certain yogic breathing practices without the use of hands, it provides two mechanisms, mechanisms 1 and mechanism 2 in which parts that are common in both the mechanisms, are Servo motor (3), motor to fork coupling (4), Belts (6) and Ear plugs (7). Design of Forehead mounting (2) and Fork (5) differs depending on mechanism 1 and mechanism 2. This Forehead mounting (2) precisely fits on one's Head (1) through adjusting Belts (6). The major difference between Forehead mounting (2) in both the mechanisms, is that in mechanism 1, Servo motor (3) is mounted perpendicular to the surface and the Fork (5) is mounted perpendicular to the Servo motor (3) shaft axis, whereas in mechanism 2 Servo motor (3) is mounted parallel to the surface and the Fork (5) is mounted along the axis of the Servo motor (3).
IN201641024449 discloses a system and method to carry out a process of meditation. The present invention talks about Bhramari, humming 208 based meditations. The method includes playing of a pre-defined hummed musical note 204, where the musical notes 204 are preferably Hindustani musical notes based on 'thaats'. The method further includes humming 208 of broadcasted 'thaat' in the same order that it is broadcasted. The present invention talks about implanting ancient Hindustani musical thaats within Bhramari meditation.
IN201641024449 discloses an automated method includes receiving at least one of: real time video data, audio data and sensor data associated with a user. Performing breath analytics by employing one or more machine learning models on the received video data, audio data and sensor data. Next, correlating the results of the breath analytics with one or more health vitals of the user by employing one or more ML models and providing one or more recommendations to the user in real-time based on the correlation.
US11583190B2 discloses a method and system for indicating a breathing pattern is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of smart wearable devices, a plurality of mobile devices, an application server and a database. The plurality of smart wearable devices is either connected to the mobile devices or directly connected to the application server. The database is connected to the application server to store the data transmitted by the smart wearable device or the mobile device. The plurality of smart wearable devices is capable of monitoring the health index and identifying the variation in health conditions of the user, in real-time and activating a suitable breathing pattern to normalize such medical condition.
Despite the attempts made in the above prior arts, there is still a need for an all-in-one bio-medical device specifically for Bhramari Pranayam. Existing devices fall short in their ability to measure the full spectrum of bio-physical parameters in real-time, and they fail to account for the unique demands of this yogic practice.
It is, therefore, desirable to develop a bio-medical device that addresses the key technical challenges, including sensor integration, real-time data processing, and ergonomic design, to provide a holistic tool for understanding the physiological benefits of Bhramari Pranayam, and overcome challenges and obviates complexity associated with the prior arts.
Summary of the Invention
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary may or may not be intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.
Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.
The various objectives and embodiments of present invention as presented herein are understood to be illustrative and not restrictive and are non-limiting with respect to the scope of the invention.
One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an all-in-one ergonomic bio-medical device that can be used for monitoring and quantifying the technique of Bharamari Pranayam by measuring bio-physical parameters during ideal performance as per classical texts and experts of Yoga.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bio-medical device which is capable of interpreting the pre-post biological effects of Bhramari Pranayam through real-time analysis of baseline body parameters and nitric oxide so that it can be used in various disease states where there is scope for application.

A further object of this invention is to the present invention is to provide a bio-medical device that can be used to train subjects for performing ideal technique of Bharamari Pranayam.
As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being "preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein-as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, "a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, "or" , "/" denotes "at least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of the list."
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided A bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises, comprising a head assembly configured to detect physiological parameters related to breathing, including vibrations generated by the vocal cords and exhaled gases, wherein the detected parameters are processed and displayed in real-time, a body assembly configured to measure cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen levels, wherein the data is collected and displayed continuously during the breathing exercise, and a control unit for integrating and processing data from the head and body assemblies, providing real-time feedback and continuous monitoring of the subject's bio-physical parameters.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided A bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises, comprising a head assembly configured to detect physiological parameters related to breathing, including vibrations generated by the vocal cords and exhaled gases, wherein the detected parameters are processed and displayed in real-time, a body assembly configured to measure cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen levels, wherein the data is collected and displayed continuously during the breathing exercise, and a control unit for integrating and processing data from the head and body assemblies, providing real-time feedback and continuous monitoring of the subject's bio-physical parameters, wherein the head assembly includes sensors for detecting airflow and gas concentrations exhaled through the nasal passages during breathing exercises.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided A bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises, comprising a head assembly configured to detect physiological parameters related to breathing, including vibrations generated by the vocal cords and exhaled gases, wherein the detected parameters are processed and displayed in real-time, a body assembly configured to measure cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen levels, wherein the data is collected and displayed continuously during the breathing exercise, and a control unit for integrating and processing data from the head and body assemblies, providing real-time feedback and continuous monitoring of the subject's bio-physical parameters, wherein the body assembly includes sensors for monitoring cardiovascular and respiratory functions, including but not limited to blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, during both inhalation and exhalation phases of the breathing technique.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided A bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises, comprising a head assembly configured to detect physiological parameters related to breathing, including vibrations generated by the vocal cords and exhaled gases, wherein the detected parameters are processed and displayed in real-time, a body assembly configured to measure cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen levels, wherein the data is collected and displayed continuously during the breathing exercise, and a control unit for integrating and processing data from the head and body assemblies, providing real-time feedback and continuous monitoring of the subject's bio-physical parameters, wherein the device further comprising a feedback mechanism that provides real-time alerts or adjustments to the subject based on the measured bio-physical parameters, ensuring adherence to a predefined breathing pattern.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided A bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises, comprising a head assembly configured to detect physiological parameters related to breathing, including vibrations generated by the vocal cords and exhaled gases, wherein the detected parameters are processed and displayed in real-time, a body assembly configured to measure cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen levels, wherein the data is collected and displayed continuously during the breathing exercise, and a control unit for integrating and processing data from the head and body assemblies, providing real-time feedback and continuous monitoring of the subject's bio-physical parameters, wherein the control unit is capable of recording and storing data collected during the breathing exercises for post-analysis and evaluation of physiological responses.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided A bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises, comprising a head assembly configured to detect physiological parameters related to breathing, including vibrations generated by the vocal cords and exhaled gases, wherein the detected parameters are processed and displayed in real-time, a body assembly configured to measure cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen levels, wherein the data is collected and displayed continuously during the breathing exercise, and a control unit for integrating and processing data from the head and body assemblies, providing real-time feedback and continuous monitoring of the subject's bio-physical parameters, wherein said device further comprising an interface for displaying trends and variations in the bio-physical parameters over time, allowing for long-term monitoring and assessment of the subject's health and the effects of the breathing exercises.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided A bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises, comprising a head assembly configured to detect physiological parameters related to breathing, including vibrations generated by the vocal cords and exhaled gases, wherein the detected parameters are processed and displayed in real-time, a body assembly configured to measure cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen levels, wherein the data is collected and displayed continuously during the breathing exercise, and a control unit for integrating and processing data from the head and body assemblies, providing real-time feedback and continuous monitoring of the subject's bio-physical parameters, wherein the sensors in the head and body assemblies are adaptable to measure various bio-physical parameters based on the specific breathing technique performed by the subject, including but not limited to respiratory gases, vocal cord vibrations, and cardiovascular metrics.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for using a bio-medical device to monitor bio-physical parameters of a subject during breathing exercises, comprising the steps of positioning the device on the subject's head and body, continuously measuring respiratory and cardiovascular parameters while the subject performs breathing exercises, displaying and recording the measured parameters in real-time for analysis and feedback, and providing alerts or adjustments to optimize the breathing exercise based on the subject's physiological responses.

Brief Description of the Invention
Figure 1 shows the biomedical device including all the components.
Figure 2 shows assembled bio-medical device with its parts.
Figure 3 shows sub-units and various sensors integrated with the bio-medical device.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.
In the present invention, the bio-medical device comprises various areas placing different components assembled as Blood pressure (BP) belt (105), Vibration sensor (104), Nitric oxide (NO) sensor (103), Nose piece (103), and Head belt (101) [Figure 1].
In the present invention, the bio-medical device comprises of units, each configured to measure bio-physical parameters with respect to specific steps of Bhramari Pranayam and its effect on the body, wherein said units comprises of a head assembly (901) and a limb assembly (902) [Figure 2]. The head unit consists of a head belt (101) that fits around the circumference of the head, neck sensors (104) which record neck (vocal cord) vibrations and nasal sensors (103) which measures exhaled nasal nitric oxide, wherein the readings are displayed on respective sensor displays. Further, the single limb (preferably Right limb) assembly unit (902) comprises of an arm cuff (105) for measuring and displaying blood pressure (106) through Oscillatory method. There is a separate finger unit sensor (107) for measuring and displaying pulse and oxygen levels (SpO2) by photo-detector method [Figure 3]. The finger piece (902) when not in use is attached to arm unit (902) whereas while recording, it is attached to index or middle finger of the subject.

According to the present invention, the technique of Bhramari Pranayama involves deep nasal inhalation followed by nasal exhalation paralleled by a humming sound by the larynx as air exits the nostrils. The same inhalation-exhalation cycle is repeated for multiple counts. The biomedical device aims to quantify or measure the effects of Bhramari Pranayam with respect to bio-physical parameters while performing the technique. The recording of all stated parameters happens at the same time with different units and their sensors recording individual readings in the following manner -
- the head assembly (901) fits around the circumference of the head record laryngeal (vocal cord) vibrations produced during 'humming' via neck sensors (104) and will be independently displayed in hertz (Hz) during every exhalation.
- the exhaled nasal nitric oxide is measured through a nasal sensor (103) attached to head assembly and the reading is displayed independently in parts per billion (ppb) during every exhalation.
- the single limb assembly unit consisting of an arm cuff (105) for measuring blood pressure and a unit for displaying blood pressure readings (106) constantly measures blood pressure via oscillatory method.
- the finger unit (107) will be continuously monitoring and displaying pulse and arterial oxygen levels via Photo-detection method.

Further, the bio-medical device enables real-time continuous monitoring and measurement during actual performance of Bharamari Pranayama for every cycle of inhalation and exhalation.

In the present invention, the bio-medical device is used as a standard monitoring/recording instrument in bio-medical Research where pre-post outcomes/effects of Bhramari Pranayama need to be measured in specific phenotypes of healthy or diseases individuals.
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, some embodiments have been illustrated by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail above. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention by those examples and the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives to the embodiments described in this specification.
The embodiments in the specification are described in a progressive manner and focus of description in each embodiment is the difference from other embodiments. For same or similar parts of each embodiment, reference may be made to each other.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above description was in respect of preferred embodiments and that various alterations and modifications are possible within the broad scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention with the necessary modifications. , Claims:We Claim:
1. A bio-medical device for measuring bio-physical parameters of a subject performing breathing exercises, comprising:
a head assembly (901) configured to detect physiological parameters related to breathing, including vibrations generated by the vocal cords and exhaled gases, wherein the detected parameters are processed and displayed in real-time;
a limb assembly (902) configured to measure cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen levels, wherein the data is collected and displayed continuously during the breathing exercise; and
a control unit (102) for integrating and processing data from the head and body assemblies, providing real-time feedback and continuous monitoring of the subject's bio-physical parameters.
2. The bio-medical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head assembly (901) includes sensors for detecting neck vibrations (104) and gas concentrations exhaled through the nasal passages (103) during breathing exercises.

3. The bio-medical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body assembly includes sensors for monitoring cardiovascular and respiratory functions, including but not limited to blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, during both inhalation and exhalation phases of the breathing technique.

4. The bio-medical device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a feedback mechanism that provides real-time alerts or adjustments to the subject based on the measured bio-physical parameters, ensuring adherence to a predefined breathing pattern.

5. The bio-medical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (103) is capable of recording and storing data collected during the breathing exercises for post-analysis and evaluation of physiological responses.

6. The bio-medical device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an interface for displaying trends and variations in the bio-physical parameters over time, allowing for long-term monitoring and assessment of the subject's health and the effects of the breathing exercises.

7. The bio-medical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors in the head and body assemblies are adaptable to measure various bio-physical parameters based on the specific breathing technique performed by the subject, including but not limited to respiratory gases, vocal cord vibrations, and cardiovascular metrics.

8. A method for using a bio-medical device to monitor bio-physical parameters of a subject during breathing exercises, comprising the steps of:
positioning the device on the subject's head and body;
continuously measuring respiratory and cardiovascular parameters while the subject performs breathing exercises or Bhramari Pranayama;
displaying and recording the measured parameters in real-time for analysis and feedback; and
providing alerts or adjustments to optimize the breathing exercise based on the subject's physiological responses.

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