1 CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[1] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 62/079,830, filed 14 November 2014, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

2 STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[2] Not Applicable

3 THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT

[3] Not Applicable

4 SEQUENCE LISTING

[4] Not Applicable

5 FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[5] The present technology relates to monitoring of an individual's breathing pattern. In particular, the present invention relates to the enhancement of an individual's breathing pattern, such as for athletic pastimes.

5.1 BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[6] The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates two processes. The overall cardiac cycle length, which determines heart rate, and the speed of conduction of electrical activity through the heart. The ANS includes two sub-divisions which innervate the heart, the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). A decrease in activity in the PSNS and/or an increase of activity in the SNS results in shortened cycle lengths, i.e. a faster heart rate. An increase in activity in the PSNS and/or a decrease of activity in the SNS results in longer cycle lengths, i.e. a slower heart rate. In a healthy individual the PSNS is more active, resulting in a slower heart rate. [7] One of the main benefits of a slower heart rate is calmness and reduced stress levels. As the individual starts to relax their PSNS becomes more active. The more active PSNS causes a slower heart rate.

[8] Competition can be stressful for an athlete and can involve stressful activities. These situations cause an increase in activity within the SNS. Accordingly, the athlete's heart rate starts to rise. An elevated heart rate, along with the stress of a competitive situation can result in a tendency to over-exert. When an athlete over-exerts there is likely to be a change in their breathing pattern. As a result, their performance can be negatively affected compared to when they play in ideal, relaxed conditions such as in training.

[9] Even in everyday life people are placed within stressful situations. These stressful situations cause an increase in heart rate, which can have negative effects on the human body.

6 BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[10] The present technology concerns ways for athletes to relax during competition, such as by optimizing their breathing pattern, thereby allowing for optimal performance. This may be accomplished by providing signals to the athletes indicating when and/or how intensely they should inhale and exhale.

[11] The technology may provide ways for users to reduce their heart rate through the matching of their breathing to an optimized breathing pattern.

[12] In some cases, the present technology may relate to the optimization of a user's breathing pattern. In particular, the present technology may involve methods, devices, such as computer-readable mediums, and their use for assisting users to breathe in the most beneficial way.

[13] One form of the present technology comprises a respiratory monitor, adapter, and/or processing device to monitor a user's breathing pattern.

[14] Another aspect of one of form of the present technology concerns an application of a user's past respiratory data to create an optimized breathing pattern for the user, such as for a particular athletic activity. [15] Another aspect of one form of the present technology concerns assisting a user to breathe in accordance with an optimized breathing pattern.

[16] Some versions of the technology include a method of optimizing breathing of a user during an athletic pastime. The method may include receiving, at a processing device, first respiratory data representing breaths of the user and activity data associating the first respiratory data with activities of the athletic pastime performed by the user. The method may include determining, in the processing device, an optimized breathing pattern based on the first respiratory data and/or the activity data. The method may include outputting, with the processing device, cues to assist the user to breathe in accordance with the optimized breathing pattern.

[17] In some cases, the method may include receiving performance quality characterization data in association with the activity data. The determining the optimized breathing pattern may involve selecting one or more activities according to a ranking of the performance quality characterization data. The determining the optimized breathing pattern may further involve selecting first respiratory data representing one or more breaths associated with the selected one or more activities. The determining the optimized breathing pattern may further involve deriving the optimized breathing pattern from the selected first respiratory data. The deriving the optimized breathing pattern may involve averaging the selected first respiratory data.

[18] Optionally, the activities may include a plurality of swings and the athletic pastime comprises golf, and wherein each swing is associated with a single breath. In some cases, the processing device may be removably coupled with a respiratory monitor configured to sense the breaths of the user to generate the first respiratory data. The method may further include receiving, at the processing device, secondary respiratory data, wherein the optimized breathing pattern is determined from the first respiratory data and the secondary respiratory data. The cues may include a first series of cues corresponding to current respiratory data. The cues may further include a further series of cues gradually morphing toward corresponding to the optimized breathing pattern. The gradually morphing may involve changes in amplitude and/or duration. The cues may be generated audio signals. In some cases, the cues may be/may also be generated tactile signals. The processing device may display a relationship between the current respiratory data and the optimized breathing pattern.

[19] Some versions of the present technology include an apparatus to optimize breathing of a user during an athletic pastime. The apparatus may include a processor configured to receive first respiratory data representing breaths of the user and activity data associating the first respiratory data with activities of the athletic pastime performed by the user. The processor may be configured to determine an optimized breathing pattern based on the first respiratory data and/or the activity data. The processor may be configured to output cues to assist the user to breathe in accordance with the optimized breathing pattern.

[20] In some versions, the processor may be further configured to receive performance quality characterization data in association with the activity data. Optionally, to determine the optimized breathing pattern, the processor may select one or more activities according to a ranking of the performance quality characterization data. The ranking may be generated by the processor. In some versions, to determine the optimized breathing pattern, the processor may select first respiratory data representing one or more breaths with the selected one or more activities. Optionally, to determine the optimized breathing pattern, the processor may derive the optimized breathing pattern from the selected first respiratory data. The processor may derive the optimized breathing pattern by averaging the selected first respiratory data. The activities may include a plurality of swings when the athletic pastime is golf.

[21] The apparatus may also include a respiratory monitor removably coupled with the processor. The respiratory monitor may be configured to sense the breaths of the user to generate the first respiratory data. In some versions, the processor may be configured to receive secondary respiratory data; and the optimized breathing pattern may be determined, by the processor, from the first respiratory data and the secondary respiratory data.

[22] The cues may include a first series of cues corresponding to the current respiratory data and include a further series of cues gradually morphing toward corresponding to the optimized breathing pattern. The gradually morphing may involve changes in amplitude and/or duration. The cues may be audio signals and the processor may be coupled with an audio speaker. The cues may be generated tactile signals and the processor may be coupled with a vibrator. The cues may be generated by the processor based on current physiological data of the user. The current physiological data may be heart rate. Optionally, the processor may be configured to control a display to visually present a relationship between the current respiratory data and the optimized breathing pattern.

[23] Some versions of the present technology may include a method of optimizing breathing of a user. The method may include receiving, at a processing device, first respiratory data representing breaths of the user. The method may include determining, in the processing device, an optimized breathing pattern based on the first respiratory data. The method may include outputting, with the processing device, cues to assist the user to breathe in accordance with the optimized breathing pattern. The cues may correspond to both amplitude and duration of the optimized breathing pattern.

[24] In some cases, the cues may include a first series of cues corresponding to current respiratory data, and a further series of cues gradually morphing toward corresponding to the optimized breathing pattern. The gradually morphing may include changes in amplitude and/or duration. The cues may be generated audio signals and/or generated tactile signals. The cues may be generated based on current physiological data of the user. The current physiological data may be heart rate, such as a detected heart rate by a heart rate sensor. Optionally, the processing device may display a relationship between the current respiratory data and the optimized breathing pattern.

[25] Some versions of the present technology may include apparatus to optimize breathing of a user. The apparatus may include a processor configured to receive first respiratory data representing breaths of the user. The processor may be configured to determine an optimized breathing pattern based on the first respiratory data. The processor may be configured to output cues to assist the user to breathe in accordance with the optimized breathing pattern. The cues may correspond to both amplitude and duration of the optimized breathing pattern.

[26] In some cases, the cues may include a first series of cues corresponding to current respiratory data, and a further series of cues gradually morphing toward corresponding to the optimized breathing pattern. The gradually morphing may include changes in amplitude and/or duration. The apparatus may include a speaker coupled with the processor and the cues may be generated audio signals. The apparatus may include a vibrator coupled with the processor and the cues may be generated tactile signals. The cues may be generated based on current physiological data of the user. The current physiological data may be heart rate, such as a detected heart rate of the user with a heart rate sensor coupled with the processor. Optionally, the processor may be configured to display a relationship between the current respiratory data and the optimized breathing pattern.

[27] Apparatus and methods described herein provide technological solutions to help improve athlete breathing and/or performance such as when using a processing device (e.g., smart phone with or without a coupled respiration sensor). Aspects of the methods and apparatus described can provide improvements in the functioning of processors for such devices. The methods and apparatus also provide improvements in the technical field of training devices such as for breathing management that may be useful for sports and/or athletic performance.

[28] Of course, portions of the aspects may form sub-aspects of the present technology. Also, various ones of the sub-aspects and/or aspects may be combined in various manners and also constitute additional aspects or sub-aspects of the present invention.

[29] Other features of the technology will be apparent from consideration of the information contained in the following detailed description, abstract, drawings and claims.

7 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE

DRAWINGS

[30] The present technology is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements including:

[31] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example process for a system in accordance with some aspects of the present technology.

[32] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating example components of a system to process respiratory data.

[33] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating example components of a sensor suitable for some versions of the present technology. [34] FIG. 4 is a flowchart with example processes for optimizing breathing patterns for some embodiments of the present technology.

[35] FIG. 5 is an example flowchart for cue generation processes corresponding to optimized breathing pattern(s) that may be implemented in some versions of the present technology.

[36] FIG. 6 illustrates an implementation of the present technology with a system for optimizing breathing with cues to an athlete, while receiving incoming respiratory data.

8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[37] Before the present technology is described in further detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited to the particular examples described herein, which may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing only the particular examples discussed herein, and is not intended to be limiting.

[38] The technology is directed to assisting users to breathe in an optimized fashion. Depending on a user's goals or activities certain input data may be collected in the optimization process. For example, a user attempting to achieve a desired breathing pattern to promote calmness and relaxation or particular performance may need to provide a baseline breathing pattern taken at a time the user was relaxed or taken when the user performed an athletic activity in an optimal fashion. From such a baseline pattern examples of the present technology may determine an optimized breathing pattern and output cues to guide the user to breathe in accordance with the optimized breathing pattern.

[39] The user may be an athlete who is in the midst of a competition where steadiness and relaxation are keys to success, such as where an athletic pastime has repeated target-directed activities (e.g., swings, shots, throws, kicks, etc.). The athlete prior to the competition may provide respiratory data taken during rest and/or respiratory data taken during practice at the activity from which an optimized breathing pattern for the athlete may be derived. In some cases, physiological data may also be provided by the athlete during training to associate certain breathing patterns with optimized performance. This information can then be utilized to further optimize the optimized breathing pattern. [40] Embodiments of the present technology may be considered in reference to a particular example concerning golf. In the game of golf a player during practice swings with ease and grace while trying to hit the ball. The process is very repetitive in training. Yet when the player needs to tee off or actually play the game there may be a tendency to hit the ball much harder than in practice. The player may hold their breath partially during the swing. Systems of the present technology can be implemented to train the player to control their breathing and relax during their swing irrespective of whether it is practice or the game shot. In return, the player's consistency of swing and game may improve.

[41] Another manifestation of the system may be based on an understanding from meditation. Through slowing of breath rate by concentration and relaxation techniques, a sense of calm can be induced. This can lower blood pressure or heart rate.

[42] In some examples, a system of the present technology may employ a nasal cannula and/or a set of normal stereo headphones. The nasal cannula may be connected to a pressure sensor capable of generating a breathing pattern for analysis. The pressure sensor can be an accessory of a smartphone or other portable processing device, such as a wearable processing device (e.g., watch, glasses etc.). The analysis of a breathing pattern associated with a sports activity, specifically in the example instance a golf swing, may be on a breath by breath basis. For example, a single breath may be attributable to/associated with a particular activity (e.g., one golf swing).

[43] During golf training, each single breath associated with a golf swing may be recorded. For example, the processing device may employ an input device (e.g., start button) to indicate a pending swing such that a "swing breath" may be identified or marked from a time period comprising multiple breaths recorded by the processor. In another example, the processing device may receive sound input through a microphone (e.g., an oral/verbal command such "Go" or "Start") to indicate a pending swing. In another example, gesture recognition (via radio frequency, accelerometer, capacitance, glove containing such sensors, or camera) may receive an input such as a tap or sequence of taps, or a particular hand or arm movement to control the start, stop and other functions. In some cases, sensors (e.g., an accelerometer etc.) may be employed for detecting a physical activity (e.g., swing) so that the swing breath (or other activity breaths) may be identified by the processor. [44] In some cases, the identified breath or a determined optimized breathing pattern may be converted into sound. The sound may be modulated for the depth of the breath, in other words the amplitude thereof, and in direction (e.g., so as to indicate an inward portion of the breath or an outward portion of the breath). Therefore a breath may have a sound signature which the user could recognize as breathing in, breathing out and by how much (i.e., the depth of the breath). To provide the feedback to the user, the sound signature may be transmitted to earphones. The sound signature of the breath may be provided in a continuous/repeating pattern reflecting breathing in, breathing out, and amplitude. In some cases, the breath may also or alternatively be visualized via a display screen or lights. The identified breath may also be stored as data or recorded for later playback or visualization.

[45] During training, either individually or under a coach, a player could practice an appropriate golf swing while recording and listening to the sound signatures of their breathing pattern. The player could then learn to recognize the sound signature of their breathing pattern during their training phase. When playing an actual round of golf, as opposed to training in nets or on a range, the player could also listen to the sound signature of their actual breathing pattern under the stress of real playing conditions and/or could record and store it for comparing it to the non-stressed situation of golf swing practice. The system can serve as a training tool to coach the player into breathing appropriately during the swing which would result in a smooth swing as opposed to what is often seen as a major effort to hit a ball without the actual smooth liquidity of the swing.

[46] The system could also be implemented to serve as a relaxation trainer. For example, a user could relax with the system while listening to their breathing patterns, which may optionally be independent of an athletic pastime. The breathing patterns could be smoothed in terms of sound by the processing of the respiratory data in real time, such as by filtering. For example, a user may be breathing at a rate of fourteen breaths per minute and having a consistent breathing pattern. The breathing pattern could be converted into a modulated sound signature. The user can then be slowly guided by the system in that the rate of the breath sound signature that they hear will become slower to drive the breath rate down to perhaps four to five breaths per minute. This may be done over time to help induce a relaxed state that commences with a detected breath sound signature but then changes to a breath sound signature provided by the system as a guide or coach to slow down their breathing to an appropriate target. For example, a target breath rate may be five breaths per minute and could be held for a period of time and then slowly raised up to ten or twelve breaths per minute before terminating. In a wellness set-up, a blood pressure monitor optionally also monitors blood pressure with the system and provides further feedback to the patient in a relaxed state. Further to the audio breath modulation, music could also be played in the background to assist in providing a calming state with the aim of inducing tranquility.

[47] Thus, the system may be implemented to train athletes performing repetitive activities to consistently apply their breathing through those activities. It could be implemented for many sports including, for example, golf, rifle shooting, archery, football (kicking for goal), bowling, darts, or other athletic pastimes that require concentration and exact repetition without stress and without jerking. In terms of athletic training, it could be applied to any activity where calm breathing and focused concentration is needed.

[48] Embodiments of the technology may be considered further in reference to the figures. FIG. 1 illustrates a process suitable for some embodiments of the present technology. At 101, first respiratory data may be received by a processor from a user. The first respiratory data may represent one or more breaths and may be associated with one or more particular activities of an athletic pastime (e.g., a swing, shot, kick, roll, dart throw etc.). For example, one or more breaths from the respiratory data (e.g., flow rate or pressure signal indicative of respiration) may be identified or marked with "activity data" as being activity breaths (e.g., swing breath, shot breath, bowling roll breath, etc.). This may involve detection of respiration with a cannula as well as processing the respiratory data on a breath by breath basis to identify inspiration and expiration portions, the amplitude (e.g., RMS, peak, mean, or integral value) of each inspiration and expiration portion, and the duration of each inspiration and expiration portion. Additional input (e.g., from a user interface) or detection of motion activity such as from a motion sensor (e.g., accelerometer etc.) may then be processed to mark breaths as activity breaths, i.e. breaths for association with the activity. Optionally, at 102, secondary respiratory data may be received by the processor from a user. The secondary respiratory data may include one or more breaths and may also be associated with further activities of the athletic pastime (e.g., a swing, shot, etc.) or may be one or more breaths during relaxation.

[49] In some such cases, the processor may be configured to correlate good activity performance(s) and desirable breathing patterns. For example, the receiving of first respiratory data at 101 may further involve collecting performance quality characterization data in association with the activity data associating the first respiratory data with activities of the athletic pastime. For example, activity breaths may be further associated with a rating of the particular activity. For example, a single swing breath for a drive may be characterized with data showing that the drive was good or bad or may be rated on a scale (e.g., fractional 1/5, percentage 90%, etc.). Other rating information may also be applied depending on the activity. For example, a drive may be characterized by distance achieved (e.g., 250 yards) and/or whether it was on target or off target. By way of further example, a bowling roll may be characterized by the number of pins knocked down, etc. An association of respiratory data may be considered further in reference to the following data table illustrating a recording of a series of breaths with athletic activity performance quality characterizations.

[50] At step 103, an optimized breathing pattern may be determined by the processor such as by processing the first respiratory data 101 and/or the secondary respiratory data 102. For example, the processor may select activity breaths associated with one or more activities according to a ranking of the activity performance quality characterization data. Thus, the processor may rank or order the activity breaths according to the performance quality characterization data. For example, the processor may select the swing breath with the best or longest drive or it may select the five best etc. The optimized breathing pattern may then be based on the selected activity breath(s). For example, the optimized breathing pattern may be set as the best activity breath according to the activity performance quality characterization or it may be derived from the selected activity breath(s) such as a combination or average of the selected breaths. Optionally, the optimized breathing pattern may be a combination of the selected activity breaths and a baseline breathing pattern generated from breaths recorded from a user while the user was breathing in relaxed (inactive) state during relaxation training. Still further, the optimized breathing pattern may also be based on normative respiratory data.

[51] Optionally, at step 105 cues may be generated, such as cues that correspond to the optimized breathing pattern and/or correspond to current respiratory data of the user, and output to the user. These cues may be configured to indicate to the user when and/or for how long to inhale and/or exhale. The cues can further indicate at what depth or amplitude the inspiration and expiration portions should be. Still further, cues may optionally indicate when a user should hold their breath. Optionally, the cues may guide the user from the current rate, depth, and/or shape of breathing toward a rate, depth, and/or shape of breathing of the optimized breathing pattern determined at step 103. Optionally, the cues may correspond to current respiratory data of the user to indicate/present the user's current rate, depth, and/or shape of breathing to the user. Any of the generated cues may be repeated until an indication to stop generating cues is received such as upon completion of an activity.

[52] The cues may be presented to the user in multiple forms, including as tactile and/or audio signals through a speaker and/or vibrator device. One example of an audio signal cue is a modulated sound signature generated from the breathing pattern as described above.

[53] Optionally, as the cues are output, current respiratory data may be detected and received at 104 by the processor. The current respiratory data may represent the breathing pattern of the user in response to the cues. The current respiratory data received at 104 may be recorded for future comparison to the optimized breathing pattern determined at step 103. As previously described, such current respiratory data may be also be used to guide the user from the current rate, depth, and/or shape of breathing toward a rate, depth, and/or shape of breathing of the optimized breathing pattern determined at step 103. For example, the cues may be generated by the processor differently over a period of time to gradually morph from a first series of cues corresponding to the current breathing pattern toward a further series of cues corresponding to the optimized breathing pattern.

[54] FIG. 2 illustrates example components of a system for some versions of the present technology to process respiratory data with a processing device 205. A respiratory monitor 201 may be worn or applied near a user. The respiratory monitor 201 can include, for example, a nasal cannula, a breathing monitoring belt (inductance or resistance based), an air quality mask with inbuilt sensors, an accelerometer, an acoustic monitor (microphone), an earclip oximeter, a pressure sensor, a pneumotachograph, and/or another sensor for capturing a signal indicative of respiration as respiratory data. The respiratory monitor 201 may then monitor the user and generate a signal representing a user's breathing pattern. Optionally, the respiratory monitor 201 may be implemented with an adapter 203 for a smart processing device 205. For example, the monitor 201 may be powered through an adapter 203 when coupled with processing device 205 (such as a smart phone). Alternatively, the monitor 201 may include its own power source. Example power sources may include battery, power adapter, electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic radiation, etc. The monitor 201 may also optionally serve as an activity/motion detector, such as with an accelerometer. Optionally, such a detector may be implemented with an accelerometer of the processing device 205 (e.g., smart phone).

[55] The respiratory monitor 201 may include one or more audio microphones. The one or more microphones may, for example, be located on an earpiece or an adjustable or stationary boom placed in proximity to the nose and/or mouth. The microphones may be calibrated to be responsive to signals generated from a source located about 3 cm, or more or less, from the microphones. The respiratory monitor 201 may be designed with input circuitry to prevent saturation of respiratory audio data. For example, circuits may be used to attenuate respiratory audio data received during an activity of an athletic pastime by passing the received respiratory audio data through an automatic gain control element. In another example, a compressor and/or limiter may be used on the respiratory audio data received during an activity of an athletic pastime to prevent saturation. Still further the respiratory monitor 201 may be calibrated to prevent saturation of respiratory audio data by automatically adjusting the gain on current respiratory audio data based on the volume level of past respiratory audio data. [56] The one or more microphones may be baffled using, for example, woven fabric layers or foam or metallic gratings. The baffles may, for example, reduce the impact of wind and environmental noise on the respiratory audio data recorded by the microphones. In some cases, acoustic noise cancellation may be implemented through active and/or passive noise cancellation techniques. For example, a first microphone may be positioned near a user's mouth and/or nose to record respiratory audio data while a second microphone may be placed in proximity to the first microphone, but directed away from the user's mouth and/or nose to record ambient noise. The ambient noise signal may then be subtracted from the respiratory audio data, thereby removing it from the respiratory audio data. In some cases, noise reduction techniques found within smart phones and/or noise cancelling headphones may be used. For example, Bluetooth audio headsets, containing an extendable boom, designed for use in an outside environment, may be used. In some cases the respiratory data received by the Bluetooth audio headset may be used. The type of noise cancellation implemented may be dependent upon cost, performance, and power consumption needs of the respiratory monitor 201.

[57] The respiratory monitor 201 may detect inspiration and/or expiration. In some cases the signal path of the received respiratory data may be adjusted to enable signal processing. For example, received respiratory data may be digitized. The digitized audio signal may then pass through a band pass filter, an envelope detector, and peak/trough detector. Envelope detection may be performed with a Hilbert transform or by squaring the respiratory data, sending the squared audio data through a low-pass filter, and calculating the square root of the resulting signal. In some examples, the respiratory data may be normalized and sent through a peak & trough detection process. The peak & trough detection process may isolate the inspiration and expiration portions. In some cases, the respiratory monitor 201 may be calibrated to detect the user's inspiration and expiration portions. For example, the user may employ an input device (e.g., start button) to indicate a pending inspiration portion such that the inspiration portion may be identified or marked from a time period comprising multiple breaths.

[58] The respiratory monitor 201 can be connected, via a wired connection or wirelessly, to the adapter 203 and/or directly to the processing device 205. Wireless connections may involve the implementation of communications devices (e.g., transceivers) configured for, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or wireless data networks including 3G, 4G, and EDGE networks, etc. An adapter 203 can also be utilized to generate different output so as to be in a format recognized by the processing device 205 or to utilize certain input/output connections of the smart phone such as the audio input/output jack of the smart phone. Thus, the monitor 201 and/or adapter 203 may communicate respiratory information (either analog or digital) to the processing device 205.

[59] The processing device 205 can be any type of computing device, including but not limited to smart phones, mobile or cellular telephones, tablets, laptops, wearable processing devices (e.g., watch or glasses etc.) and PCs. Further, the processing device 205 may include components commonly found within a processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU, or processor), memory (e.g., ROM, RAM, SSDs, magnetic hard drives, etc.), displays (e.g., touch-screens or any other electrical device that is operable to display information, etc.), and user input devices (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, pen, touch screen, and/or microphone, etc.).

[60] FIG. 3 shows an example smart phone system with a monitor/adapter 200. The example monitor/adapter 200 performs two main functions. The first is to generate DC power and the second is to acquire the respiratory data and transform it into a format readable by the processing device 205. As such, the adapter may be considered to include a power generation unit 302 and a data acquisition and transformation unit 303. The monitor/adapter 200 may implement both the monitor 201 and the adapter 203 of Fig. 2.

[61] In some cases, a connection with the processing device 205 enables the monitor/adapter 200 to be powered. For example, the monitor/adapter 200 receives an output signal 305 from the processing device 205 via any of an audio connection, Universal Serial Bus ("USB"), FireWire, etc. Certain connections have built in power supply lines, while others, like an audio connection, need to be converted into a usable power source. Two-way audio connections may also implement data transfer from the monitor/adapter 200 to the processing device 205.

[62] In one version of the example of Fig. 3, the monitor/adapter 200 receives a stereo signal 305 from an audio output of the processing device 205. The audio connection between the monitor/adapter 200 and the processing device 205 can be through the audio input/output of the processing device 205. This can be accomplished, for example, by utilizing common connectors such as a 3.5mm Tip Ring Sleeve (TRS) or Tip Ring Ring Sleeve (TRRS) conductors. The stereo signal 305 can be in the form of a wave occurring at any frequency. In the example of Fig. 3, the frequency of the stereo signal 305 may be, for example 20 kHz, and may be for example, in the shape of a "square wave," to enable suitable energy output. The received stereo signal 305 is transformed into an AC voltage by the AC transformer 306. This AC voltage is then rectified into an unregulated DC voltage by the DC rectifier 307. Finally, the DC voltage is transformed by a low dropout linear regulator into a steady 3.3 V DC regulated power supply 308. While the current example utilizes a 3.3 V DC power supply, other power supply values may be utilized.

[63] In some examples, the data acquisition and transformation unit 303 of the monitor/adapter can be powered by the regulated power supply 308 of the power generation unit 302. In the example of Fig. 3, the monitor/adapter 200 receives respiratory airflow from the user 309 through a nasal cannula in fluid (gas) communication with a pressure sensor 311. The pressure sensor 311 transforms the physical pressure into a pressure dependent voltage output. This pressure dependent voltage output may then be input into a voltage controlled oscillator 312 which converts the pressure dependent voltage output into a variable-frequency square wave signal 204. This variable-frequency square wave signal 204 may then be output to an input of the processing device 205, such as via an analog microphone input for digital conversion within the smart phone device. The processing device 205 may then process the variable-frequency square wave signal 204. The processing device 205 may then sample the signal to obtain respiratory data indicating the rate and/or breathing pattern of the user.

[64] As illustrated in the further example methodologies of FIG. 4, some embodiments of the present technology can process respiratory data as well as other physiological data. For example, a processor may receive as input first respiratory data 501 and secondary respiratory data 503, such as that previously described in reference to FIG. 1. Secondary respiratory data 503 may be utilized in a processor to create a baseline breathing pattern, which in turn, may be processed for the generation of an optimized breathing pattern. For example, users who wish to relax their breathing may record secondary respiratory data 503 during sleep or an occasion when the user is most relaxed (e.g., watching television or listening to music at rest). Secondary respiratory data 503 of this kind may be recorded with the user in different postures, e.g. lying down, sitting, or standing. Another example of secondary respiratory data 503 could be respiratory data from the user during an athletic practice session, when the effects or stress of competition is not present. Normative data 505 can be any data which can further aid in creating an optimized breathing pattern. Examples of normative data 505 can be normative respiratory data such as that of other users including other athletes. Normative respiratory data 505 can include more than one respiratory reading, such as an average of a plurality of athletes. Normative data 505 may include respiratory and/or physiological data of professional athletes, the general public, and/or other subsets of individuals relating to and/or performing similar athletic activities as the current user. In one implementation, a machine learning process could identify the professional athlete most similar to the user in terms of breathing patterns, and select normative data from that athlete in particular.

[65] In addition to respiratory data, in some versions of the technology the processor may receive other physiological data. In some examples, the physiological data may be sensed from the users via a chest band, pulse-oximeter, earbuds (in-ear speakers) with physiological sensors, electro-cardiogram, galvanic skin response, etc. Such physiological data, such as heart rate, can be monitored as well as utilized in the correlation of an optimized breathing pattern in relation to optimum physical performance. For example, the optimized breathing pattern may be selected in conjunction with identification of higher quality characterizations of the athletic activity as well as with identification of better cardiac performance (e.g., lower heart rate) which are both related to the detected breathing patterns. Thus, first physiological data 502 can be detected from a user at the same time and under similar circumstances as the first respiratory data 501 and also associated with detected breathing patterns. The first physiological data may then be considered in addition to the performance quality characterization data for the ranking of the respiratory data for optimization. Some examples of physiological data include heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc. As shown in FIG. 4, secondary physiological data 504 can also be processed by the system. Secondary physiological data 504 can be taken at the same time and under similar circumstances as the secondary respiratory data 503. Thus, the determination of the optimized breathing pattern at process 507 may be based on some or all of these additional inputs to the processor. The process 507 may determine such an optimized breathing pattern according to any of the methodologies previously described with reference to the optimized breathing pattern determined at step 103 of Fig. 1.

[66] FIG. 5 illustrates a process for cue generation in a system according to the present technology. The process may generate cues according to any of the methodologies previously described with reference to the cues generated at step 105 of Fig. 1. As previously discussed the output cues can be visual, tactile and/or audio signals generated by a processor, such as of processing device 205 having output devices under its control such as display/light(s), vibrator(s) and/or speaker(s). In the audio signal example, they may be generated with previously recorded breathing sounds, music, beeps, etc. Tactile signals can be, for example, controlled vibrations. As shown in FIG. 5, upon receiving an optimized breathing pattern 601, the processor may determine a cue such as by determining one or more parameters such as amplitude and duration for such cues or series of cues at step 604. The cues may be output at step 605. In some cases, the cues may be modified based on current respiratory data 602. For example, the cues may be initially generated at durations and amplitudes corresponding to the current respiratory data 602. Optionally, the cues may then be morphed toward corresponding to the optimized breathing pattern. Similarly, the cues may be modified based on current physiological data 603 (e.g., heart rate). For example, the durations of the cues may be adjusted to be shorter or longer depending on the currently detected heart rate. In some cases, the cues may change over time so as to assist a user to breathe in accordance with the optimized pattern for example, by gradually slowing the user's breathing. By way of further example, in some cases and depending on different athletic activities, the cues can be output at durations that are shorter than that of the optimized breathing pattern but also slightly longer than the current respiratory duration of the user. As the user lengthens their breathing in accordance with the cues, the cues can gradually lengthen until the optimized breathing pattern is reached. As the cues are output at step 605, current respiratory data 602 may be received by the processing device 205. The system may also receive current physiological data 603 associated with the current respiratory data 602. Output cues may then optionally be based on this additional data.

[67] In some embodiments the current physiological data 603 and current respiratory data 602 can be contrasted by the processor with the generated cues (representing the optimized breathing pattern) to report compliance with and/or progress towards the optimized breathing pattern. For example, the processor may display a relationship between current respiratory data 602 and the optimized breathing pattern, such as by showing duration and amplitude differences.

[68] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow of information for one use of an example system to train an athlete 701 to breathe according to an optimized breathing pattern. The athlete, utilizing a respiratory monitor (e.g. 201), performs an activity. In the current example the activity is a golf swing. The activity does not necessarily need to be a golf swing, but could be other possible activities of other pastimes including, for example, shooting, archery, bowling, etc. The golf swing could be further characterized as a particular type of swing such as a drive or putt, or even characterized by club. While the athlete 701 repeatedly performs the particular activity, their current respiratory data 702 is recorded so as to associate the activity with particular breaths. In this regard, respiratory data may be generated by monitor 201 with or without adapter 203 (not shown). The respiratory data is then processed and/or stored by the processing device 205, such as by processor control instructions (e.g., software, firmware, etc.).

[69] As further shown in FIG. 6, optional activity data 705 may be received by the processing device 205, such as from the motion detection or input by the athlete 701. This activity data 705 can be stored within the processing device 205 in association with one or more detected breaths of the respiratory data. Similarly, optional current physiological data 704 may be received by the processing device 205 as discussed in more detail previously.

[70] While the respiratory data is being sent to the processing device 205, the processing device 205 outputs cues 706, such as to headphones 707, based upon an optimized breathing pattern which has previously been determined. In FIG. 6, the cues 706 are shown to be audio signals delivered by speakers (e.g., headphones 707 or earphones). However, as previously disclosed, the cues can be tactile or visual cues. These cues can be utilized by the athlete to breathe according to the optimized breathing pattern of the cues. The optimized breathing pattern may then enable an athlete to be relaxed during competition. A relaxed state may allow the athlete to avoid over-exerting, which could negatively impact their form and performance. Optionally, the display of the processing device 205 may show/visually present the data (respiratory, physiological, breath, activity data, etc.) at 708.

[71] In some versions of the technology, a software application (app) may be formed on a recording medium for control of a processor of the processing device 205, such as for a smart processing device (e.g., smart phone, smart watch, smart glasses, etc.). Such an application may provide a user interface through which a user can interact with the application. The application can include options for starting the recording of respiratory and/or physiological data, inputting or prompting for performance quality characterization data, recalling prior respiratory and/or physiological data, viewing informative graphs of prior respiratory and/or physiological data, and adjusting various user preferences, such as sound volume, cue output type. Such options may be selected through interaction with the application.

[72] Upon starting up the application, guidance may be provided to a user with instructions on how to set up the system. If the user incorrectly sets up the system, the application may issue a notification with details of what is wrong.

[73] When a user wishes to record respiratory and/or physiological data they may select an option to start. Recording of data, such as marking activities by motion (e.g., swing detection) may be triggered through the use of a timer, accelerometer, etc. of the monitor, adapter or processing device. Further, the application may include an option to start recording as soon as the application is started. Recording may be set to stop, for example, after a set time is reached, at the end of a detected activity, or by hitting a button.

[74] Information recorded by the application may be stored under a user's profile. Each user profile can contain multiple optimized breathing patterns based on the activity or goal. Further, the application can support user profiles for multiple users such as multiple players in a squad under the supervision of a single coach. Accordingly, an option may be provided by the application to switch between profiles and the multiple optimized breathing patterns.

[75] In another aspect of the application, recorded respiratory and physiological data can be viewed in relation to the optimized breathing pattern and the physiological data associated with the optimized breathing pattern. The data can be viewed within a chart that overlays optimized respiratory data on top of the recorded respiratory data.

[76] In some versions of the technology, the processor may be programmed with the application to apply the optimized breathing pattern to assist users during sleep, for example, by repetitively playing cues corresponding to the determined optimized breathing pattern during sleep. Such reinforcement of the optimized breathing pattern while they are sleeping can help to promote the optimized breathing pattern for athletic performance. Similarly, the cues may be repeated in training scenarios. For example, an athlete practising can be presented with cues of the optimized breathing pattern to promote the optimized breathing pattern. In some cases, the cues may serve as a basis (e.g., blower control signals) for controlling a respiratory therapy apparatus or positive airway pressure (PAP) apparatus, such as an apparatus having a servo-controlled blower (e.g., motor, fan and volute) under control of a processor (e.g., controller) that may generate a flow of breathable gas/air to a breathing interface (e.g., mask) at pressures coordinated with the cues (e.g., optimized breathing pattern). Example components for such a pressure therapy device may be considered in reference to PCT Patent Application No. PCT/AU2015/050342, filed on June 19, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by cross reference.

[77] As described herein, embodiments of the present technology may include a processing device that may have one or more processors to implement particular methodologies such as the algorithms described in more detail herein. Thus, the device or apparatus may include integrated chips, a memory and/or other control instruction, data or information storage medium. For example, programmed instructions encompassing such methodologies may be coded on integrated chips in the memory of the device or apparatus to form an application specific integrated chip (ASIC). Such instructions may also or alternatively be loaded as software or firmware using an appropriate data storage medium.

[78] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise and where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, between the upper and lower limit of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the technology. The upper and lower limits of these intervening ranges, which may be independently included in the intervening ranges, are also encompassed within the technology, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the technology.

[79] Furthermore, where a value or values are stated herein as being implemented as part of the technology, it is understood that such values may be approximated, unless otherwise stated, and such values may be utilized to any suitable significant digit to the extent that a practical technical implementation may permit or require it.

[80] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present technology, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[81] When a particular material is identified as being preferably used to construct a component, obvious alternative materials with similar properties may be used as a substitute.

[82] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include their plural equivalents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[83] Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

[84] Although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the technology. In some instances, the terminology and symbols may imply specific details that are not required to practice the technology. For example, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used, unless otherwise specified, they are not intended to indicate any order but may be utilised to distinguish between distinct elements. Furthermore, although process steps in the methodologies may be described or illustrated in an order, such an ordering is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such ordering may be modified and/or aspects thereof may be conducted concurrently or even synchronously.

[85] It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology.

8.1 PATENT LITERATURE

• PCT/US2014/045814 (WO 2015/006364)

• US PG-Pub 2010/0108066

• US Patent 7,556,038 US Patent 5,800,337

US Patent 7,255,672

WO 2004/054429

.2 REFERENCE LABEL LIST

first respiratory data 101 secondary respiratory data 102 step 103 current respiratory data 104 step 105 monitor / adapter 200 respiratory monitor 201 adapter 203 variable - frequency square wave

signal 204 processing device 205 power generation unit 302 transformation unit 303 stereo signal 305

AC transformer 306

DC rectifier 307 power supply 308 user 309 pressure sensor 311 oscillator 312 first respiratory data 501 first physiological data 502 secondary respiratory data 503 secondary physiological data 504 normative data 505 process 507 optimized breathing pattern 601 current respiratory data 602 current physiological data 603 step 604 step 605 athlete 701 current respiratory data 702 optional current physiological data 704 activity data 705 cues 706 headphones 707