FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a breathing guidance device and method for guiding the breathing of a user. Further, the present invention relates to a computer program for implementing said method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Breathing guidance devices, also known as breathing pacers, output breathing information to the user about how to breathe according to a specific exercise. Breathing guidance devices can use various modalities to output information to the user, such as visual, audio or hap tic information output.

For example, in the paper "Breathe with the Ocean: a System for Relaxation using Audio, Haptic and Visual Stimuli", E.O. Dijk, A. Weffers, EuroHaptics 2010 Special Symposium on Haptic and Audio- Visual stimuli: Enhancing Experiences and Interaction, Amsterdam, July 7, 2010, the "Breathe with the Ocean" system concept is presented, which is a breathing guidance system that aims to help a user to relax. It provides an immersive experience that the user is virtually present at an ocean shore. The feedback provided to the user is in the form of audio, haptic and visual stimuli. Haptic stimuli are provided through an actuation device named the Touch Blanket. The above-mentioned paper also mentions products currently on the market, such as emWave developed by HeartMath and RESPeRATE developed by Intercure.

So far, breathing guidance devices typically include some buttons as a primary means for user input. However, if the user needs to change settings while doing an exercise, this might lead to problems for the user. Interaction with buttons on the device draws away the attention from the exercise and from the focus that the user has on his / her own bodily state and way of breathing. Furthermore, interaction with buttons requires the user to use the eyes. This contradicts with the way how a user may do the breathing exercises, such as with eyes closed for optimal relaxation, focusing the eyes in front, in the dark in the bedroom before falling asleep, or a fairly dark environment to help relax and focus on himself / herself. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a breathing guidance device and method which provide a more pleasant, easier and more immersive experience to the user. Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide a breathing guidance device and method that offer exercises in which the user can easily select or influence the exercise while doing the exercise.

In a first aspect of the present invention a breathing guidance device for guiding the breathing of a user is presented that comprises an information output means for outputting breathing information to the user, a controller means for controlling the output of the breathing information based on a predefined exercise, an input detector means for detecting a buttonless input to the device, and a selection means for selecting an operation mode of the device based on the detection of the buttonless input.

In a further aspect of the present invention a breathing guidance method for guiding the breathing of the user is presented that comprises controlling output of breathing information based on a predefined exercise, outputting the breathing information to the user, detecting a buttonless input to a breathing guidance device, and selecting an operation mode of the device based on the detection of the buttonless input.

In a further aspect of the present invention a computer program is presented that comprises program code means for causing a computer to carry out the steps of the above-mentioned method, when said computer program is carried out on the computer.

The present invention enables an easier way of providing input to the device, for example to select or influence an exercise, while the user does the exercise. Thus, the exercise can be more varied, potentially avoiding boredom of the user. In particular, buttonless input may mean that the user does not need to use the eyes and/or his/her hands for providing input. In this context, a button is meant to be any kind of physical button, such as a switch or knob, software button, display, graphical user interface (GUI), or other kind of control element, such as a dedicated area on a touch pad display, or the like. The advantage of the invention is that no user interface/display/button explicit interaction is needed with the device. The user's relaxed or focused state is not disturbed by having to open eyes and explicitly interact with a user interface/display/button. The device more or less "feels" or knows what type of exercise is needed. It allows a user to customize the exercise with minimal conscious effort to interact with a user interface. The user does not need to interrupt the flow of the session. It also allows a very playful way of interaction that is satisfying to use. Selecting an operation mode of the device based on the detection of the buttonless input may mean that an operation mode is selected in the event of or at the time of detection of the buttonless input. Alternatively or cumulatively, it may mean that the buttonless input is used to make the selection. For example, an operation mode may be selected depending on a mapping of a particular buttonless input to a corresponding operation mode.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. It shall be understood that the claimed method has similar and/or identical preferred

embodiments as the claimed device and as defined in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment, the input detector means comprises one or more sensor(s) selected from the group consisting of a motion sensor, touch sensor, breathing sensor, sound sensor, light sensor and physiological sensor. These types of sensors are able to detect a buttonless input provided by the user in an easy manner. It enables the user to exert influence on the device while doing his/her exercise.

When the input detector means comprises a motion sensor, in one variant the motion sensor is adapted to detect a buttonless input based on one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of acceleration, rotation and direction of movement of the device by the user. This enables the user to provide input to the device by means of a very simple movement of a body part, such as lifting an arm. The motion sensor can for example comprise an accelerometer and/or a camera (e.g. infrared) for gesture recognition, or the like.

When the input detector means comprises a touch sensor, in one variant the touch sensor is adapted to detect the buttonless input based on one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of applying pressure to, tapping, squeezing and stroking the device by the user. This enables the user to provide input to the device by means of a very simple body action. The touch sensor can for example comprise a pressure sensor, or the like. In general, a touch sensor is meant to be a sensor sensing contact with any body part of the user, such as hand, shoulder, arm, leg, or the like.

When the input detector means comprises a breathing sensor, in one variant the breathing sensor is adapted to detect buttonless input based on one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of respiration rate, respiration pattern and a change in respiration rate or respiration pattern of the user. This enables the user to provide input to the device by means of the breathing itself, without the need to focus on any other action. Thus, the user can fully concentrate on his/her breathing. The breathing sensor can for example comprise a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer, a physiological sensor, such as a respiration belt, and/or a sound sensor, or the like.

When the input detector means comprises a sound sensor, in one variant the sound sensor is adapted to detect a buttonless input based on one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of speech of the user, sound produced by the user's vocal tract (such as voice of the user, humming, whistling or tongue clicking) and an ambient sound level. In the case of the user's voice, humming or speech, this enables the user to provide input to the device without moving, without using the hands and/or without opening the eyes. In the case of using the ambient sound level, the user does not need to focus on any action, but the device automatically selects an operation mode when a specific environmental sound level is detected. The sound sensor can for example comprise a microphone, or the like. In the case of speech, a speech recognition software can be used to identify a specific input command.

When the input detector means is a physiological sensor, in one variant the physiological sensor is adapted to detect a buttonless input based on one or more data selected from the group consisting of an electromyogram (EMG), an electroencephalography (EEG), an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a photoplethysmo graph (PPG). The use of an electromyogram (EMG) enables the user to provide input to the device by small muscle contractions that do not lead to movement of a body part. These small muscle contractions have the advantage that they do not disrupt the user's relaxed physiological state as strongly as movements of a body part. Alternatively or cumulatively, an electroencephalography (EEG) can be used which enables the user to provide input to the device by consciously controlling, to some extent, the amount of alpha wave activity. Also, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and/or a photoplethysmograph (PPG) can be used to obtain a heartbeat. Heart rate variability (HRV) can then be computed which provides a measure for relaxation of the user.

In a further embodiment, the input detector means receives context information selected from one or more information items of the group consisting of current time information, current date information and/or time information of a predefined exercise schedule. This provides for a device that automatically selects an operation mode based on the reception of such context information.

In a further embodiment, the device is adapted to operate at least two different exercise operation modes. The at least two different exercise operation modes correspond to at least two different predefined exercises. This improves functionality of the device, in particular variety of exercises for the user. In such a case, according to an advantageous embodiment, the selection means is adapted to activate or change the exercise operation mode based on the detection of the buttonless input. Thus, the selected operation mode is an exercise operation mode

corresponding to one of the predefined exercises. This enables the user to activate or change an exercise by buttonless input, without having to interrupt his/her current exercise in order to change settings with a button/display.

In a further embodiment, the selection means is adapted to turn on or turn off operation of the device based on the detection of the buttonless input. Thus, the selected operation mode is the turning on or off of the device. This enables the user to turn on/off the device by buttonless input.

In a further embodiment, the selection means is adapted to activate or change the output of breathing information based on the detection of the buttonless input. Thus, the selected operation mode is the breathing information output. This enables the user to achieve or change the breathing information output, thus the stimuli, by buttonless input.

In a variant of this embodiment, in the case of visual breathing information output, the display type, light intensity and/or color of the output may be changed. The advantage is that the control of moving to the next display, light or color type is entirely with the user, without requiring the user to interrupt the flow of the session. The information output means can for example comprise a displays and/or a light, such as a LED, or the like.

In another variant of this embodiment, in the case of audio breathing information output, the sound type and/or sound level of the breathing information output may be changed. The advantage of this example is that the control of moving to the next sound type or level is entirely with the user, without requiring the user to interrupt the flow of the session. The information output means can for example comprise a speaker, or the like.

In a further variant of this embodiment, in the case of haptic breathing information output, the vibration type and/or vibration level of the breathing information output may be changed. The advantage of this example is that the control of moving to the next vibration type or level is entirely with the user, without requiring the user to interrupt the flow of the session. The information output means can for example comprise an actuation device for outputting haptic information, such as a vibration device, or the like.

In a further embodiment, the device further comprises a breathing detector means for detecting the breathing status of the user, wherein the controller means is further adapted to output breathing information is based on the breathing status. This enables a closed-loop device in which the breathing information is also based on the detected breathing status of the user. Thus, an adaptive breathing guidance device is provided. The breathing detector means can for example comprise a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer, a physiological sensor, such as a respiration belt, and/or a sound sensor, or the like.

When the input detector means is a physiological sensor, in a variant of the above embodiment the breathing detector means is also the input detector means for detecting a buttonless input. This means that the breathing detector means is not only adapted to detect the breathing status of the user, but also functions as the physiological sensor for detecting a buttonless input. An advantage is that only one sensor is needed. In particular in a closed-loop device, no additional sensor for detecting a buttonless input is needed.

In a further embodiment, the selection means is adapted to select a specific operation mode depending on mapping information defining a mapping of a particular buttonless input to a corresponding operation mode of the device. In one variant of this embodiment, the mapping information is predefined. In another variant, the selection means is programmable by the user. Thus, the mapping can be defined by the user. This allows for a more personalized calibration of the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. In the following drawings

Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a breathing guidance device according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a breathing guidance device according to a further embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 3 - Fig. 9 each show a user using a breathing guidance device according to different embodiments of the invention, and

Fig. 10 shows a breathing guidance method according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, different embodiments of a breathing guidance device 10 according to the present invention are shown. The breathing guidance device 10 for guiding the breathing of a user comprises an information output means 20 for outputting breathing information 21 to the user, in particular about how to breathe according to a predefined exercise. Information output means 20 are an integral part of the device 10 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Alternatively, information output means 20 may be a separate part. The information output means 20 may be able to output audio, haptic and/or visual breathing information. For example, the information output means 20 may be a speaker for outputting audio information, an actuation device for outputting haptic information and/or a display or light (e.g. LED) for outputting visual information. The breathing information 21 may, for example, comprise one or more information items selected from the group consisting of required pace of breathing, moments on inhalation/exhalation, duration of the

inhalation/exhalation, duration of the pauses between inhalation/exhalation, and information whether the user has currently reached a specific target (e.g. set in terms of breathing cycles per minutes).

The breathing guidance device 10 further comprises controller means 30, such as a processor or the like, for controlling the output of breathing information 21 based on a predefined exercise. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, exercise information is stored in first memory means 31. First memory means 31 is an integral part of breathing guidance device 10 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Alternatively, first memory means 31 may be a separate part. Exercise information 32 is sent from first memory means 31 to controller means 30. The breathing guidance device 10 may then operate in an exercise operation mode corresponding to the predefined exercise of exercise information 32.

The breathing guidance device 10 may be adapted to operate in at least two different exercise operation modes. The at least two different exercise operation modes correspond to at least two different predefined exercises. In this case, information 32 on at least two different exercises is stored in first memory means 31. Just as an example, the exercise information may comprise a fixed breathing pace/rate. One exercise may for example be an "energize" exercise having a higher breathing pace, while another exercise may be a "relax" exercise having a lower breathing pace. There may be further exercises such as a "sleep exercise" having an even lower breathing pace.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 the breathing information 21 is based on the predefined exercise operation mode currently executed. The controller means 30 transmits respective controller information 22 to information output means 20.

Referring to the embodiment of Fig. 2, the breathing guidance device 10 further comprises a breathing detector means 60 for detecting the breathing status 61 of the user. In this case, the controller means 30 is adapted to output breathing information 21 not only based on the predefined exercise operation mode currently executed, but also on the breathing status 61 detected by the breathing detector means 60. This means that the output breathing information 21 is adapted to the current breathing status 61 of the user. This provides for a closed-loop breathing guidance device. The breathing detector means 60 is adapted to send breathing status information 62 to the controller means 30. The controller means 30 is adapted to process the breathing status information 62 received from the breathing detector means 60. From the breathing status information the controller means 30 may generate a conclusion about the breathing status of the user, for example that the user is highly stressed because he is breathing in and out in an irregular pattern and the breathing rate is very fast. Based on the breathing status information 62 or the generated conclusion, the controller means 30 then sends respective controller information 22 to the output means 20 in order to output specific breathing information to the user. For example, a "relaxing" breathing exercise, consisting of gradually bringing down the user's breathing rate from faster to slower, can be output to the user.

As can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the breathing guidance device 10 further comprises input detector means 40 for detecting buttonless input 41 to the device 10. Input detector means are an integrated part of the device 10 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Alternatively, input detector means may be a separate part. Buttonless input may mean that the user does not need to use his/her eyes and/or his/her hands for providing input. In this context, a button is meant to be any kind of physical button, such as a switch or knob, display, graphical user interface, software button or other kind of control element, such as a dedicated area on a touch pad display, or the like. The advantage is that no button/display explicit interaction is needed with the device. The device more or less "feels" or knows what type of exercise is needed. It allows a user to customize the exercise with minimal conscious effort to interact with a user interface. The user does not need to interrupt the flow of the session. It also allows a very playful way of interaction that is satisfying to use.

The breathing guidance device 10 also comprises selection means 50 for selecting an operation mode of the device 10 based on the detection of the buttonless input 41. This may mean that an operation mode is selected in the event of or at the time of detection of the buttonless input. Further, it may mean that the buttonless input 41 is used to make the selection. Input detector means 40 transmits input information 42 to selection means 50, as can be seen in the embodiments of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Selection means 50 is adapted to select a corresponding operation mode according to the input information 42. Selection means 50 is illustrated as a separate part in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. However, selection means 50 may also be an integrated part of controller means 30. In the embodiments of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, mapping information 52 defining a mapping of a particular buttonless input 41 to a corresponding operation mode of the device 10 is stored in second memory means 51, for example in the form of a mapping table. Second memory means 51 transmits mapping information 52 to selection means 50. Selection means 50 then selects a specific operation mode depending on the mapping information 52, thus depending on the mapping of a particular buttonless input to a corresponding operation mode. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 second memory means 51 is an integral part of the breathing guidance device 10. Alternatively, second memory means 51 may be a separate part. Second memory means 51 may also be the same as first memory means 31.

The mapping information can be predefined, for example defined when the device is manufactured, and stored in second memory means 51. Alternatively or

cumulatively, the selection means 50 can be programmable by the user. Thus, the mapping can be defined by the user. In this case, the user has to specify which buttonless input to the device 10 corresponds to which operation mode of the device 10. This allows for a more personalized calibration of the system.

The input detector means 40 may comprise one or more sensor(s). The sensor(s) may be selected from the group consisting of a motion sensor, touch sensor, breathing sensor, sound sensor, light sensor and physiological sensor. Different embodiments will be described in connection with Fig. 3 to Fig. 9 in the following.

In Fig. 3 the input detector means 40 comprises a motion sensor 81 which is adapted to detect the buttonless input based on acceleration, rotation and/or direction of movement of the device 10 by the user. In Fig. 3 the user moves the device 10 back and forward or shakes the device 10, so that the motion sensor 81 detects the buttonless input.

In the embodiment of Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B the breathing guidance device 10 is in the form of a ball. In Fig. 4A the user rotates the ball in direction towards the head, so that the motion sensor 81 detects a first buttonless input 41 and an appropriate first operation mode is selected. Then, referring to Fig. 4B, the user rotates the ball in a direction away from the body, so that the motion sensor 81 detects a second buttonless input and a second operation mode is selected.

In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the input detector means 40 comprises a breathing sensor 83. The breathing sensor 83 is adapted to detect the buttonless input based on respiration rate, respiration pattern and/or a change in respiration rate or respiration pattern of the user. The breathing sensor 83 in Fig. 5 comprises a motion sensor 81, such as an accelerometer. In this case, as can be seen in Fig. 5, the user puts the breathing guidance device 10 on his/her belly or chest and starts breathing. The breathing motion is then detected by means of the motion sensor 81 of the breathing sensor 83. Alternatively or cumulatively, the breathing sensor 83 may comprise a sound sensor, for example for detecting the snoring sound of the user.

In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the input detector means 40 comprises a breathing sensor 83. In Fig. 6, the breathing sensor 83 is a physiological sensor 86 in the form of a respiration belt put around the belly or chest of the user. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the input detector means 40 in form of the respiration belt is not an integral part of the device 10, but a separate part connected to the device 10.

In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the input detector means 40 comprises a touch sensor 82 which is adapted to detect the buttonless input based on applying pressure to tapping, squeezing and/or stroking the device by the user. As can be seen in Fig. 7, the user applies pressure to, taps, squeezes and/or strokes the device so that the touch sensor 82 detects the buttonless input.

In the embodiment of Fig. 8, the input detector means 40 comprises a sound sensor 84 which is adapted to detect buttonless input based on the speech of the user or a sound produced by the user's vocal tract, such as the voice of the user, humming, whistling or tongue clicking. This means when the user for example speaks, sings or hums, the sound sensor 84 detects a buttonless input. Alternatively or cumulatively, the sound sensor 84 is adapted to detect a buttonless input based on the ambient sound level.

In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the input detector means 40 comprises a physiological sensor 86 which is adapted to detect a buttonless input based on an

electromyogram (EMG). Also in this embodiment, the input detector means 40 in form of the physiological sensor 86 is not an integral part of the breathing guidance device 10, but a separate part connected to the device 10. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the user does not need to move the whole arm to which the physiological sensor 86 is connected, but input is provided by small muscle contractions that do not need any movement of the arm.

Alternatively or cumulatively, the physiological sensor 86 may be adapted to detect the buttonless input based on an electroencephalography (EEG). This enables the user to provide input to the device by consciously controlling, to some extent, the amount of alpha wave activity. Also, the physiological sensor 86 may be adapted to detect the buttonless input based on an electrocardiogram (ECG) and/or a photoplethysmograph (PPG) to obtain a heartbeat. Heart rate variability (HRV) can then be computed which provides a measure for relaxation of the user. In another embodiment, which is not illustrated, the input detector means 40 receives context information selected for one or more information of the group consisting of current time information, current date information and time information of a predefined exercise schedule. This provides for a device that automatically selects an operation mode based on the reception of such context information. The context information may be stored for example in first memory means 31 and/or second memory means 51.

In a further embodiment, which is not illustrated, the input detector means 40 comprises a light sensor which is adapted to detect the buttonless input based on the ambient light level.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the breathing detector means 60 and the input detector means 40 are separate parts. However, the breathing detector means and the input detector means may also be the same part. Thus, in a case where the input detector means is a physiological sensor, the breathing detector means 60 may also be the input detector means 40 for detecting a buttonless input. This means that the breathing detector means 60 is not only adapted to detect the breathing status of the user, but also functions as the physiological sensor for detecting a buttonless input.

The device 10 may be a single part (for example having one casing) or may consist of multiple parts, e.g. a handheld part that provides a tactile breathing information output to the user and a remote part that provides a visual breathing information output to the user, such as lamp. The device 10 may be a portable device, in particular handheld device, as illustrated in Fig. 3 to Fig. 9. The breathing guidance device 10 may be held in the hand or can be located at another part of the human body where the user can exert influence on the device, e.g. chest, back, legs, neck, arms. The user may lay down while doing the exercise, as shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 9, in order to focus on himself/herself and relax. Of course, the user may take any other suitable position, such as sitting down, kneeling, sitting cross-legged or standing.

Combinations of two or more types of buttonless input described above may be used. Further, there are different possible types of selected operation modes in connection with any of the types of buttonless input described above, as will be explained in the following. Any combination of buttonless input(s) with one or more of the type(s) of selected operation modes is possible.

In the case when the device is adapted to operate in at least two different exercise operation modes, as mentioned above, the selection means 50 may be adapted to activate or change the exercise operation mode based on the detection of the buttonless input 41. Thus, the selected operation mode is an exercise operation mode. For example, the device 10 may execute a first exercise operation mode, and based on the detection of a buttonless input 41, the device 10 may change to a second exercise operation mode which is different from the first exercise operation mode.

In another embodiment, the selected operation mode is the turning on or off of the device 10. The selection means 50 is then adapted to turn on or turn off operation of the device 10 based on the detection of the buttonless input 41.

In a further embodiment, the selected operation mode is the breathing information output. The selection means 50 is then adapted to activate or change the output of breathing information 21 based on the detection of the buttonless input 41. In the case of visual breathing information output, the display type, light intensity and/or color of the output may be changed. Visual breathing information output is useful under the condition that the user can perceive the visual information, such as color change or light intensity change, for example when having the eyes closed while doing an exercise. In the case of audio breathing information output, the sound type and/or sound level of the breathing information output may be changed.

Referring to Fig. 10, the breathing guidance method for guiding the breathing of a user is illustrated. In step 101, the output of the breathing information is controlled based on a predefined exercise. In an embodiment, analogously to the embodiment of Fig. 2, the output breathing information may also be based on the breathing status of the user. The method then comprises step 102 of outputting the breathing information to the user. This can be any output explained herein. The method further comprises detecting a buttonless input 41 to the device 10 at step 103. This can be any buttonless input explained herein. Then, at step 104, an operation mode of the device 10 is selected based on the detection of the buttonless input 41.This can be any operation mode explained herein.

The invention may for example be implemented in a breathing guidance/pacing device to improve sleep, or a breathing guidance/pacing device used for hospital patients to improve healing, improve subjective comfort, reduce stress, or reduce pain perception. The invention may also be implemented in a breathing guidance/pacing device for airport/airplane systems to reduce flight anxiety of passengers

The invention may be further explained by the following concrete examples: In one example the device is a handheld tactile breathing guidance device, that selects an exercise based on motion input. If the user shakes the device energetically at some point, it automatically switches to an "energize" type of exercise. If the user just puts the device at his/her belly or chest and starts breathing, the gentle breathing motion is detected (e.g. through acceleration sensing) and automatically the "relax" exercise is selected.

Optionally, if in the latter case, it is also detected that the time of day is in the evening (e.g. 22: 10 hrs), automatically the "sleep" exercise operation mode can be selected. This is an example of use of context information to influence the exercise.

In another example motion gestures are used to select light color of breathing guidance information output/ pacing stimulus. This device embodiment is a breathing pacing "ball". It may be either handheld or a two-part device with a handheld (input and/or sensing) part and a remote light-generating (output) part. If the user briefly rotates the ball in direction front (away from the body), a next light color is chosen. If the user briefly rotates the ball in direction back (towards the body), the previous light color is chosen. Using different light colors can support a guided relaxation/meditation exercise that a user wants to have. For example, there are relaxation exercises protocols that require a user to visualize multiple different colors in a sequence, for example 7 different colors. Each subsequent color induces a deeper state of relaxation of the user. Thus, the control of moving to the next color phase is entirely with the user, without requiring the user to interrupt the flow of the session.

In a further example, a user is doing a breathing exercise with regular and medium deep breathing. At some point in time, the user inhales very deeply and then holds his breath for several seconds. The device detects this breathing event as a buttonless input and automatically switches to the "very-deep-breathing" exercise. The benefit for the user is that he/she can automatically switch between two or more breathing exercise types, without interrupting the flow of the current session to explicitly interact with a button/display user interface to select a new mode.

In a further example a user can easily switch off the breathing guidance/pacing, e.g. if the user feels he/she had enough, by a subtle user input. The input can for example be a small shaking of a handheld device, a 1 -second pressure, applied by the legs or shoulders onto the device (for a leg-located or shoulder-located device respectively), etc. The exercise is stopped but the device may still continue to function, e.g. measuring the user's breathing pace/rate to be able to collect statistics on it (for example so that the user may later that week check at his/her PC), or to play relaxing music while the user performs free breathing. Optionally, the exercise may be switched on again after a few minutes by performing the same subtle motion. For example, to go back to breathing pacing after a few minutes of relaxing music with free breathing. A typical application for the breathing guidance device is for breathing guidance before falling asleep. When the user is almost asleep, he would like to turn off the guidance device or breathing information signal without getting up/opening the eyes. The user gives a small shake or squeeze of the device and the guidance turns off. Now the user can fall asleep.

A further example concerns a tactile breathing pacer that can provide different frequencies of haptic output/stimulation (e.g. vibration) as part of the feedback. The device monitors the audio environment of the user all the time plus vibration of the chest, and if the user "hums" a musical note this is used as input to change the haptic frequency based on the hummed frequency. Thus, a fun and playful way to adapt the output/stimulation to the exact liking of the user. From research [Wigram, A.L. (1996), The effects of vibroacoustic therapy on clinical and non-clinical populations, Ph.D. thesis, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London University, UK.] it is known that the specific haptic frequency used in the 20-100 Hz range has a profound impact on how the haptic stimulation is perceived, for example different frequencies trigger perception of a haptic effect in different body parts ranging from feet, legs, belly, chest, towards the head. Such functionality avoids boredom during a longer session and allows a user to remain with eyes closed and lying down, without any effort to control a user interface/display/button.

A further example is to switch the breathing guidance/pacer device to an exercise mode of "battle breathing", a known breathing technique to prepare for intense physical action or to energize the user. For example, the user may shout a "battle cry" or start breathing very deeply and quickly. These changes may then be detected as a buttonless input by the device.

In another example motion-free gesture input by way of EMG measurements, for example on the arm. Small muscle contractions that do not lead to movement can be used as input for the device. These small muscle contractions have the advantage that they do not disrupt the user's relaxed physiological state as strongly as movements.

Another example is changing the ratio of inhale/exhale by tapping the device. The user breathes in, then briefly taps the device with the hand, and then breathes out. This tells the device to "copy" the user's inhale/exhale ratio and use that during the remainder of the exercise. The user can apply this action anytime he/she wants. The advantage is that a personal best ratio can be easily set and changed without breaking the flow/immersion of the session.

A further example is tapping the belly or tapping the chest with hand to provide different, distinguishable user inputs. If the device is located at the chest, a tap on the chest can be directly detected via the accelerometer (or motion sensor) inside the device. A tap on the belly can be indirectly detected through sound and/or acceleration analysis in the device. For example, a method similar to Skinput, [Harrison, C, Tan, D. Morris, D. 2010. Skinput: Appropriating the Body as an Input Surface. In Proceedings of the 28th Annual SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (Atlanta, Georgia, April 10 - 15, 2010). CHI '10. ACM, New York, NY.] can be used. Example: tap the chest to activate a chest breathing exercise mode ("energizing"), or tap the belly to activate a belly breathing mode ("relaxing").

In an even further example user's yawning action is detected (for example using a combination of breathing sensor and audio sensor), and used to implicitly adapt the breathing pace/rate. For example, yawning may indicate insufficient oxygen level due to the breathing rate being too slow or too fast.

In another example the user performs rhythmic squeeze/roll/rocking input at beginning of use of device, to indicate a desired starting breathing pace/rate.

In a further example the user holds his/her breath longer during an exercise. This triggers a short, additional coaching mode in which a virtual audio coach encourages the user to hold his/her breath longer. The coach also knows about the user's previous performance and can indicate with audio (for example over headphones or speakers in the device) how well the user is doing with respect to previous performance. Advantage is a fun and unobtrusive way to train the period of holding breath. This can be used to train lung capacity.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

A computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.