ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL WITH WEARABLE DEVICES

BACKGROUND

[0001] A person may physically use a manual device to try to modify their environment. In one example, when trying to fall asleep, many people find that sound or the lack thereof frustrates that process. Although many people wear ear plugs, ear plugs do not completely block noise, and typical ear plugs do not provide noise. Accordingly, this does not address those who need white/pink/alternative noise to help them fall asleep. Thus, in this example, the user has to get up or wake-up, locate a desired device such as a white noise machine or fan, and physically turn on the desired device to a desired setting, which further disrupts the user’s rest. Therefore, typically, once a user’s health state adversely affects them, then the user must actively intervene in their environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0002] According to one aspect, the systems and methods are related to environmental control using a wearable device, such as ear buds, wearable headband, pillow, etc. without active user intervention. The wearable device collects physiological data from the user, such as temperature, heart rate, etc., and automatically adjusts the user’s environment to improve it with environmental devices. For example, the user may remain asleep while devices are activated to desired settings. Furthermore, the user’s physiological data may be continually monitored to determine if the modification to the user’s environment helped the user. The monitoring also allows a physiological modification system to learn the user’s needs based on the user’s historic physiological data and can, for example, preemptively act to address the user’s needs or recommend an environment that has helped the user in the past. In this manner, using a wearable device allows for automatic manipulation of the user’s environment using environmental devices without active user intervention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The novel features believed to be characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advances thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an operating environment for implementing environmental control with wearable devices according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wearable device for implementing environmental control with wearable devices according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an environmental device for implementing environmental control with wearable devices according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 4A is a schematic view of a headband form of a wearable device for implementing environmental control with wearable devices according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 4B is a schematic view of an ear bud form of a wearable device for implementing environmental control with wearable devices according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 4C is a schematic view of a pillow form of a wearable device for implementing environmental control with wearable devices according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a process flow for implementing environmental control with wearable devices according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a process flow for implementing environmental control having an efficacy threshold with wearable devices according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a process flow for implementing environmental control with a temporal offset with wearable devices according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The systems and methods discussed herein are generally directed to a physiological modification system that controls environmental devices to automatically modify the user’s environment based on collected physiological data. The physiological data may include, but is not limited to, temperature, electroencephalography (EEG) data, , electrocardiac data (EKG), heart rate, respiration rate, galvanic skin response. (GSR), etc. The physiological data is at least partially collected by one or more wearable devices. In one embodiment, the user’s health state is monitored in terms of a physiological event. A physiological event is the point at which the physiological data indicates that the user is experiencing a change in health state. For example, a change in health state may include the user being uncomfortable, unable to sleep, in distress, suffering, etc. A physiological event may be identified when the physiological data deviates from a baseline by a threshold amount. When a physiological event is identified, the physiological modification system may automatically modify the user’s environment using one or more environmental devices.

[0014] The physiological modification system may continue to monitor the user’s physiological data, collected by the wearable device, to determine whether the modified environment is, for example, soothing the user. For example, the physiological modification system may determine whether the current physiological data is approaching the baseline or retreating from the baseline. In one embodiment, the physiological modification system may determine an efficacy level of the modifications. In this manner, the physiological modification system may determine the effectiveness of specific modifications and can, for example, recommend modifications to the environment that have helped the user to be soothed in the past. Therefore, the physiological modification system may identify a preferred environment for the user, and adjust the environment to achieve the preferred environment. In some embodiments, the physiological modification system may generate a user profile. The user profile may allow the physiological modification system to anticipate the user’s preferences and modifies the user’s environment accordingly. DEFINITIONS

[0015] The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that can be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Further, the components discussed herein, can be combined, omitted or organized with other components or into different architectures.

[0016] "Bus," as used herein, refers to an interconnected architecture that is operably connected to other computer components inside a computer or between computers. The bus can transfer data between the computer components. The bus can be a memory bus, a memory processor, a peripheral bus, an external bus, a crossbar switch, and/or a local bus, among others.

[0017] "Component," as used herein, refers to a computer-related entity (e.g., hardware, firmware, instructions in execution, combinations thereof). Computer components may include, for example, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, and a computer. A computer component(s) can reside within a process and/or thread. A computer component can be localized on one computer and/or can be distributed between multiple computers.

[0018] "Computer communication," as used herein, refers to a communication between two or more computing devices (e.g., computer, personal digital assistant, cellular telephone, network device) and can be, for example, a network transfer, a data transfer, a file transfer, an applet transfer, an email, a hypertext transfer protocol (FITTP) transfer, and so on. A computer communication can occur across any type of wired or wireless system and/or network having any type of configuration, for example, a local area network (LAN), a personal area network (PAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wireless network (WAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a virtual private network (VPN), a cellular network, a token ring network, a point-to-point network, an ad hoc network, a mobile ad hoc network, among others. Computer communication can utilize any type of wired, wireless, or network communication protocol including, but not limited to, Ethernet (e.g., IEEE 802.3), WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 ), communications access for land mobiles (CALM), WiMax, Bluetooth, Zigbee, ultra-wideband (UWAB), multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), telecommunications and/or cellular network communication (e.g., SMS, MMS, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, GSM, CDMA, WAVE), satellite, dedicated short range communication (DSRC), among others.

[0019] "Computer-readable medium," as used herein, refers to a non-transitory medium that stores instructions and/or data. A computer-readable medium can take forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so on. Volatile media can include, for example, semiconductor memories, dynamic memory, and so on. Common forms of a computer-readable medium can include, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, other magnetic medium, an ASIC, a CD, other optical medium, a RAM, a ROM, a memory chip or card, a memory stick, and other media from which a computer, a processor or other electronic device can read.

[0020] "Database," as used herein, is used to refer to a table. In other examples, "database" can be used to refer to a set of tables. In still other examples, "database" can refer to a set of data stores and methods for accessing and/or manipulating those data stores. A database can be stored, for example, at a disk and/or a memory.

[0021] "Data store," as used herein can be, for example, a magnetic disk drive, a solid-state disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, a Zip drive, a flash memory card, and/or a memory stick. Furthermore, the disk can be a CD-ROM (compact disk ROM), a CD recordable drive (CD-R drive), a CD rewritable drive (CD-RW drive), and/or a digital video ROM drive (DVD ROM). The disk can store an operating system that controls or allocates resources of a computing device.

[0022] "Display," as used herein can include, but is not limited to, LED display panels, LCD display panels, CRT display, plasma display panels, touch screen displays, among others, that are often found on portable devices to display information. The display can receive input (e.g., touch input, keyboard input, input from various other input devices, etc.) from a user.

[0023] "Environmental device," as used herein can include, but is not limited to, any automatic or manual systems that can be used to modify the environment, surroundings, and/or experience of the user. Exemplary environmental control systems include, but are not limited to: air-conditioning, heating, air moving systems (e.g., ventilation, dynamic venting, fans, etc.), heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), air purification systems, audio and sound systems, lighting systems, modular positioning systems, among others. The environmental control systems may be implemented globally in a structure, such as with the HVAC of a residential dwelling, and/or integrated individually in an object, such as with a heated mattress pad. Additionally or alternatively, the environmental control systems may be integrated with multiple individual objects that do not communicate with one another or distributed collectively over a group of objects participating in computer communication with one another (i.e., the internet of things).

[0024] “Input/output device” (I/O device) as used herein can include devices for receiving input and/or devices for outputting data. The input and/or output can be for controlling different features which include various components, systems, and subsystems. Specifically, the term “input device” includes, but it not limited to: keyboard, microphones, pointing and selection devices, cameras, imaging devices, video cards, displays, push buttons, rotary knobs, and the like. The term “input device” additionally includes graphical input controls that take place within a user interface which can be displayed by various types of mechanisms such as software and hardware-based controls, interfaces, touch screens, touch pads or plug and play devices. An“output device” includes, but is not limited to: display devices, and other devices for outputting information and functions.

[0025] "Logic circuitry," as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions, instructions in execution on a machine, and/or to cause (e.g., execute) an action(s) from another logic circuitry, module, method and/or system. Logic circuitry can include and/or be a part of a processor controlled by an algorithm, a discrete logic (e.g., ASIC), an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmed logic device, a memory device containing instructions, and so on. Logic can include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Where multiple logics are described, it can be possible to incorporate the multiple logics into one physical logic. Similarly, where a single logic is described, it can be possible to distribute that single logic between multiple physical logics.

[0026] “Memory," as used herein can include volatile memory and/or nonvolatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include, for example, ROM (read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM), and EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM). Volatile memory can include, for example, RAM (random access memory), synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory can store an operating system that controls or allocates resources of a computing device.

[0027] "Operable connection," or a connection by which entities are "operably connected," is one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications can be sent and/or received. An operable connection can include a wireless interface, a physical interface, an optical interface, a data interface, and/or an electrical interface.

[0028] “Module,” as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions, instructions in execution on a machine, hardware, firmware, software in execution on a machine, and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another module, method, and/or system. A module can also include logic, a software-controlled microprocessor, a discrete logic circuit, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmed logic device, a memory device containing executing instructions, logic gates, a combination of gates, and/or other circuit components. Multiple modules can be combined into one module and single modules can be distributed among multiple modules.

[0029] “Portable device,” as used herein, is a computing device typically having a display screen with user input (e.g., touch, keyboard) and a processor for computing. Portable devices include, but are not limited to, handheld devices, mobile devices, smart phones, laptops, tablets and e-readers. In some embodiments the portable devices may be integrated with a wearable device. [0030] "Processor," as used herein, processes signals and performs general computing and arithmetic functions. Signals processed by the processor can include digital signals, data signals, computer instructions, processor instructions, messages, a bit, a bit stream, that can be received, transmitted and/or detected. Generally, the processor can be a variety of various processors including multiple single and multicore processors and co-processors and other multiple single and multicore processor and co-processor architectures. The processor can include logic circuitry to execute actions and/or algorithms.

[0031] "Unit" as used herein, refers to a computer-related entity (e.g., hardware, firmware, instructions in execution, combinations thereof). Computer units may include, for example, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, and a computer. A computer unit(s) can reside within a process and/or thread. A computer unit can be localized on one computer and/or can be distributed between multiple computers.

[0032] "User," as used herein can include, but is not limited to, one or more biological beings that are monitored. The user can be the user of a portable device or wearable device. The user can be a human (e.g., an adult, a child, an infant) or an animal (e.g., a pet, a dog, a cat).

[0033] "Wearable device," as used herein can include, but is not limited to, a computing device component (e.g., a processor, unit, module, logic circuitry) with circuitry that can be worn or attached to user. In other words, a wearable device is a computer that is subsumed into the personal space of a user. Wearable devices can include a display and can include various sensors for sensing and determining various parameters of a user. For example, location, motion, and physiological parameters, among others. Some wearable devices have user input and output functionality. Exemplary wearable devices can include, but are not limited to, watches, glasses, clothing, gloves, hats, shirts, jewelry, rings, earrings necklaces, armbands, leashes, collars, shoes, earbuds, headphones, headbands, and personal wellness devices. I. SYSTEM OVER VIEW

[0034] Referring now to the drawings, the drawings are for purposes of illustrating one or more exemplary embodiments and not for purposes of limiting same. Generally, the systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to device control integrating physiological data from wearable devices associated with a user.

[0035] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating one or more exemplary embodiments and not for purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an operating environment 100 for implementing systems and methods for environmental device control integrating physiological data from wearable devices. The components of the operating environment 100, as well as the components of other systems, hardware architectures, and software architectures discussed herein, can be combined, omitted, or organized into different architectures for various embodiments. Further, the components of the operating environment 100 can be implemented with or associated with a wearable device.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , the environment 100 includes a physiological modification system 102 with provisions for processing, communicating and interacting with various a wearable devices, such as a wearable device 104 and various environmental devices, such as an environmental device 106. In one embodiment, the physiological modification system 102 can be implemented with a portable device 132. The physiological modification system 102 may be implemented remotely from the wearable device 104 and/or the environmental device 106, for example, as part of a computer component of the portable device 132, an application in execution on the portable device 132, infotainment unit, an electronic control unit, among others. The physiological modification system 102 may be remotely connected with the wearable device 104 and the environmental device 106 via a wireless infrastructure 108 and/or network 1 10. In other embodiments, the components and functions of the physiological modification system 102 can be implemented within the wearable device 104 and the environmental device 106.

[0037] Generally, the physiological modification system 102 includes a processor 1 12, a memory 1 14, a data store 1 16, and an input/output (I/O) interface 1 18, which are each operably connected for computer communication via a bus 120 and/or other wired and wireless technologies. The I/O interface 1 18 provides software and hardware to facilitate data input and output between the components of the physiological modification system 102 and other components, networks, and data sources, which will be described herein. Additionally, the processor 1 12 includes a data receiving module 122, a physiological event module 124, a control action module 126, and an efficacy module 128, each suitable for providing environmental device control integrating physiological data from wearable devices facilitated by the components of the operating environment 100.

[0038] The physiological modification system 102 is operatively connected for computer communication to the one or more wearable devices 104, the one or more environmental devices 106, and a medical database 130. The connection from the I/O interface 1 12 to the one or more wearable devices 104, the one or more environmental devices 106, and a physiological database 130 can be facilitated in various ways. For example, through the wireless infrastructure 108 and/or the network 1 10, among others, or any combination of thereof.

[0039] The wireless infrastructure 108 is, for example, a virtual private network (VPN), a cellular network, a token ring network, a point-to-point network, an ad hoc network, or a mobile ad hoc network. The network 1 10 serves as a communication medium to various remote devices (e.g., databases, web servers, remote servers, application servers, intermediary servers, client machines, other portable devices). In some embodiments, the one or more wearable devices 104 are configured for computer communication over the wireless infrastructure 108, accessed by the physiological modification system 102 through the wireless infrastructure 108, and/or the wireless infrastructure 108 can access the one or more wearable devices 104. Thus, in some embodiments, the physiological modification system 102 can obtain data from the one or more wearable devices 104 via the wireless infrastructure 108. The physiological database 130 can be accessed and/or located in a similar manner.

[0040] The network 1 10 is, for example, a data network, the Internet, a wide area network or a local area network. The network 1 10 also serves as a communication medium to the various remote devices. In some embodiments, the one or more wearable devices 104 can be included in the network 1 10, accessed by the physiological modification system 102 through the network 1 10, and/or the network 1 10 can access the one or more wearable devices 104 rather than the wireless infrastructure 108. However, when unavailable, the wireless infrastructure 108 may be used instead. Thus, as with the wireless infrastructure 108, the physiological modification system 102 can obtain data from the one or more wearable devices 104 via the network 1 10. Likewise, the physiological database 130 can be accessed and/or located in a similar manner.

[0041] The physiological database 130 can include health and medical information about medical conditions, disease, symptoms, and medications, among others. The physiological database 130 can be used to determine information about a particular health state and/or the severity of a health state of the user. Further, in some embodiments, the physiological database 130 can include medical information associated with the one or more users. For example, the physiological database 130 can include historical physiological and/or historical behavioral data, normative baseline data, medical profile information, medical history, current health conditions, and current medications, among others. In some embodiments, the physiological database 130 can be updated and/or modified with medical information associated with the one or more users and/or the wearable devices 104 using a physiological modification system 102 on a periodic basis. Thus, physiological database 130 can aggregate the physiological data from the one or more wearable devices 104.

[0042] The physiological database 130 can be located remotely from the physiological modification system 102 and accessed, for example, by the wireless infrastructure 108 and/or the network 1 10. In some embodiments, the physiological database 130 could be located on-board the wearable devices 104, at for example, the memory 106 and/or the data store 1 16. Further, in some embodiments, the physiological database 130 could be located on a memory or a disk (not shown) integrated with the wearable devices 104. In other embodiments, the physiological database 130 could be distributed in one or more locations.

[0043] The one or more wearable devices 104 generally provide the physiological data to the data receiving module 122 of the physiological modification system 102. The physiological data is associated with the user wearing or associated with the wearable device 104. As discussed above, it is understood that the one or more wearable devices 104 can include, but are not limited to, a computing device component (e.g., a processor) with logic circuitry that can be worn, in contact with, or attached to user. In some embodiments, the one or more wearable devices 104 could also include a portable device (e.g., earbuds, a mobile device, a portable medical device). The one or more wearable devices 104 as operably connected for computer communication to the one or more environmental devices through the physiological modification system 102.

[0044] The one or more wearable devices 104 can also include the physiological modification system 102 of FIG. 1. The system and methods described herein can include one or more wearable devices 104 that are each operably connected for computer communication to the physiological modification system 102. Further, in some embodiments, the wearable device 104 can include a device ID, which can be transmitted to the physiological modification system 102 and used by the physiological modification system 102 to identify the user associated with the wearable device. Turning to FIG. 2, one embodiment of the wearable device 104 is shown in greater detail. For example, the one or more wearable devices 104 can include a monitoring unit 202, a storage unit 204, a communication unit 206, and an action unit 208 that are configured to communicate with each other as well as the physiological modification system 102 and the at least one environmental device 106.

[0045] The monitoring unit 202 may measure, monitor, and/or collect physiological data from the one or more users. Accordingly, the monitoring unit 202 is associated with one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may include, but are not limited to, temperature sensors, a heart rate sensor, pulse sensor, a breathing sensor, an image capture component, a biometric sensor, a pulse oxygen sensor, a light emitting diode sensor, a biological sensor, etc.

[0046] Physiological data can include, but is not limited to, heart information, such as, heart rate, heart rate pattern, blood pressure, oxygen content, galvanic skin response (GSR), among others. Physiological data can also include brain information, such as, electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements, electrocardiac data (EKG), functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), among others. Physiological data can also include digestion information, respiration rate information, salivation information, perspiration information, pupil dilation information, body temperature, muscle strain, as well as other kinds of information related to the autonomic nervous system or other biological systems of the user. In some embodiments, physiological data can also include behavioral data, for example, mouth movements, facial movements, facial recognition, head movements, body movements, hand postures, hand placement, body posture, and gesture recognition, among others.

[0047] Physiological data can also include recognition data (e.g., biometric identification) used to identify the user. For example, recognition data can include a pre-determined heart rate pattern associated with the user, eye movement data associated with a user, fingerprint data associated with a user, among other types of recognition data. Physiological data may also include physiological data derived from other physiological data. It is appreciated that the recognition data and other types of physiological data can be stored at various locations (e.g., the data store 1 16, a storage unit 204 integrated with the wearable devices 104, the medical database 130) and accessed by the physiological modification system 102. The storage unit 204 may be a memory, data store, and/or database, among others. The wearable devices 104 can also include sensors for sensing and determining various parameters, for example, time, location, and motion parameters, among others.

[0048] The communication unit 206 facilitates communication between the physiological modification system 102 and the environmental device 106. For example, the communication unit 206 may transmit the physiological data to the data receiving module 122 of the physiological modification system 102. The communication unit 206 may include a receiver and/or a transmitter and be capable of communicating, transmitting, or receiving data, commands, etc., such as one or more autonomous or automated operating actions, a request for help, a request for medical emergency assistance. The communication unit 206 may communicate using the wireless infrastructure 108, the network 1 10, wireless network, using short range communication techniques, using long range communication techniques, over a cellular network, across a telematics channel, etc. [0049] Returning to FIG. 1 , as discussed above, the data receiving module 122 receives the physiological data from the monitoring unit 202 of the at least one of the wearable devices 104 through the communication unit 206. In some embodiments, the data receiving module 122 may receive physiological data from a plurality of wearable devices 104.

[0050] Based on these measurements, readings and/or derivations of physiological data, the physiological event module 124 may determine whether a user is experiencing a physiological event that could be accommodated by positively modifying the environment. For example, a GSR monitor (not shown) of the monitoring component 202 of the wearable device 104 receives a GSR reading. The data receiving module 122 receives the reading from the wearable device 104. The physiological event module 124 determines that the GSR reading which is outside of a predetermined or predefined window and may determine that that the user is experiencing a hot flash. Other ranges, windows, or thresholds for other readings or measurements may be used to characterize, identify, or define a physiological event in a similar manner.

[0051] In one embodiment, the physiological event module 124 may generate a baseline using historic physiological and/or historic behavioral data, normative baseline data, medical profile information, medical history, current health conditions, user settings, and current medications, or a combination thereof. The baseline is indicative of an acceptable or desired health state. For example, the baseline may be indicative of one or more of the user’s typical body temperature, heart rate, pulse rate, electroencephalography pattern, etc. The ranges, windows, or thresholds may be based on the baseline. Accordingly, the ranges, windows, or thresholds may be dynamic and track the baseline.

[0052] For example, a heart rate monitor (not shown) of the monitoring component 202 may receive a heart rate reading. Suppose the user jogs in the morning, and therefore has a higher pulse rate during a specified time. If the user has a higher pulse rate at that time, the physiological event module 124 may determine that the pulse rate is within a predetermined range of the baseline for that time. Alternatively, suppose the baseline is indicative of a resting heart rate and the monitoring component 202 measures a higher heart rate. The physiological event module 124 may determine that the pulse rate is outside of a predetermined range of the baseline for that time and a physiological event is occurring.

[0053] In some embodiments, the physiological event module 124 may have event categories. For example, the physiological event module 124 may determine from one or more readings that a physiological event is in a category of events. Categories of physiological events may be differentiated based on a diagnosis, a health state, treatment, and environmental factors, among others. For example, the physiological event module 124 may use a GSR reading and a pulse rate reading to determine that together the readings are indicative of an anxiety attack. In this manner, the anxiety attack determination may be a categorical determination based on the physiological data.

[0054] The instruction module 126 generates an instruction based on the physiological event or the event category of the physiological event. The instruction is a direction to perform an action. The instruction may be for the wearable device 104 and/or an environmental device 106 to perform the action. The instruction may include computer communication to remotely activate, control, and/or modify the wearable device 104 and/or an environmental device 106. For example, in response to the anxiety attack determination of the physiological event module 124, the instruction module 126 may generate an instruction to an environmental device 106, such as one or more lights. In some embodiments, the instruction may include one or more instructions to the wearable device 104 and/or one or more instructions to one or more environmental devices 106.

[0055] Turning to FIG. 3, one embodiment of the environmental device 106 is shown in greater detail. For example, the one or more environmental devices 106 can include an operation component 302, a communication component 304, and a storage component 306 that are configured to communicate with each other as well as the physiological modification system 102 and the at least one wearable device 104.

[0056] The operation component 302 executes the instruction from the instruction module 126. The instruction may be received at the communication component 304. Like the communication unit 206, the communication component facilitates communication between the physiological modification system 102, and may also facilitate communication with the wearable device 104. For example, the communication component 304 may receive instructions from the instruction module 126 and send confirmation of the execution of the instruction to the instruction module 126.

[0057] The communication component 304 may include a receiver and/or a transmitter and be capable of communicating, transmitting, or receiving data, commands, etc., such as one or more autonomous or automated operating actions, a request for help, and/or a request for medical emergency assistance. The communication component 304 may communicate using a network, wireless network, using short range communication techniques, using long range communication techniques, over a cellular network, across a telematics channel, etc. The instructions, received data, commands received by the communication component 304 may be stored on the storage component 306. The storage component 306 may be a memory, data store, and/or database, among others.

[0058] Returning to the example given above, in response to the anxiety attack determination of the physiological event module 124, the operation component 302 of the environmental device 106 may receive the instruction generated by the instruction module 126. Suppose the environmental device 106 is one or more lights. The operation component 302 may cause the lights to dim based on the instruction. In this manner, the environmental device 106 modifies the user’s environment to address the physiological event without user intervention.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 1 , the efficacy module 128 of the physiological modification system 102 may determine whether the modification to the environment of the user is effective. For example, the efficacy module 128 may use post-action physiological data to determine if the user’s current physiological data is approaching the baseline. Accordingly, the physiological modification system 102 can determine whether the prescribed action of the instruction generated by the instruction module 126 was effective. For example, the efficacy data may be an efficacy level, such as a percentage by which the post-action physiological data, such as a trend, toward the baseline in response to the execution of the action. The efficacy module 128 may store efficacy data about the effectiveness of the prescribed action. The efficacy data may be stored memory 1 14, the data store 1 16, and/or the physiological database 130.

[0060] Based on the efficacy data, the instruction module 126 can determine whether the generated instruction was effective. In this manner, the instruction module 126 can determine which instructions are effective for a user. Thus, the instruction module 126 can personalize instructions to a specific user’s needs. The customization may be stored in a user profile. For example, the user profile may rank instructions for a user for a particular physiological event based on the physiological data and/or the efficacy data.

[0061] The user profile may also be used by the physiological event module 124 to anticipate physiological events based on received physiological data. In one embodiment, the user profile may contain previous physiological data and physiological events and form correlations between the physiological data and the physiological events. For example, a rising pulse rate reading and a rising GSR reading may indicate that an anxiety attack is imminent. Accordingly, the physiological event module 124 may determine that a physiological event is about to occur. In some embodiments, a preemptive physiological event determination may be a category of physiological events.

[0062] FIG. 4A is a schematic view of a headband form of a wearable device 104 for implementing environmental control with wearable devices 104 according to an exemplary embodiment. At 400, a user 402 is wearing a wearable device 104, which in this embodiment is a headband 404. The headband 404 may have sensors (not shown) of a monitoring unit 202 on the side of the headband 404 adjacent the user’s skin. The sensors may sense the physiological data and transmit the sensed physiological data to the data receiving module 122.

[0063] FIG. 4B is a schematic view of an ear bud form of a wearable device 104 for implementing environmental control with wearable devices 104. At 410, a wearable devices 104 in this example is a set of earbuds including a right ear bud 412 and a left ear bud 414. Like the headband 404, the right ear bud 412 and the left ear bud 414 may have sensors (not shown) of a monitoring unit 202. Likewise, the sensors may sense the physiological data and transmit the sensed physiological data to the data receiving module 122. In this manner, the right ear bud 412 and the left ear bud 414 act as the wearable device 414.

[0064] The right ear bud 412 and the left ear bud 414 may also act as the environmental device 106. Suppose, the set of ear buds are being worn by the user while the user is sleeping. The monitoring unit 202 may sense physiological data to the data receiving module 122. The physiological event module 124 may determine that the user is becoming restless based on the physiological data. Accordingly, the instruction module 126 may generate an instruction to play white noise or soothing music. Here, the instruction is transmitted to the right ear bud 412 and/or the left ear bud 414 because the right ear bud 412 and/or the left ear bud 414 are acting as the environmental device 106. Accordingly, the instruction may be received by the communication component of 304 of the right ear bud 412 and/or the left ear bud 414, which is then executed by the operation component 302 of the right ear bud 412 and/or the left ear bud 414.

[0065] Thus, a device may be both the wearable device 104 and the environmental device 106 and accordingly have one or more of the features of each. For example, the wearable device 104 may have the monitoring unit 202, the storage unit 204, the communication unit 206, the action unit 208, as well as the operation component 302. The storage unit 204 may perform the function of the storage component 306 and the communication unit 206 may perform the function of the communication component 304.

[0066] Likewise, at 420, the pillow 422 illustrated in FIG. 4C can be both the wearable device 104 and the environmental device 106 in a similar manner as described above with respect to the set of earbuds. Continuing the example from above, suppose the pillow 422 is being slept on by the user 424. The monitoring unit 202 may sense physiological data to the data receiving module 122. As above, the physiological event module 124 may determine that the user 424 is becoming restless based on the physiological data. Accordingly, the instruction module 126 may also generate an instruction to activate a fan 426 in the pillow 422 to send cool air 428 toward the user 424. Here, the instruction is transmitted to the pillow 422 because the pillow 422 is acting as the environmental device 106. Accordingly, the instruction may be received by the right ear bud 412, the left ear bud 414, and the pillow 422. In some embodiments, one or more of the right ear bud 412, the left ear bud 414, and the pillow 422 may also have the physiological modification system 102 onboard or may be distributed between the right ear bud 412, the left ear bud 414, and the pillow 422.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a process flow for implementing environmental control with wearable devices according to an exemplary embodiment, and the method 500 will be described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. It is understood that the illustrative examples discussed herein are exemplary in nature and that varying the physiological modification system 102, wearable devices 104, and environmental devices 106 can be implemented.

[0068] At block 502, the baseline for a user may be identified. The baseline may be identified from historical physiological and/or historical behavioral data, normative baseline data, medical profile information, medical history, current health conditions, and current medications, among others. The baseline may be indicative of a set of physiological data that form a control group of data used as the basis for comparison. In some embodiment, the baseline may be partially or wholly defined by the user as an aspirational set of physiological data or desired health state.

[0069] At block 504, current physiological data for the user may be compared to the baseline. The current physiological data is the data being sensed by the monitoring component 202 of the wearable device 104 by one or more sensors. Accordingly, the current physiological data is reflective of the user’s current health state. The current physiological data may be continually received by the data receiving module 122. Accordingly, the current physiological data may include a grouping of recent physiological data for a moving current range of data ending in the most recently received physiological data. For example, the current physiological data may include any physiological data received by the receiving module in the last five minutes from the current time.

[0070] At block 506, a physiological event is identified by the physiological event module 124. The physiological event may be identified based on the user profile, historical physiological data, and/or the baseline. For example, the current physiological data may be compared to the user profile to determine if the user has indicated that action should be taken given the current physiological data. In another embodiment, the current physiological data may be compared to the historical physiological data, and/or the baseline to determine if the current physiological data is outside a predetermined window, range, and/or threshold.

[0071] At block 508, a first instruction is generated by the instruction module 126 to control an environmental device 106. The first instruction may include computer communication to activate, control, or modify the environmental devices. The first instruction may be based on a user profile or previously collected efficacy data regarding the outcome of the execution of prior instructions. In this manner, the instructions may evolve with continued use by the user. Additionally, the first instruction may be based on crowd-sourced physiological data and/or efficacy data amassed from other users. For example, the crowd-sourced physiological data and/or efficacy data may be stored in the physiological database 130. Thus, the physiological modification system 102 may access the physiological database 130 for the instruction module 126 to generate the first instruction.

[0072] At block 510, an efficacy level is calculated for the first instruction by the efficacy module 128. The efficacy level is a measure of how effective the action prescribed in the first instruction was at addressing the physiological event. For example, the efficacy level may be reflective of efficacy data that indicates whether post-first action physiological data is approaching or retreating from the identified baseline. In some embodiments, the user profile may be updated with the efficacy level of the first action so that the system can learn which actions are effective for the user. The learning may be based on any machine learning method, pattern recognition algorithm, model based analysis, look-up table, and user settings, among others.

[0073] At block 512, an additional instruction is generated by the instruction module 126 to control an environmental device 106. The additional instruction may include computer communication to activate, control, or modify the environmental devices. The additional instruction is based, at least in part, on the calculated efficacy level. The additional instruction may be for the same or a different environmental device 106. Like the first instruction, the additional instruction may be based on crowd- sourced physiological data and/or efficacy data amassed from other users.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a process flow for implementing environmental control having an efficacy threshold with wearable devices according to an exemplary embodiment and will be described with respect to FIGS. 1 , 2, and 5. Blocks 502-512 of the method 600 operate in the manner described above with respect to FIG. 5.

[0075] Additionally, at block 602, the efficacy module 128 determines whether an efficacy threshold has been reached. The efficacy threshold defines a minimum degree of efficacy. For example, at the time the physiological event, suppose the physiological data deviates from the baseline by 25%. The efficacy threshold may be 10%. After the additional instruction is executed, the physiological data may be 15%. Even though the physiological data is returning toward the baseline, the efficacy threshold has not been satisfied. Accordingly, the method 600 returns to block 512, to generate another additional instruction.

[0076] The method 600 enters the feedback loop until the efficacy threshold is satisfied at block 602. When the efficacy threshold is satisfied, the method 600 continues from block 602 to block 604. At block 604, the correlation between the instructions, such as the first instruction and any additional instructions and the identified physiological event. Thus, the feedback loop is another manner in which the physiological modification system 102 learns which instructions prescribe the modifications to the user’s environments that best accommodate the user.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a process flow for implementing environmental control with a temporal offset according to an exemplary embodiment and will be described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 5. At block 702, current physiological data is received at the data receiving module 122 from the user. The current physiological data reflects the current health state of the user.

[0078] At block 704, a future physiological event is identified by the physiological event module 124 based on the user profile. A future physiological event is a physiological event that is scheduled, expected, anticipated, and/or predicted to occur at some point in the future. As discussed above, the user profile may include historical physiological and/or historical behavioral data from the user, normative baseline data for the user, the user’s medical profile information including the user’s medical history, current health conditions, and current medications, among others. The user profile may also include a baseline or desired health state of the user.

[0079] The current physiological data is compared to the user profile to identify a future physiological event. Suppose the historical data of the user profile demonstrates that the user has hot flashes after the user falls asleep. The current physiological data, such as a pulse rate reading and an eye movement reading may indicate that the user is falling asleep. Accordingly, the physiological event module 124 may determine that a future physiological event is imminent.

[0080] At block 706, a first instruction is generated by the instruction module 126 based on the identified future physiological event. Continuing the example from above, the first instruction may be to activate a cooling environmental device 106, like the fan 426 in the pillow 422, to ease the anticipated hot flash of the future physiological event. The instruction may additionally include a temporal offset. The temporal offset causes the prescribed action in the instruction to occur at a predetermined time in the future. Suppose the hot flashes occur two and half hours after the user falls asleep. As discussed above, the current physiological data, such as a pulse rate reading and an eye movement reading, may indicate that the user is falling asleep. Therefore, the first instruction may indicate that the prescribed action be executed in two hours.

[0081] At block 708, an efficacy level is calculated in a similar manner as described above at block 510. Thus, as well as being responsive to the user’s physiological state, the physiological modification system 102 may also anticipate the user’s physiological needs.

[0082] The embodiments discussed herein can also be described and implemented in the context of computer-readable storage medium storing computer executable instructions. Computer-readable storage media includes computer storage media and communication media. For example, flash memory drives, digital versatile discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), floppy disks, and tape cassettes. Computer- readable storage media can include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non- removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, modules or other data. Computer-readable storage media excludes non-transitory tangible media and propagated data signals.

[0083] It will be appreciated that various implementations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.