The new method combines microphone recordings with sensor data to enhance snoring monitoring accuracy.
Fitbit, a Google subsidiary and leader in wearable technology, has patented an innovative method to improve snore detection in its devices. The patent, discovered by Healthnews, outlines how integrating microphone recordings with biometric sensor data can give users more accurate monitoring of snoring patterns during sleep.
Enhancing snore detection accuracy
Current wearable devices track health metrics like sleep duration, heart rate, and steps. Some, including Fitbit’s Sense and Versa 3 models, offer snore detection features. However, these can be inaccurate due to ambient noises or a partner snoring nearby.
To address this issue, Fitbit’s patent, published on September 3, would capture sounds, like snoring, and data from other sensors, including:
- Heart rate to track breathing intensity
- Motion sensors to detect sleeping positions
- Respiration monitors to analyze airflow
- Temperature sensors to identify changes in the body and the environment
The Fitbit wearable and related smartphone app would analyze this information to identify breathing patterns and establish the wearer’s wrist position during sleep.
Moreover, the breathing pattern data and biometric measurements could determine the Fitbit user’s snoring intensity and duration of snores.
This information would then be compiled and presented via charts and graphs on the individual’s Fitbit smartphone app. The app would also show how many snore events occurred and offer an option to play back sounds captured during sleep.