What it does
BEKVÄM detects neural states to identify sleepiness, deep sleep, or waking up. It aids sleep with pink noise and light treatment, gently awakens the user, and supports scheduled wake-ups.
Your inspiration
Sleep problems are particularly prevalent among young people, especially in developing countries. 28% sleep less than 6 hours a night, 64% have poor sleep quality, and 22% have very poor sleep quality. Common sleep issues include waking up at night, difficulty falling asleep, and frequent nighttime bathroom visits, affecting health and daily life. Improving sleep is crucial for enhancing daytime productivity and mood. Our solution employs advanced brain-computer interface technology for dynamic neural monitoring and uses bone-conduction pink noise and light therapy to improve sleep quality.
How it works
3 modules: Neural Signal Detection, Bone Conduction, and Light Stimulation. The Neural Signal Detection Module continuously monitors brain signals to ascertain the user's neural state, including states such as drowsiness, deep sleep, or pre-awakening. If the user is unable to fall asleep, the Bone Conduction and Light Stimulation Modules are activated. The Bone Conduction Module transmits pink noise through the bones to the brain, while the Light Stimulation Module utilizes light waves to promote relaxation and induce sleep. In cases where the user struggles to reach deep sleep, the Bone Conduction Module adjusts the brain's activity by transmitting pink noise, aiding in the attainment of stable deep sleep. Upon waking, the Light Stimulation Module gradually awakens the user with soft, natural light. The Neural Signal Detection Module operates continuously, ensuring real-time monitoring and intelligent regulation of the other modules.
Design process
Starting with initial sketches, we combined survey feedback from 184 participants and took into account user habits to conceptualize a mask-like wearable product that strives to be comfortable, lightweight in design, and have a long battery life for continuous monitoring. The initial design covered the eyes only with an external data collection device, which was prone to slipping off and had poor signal stability. To address these issues, we expanded the forehead coverage so that the electrode patches could collect signals more efficiently and ensure the safety of the device. We redesigned the elastic band so that it attaches to the back of the neck and designed grooves at the ears to improve wearing comfort and electrode adhesion, enabling precise capture of brain signals. Dr. Jin Feng of the University of Tsukuba provided us with insights into neural activity during different sleep stages and informed our software development. Through multiple prototype iterations and user feedback, we have improved the design to enhance comfort and functionality. The current product reliably monitors brain waves, provides accurate data analysis, and offers personalized sleep intervention recommendations.
How it is different
Current smart wearables on the market can monitor sleep and promote deep sleep, but their functionality is limited, often focusing on just one stage of sleep. In contrast, our product combines advanced brain-computer interface technology with comprehensive support throughout the entire sleep cycle. This includes pre-sleep guidance, precise in-sleep measurements and interventions, and scientifically gentle wake-up methods, ensuring optimal sleep quality from start to finish. Based on thorough research, our user-centric design seamlessly integrates these features, offering an effective and complete sleep aid solution.
Future plans
We are part of the group who struggling with sleep disorders, and this product is developed from our own experiences, backed by validated monitoring and analysis technology. Our product features a complete technical ecosystem, including design, algorithms, and hardware structure. Our next step is to promote it to help and improve the lives of more people suffering from sleep disorders or mild mental fatigue. Winning this competition and the accompanying prize would enable us to bring an effective, tech-driven sleep improvement product to the market.
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