Google patents system to score mindfulness breathing with heart rate tracking

Google has been awarded a patent that outlines a new way to measure guided breathing sessions using heart rate variability. The system tracks how closely a user's heart rate aligns with their breathing pattern, providing a score that reflects their mindfulness during the exercise.

The patent describes a method where a wearable device can assess the natural variation in heart rate, rising during inhalation and falling during exhalation, to determine how effectively the user followed the breathing guidance. This approach differs from existing solutions that either guide users through breathing exercises or analyze recovery afterward.

While the patent does not specify a particular product, it is plausible that this feature could be integrated into future Pixel Watch or Fitbit devices. This would build on Google's existing Resilience Score, offering users a more dynamic way to track their mindfulness progress.

However, the introduction of another wellness score raises questions about its practicality. Many users already feel overwhelmed by multiple wellness metrics, and adding another could dilute its usefulness. If Google can make this feature intuitive and meaningful, it could set its wearables apart in the mindfulness space.