WO2007093988A2 - Method and system for affecting a state of a user - Google Patents

Method and system for affecting a state of a user Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007093988A2
WO2007093988A2 PCT/IL2007/000195 IL2007000195W WO2007093988A2 WO 2007093988 A2 WO2007093988 A2 WO 2007093988A2 IL 2007000195 W IL2007000195 W IL 2007000195W WO 2007093988 A2 WO2007093988 A2 WO 2007093988A2
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Prior art keywords
user
state
compact device
indicating parameter
instructing
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PCT/IL2007/000195
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French (fr)
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WO2007093988A3 (en
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Yuval Oded
David Weisman
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Ezness Inc.
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Publication of WO2007093988A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007093988A2/en
Publication of WO2007093988A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007093988A3/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H50/00—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
    • G16H50/20—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A61B5/02405—Determining heart rate variability
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/48—Other medical applications
    • A61B5/486—Bio-feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
    • G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
    • G16H40/63—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0002—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network
    • A61B5/0015—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network characterised by features of the telemetry system
    • A61B5/002—Monitoring the patient using a local or closed circuit, e.g. in a room or building
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/05—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves 
    • A61B5/053—Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
    • A61B5/0531—Measuring skin impedance
    • A61B5/0533—Measuring galvanic skin response

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Primary Health Care (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Data Mining & Analysis (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Physiology (AREA)
  • Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)

Abstract

A method for affecting a state of a user and a compact mobile device, the compact mobile device includes: (i) a physiological sensor; (ii) an output component; (iii) an input component; and (iv) a processor which is adapted to determine at least one state-indicating parameter of a user, in response to physiological information detected by the physiological sensor; wherein the processor is coupled to the physiological sensor, to the output component and to the input component.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AFFECTING A STATE OF A USER
Field of the invention
[001] The invention relates to methods and systems for affecting a state of a user.
Background of the invention
[002] During the last few decades, with the growing complexity of life, the relations between physiological conditions and emotional health becomes of increasing interest. Studies have shown that stress increases the risk of diseases, restricts the quality of life, and reduces performance and productivity. Our community seeks for remedies and preventive plans. In the last 20 years, variety of new techniques were been introduced for balancing mantel and emotional imbalances . Large groups of psychologies have employed far-eastern techniques to focus on the brain/heart complex system, which contains biological oscillators, knows as pacemaker cells, so that by focusing on them their rhythms can be improved. By monitoring various physiological parameters and displaying them in an appropriate way, a trained user can reduce significantly in-life stress and anxiety level as other physical symptoms. [003] Biofeedback systems are systems that are designed to affecting a state of the user by determining a state-indicating parameter of the user, in response to a physiological information detected by a physiological sensor (e.g. galvanic skin response, heart rate variability, skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension) and informing the user of at least one state-indicating parameter in real-time,, in order to raise his or her awareness and conscious control of the related physiological activities
[004] However, today's biofeedback systems (based on measurements of parameters as HRV, GSR, EEG, EMG etc.) serve only as psycho-physiological monitors, and are lacking instructions that are designed to lead a user into a high conscious state and a superb self regulating capability. Until now, in order to train for self regulation, any user must depend on an experienced trainer, who would lead the user through techniques such as abdominal breathing, self talk?????, attention shift etc., that are intended to lower his arousal levels .
[005] There is a need to provide an efficient method and system for affecting a state of the user by detecting a physiological state-indicating parameter of the user and instructing the user how to affect a state of the user in response to the physiological state-indicating parameter.
Summary of the invention
[006] A mobile device that includes a physiological sensor; an output component; an input component; and a processor which is adapted to determine at least one state-indicating parameter of a user, in response to physiological information detected by the physiological sensor; wherein the processor) is coupled to the physiological sensor, to the output component and to the input component.
[007] A method for affecting a state of a user, that includes: instructing the user, by a compact device to perform an act; detecting physiological information of the user by at least one physiological sensor that belongs to the compact device; determining, by the compact device, a state-indicating parameter that is indicative of the state of the user, in response to at least a portion of the physiological information; and deciding, in response to the state-indicating parameter, whether to repeat at least one stage out of the instructing, detecting and determining stages .
Brief description of the drawings
[008] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a basic compact mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention; [009] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a compact mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention; [OϋlO] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, in which the invention is implemented into a regular cellular phone;
[0011] Figure 4 illustrates parts of an interface of the compact mobile device, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0012] Figure 5 illustrates parts of the interface springing from full operation menu;
[0013] Figure 6 illustrates parts of the interface springing from short operation menu;
[0014] Figures 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate help screens that are shown to the user in response to selection of predetermined items of the interface, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] Figure 8 illustrates a method for affecting a state of a user;
[0016] Figure 9 illustrates a method for affecting a state of a user, by facilitating breathing in self coherence ratio of the user;
[0017] Figure 10 illustrates a method for affecting a state of a user, by executing a user galvanic skin response self testing;
[0018] Figure 11 illustrates a method for affecting a state of a user, by executing a user galvanic skin response basic training; and
[0019] Figure 12 illustrates a graphic display, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Detailed description of the drawings
[0020] According to various embodiments of the invention the monitoring can be performed by a compact mobile device such as but not limited to a cellular phone, a personal data accessory, an media player and the like. According to yet another embodiment of the invention the monitoring can be performed by using a compact device. Yet according to another embodiment of the invention at least one sensor is provided within a compact
1 device such as a mouse, joystick, game console portion, part of a computerized game, short range transmitter, short range receiver, Bluetooth ring, and the like. For simplicity of explanation the following examples will refer to a compact mobile device.
[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a basic compact mobile device 200. Compact mobile device 200 includes at least one physiological sensor 240 that is connected to Processor 210. Processor 210 is connected to one or more output component 220, and to one or more input component 230.
[0022] Processor 210 is adapted to determine at least one state-indicating parameter of a user, in response to physiological information detected by physiological sensor 240. It is noted that compact mobile device 200 can include multiple physiological sensors, of the same type or of different types, and that compact mobile device 200 can correlate between readings of different sensors.
[0023] Physiological sensor 240 is adapted to detect a physiological parameter of the user. Examples for physiological sensors are heart rate variability (HRV) sensor, galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor, skin temperature sensor, and a plurality of other physiological sensors that are known in the art. [0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, physiological sensor 240 is connected to processor 210 by intermediate unit 250. According to an embodiment of the invention, intermediate unit 250 includes amplifier 252 that is connected to physiological sensor 240, and is adapted to amplify signals that are received from physiological sensor 240. Amplifier 252 is connected to analog to digital converter 252 that is adapted to convert the analog amplified signals received from amplifier 252 to digital data (also referred to as physiological information). Analog to digital converter 254 is connected to microprocessor 256 that is adapted to perform at least one processing action on the digital data received from analog to digital converter 254. Microprocessor 256 is connected to universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter 258. Universal
A asynchronous receiver/transmitter 258 is connected to processor 210 and is adapted to convey the processed digital data received from microprocessor 256 to processor 210 It is noted that processor 210 and microprocessor 256 can be integrated. [0025] Output component 220 may be one of many output components known in the literature, such as a screen or another display unit, a speaker, Headsests, or many other output components that are known to any person skilled at the art. It is noted that these examples were offered in order to clarify the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
[0026] Input component 230 may be one of many input components known in the literature, such as a keyboard, a touch sensitive screen, a microphone, or many other input components that are known to any person skilled at the art. It is noted that these examples were offered in order to clarify the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, output component 220 is adapted to output information regarding at least one state-indicating parameter, received from processor 210.
[0028] According to different embodiments of the invention, compact mobile device 200 is capable of multitasking. Examples for such embodiments are: (a) processor 210 is adapted to handle physiological information, received from physiological sensor 240, concurrently to the output of at least one state-indicating parameter carried out by output component 220; (b) output component 220 is adapted to concurrently output instructions and at least one state-indicating parameter; and (c) output component 220 is adapted to output information regarding at least one state-indicating parameter concurrently to detection of physiological information carried out by the physiological sensor 240;
[0029] It is noted that according to other embodiments of the invention, additional multitasking capabilities are optional, and tiiat the above examples were offered as illustrations only, and by no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. [0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, output component 220 is adapted to display to the user a scale of possible values of the state-indicating parameter and an indicator that indicates an actual value of the state-indicating parameter out of the possible values; according to another embodiment, output component 220 is further adapted to display- on the scale the margins of at least one range of values. According to another embodiment, compact mobile device 200 is adapted to change the margins of the range of values in response to input from the user. According to another embodiment, output component 220 is further adapted to display a curve representative of actual values of the state-indicating parameter during at least a portion of the determining. [0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, compact mobile device 200 is adapted to forewarn the user about at least one cognitive task; to order the user to engage in the cognitive task; to assign the cognitive task to the user; and to receive at least one answer from the user. According to another embodiment of the invention, compact mobile device 200 is adapted to detect physiological information concurrently to the assignment of the cognitive task.
[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, output component 220 is adapted to display a state-indicating parameter affecting game related image, and to display a graphical indication of a current value of the state-indicating parameter; [0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, compact mobile device 200 is adapted to output a media stream that is designed to affect the state-indicating parameter of the user. [0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, compact mobile device 200 is adapted to synchronize between a display of text to be read by the user and a generation of instructions to perform an action by the user.
[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, compact mobile device 200 is adapted to request, at a first point in time, the user to concentrate on a body organ or the user; and to request, at a second point in time that differs from the first point in time, the user to concentrate on another body- organ •
[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention, compact mobile device 200 is adapted to request the user to regulate the breathing of the user according to a breathing rate, and to redefine the breathing rate so as to gradually cover the range between around nine breathes per minute and around five breathes per minute. According to another embodiment of the invention, compact mobile device 200 is adapted to request the user to breath in accordance with an interactive breathing pacing bar; wherein the compact mobile device is further adapted to conduct a first transforming and a second transforming of the interactive breathing bar.
[0037] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a compact mobile device 201 according to an embodiment of the invention. Compact mobile device 201 differs from compact mobile device 200 in the following aspects: compact mobile device 201 includes three physiological sensors: heart rate variability (denoted as HRV) sensor 242, galvanic skin response (denoted as GSR) sensor 244, and skin temperature sensor 246. Physiological sensors 242, 244 and 246 are connected to processor 210 by intermediate units 250a, 250b and 250c respectively. Two output components, screen 222 and speaker( Headsets) 224 are connected to processor 210. two input components, keyboard 232 and microphone 234 are connected to processor 210.
[0038] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, in which the invention is implemented into a regular cellular phone 202. Cellular phone 202 is adapted to include heart rate variability (denoted as HRV) sensor 242 and galvanic skin response (denoted as GSR) sensor 244. Cellular phone 202 also includes input and output components that are standard in cellular phones, i.e. keyboard 232, microphone 234, screen 222 and speaker 224. [0039] It is noted that in addition to embodiments in which the invention is implemented as a stand alone device, the invention may also be implemented into many compact mobile devices that are known to any person skilled in the art. Examples of some standard compact mobile devices are standard hand-held devices. Examples of such devices are cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), remote controls, and so forth. Other examples of devices into which the invention could be implemented are joysticks, computer mice, pens,game's pads and so forth. It is noted that these examples are given in order to clarify the nature of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
[0040] Figure 4 illustrates parts of interface 300 of the compact mobile device 200, according to an embodiment of the invention. Interface 300 includes biofeedback main menu 310. It is noted that in embodiments in which the invention is implemented into a compact mobile device 200 that have additional capabilities (such as, for example, a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant), menus such as compact mobile device main menu 306 and compact mobile device applications menu 308 are needed in order for the user to reach biofeedback main menu 310. The results of selecting each of those items are hereby described.
[0041] According to an embodiment of the invention, biofeedback main menu includes five items that the user can choose from: full operation item 311, short operation item 312, demonstration of operation item 313, tutorial item 314 and biofeedback main menu help item 315.
[0042] Selection of full operation item 311 will result in the displaying of full operation menu item 320, that includes five options : self testing item 321, basic training item 322, advanced training item 323, displaying an archive of previously recorded data (denoted as History) item 324, and full operation help item 325.
[0043] Selection of short operation option item 312 will result the displaying of short operation menu item 330, that . . . muiuαes tnree items, galvanic skin response related activities (denoted as GSR) item 331, heart rate variability related activities (denoted as HRV) item 332 and short operation help item 333.
[0044] Selection of demonstration of operation item 313 will result in the displaying of demonstration of operation menu 340 that includes four items: demonstration of self testing item 341, demonstration of basic training item 342, demonstration of state-indicating parameter affecting games item 343 and demonstration help item 344.
[0045] Selection of tutorial item 314 will result the initiation of a tutorial, adapted to guide the user about the using of compact mobile device 200.
[0046] Selection of biofeedback main menu help item 315 will result the displaying of biofeedback main menu help screen 910. [0047] Figure 5 illustrates parts of interface 300 springing from full operation menu 320 that is described in figure 4. The results of selecting each of the items of full operation menu 320 are hereby described.
[0048] Selection of full operation help item 325 will result the displaying of full operation help screen 911.
[0049] Selection of self testing item 321 will result the displaying of self testing menu 350 that includes three items: self testing of galvanic skin response (denoted as ST GSR) item 351, self testing of heart rate variability (denoted as ST HRV) item 352 and self testing help item 353. Selection of self testing of galvanic skin response item 351 will result in the starting of measurement of the galvanic skin response of the user. Selection of heart rate variability item 352 will result the starting of measurement of heart rate variability. Selection of self testing help item 353 will result the displaying of self testing help screen 913.
[0050] Selection of basic training item 322 will result the displaying of basic training menu 360, that includes four items: basic training in controlling galvanic skin response (denoted as BT GSR) item 361, basic training in controlling heart rate variability (denoted as BT HRV) item 362, basic training in controlling skin temperature (denoted as BT TEMP) item 363 and basic training help item 364. Selection of basic training in controlling galvanic skin response item 361 will result in the displaying of basic training in controlling galvanic skin response menu (not shown) , in which the user is offered to choose from multiple galvanic skin response control training procedures, collectively denoted as 365. Selection of basic training in controlling heart rate variability item 362 will result in the displaying of basic training in controlling heart rate variability menu (not shown), in which the user is offered to choose from multiple heart rate variability control training procedures, collectively denoted as 366 (some of those training procedures are referred to at the closing of the description of method 400 in figure 8, and at the description of method 800 in figure 9). Selection of basic training in controlling skin temperature item 363 will result in the displaying of basic training in controlling skin temperature menu (not shown), in which the user is offered to choose from multiple skin temperature control training procedures, such as hand warming training procedure 367. Selection of basic training help item 364 will result the displaying of basic training help screen 914.
[0051] Selection of advanced training item 323 will result the displaying of advanced training menu 370 that includes three items: state-indicating parameter affecting games item 371, coping games item 372 and advance training help item 373. Selection of state-indicating parameter affecting games item 371 will result in the displaying of state-indicating parameter affecting games menu (not shown) , in which the user is offered to choose from multiple state-indicating parameter affecting games, collectively denoted as 375. Selection of coping games item 372 will result in the displaying of coping games menu (not shown) , in which the user is offered to choose from multiple coping games, collectively denoted as 376. Selection of advance training help item 373 will result the displaying of advanced training help screen 915.
[0052] Selection of displaying an archive of previously recorded data (denoted as History) item 324 will result a displaying an archive of previously recorded data menu (not shown) in which the user is offered to choose from at least one display of previously recorded data (not shown) . Such displaying on an archive is useful, for example, in order for the user to access the level of control over at least one physiological parameter he or she have mastered.
[0053] Figure 6 illustrates parts of interface 300 springing from short operation menu 330 that is described in figure 4. The results of selecting each of the items of short operation menu 330 are hereby described.
[0054] Selection of short operation help item 333 will result the displaying of short operation help screen 912. [0055] Selection of galvanic skin response related activities item 331 will result the displaying of galvanic skin response related activities menu 380, that includes four items: self testing of galvanic skin response (denoted as ST GSR) item 381, basic training in controlling galvanic skin response (denoted as BT GSR) 382, galvanic skin response affecting games (denoted as GSR games) item 383, and galvanic skin response related activities help 384. Selection of self testing of galvanic skin response item 381 will result in the starting of measurement of the galvanic skin response of the user. Selection of basic training in controlling galvanic skin response item 382 will result in the displaying of basic training in controlling galvanic skin response menu (not shown), in which the user is offered to choose from multiple galvanic skin response control training procedures, collectively denoted as 365. Selection of galvanic skin response affecting games 383 will result the displaying of galvanic skin response affecting games menu (not shown) in which the user is offered to choose from at least one galvanic skin response affecting games, such as galvanic skin response affecting games 385 and 386. Selection of galvanic skin response related activities help 384 will result the displaying of galvanic skin response related activities help screen 917. [0056] Selection of heart rate variability related activities item 331 will result the displaying of heart rate variability related activities menu 390, that includes three items: basic training in controlling heart rate variability (denoted as BT HRV) item 391, heart rate variability affecting games (denoted as HRV games) item 392, and heart rate variability related activities help item 393. Selection of basic training in controlling heart rate variability item 391 will result in the displaying of basic training in controlling heart rate variability menu (not shown), in which the user is offered to choose from multiple heart rate variability control training procedures, collectively denoted as 366. Selection of heart rate variability affecting games will result the displaying of heart rate variability affecting games menu (not shown) in which the user is offered to choose from at least one heart rate variability affecting games, such as heart rate variability affecting games 395 and 396. Selection of heart rate variability related activities help item 393 will result the displaying of heart rate variability related activities help screen 918.
[0057] Figures 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate help screens that are shown to the user in response to selection of predetermined items of interface 300, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0058] Figure 7a illustrates four help screens: full operation help screen 911, short operation help screen 912, self testing help screen 913, and basic training help screen 914. Self testing help screen 913 offers the user to display two additional help screens, galvanic skin response self test help screen 921 and heart rate variability self test help screen 922. Basic training help screen 914 offers the user to display three additional help screens, galvanic skin response basic training
1? help screen 923, heart rate variability basic training help screen 924 and skin temperature basic training help screen 925. [0059] Figure 7b illustrates four help screens: advanced training help screen 915, galvanic skin response related activities help screen 917, heart rate variability related activities help screen 918, and understanding galvanic skin response self test result help screen 920. Galvanic skin response related activities help screen 917 offers the user to display two additional help screens, galvanic skin response self test help screen 921 and galvanic skin response basic training help screen 923. Heart rate variability related activities help screen 918 offers the user to display two additional help screens, heart rate variability basic training help screen 924, and galvanic skin response affecting games help screen (not shown ) .
[0060] Figure 7c illustrates five help screens: galvanic skin response self test help screen 921, heart rate variability self test help screen 922, galvanic skin response basic training help screen 923, heart rate variability basic training help screen 924 and skin temperature basic training help screen 925.
[0061] Figure 8 illustrates method 400 for affecting a state of a user according to an embodiment of the invention. [0062] Method 400 starts with stage 410 of instructing the user by a compact mobile device to perform an act. Such acts may include breathing in different manners, concentrating on an outside object, and reading text, and the like. It is noted that the mentioned acts were offered by way of example only, and were not intended to limit the scope of the invention by any way. [0063] Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the instructing is carried out by output component 220, such as by displaying information on screen 222. Referring to the same examples, further instructing is conveniently carried out by playing spoken instruction by speaker 224. [0064] Stage 410 is followed by stage 420 of detecting physiological information of the user by at least one
17 physiological sensor that belongs to the compact mobile device. Examples for physiological sensors are heart rate variability (HRV) sensor, galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor, skin temperature sensor, and a plurality of other physiological sensors that are known in the art. It is noted that the mentioned types of sensors were offered by way of example only, and were not intended to limit the scope of the invention by any way.
[0065] Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the detecting is carried out by physiological sensor 240. Referring to the same examples, heart rate variability information is detected by heart rate variability sensor 242, galvanic skin response information is detected by galvanic skin response sensor 244, and skin temperature information is detected by skin temperature sensor 226.
[0066] It is noted that the detecting may include detecting by an at least one additional sensor, which is not specifically adapted to detect physiological information. It is further noted that such additional sensor may be put to use, in addition to the physiological sensor, in all or some of the following stages of method 400, even if not specifically mentioned. [0067] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 420 includes stage 421 of responding to a request from the user. The responding includes the initiation of method 400 in response to an explicit input received from the user. Conveniently, the explicit input is the selection of a specific command from a dedicated menu in an interface of the compact mobile device. It is noted that the explicit input may take many other forms which are known in the art.
[0068] Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the responding is conveniently carried out by responding to a request from the user received by input component 230, such as by using keyboard 232 to navigate interface 300. Referring to the same examples, further responding is conveniently carried out by responding to a request from the user received by microphone 234. [0069] Stage 420 is followed by stage 430 of determining in the compact mobile device at least one state-indicating parameter of the user, in response to detected physiological information.
[0070] Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the detection is carried out in compact mobile device 200, by processor 210, according to physiological information that was detected by physiological sensor 240.
[0071] According to an embodiment of the invention, in which the compact mobile device includes at least two sensors, stage 430 includes stage 431 of manipulating physiological information that was detected by a first physiological sensor, in response to information detected by at least one second sensor, that can either be a physiological sensor, or any other sensor. [0072] Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the calculating is carried out by processor 210, according to physiological information that was detected by at least two physiological sensors 240.
[0073] For example, changes in a pressure sensor data are related to the mechanical state of the sensor (i.e. the way in which the pressure is transferred via a mechanical interface to the sensor). This state can affect the measurement of the sensor and of other sensors. Thus, the state of one sensor can affect the state of another sensor. These affects are taken into account when determining in response to the physiological information detected by the physiological sensors. The mechanical state can be used to compensate deviations of the other measurements.
[0074] Considering the benefits of a detailed example, and not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, we hereby set forth an embodiment of the invention, in which two physiological sensors are used for detecting: a heart rate variability sensor and a galvanic skin resistance sensor, simultaneously. The response period of these two sensors is substantially the same, thus, if the mechanical environment of both of them is the same, change in analog signal in one of the physiological sensors is to be reflected to the other, and vice versa. A common heart rate variability sensor includes an analog transducer with peak estimator to measure the inter-beat interval (IBI) of the user. The interval between two successive peaks, which is the time between two successive heartbeats, is the relevant information for a heart rate variability sensor. If, in addition to peak estimating, the level of the analog signal is averaged, the result is a value which is proportional to a Equality of touch' . This value can be normalized to a known scale, which can use to estimate how firmly is the user holding the sensor (based on the fact that the level of the heart peaks is not changing dramatically in time, in a stable environment) . Compensation to the changes in the galvanic skin response which are related to mechanical environment and not directly to the real physiological changes will be carried out in response to this 'quality of touch' parameter.
[0075] Stage 430 is followed by stage 440 of deciding, in response to at least one state-indicating parameter, whether to repeat at least one of the stages of instructing, detecting and determining.
[0076] Conveniently the deciding includes deciding to repeat at least one of the stages of instructing, detecting and determining, until at least one dedicated condition is fulfilled, wherein the dedicated condition is responsive to at least one state-indicating parameter.
[0077] It is noted that the decision can be responsive a change in the state of the user. Conveniently, an expected or desired state of the user is predefined and the deciding depends upon achieving the desired state. If the desired state was not reached then any stage of stages 410-440 can be repeated. According to another embodiment of the invention even if a desired state was achieved any stage of stage 410-440 can be repeated, although the instruction given to the user can change. It is further noted that the same can apply to a definition of multiple desired states and to a decision whether one of the desired states was reached. [0078] According to different embodiments of the invention, method 400 includes many instances of multitasking. It is noted that any subgroup of the stages of instructing, detecting, determining and deciding may include two or more stages that are carried out concurrently, either fully or partly.
[0079] For example, and in no way intending to limit the scope of the invention, the instructing may be carried out, fully or partly, concurrent to the detecting. The detecting may be carried out, fully or partly, concurrent to either of the other stages, and so forth.
[0080] According to an embodiment of the invention, method 400 further includes stage 450 of informing the user of at least one state-indicating parameter. The informing may be executed in many different ways known in the art.
[0081] Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the informing is carried out by using output component 220, such as displaying information on screen 222. Referring to the same examples, further informing is conveniently carried out by playing sounds or spoken information by speaker 224. [0082] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 450 includes stage 451 of displaying to the user a scale of possible values of the state-indicating parameter and an indicator, wherein a location of the indicator in relation to the scale represents a state of the user.
[0083] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 451 includes stage 454 of displaying on the scale the margins of at least one range of values . According to another embodiment of the invention, stage 451 includes stage of 455 of enabling the user to change the margins of at least one range of values. [0084] Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, stage 450 includes displaying to the user scale 120 and indicator 122, and possibly also minimal galvanic skin response value 127, and of maximal galvanic skin response value 128.
[0085] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 450 includes stage 456 of displaying a curve representative of actual values of the state-indicating parameter during at least a portion of the determining.
[0086] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 456 includes stage 457 of displaying to the user, beside the curve, a scale of possible values of the state-indicating parameter, wherein a location of the indicator in relation to the scale represents a state of the user.
[0087] Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, stage 456 includes displaying graphic display 100 which includes curve 102, scale 104 and indicator 106.
[0088] It is noted that the mentioned alternatives to execute the informing were offered as examples only, and that the informing may take many other forms, as will be appreciated by any person skilled in the field.
[0089] It is noted that the informing may be carried out concurrently, fully or partly, to any of the other stages, which are explicitly instructing, detecting, determining and deciding.
For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the informing is concurrent, fully or partly, to the instructing.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the informing is concurrent, fully or partly, to the detecting. Detailed view of methods that implement those two embodiment will be offered below.
[0090] According to an embodiment of the invention, method
400 further includes requesting the user to pay attention to a media stream that is designed to affect the state-indicating parameter of the user.
[0091] According to an embodiment of the invention, the instructing includes synchronizing between a display of text to be read by the user and a generation of instructions to perform an action by the user.
[0092] According to an embodiment of the invention, the instructing includes requesting, at a first point in time, the user to concentrate on a body organ of the user; and requesting, at a second point in time that differs from the first point in time, the user to concentrate on another body organ. [0093] According to an embodiment of the invention, the instructing includes requesting the user to look around, to choose an interesting object and to describe the interesting object in detail.
[0094] Figure 9 illustrates method 800 for affecting a state of a user, by facilitating breathing in self coherence ratio of the user.
[0095] Method 800 starts with stage 810 of instructing the user by a compact mobile device to regulate the breathing of the user according to a breathing rate. Conveniently, at a first point in time the breathing rate is initially determined as nine breathes per minute.
[0096] According to an embodiment of the invention, the instructing includes stage 811 of requesting the user to breath in accordance with an interactive breathing pacing bar; wherein the requesting comprises requesting the user to inhale in accordance with a first transforming of the interactive breathing bar, and to exhale in accordance with a second transforming of the interactive breathing bar. For example, the user may be requested to inhale when a vertical interactive breathing pacing bar is raising, and to exhale when the vertical interactive breathing pacing bar is lowering. It is noted that the instructing may take many other forms known in the literature, such as to synchronize the breathing of the user with audio signals, and many other forms known in the literature .
[0097] Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the instructions and the interactive breathing pacing bar are carried out by output component 220. Conveniently, the instructions and the interactive breathing pacing bar are displayed on screen 222 of compact mobile device 201. [0098] Stage 810 is followed by stage 820 of detecting heart rate variability of the user by a heart rate variability sensor that belongs to the compact mobile device. Referring to the
1Q examples set forward in the previous drawings, the detecting is carried out by heart rate variability sensor 242 that belongs to compact mobile device 201.
[0099] Stage 820 is followed by stage 830 of determining by the compact mobile device the self coherence rate of the user, in response to heart rate variability detected in the detecting. [00100] Stage 830 includes stage 831 of determining the ratio between power in the low-frequency (LF) and power in the high- frequency (HF) regions in a spectral analysis of the heart rate variability (LF/HF ratio). LF/HF ratio is widely used to assess the balance between cardiovagal and sympathetic activity. [00101] Stage 840 is followed by stage of deciding, in response to the LF/HF ratio of the user, whether to repeat the instructing, detecting and determining stages.
[00102] Stage 840 includes stage 841 of redefining a first breathing rate. Conveniently the first breathing rate is being gradually decrease, from a first level of about nine breathes per minute, to a level of about five breathes per minute. The range of 5-7 breathes per minute is conveniently scanned, to in order to find the self coherence ratio of the user. [00103] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 840 further includes stage 842 of defining a second breathing rate, in response to the self coherence ratio of the user. After the self coherence rate of the user is determined, the user is instructed to keep breathing according to the second breathing rate. Conveniently, the second breathing rate is determined to be equal to determined self coherence rate.
[00104] Figure 10 illustrates method 500 for affecting a state of a user, by executing a user galvanic skin response self testing.
[00105] Referring to method 400 as described above and as illustrated in figure 8, Method 500 includes multiple instances of the stages of instructing, detecting, determining, deciding and instructing, as were described above. As further emphasized in the descriptions of method 400, any subgroup of the occurrences of the instructing, detecting, determining, deciding
90 and instructing stages can be carried out in a concurrent manner, either wholly concurrently or partly concurrently. [00106] Method 500 includes many instances in which occurrences of the stages of instructing, detecting, determining, deciding and instructing can be carried out at least partly concurrently. In order to give a clear and unequivocal account of method 500, the method will be divided to steps, wherein every step is consisting of at least one occurrence of at least one out of the instructing, detecting, determining, deciding and instructing stages.
[00107] Method 500 starts with step 510 of instructing the user, by the compact mobile device, to user concentrates without moving. Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the instructions in step 510 and in all the following steps are presented to the user by output component 220, e.g. by being displayed on screen 222.
[00108] Step 510 further included an initiation of the detecting of galvanic skin response of the user by a galvanic skin response sensor that belongs to a compact mobile device. Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the detecting in step 510 and in all the following steps is carried out by galvanic skin response sensor 244 of compact mobile device 201. It is noted that additional sensor, either physiological sensors or any other sensors, may also take part in the detecting. According to an embodiment of the invention, the stage of detecting that is initiated during step 510 is carried out through all of the steps of method 500. [00109] Step 510 further includes the determining of a normalized value of a galvanic skin response of the user, in response to the galvanic skin response of the user as measured by the galvanic skin response sensor. Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the determining in step 510 and in all the following steps is carried out by processor 210. According to an embodiment of the invention, the stage of determining that is initiated during step 510 is carried out through all of the steps of method 500.
91 ] Step ur er inc u es e in orming or tne user o the normalized value of the detected galvanic skin response, by displaying a curve representative of actual values of the normalized galvanic skin response during at least a portion of the determining.
[00111] According to an embodiment of the invention, the displaying includes displaying beside the curve a scale of possible normalized galvanic skin response values of and an indicator; wherein a location of the indicator, in relation to the scale represents a state of the user. Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the informing in step 510 and in all the following steps is carried out by- displaying the curve on screen 222. According to an embodiment of the invention, the stage of informing that is initiated during step 510 is carried out through all of the steps of method 500.
[00112] Referring to the examples set forward in figure 10, the informing includes displaying to the user graphic display 100; wherein curve 102 on graphic display 100 is representing normalized galvanic skin response with regard to time. The displaying includes displaying scale 104 of possible normalized galvanic skin response values in graphic display 100, and indicator 106 wherein a location of indicator 106 in relation to scale 104 represents a state of the user.
[00113] Step 510 further includes a first deciding of proceeding to step 520. Conveniently the first deciding is carried out in response to the duration of step 510, and/or to a first condition that is responsive to the galvanic skin response of the user. According to an embodiment of the invention, the first deciding is made after a first predetermined time. According to an embodiment of the invention, the first predetermined time is 30 seconds.
[00114] Step 510 is followed by step 520 of forewarning the user about at least one cognitive task. The forewarning essentially includes the instructing of the user by the compact mobile device to prepare himself for a cognitive task. Conveniently, at least one of the stages of detecting, determining and informing is carried out during the forewarning. Conveniently, at least one of the stages of detecting, determining and informing is carried out without intermission since step 510.
[00115] Step 520 further includes a second deciding of proceeding to step 530. Conveniently, the second deciding is carried out in response to the duration of step 530, and/or to a second condition that is responsive to the galvanic skin response of the user. According to an embodiment of the invention, the second deciding is made after a second predetermined time. According to an embodiment of the invention, the second predetermined time is 10 seconds.
[00116] Step 520 is followed by step 530 of assigning the user a cognitive task. The assigning essentially includes the ordering of the user by the compact mobile device to engage in the cognitive task. An example of a cognitive task is a mathematical task, such as to calculate the product of two numbers (e.g. 26 x 31 = ?). The assigning further includes an expecting for at least one answer from the user.
[00117] Conveniently, at least one of the stages of detecting, determining and informing is carried out during the assigning. Conveniently, at least one of the stages of detecting, determining and informing is carried out without intermission since the forewarning.
[00118] The assigning further includes a third deciding of proceeding to step 540. Conveniently, the third deciding is carried out in response to the duration of step 530, and/or to a third condition that is responsive to the galvanic skin response of the user, and/or to an input based condition. According to an embodiment of the invention, the third deciding in response to an input based condition that is responsive to the answer given by the user. According to an embodiment of the invention, the third deciding is made after a third predetermined time. According to an embodiment of the invention, the third predetermined time is 30 seconds. [00119] According to an embodiment of the invention, step 530 is followed by step 540 of arousing the user. Conveniently, the arousing includes a generating of a first media stimulation by the compact mobile device, and a directing of the user by the compact mobile device to perceive the first media stimulation. Step 540 essentially includes the outputing of the first media stimulation. Examples of a first media stimulation are an awakening video clip and an awakening sound clip. [00120] Conveniently, at least one of the stages of detecting, determining and informing is carried out during the arousing. Conveniently, at least one of the stages of detecting, determining and informing is carried out without intermission since the assigning.
[00121] The arousing further includes a fourth deciding of proceeding to step 550. Conveniently, the fourth deciding is carried out in response to the duration of step 540, and/or to a fourth condition that is responsive to the galvanic skin response of the user, and/or to an input based condition. According to an embodiment of the invention, the fourth deciding in response to an input based condition that is responsive to the answer given by the user. According to an embodiment of the invention, the fourth deciding is made after a fourth predetermined time. According to an embodiment of the invention, the fourth predetermined time is 20 seconds.
[00122] It is noted that according to an embodiment of the invention, the step of arousing may be skipped.
[00123] Step 540 is followed by step 550 of relaxing of the user, which essentially includes instructing of the user by the compact mobile device to perform a relaxing act. According to an embodiment of the invention, the relaxing act is to take at least one very deep breath to the chest.
[00124] Conveniently, at least one of the stages of detecting, determining and informing is carried out during the relaxing of the user. Conveniently, at least one of the stages of detecting, determining and informing is carried out without intermission since the arousing. [00125] The arousing further includes a fifth deciding of proceeding to step 560. Conveniently, the fifth deciding is carried out in response to the duration of step 550, and/or to a fifth condition that is responsive to the galvanic skin response of the user, and/or to an input based condition. According to an embodiment of the invention, the fifth deciding in response to an input based condition that is responsive to the answer given by the user. According to an embodiment of the invention, the fifth deciding is made after a fifth predetermined time. According to an embodiment of the invention, the fifth predetermined time is 20 seconds.
[00126] According to an embodiment of the invention, step 550 is followed by step 560 of showing to the user the results of the galvanic skin response self testing. The showing includes the providing to user of the normalized value of the detected galvanic skin response in different moments of the galvanic skin response self testing. Conveniently the providing is carried out by displaying to the user a curve representative of actual normalized values of the galvanic skin response during at least a portion of the determining. Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the informing in step 560 is carried out by displaying the curve on screen 222. [00127] Referring to the examples set forward in figure 10, the informing of step 560 includes displaying to the user graphic display 110; wherein curve 112 on graphic display 110 is representing the actual normalized values of the galvanic skin response during at least a portion of the determining. Multiple labels collectively denoted as 114 indicates different steps of the galvanic skin response self testing.
[00128] Conveniently, showing to the user the results includes offering the user options regarding the results. Examples of such options are saving the results, discarding the results, getting help regarding the results and quitting the galvanic skin response self testing.
?s [00129] Figure 11 illustrates a method 600 for affecting a state of a user, by executing a user galvanic skin response basic training.
[00130] Referring to method 400 as described above and as illustrated in figure 8, Method 600 includes multiple instances of the stages of instructing, detecting, determining, deciding and instructing, as were described above. As further emphasized in the descriptions of method 400, any subgroup of the occurrences of the instructing, detecting, determining, deciding and instructing stages can be carried out at least partly concurrently.
[00131] Method 600 includes many instances in which occurrences of the stages of instructing, detecting, determining, deciding and instructing can be carried out at least partly concurrently. In order to give a clear and unequivocal account of method 600, the method will be divided to steps, wherein every step is consisting of at least one occurrence of at least one stage out of the instructing, detecting, determining, deciding and instructing stages. [00132] Method 600 starts with step 610 of calibrating and calculating the average galvanic skin response. Step 610 includes an initiation of the detecting of galvanic skin response of the user by a galvanic skin response sensor that belongs to a compact mobile device. Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the detecting in step 610 and in all the following steps is carried out by galvanic skin response sensor 244 of compact mobile device 201. According to an embodiment of the invention, the stage of detecting that is initiated during step 610 is carried out through all of the steps of method 600.
[00133] Step 610 further includes the determining of the average galvanic skin response of the user, in response to the galvanic skin response of the user as measured by the galvanic skin response sensor. Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the determining in step 610 and in all the following steps is carried out by processor 210. According to an embodiment of the invention, the stage of determining that is initiated during step 610 is carried out through all of the steps of method 600.
[00134] According to an embodiment of the invention, step 610 may further includes the informing of the user of the value of the detected galvanic skin response. Conveniently, the informing includes the displaying to the user a scale of possible normalized galvanic skin response values and an indicator; wherein a location of the indicator in relation to the scale represents a state of the user.
[00135] Referring to the examples set forward in the previous drawings, the informing in step 610 and in all the following steps is carried out by output component 220. According to an embodiment of the invention, the informing is carried out by displaying the curve on screen 222. According to an embodiment of the invention, the stage of informing that is initiated during step 610 is carried out through all of the steps of method 600.
[00136] Referring to the examples set forward in figure 11, the informing includes displaying to the user scale 120 of normalized galvanic skin response values, and indicator 122. According to an embodiment of the invention, the displaying further includes the marking of minimal measured normalized galvanic skin response 124 and maximal measured normalized galvanic skin response 126.
[00137] Step 610 further includes a first deciding of proceeding to step 620. Conveniently, the first deciding is carried out in response to the duration of step 610, and/or to a first condition that is responsive to the galvanic skin response of the user. According to an embodiment of the invention, the first deciding is made after a first predetermined time. According to an embodiment of the invention, the first predetermined time is 10 seconds.
[00138] Step 610 is followed by step 620 of displaying a target zone on the scale. The displaying includes a determining of the target zone, in response to the determined average
97 galvanic skin response value. Conveniently, the target zone is determined to cover the area between a minimal galvanic skin response value and a maximal galvanic skin response value, which are calculated in response to the determined average galvanic skin response value. Conveniently, the minimal galvanic skin response value and the maximal galvanic skin response value are determined to deviate from the average galvanic skin response value by predetermined proportions. Conveniently, the minimal galvanic skin response value is equal to 80 percents of the average galvanic skin response value, and the maximal galvanic skin response value is equal to 120 percents of the average galvanic skin response value.
[00139] Referring to the examples set forward in figure 11, the displaying of the target zone includes the displaying of target zone 136, of minimal galvanic skin response value 127, and of maximal galvanic skin response value 128.
[00140] Conveniently, at least one of the stages of detecting, determining and informing is carried out during the step 620. Conveniently, at least one of the stages of detecting, determining and informing is carried out without intermission since step 610.
[00141] According to an embodiment of the invention, step 620 includes instructing of the user by the compact mobile device to perform at least one act, on occasions in which the measured galvanic skin response value is higher than maximal galvanic skin response value 128, or lower than minimal galvanic skin response value 127. According to an embodiment of the invention, when the measured galvanic skin response value is higher than maximal galvanic skin response value 128, the instructing is to shift the attention of the user, e.g. by looking around, choosing an interesting object and describing the interesting object. According to an embodiment of the invention, when the measured galvanic skin response value is lower than minimal galvanic skin response value 127, the instructing is to energize the user.
oc [00142] In embodiments of the invention that includes the marking of minimal measured normalized galvanic skin . response 123 and maximal measured normalized galvanic skin response 124, step 620 may include an updating of the minimal measured normalized galvanic skin response 123 and maximal measured normalized galvanic skin response 124 in response to the determining.
[00143] Step 620 further includes a second deciding of proceeding to step 630. Conveniently, the second deciding is carried out in response to the duration of step 630, and/or to a second condition that is responsive to the galvanic skin response of the user. According to an embodiment of the invention, the second deciding is made after a second predetermined time. According to an embodiment of the invention, the second predetermined time is 60 seconds.
[00144] Step 620 is followed by step 630 of enabling the user to alter the margins of the target zone. Step 630 includes the instructing of the user how to alter the margins of the target zone. Step 630 further includes the altering of the margins of the target zone in response to orders received from the user by an input component. Conveniently, different keys on a keyboard are assigned to the altering of each of the minimal galvanic skin response value and the maximal galvanic skin response value .
[00145] Conveniently, step 630 includes offering the user options regarding the results. Examples of such options are saving the results, discarding the results, getting help regarding the results and guitting the galvanic skin response self testing.
[00146] Figure 12 illustrates graphic display 130, according to an embodiment of the invention. Graphic display 130 includes scale 132 of possible values of a state-indicating parameter, and indicator 134, wherein a location of indicator 134 in relation to scale 132 represents a state of the user. Notches, such as notches 136 ( 1 ) -136 (n) , are indicated along scale 132 in
OQ order to facilitate the reading of the location of indicator 134.
[00147] Graphic display 130 further includes bar display 138 that indicated the current measured normalized value of the state-indicating parameter. Bar display 138 includes indicator 140, wherein a location of indicator 140 in relation to bar display 138 represents a state of the user. According to embodiment of the invention, bar display 138 further include numeric display 142, which is a numeric illustration of the current measured normalized value of the state-indicating parameter.
[00148] Graphic display 130 further includes state-indicative display 144, that includes multiple state-indicative zones, such as state-indicative zones 146 ( 1 )-146 (n) . A state-indicative description is assigned to each of the state-indicative zones 146 ( l)-146(n) , and is specified in instructions 148. At any given moment, one or more of state-indicative zones 146(1)- 146 (n) is highlighted or otherwise distinguished, in order to provide to the user indication of the current state of the user. [00149] Graphic display 130 further includes timer 150, in which an overall time indicator 152 and current time indicator 154 provides to the user indications of the duration a step. [00150] It is noted that according to an embodiment of the invention, graphic display 130 exclude one or more of scale 132, bar display 138, state-indicative display 144, and timer 150. It is further noted that different displays may include additional graphic components, other than graphic display 130 exclude one or more of scale 132, bar display 138, state-indicative display 144, and timer 150. Examples of such additional graphic components are described in the descriptions of figures 10 and 11, but it is noted that many other displays can be easy embodied in the invention, as will be easily apprehended by any person skilled at the art.
[00151] It is noted that physiological information and/or state indicating parameters can be provided as input to games (either tailored for bio-feedback or other games such as existing computer games) such as to affect the performance or measurement or scoring of the player. This input can affect the difficulty level of the game, or other characteristics of the game such as to be responsive to the state of the user. The player can also be referred to a methodology/protocol guiding/training to exercise biofeedback related exercises to improve his game performance.
[00152] The present invention can be practiced by employing conventional tools, methodology and components. Accordingly, the details of such tools, component and methodology are not set forth herein in detail. In the previous descriptions, numerous specific details are set forth, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it should be recognized that the present invention might be practiced without resorting to the details specifically set forth.
[00153] Only exemplary embodiments of the present invention and but a few examples of its versatility are shown and described in the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the present invention is capable of use in various other combinations and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.
11

Claims

We Claim :
1. A method for affecting a state of a user, the method comprises : instructing the user, by a compact device, to perform an act; detecting physiological information of the user by at least one physiological sensor that belongs to the compact device; determining, by the compact device, a state- indicating parameter that is indicative of the state of the user, in response to at least a portion of the physiological information; and deciding, in response to the state-indicating parameter, whether to repeat at least one stage out of the instructing, detecting and determining stages.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises informing the user of the state- indicating parameter; wherein a timing of the informing at least partly overlaps a timing of the detecting.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises a stage of informing the user of at least one state-indicating parameter; wherein the timing of the informing overlaps at least partly a timing of the instructing.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the timing of the instructing overlaps at least partly a timing of the detecting.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises informing the user of the state- indicating parameter; wherein the informing comprises
31 displaying to the user a scale of possible values of the state-indicating parameter and an indicator; wherein a location of the indicator in relation to the scale represents a state of the user.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the informing comprises displaying on the scale the margins of at least one range of values.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the informing comprises enabling the user to change the margins of at least one range of values.
8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the informing further comprising displaying a curve representative of actual values of the state-indicating parameter during at least a portion of the determining.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: forewarning the user about at least one cognitive task; ordering the user, by the compact device, to engage in the cognitive task; assigning the cognitive task to the user by the compact device; and an expecting for at least one answer from the user.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the timing of the detecting at least partly overlaps the timing of the instructing and a timing of the expecting.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises generating a first media stimulation; wherein the generating is following the expecting.
12. The method according to claim 10 wherein the expecting is followed by a requesting of the user to perform a relaxing act.
35
13. The method according to claim 3, wherein the instructing comprises requesting the user to play a state-indicating parameter affecting game; and concurrently displaying to the user a game related image and graphical indication of a current value of the state-indicating parameter.
14. The method according to claim 1, further comprising requesting the user to pay attention to a media stream that is designed to affect the state-indicating parameter of the user.
15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the instructing comprises synchronizing between a display of text to be read by the user and instructions to perform an action by the user.
16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the instructing comprises requesting, at a first point in time, the user to concentrate on a body organ of the user; and requesting, at a second point in time that differs from the first point in time, the user to concentrate on another body organ.
17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the instructing comprises requesting the user to look around, to choose an interesting object and to describe the interesting object in detail.
18. A method for affecting a state of a user, the method comprises : instructing the user, by a device, to perform an act; detecting physiological information of the user by at least one physiological sensor that belongs to the device;
3H determining, by the device, a state-indicating parameter that is indicative of the state of the user, in response to at least a portion of the physiological information; and deciding, in response to the state-indicating parameter, whether to repeat at least one stage out of the instructing, detecting and determining stages; wherein the instructing comprises requesting the user to regulate a breathing of the user according to a breathing rate; wherein the breathing rate is redefined from time to time; wherein the breathing rate gradually covers a range between about nine breathes per minute and about five breathes per minute .
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the instructing comprises requesting the user to breath in accordance with an interactive breathing pacing bar; wherein the requesting comprises requesting the user to inhale in accordance with a first transforming of the interactive breathing bar, and to exhale in accordance with a second transforming of the interactive breathing bar.
20. A compact device, comprising: a physiological sensor; an output component; an input component; and a processor which is adapted to determine at least one state-indicating parameter of a user, in response to physiological information detected by the physiological sensor; wherein the processor is
3ώ coupled to the physiological sensor, to the output component and to the input component .
21. The compact device according to claim 20, wherein the output component is adapted to output information regarding at least one state-indicating parameter, received from the processor; wherein the processor is adapted to handle physiological information, received from the physiological sensor, concurrently to an output of at least one state-indicating parameter carried out by the output component .
22. The compact device according to claim 20, wherein the output component is adapted to output information regarding at least one state-indicating parameter, received from the processor; wherein the output component is adapted to concurrently output instructions and at least one state-indicating parameter.
23. The compact device according to claim 20, wherein the output component is adapted to output information regarding at least one state-indicating parameter concurrently to detection of physiological information carried out by the physiological sensor.
24. The compact device according to claim 20, wherein the output component is adapted to display to the user a scale of possible values of the state-indicating parameter and an indicator that indicates an actual value of the state-indicating parameter out of the possible values.
25. The compact device according to claim 24, wherein the output component is further adapted to display on the scale margins of at least one range of values .
26. The compact device according to claim 25, wherein the compact device is adapted to change the margins of the at least one range of values in response to input from the user.
27. The compact device according to claim 24, wherein the output component is further adapted to display a curve representative of actual values of the state- indicating parameter during at least a portion of the determining .
28. The compact device according to claim 20, wherein the compact device is adapted to forewarn the user about at least one cognitive task; to order the user to engage in the cognitive task; to assign the cognitive task to the user; and to receive at least one answer from the user.
29. The compact device according to claim 28, wherein the compact device is adapted to detect physiological information concurrently to the assignment of the cognitive task.
30. The compact device according to claim 22, wherein the output component is adapted to display a state- indicating parameter affecting game related image, and to display a graphical indication of a current value of the state-indicating parameter;
31. The compact device according to claim 20, wherein the compact device is adapted to output a media stream that is designed to affect the state-indicating parameter of the user.
32. The compact device according to claim 20, wherein the compact device is adapted to synchronize between a
3? display of text to be read by the user and a generation of instructions to perform an action by the user.
33. The compact device according to claim 20, wherein the compact device is adapted to request, at a first point in time, the user to concentrate on a body organ of the user; and to request, at a second point in time that differs from the first point in time, the user to concentrate on another body organ.
34.A device, comprising: a physiological sensor; an output component; an input component; and a processor which is adapted to determine at least one state-indicating parameter of a user, in response to physiological information detected by the physiological sensor; wherein the processor is coupled to the physiological sensor, to the output component and to the input component; wherein the compact device is adapted to request the user to regulate the breathing of the user according to a breathing rate, and to redefine the breathing rate so as to gradually cover the range between about nine breathes per minute and about five breathes per minute.
35. The compact device according to claim 34, wherein the compact device is adapted to request the user to breath in accordance with an interactive breathing pacing bar; wherein the compact device is further adapted to conduct a first transforming and a second transforming of the interactive breathing bar.
22
PCT/IL2007/000195 2006-02-13 2007-02-13 Method and system for affecting a state of a user WO2007093988A2 (en)

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US60/772,187 2006-02-13
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