U.S. patent application number 13/111733 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-22 for methods and apparatus for nicotine delivery reduction.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEUROFOCUS, INC.. Invention is credited to Anantha Pradeep.
Application Number | 20120291791 13/111733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47174000 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120291791 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pradeep; Anantha |
November 22, 2012 |
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR NICOTINE DELIVERY REDUCTION
Abstract
A nicotine delivery reduction system includes an electronic
cigarette having a breath monitor and a flow controller. The breath
monitor detects user breath characteristics such as breath
duration, rate, depth, and strength and adjusts the amount of
nicotine delivered to the user based on user breath
characteristics. In particular examples, if the user is breathing
with more urgency, additional nicotine is delivered to the user.
The nicotine delivery reduction system also includes an interface
to allow implementation of different reduction programs based on
personal preferences and characteristics. If the user is breathing
normally, the flow controller gradually reduces the level of
nicotine delivered to the user. The nicotine delivery reduction
system maintains user breath characteristics over time to allow
reduction and possible elimination of nicotine dependence.
Neuro-response data including electroencephalography (EEG) can be
obtained and analyzed to determine the effectiveness of a nicotine
reduction program.
Inventors: |
Pradeep; Anantha; (Berkeley,
CA) |
Assignee: |
NEUROFOCUS, INC.
Berkeley
CA
|
Family ID: |
47174000 |
Appl. No.: |
13/111733 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/273 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 47/008 20130101;
A24F 40/10 20200101; A24F 40/53 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/273 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: receiving a nicotine delivery reduction
program at a flow controller included in an electronic cigarette;
reducing an amount of nicotine provided to a user according to the
nicotine delivery reduction program; monitoring breath
characteristics associated with the user; temporarily increasing
the amount of nicotine provided to the user upon detecting a change
in breath characteristics including increased breath rate and/or
increased breath depth.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of nicotine provided
is reduced by atomizing a reduced amount of nicotine solution.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of nicotine provided
is reduced by mixing nicotine solution with a non-nicotine
substance.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic cigarette includes
the flow controller, a flow monitor, a solution cartridge, and an
interface.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the electronic cigarette further
includes a processor, a memory, and a mouthpiece.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein breath characteristics are
monitored for fluctuations.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising reducing the amount of
nicotine provided to the user upon detecting decreased breath rate
and/or decreased breath depth.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising obtaining
neuro-response data including electroencephalography (EEG) data
associated with the user.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the EEG data is used to evaluate
the effectiveness of the nicotine delivery reduction program.
10. A device, comprising: an interface configured to receive a
nicotine delivery reduction program; a flow controller configured
to reduce an amount of nicotine provided to a user according to the
nicotine delivery reduction program; a flow monitor configured to
monitor breath characteristics associated with the user, wherein
the flow controller is configured to temporarily increase the
amount of nicotine provided to the user upon detecting a change in
breath characteristics including increased breath rate and/or
increased breath depth.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the amount of nicotine provided
is reduced by atomizing a reduced amount of nicotine solution.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein the amount of nicotine provided
is reduced by mixing nicotine solution with a non-nicotine
substance.
13. The device of claim 10, wherein the electronic cigarette
includes the flow controller, the flow monitor, a solution
cartridge, and the interface.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the electronic cigarette
further includes a processor, a memory, and a mouthpiece.
15. The device of claim 10, wherein breath characteristics are
monitored for fluctuations.
16. The device of claim 10, further comprising a nicotine solution
cartridge having a nicotine solution and a flavoring solution.
17. The device of claim 10, further comprising a nicotine solution
cartridge having multiple nicotine solutions with different
nicotine concentrations.
18. The device of claim 10, further comprising memory configured to
maintain the nicotine delivery reduction program.
19. The device of claim 10, further comprising an atomizer
configured to convert a nicotine solution into vapor.
20. An electronic cigarette, comprising: means for receiving a
nicotine delivery reduction program at a flow controller included
in an electronic cigarette; means for reducing the amount of
nicotine provided to the user according to the nicotine delivery
reduction program; means for monitoring breath characteristics
associated with the user; means for temporarily increasing the
amount of nicotine provided to the user upon detecting a change in
breath characteristics including increased breath rate and/or
increased breath depth.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for
nicotine delivery reduction.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Conventional systems for nicotine delivery reduction are
limited. In some instances, nicotine patches may be used to reduce
a user's nicotine intake by allowing the user to select a patch
with the desired level of nicotine. The user can gradually step
down to patches with lower levels of nicotine. A user may also
select cigarettes having lower nicotine levels or simply reduce the
number of cigarettes consumed. However, each of these mechanisms
has a number of shortcomings when it comes to reducing nicotine
levels.
[0003] Consequently, it is desirable to provide improved mechanisms
for nicotine delivery reduction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The disclosure may best be understood by reference to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, which illustrate particular example embodiments.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an electronic cigarette
with an interface.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates one example of an electronic cigarette
having nicotine delivery reduction capability.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a technique for
implementing a nicotine delivery reduction system.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of nicotine reduction
adjustment.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a technique for analyzing
effectiveness of nicotine reduction plans.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a system for performing
analysis.
DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS
[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to some specific
examples of the invention including the best modes contemplated by
the inventors for carrying out the invention. Examples of these
specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific
embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit
the invention to the described embodiments. On the contrary, it is
intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as
may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
[0012] For example, the techniques and mechanisms of the present
invention will be described in the context of particular devices
and solutions. However, it should be noted that some of the
techniques and mechanisms can be applied to device and solution
variations. In the following description, numerous specific details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
present invention. Particular example embodiments of the present
invention may be implemented without some or all of these specific
details. In other instances, well known process operations have not
been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the
present invention.
[0013] Various techniques and mechanisms of the present invention
will sometimes be described in singular form for clarity. However,
it should be noted that some embodiments include multiple
iterations of a technique or multiple instantiations of a mechanism
unless noted otherwise. For example, a system uses a processor in a
variety of contexts. However, it will be appreciated that a system
can use multiple processors while remaining within the scope of the
present invention unless otherwise noted. Furthermore, the
techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes
describe a connection between two entities. It should be noted that
a connection between two entities does not necessarily mean a
direct, unimpeded connection, as a variety of other entities may
reside between the two entities. For example, a processor may be
connected to memory, but it will be appreciated that a variety of
bridges and controllers may reside between the processor and
memory. Consequently, a connection does not necessarily mean a
direct, unimpeded connection unless otherwise noted.
Overview
[0014] A nicotine delivery reduction system includes an electronic
cigarette having a breath monitor and a flow controller. The breath
monitor detects user breath characteristics such as breath
duration, rate, depth, and strength and adjusts the amount of
nicotine delivered to the user based on user breath
characteristics. In particular examples, if the user is breathing
with more urgency, additional nicotine is delivered to the user.
The nicotine delivery reduction system also includes an interface
to allow implementation of different reduction programs based on
personal preferences and characteristics. If the user is breathing
normally, the flow controller gradually reduces the level of
nicotine delivered to the user. The nicotine delivery reduction
system maintains user breath characteristics over time to allow
reduction and possible elimination of nicotine dependence.
Neuro-response data including electroencephalography (EEG) can be
obtained and analyzed to determine the effectiveness of a nicotine
reduction program.
Example Embodiments
[0015] Conventional mechanisms for nicotine delivery reduction are
limited. Nicotine patches are transdermal devices that deliver
nicotine through the skin. Nicotine patches are used to deliver
nicotine without some of the harmful effects associated with
cigarettes. Users can gradually replace nicotine patches having
high levels of nicotine with patches having lower levels of
nicotine to moderate nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as
dizziness, drowsiness, headache, irritability, hallucinations, and
depressions.
[0016] Some cigarettes are also marketed as low tar, low nicotine
alternatives to popular cigarettes. User wanting to reduce nicotine
levels and/or negative effects associated with cigarettes may try
to reduce the number of cigarettes consumed or switch to low tar,
low nicotine alternatives.
[0017] However, conventional mechanisms for reducing nicotine
consumption are limited. In many instances, conventional mechanisms
do not take into account feedback from particular users. For
example, a user may not need all of the nicotine delivered by a
particular patch, but the patch delivers that amount of nicotine
nonetheless. Alternatively, a user may need higher levels than that
provided by a particular cigarette to alleviate nicotine withdrawal
symptoms, but may not be provided with sufficient relief and may
consequently switch back to a cigarette having a higher nicotine
level or may consume additional quantities of cigarettes that would
otherwise not have been consumed.
[0018] Consequently, the techniques and mechanisms of the present
invention provide an electronic cigarette that monitors user breath
characteristics while applying a set of schemes that allow a user
to achieve particular goal.
[0019] A nicotine delivery reduction system may include an
electronic cigarette having an atomizer. The atomizer may be a
vaporizer, nebulizer, humidifier, etc., that converts a nicotine
solution into a mist to be inhaled by the user. The atomizer may
use heat, ultrasonics, etc., to convert the nicotine solution.
According to various embodiments, the nicotine delivery reduction
system includes a flow controller that modifies the amount of
nicotine solution atomized or the concentration of the nicotine
solution atomized to meet particular guidelines or settings. The
nicotine delivery reduction system also includes a breath monitor
that detects breath characteristics of the user such as breath
duration, rate, and strength.
[0020] According to various embodiments, a user may indicate that
the user wants to reduce nicotine consumption levels by half within
three months. The electronic cigarette can monitor the amount of
nicotine delivered in order to allow a user to reach that goal.
During the three months, the electronic cigarette would control and
gradually reduce the flow of nicotine provided through an atomizer.
However, if a breath monitor detects that a user is taking
particularly long or deep breaths, or is inhaling at a rapid rate,
nicotine reduction is tapered so that the user does not feel as
many adverse effects of nicotine withdrawal. When inhalation
returns to normal as detected by the breath monitor, the flow
controller again begins to reduce the amount of nicotine
delivered.
[0021] The nicotine delivery reduction system can also include an
interface such as a wired or wireless interface that allows a user
to program new schemes or receive feedback about nicotine reduction
progress. The reports may indicate that a user feels the need for
more nicotine during particular days or hours and may provide the
user the ability to make lifestyle modifications to reduce stress
or other periodic triggers. Reports may be generated and shared in
networks of users to encourage reduced nicotine usage through peer
evaluation. In particular embodiments, successful nicotine
reduction plans for individuals with particular characteristics can
be applied to other individuals with similar characteristics.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of nicotine delivery
reduction system in an electronic cigarette. According to various
embodiments, the electronic cigarette includes a solution cartridge
109. The solution cartridge 109 includes a nicotine solution such
as a glycerin or propylene glycol based nicotine solution. In
particular embodiments, the solution cartridge 109 includes
multiple nicotine solutions having different concentrations. In
some examples, the solution cartridge 109 includes nicotine
solutions along with non-nicotine substances such as inert
solutions or flavoring solutions to allow enhanced tobacco smoking
simulation. The solution cartridge 109 may also function as a
mouthpiece. The solution cartridge 109 may be replaceable or
reusable. According to various embodiments, the solution cartridge
109 is connected to an atomized 107. The atomizer 107 may be a
vaporizer, nebulizer, humidifier, etc., that converts a nicotine
solution into an inhalable mist that can be consumed by a user. The
conversion may involve heat and/or ultrasonics. The atomizer 107 is
connected to circuitry 105 that regulates the amount of nicotine
solution that may be passed to an atomizer at a particular period
of time or the rate of atomization. Circuitry 105 may also control
heat levels or battery usage of battery component 103. The nicotine
delivery reduction system also include and LED/interface 101. The
interface may be a wireless or wired interface that allows
programming of the nicotine delivery reduction system.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a nicotine delivery
reduction system. The nicotine delivery reduction system includes a
solution cartridge 215. The solution cartridge 215 includes a
nicotine solution such as a glycerin or propylene glycol based
nicotine solution. In particular embodiments, the solution
cartridge 215 includes multiple nicotine solutions having different
concentrations. In some examples, the solution cartridge 215
includes nicotine solutions along with flavoring solutions to allow
enhanced tobacco smoking simulation. The solution cartridge 215 may
also function as a mouthpiece. The solution cartridge 215 may be
replaceable or reusable. According to various embodiments, the
solution cartridge 215 is connected to a breath monitor 213 that
determines breath characteristics associated with a user. The
breath characteristics may include breath duration, strength, and
rate. In particular embodiments, the breath monitor may not only
monitor breath characteristics, but may monitor amount of nicotine
solution atomized, temperature, humidity, etc., According to
various embodiments, a nicotine delivery reduction system may
determine that a user is inhaling more rapidly and more deeply and
consequently would slightly increase the nicotine level provided to
the user.
[0024] The atomizer 211 may be a vaporizer, nebulizer, humidifier,
etc., that converts a nicotine solution into an inhalable mist that
can be consumed by a user. The conversion may involve heat and/or
ultrasonics. The atomizer 211 is connected to a flow controller
209. The flow controller 209 regulates the amount of nicotine
provided to the user at any given period of time. The flow
controller may adjust the concentration of nicotine in the nicotine
solution provided to the atomizer 211 or may adjust the amount of
heat used by the atomizer 211 or the amount of solution itself
provided to the atomizer 211. The flow controller 209 may also mix
nicotine solution with other inert solutions to vary nicotine
levels. According to various embodiments, the flow controller 209
applies a scheme or schedule set by a user based on particular
targets. In some examples, if the user wishes to reduce nicotine
consumption generally, the flow controller 209 may reduce the
amount of nicotine provided to the user by a few percentage points
every day.
[0025] Memory 207 may be used to store nicotine delivery
information and breath characteristics information. Processor 205
may be used to intelligently vary a reduction program upon learning
user behaviors. In some examples, if a user all too frequently
inhales at a rapid rate, slightly higher nicotine levels may still
not be delivered and instead a different nicotine solution or
different flavoring solution may be used or suggested. The
processor 205 may also alter flow controller 209 operation and
perform battery maintenance of battery component 203. The nicotine
delivery reduction system may also include an LED/interface 201.
The interface may be a wireless or wired interface that allows
programming of the nicotine delivery reduction system, exchange of
data and programming, etc.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a mechanism for
implementing a nicotine delivery reduction system. According to
various embodiments, a system receives user input on a nicotine
reduction plan and user profile information at 301. In particular
embodiments, the reduction plan may be reduction of nicotine intake
by a quarter over a period of 6 months. The system programs a flow
controller with the nicotine reduction plan or program 303 tailored
to the particular user. In some examples, the flow controller is
included in an electronic cigarette. According to various
embodiments, the nicotine reduction plan is tailored based on user
preferences. The nicotine reduction plan may be very gradual as
specific by the user, or make more aggressive periodic reductions
in nicotine levels. In particular embodiments, the nicotine
reduction plan may be a nicotine reduction program such as a
software or firmware program automatically generated based on
neuro-response data specific to the user and dynamically modifiable
based on user feedback.
[0027] At 305, the breath monitor continuously tracks nicotine
solution usage, usage frequency, and breath characteristics. The
breath monitor may identify that the user reaches for an electronic
cigarette five times daily on average and consumes a particular
amount of nicotine solution each time. The flow controller can
alter the concentration or amount of nicotine solution provided for
each breath or during each session according to a nicotine
reduction plan at 307. At 309, the breath monitor detects increased
breath rate or increase breath depth. According to various
embodiments, the breath monitor directs the flow controller to
provide slightly increased levels of nicotine or nicotine solution
at 311. At 313, the breath monitor detects reduced breath rate or
reduced breath depth. According to various embodiments, the breath
monitor directs the flow controller to provide slightly decreased
levels of nicotine or nicotine solution at 315.
[0028] According to various embodiments, the flow controller also
monitors user habits and adjust nicotine levels based on user
habits and characteristics at 317. In particular embodiments, a
user may not tolerate reduced nicotine levels well in the morning
but may be more tolerant of reductions in the evenings. An
electronic cigarette may provide slightly higher levels of nicotine
at particular times of day at 319 and slightly reduced levels of
nicotine at other times of day at 321 while still reducing nicotine
consumption overall in line with a nicotine reduction plan.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of nicotine reduction
adjustment. According to various embodiments, a flow controller
determines at 401 that nicotine levels should be reduced. In
particular embodiments, the flow controller reduces the amount of
nicotine solution atomized at 403 and provided to the user. In some
examples, the flow controller selects a nicotine solution having a
lower concentration of nicotine for atomization. At 405, the breath
monitor tracks the breath characteristics of a user. If breath
characteristics change significantly at 407, the flow controller
can select a different nicotine solution or introduce other
additives to moderate changes in breath characteristics. In
particular embodiments, if the user begins taking deeper and more
frequent inhalations at 409, a flavoring additive may be introduced
into the nicotine solution to simulate the experience the user is
accustomed to having when nicotine levels are not reduced.
Different flavoring solutions and substitutes may be introduced to
attempt to moderate breathing characteristics. If breathing remains
deep and frequent, slightly raised nicotine levels may be provided
to the user at 411. Alternatively, the amount of flavoring may
remain constant even when nicotine levels are reduced so that the
user has a non-disrupted experience.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates one example of generating a nicotine
delivery reduction scheme. According to various embodiments, a
variety of nicotine reduction plans 501 are implemented for
multiple users having a variety of characteristics. Some reduction
plans may be tailored for heavy users while others may be directed
at less frequent users. The nicotine reduction plans include a
variety of nicotine solutions and reduction schemes at 503. The
nicotine solutions may include different amounts of flavoring,
different types of flavoring, different concentrations of solution,
different rates of reduction, etc. At 505, breath characteristics
are monitored for multiple users over the course of several months.
According to various embodiments, neuro-response data including
electroencephalography (EEG) data is also monitored for the
multiple users on a variety of reduction plans at 507. At 509, the
effectiveness of particular nicotine reduction plans is analyzed.
According to various embodiments, the nicotine reduction plans that
impact the least change on breathing characteristics and
neuro-response data are identified as more effective. In many
instances, particular reduction plans may be particular effective
for particular types of users. Nicotine reduction plans having
particular characteristics are identified as effective for
particular users at 511.
[0031] According to various embodiments, neuro-response data
including EEG data is collected and analyzed to determine user
response to nicotine reduction plans.
[0032] According to various embodiments, data analysis is performed
on neuro-response data. Data analysis may include intra-modality
response synthesis and cross-modality response synthesis to enhance
effectiveness measures. It should be noted that in some particular
instances, one type of synthesis may be performed without
performing other types of synthesis. For example, cross-modality
response synthesis may be performed with or without intra-modality
response synthesis. In other examples, intra-modality response
synthesis may be performed without cross-modality response
synthesis.
[0033] A variety of mechanisms can be used to perform data
analysis. In particular embodiments, a stimulus attributes
repository is accessed to obtain attributes and characteristics of
the stimulus materials, along with purposes, intents, objectives,
etc. In particular embodiments, EEG response data is synthesized to
provide an enhanced assessment of effectiveness. According to
various embodiments, EEG measures electrical activity resulting
from thousands of simultaneous neural processes associated with
different portions of the brain. EEG data can be classified in
various bands. According to various embodiments, brainwave
frequencies include delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency
ranges. Delta waves are classified as those less than 4 Hz and are
prominent during deep sleep. Theta waves have frequencies between
3.5 to 7.5 Hz and are associated with memories, attention,
emotions, and sensations. Theta waves are typically prominent
during states of internal focus.
[0034] Alpha frequencies reside between 7.5 and 13 Hz and typically
peak around 10 Hz. Alpha waves are prominent during states of
relaxation. Beta waves have a frequency range between 14 and 30 Hz.
Beta waves are prominent during states of motor control, long range
synchronization between brain areas, analytical problem solving,
judgment, and decision making Gamma waves occur between 30 and 50
Hz and are involved in binding of different populations of neurons
together into a network for the purpose of carrying out a certain
cognitive or motor function, as well as in attention and memory.
Because the skull and dermal layers attenuate waves in this
frequency range, brain waves above 75-80 Hz are difficult to detect
and are often not used for stimuli response assessment.
[0035] However, the techniques and mechanisms of the present
invention recognize that analyzing high gamma band (kappa-band:
Above 50 Hz) measurements, in addition to theta, alpha, beta, and
low gamma band measurements, enhances neurological attention,
emotional engagement and retention component estimates. In
particular embodiments, EEG measurements including difficult to
detect high gamma or kappa band measurements are obtained,
enhanced, and evaluated. Subject and task specific signature
sub-bands in the theta, alpha, beta, gamma and kappa bands are
identified to provide enhanced response estimates. According to
various embodiments, high gamma waves (kappa-band) above 80 Hz
(typically detectable with sub-cranial EEG and/or
magnetoencephalography) can be used in inverse model-based
enhancement of the frequency responses to the stimuli.
[0036] Various embodiments of the present invention recognize that
particular sub-bands within each frequency range have particular
prominence during certain activities. A subset of the frequencies
in a particular band is referred to herein as a sub-band. For
example, a sub-band may include the 40-45 Hz range within the gamma
band. In particular embodiments, multiple sub-bands within the
different bands are selected while remaining frequencies are band
pass filtered. In particular embodiments, multiple sub-band
responses may be enhanced, while the remaining frequency responses
may be attenuated.
[0037] An information theory based band-weighting model is used for
adaptive extraction of selective dataset specific, subject
specific, task specific bands to enhance the effectiveness measure.
Adaptive extraction may be performed using fuzzy scaling. Stimuli
can be presented and enhanced measurements determined multiple
times to determine the variation profiles across multiple
presentations. Determining various profiles provides an enhanced
assessment of the primary responses as well as the longevity
(wear-out) of the marketing and entertainment stimuli. The
synchronous response of multiple individuals to stimuli presented
in concert is measured to determine an enhanced across subject
synchrony measure of effectiveness. According to various
embodiments, the synchronous response may be determined for
multiple subjects residing in separate locations or for multiple
subjects residing in the same location.
[0038] Although a variety of synthesis mechanisms are described, it
should be recognized that any number of mechanisms can be
applied--in sequence or in parallel with or without interaction
between the mechanisms.
[0039] Although intra-modality synthesis mechanisms provide
enhanced significance data, additional cross-modality synthesis
mechanisms can also be applied. A variety of mechanisms such as
EEG, eye tracking, FMRI, EOG, and facial emotion encoding are
connected to a cross-modality synthesis mechanism. Other mechanisms
as well as variations and enhancements on existing mechanisms may
also be included. According to various embodiments, data from a
specific modality can be enhanced using data from one or more other
modalities. In particular embodiments, EEG typically makes
frequency measurements in different bands like alpha, beta and
gamma to provide estimates of significance. However, the techniques
of the present invention recognize that significance measures can
be enhanced further using information from other modalities.
[0040] For example, facial emotion encoding measures can be used to
enhance the valence of the EEG emotional engagement measure. EOG
and eye tracking saccadic measures of object entities can be used
to enhance the EEG estimates of significance including but not
limited to attention, emotional engagement, and memory retention.
According to various embodiments, a cross-modality synthesis
mechanism performs time and phase shifting of data to allow data
from different modalities to align. In some examples, it is
recognized that an EEG response will often occur hundreds of
milliseconds before a facial emotion measurement changes.
Correlations can be drawn and time and phase shifts made on an
individual as well as a group basis. In other examples, saccadic
eye movements may be determined as occurring before and after
particular EEG responses. According to various embodiments, time
corrected FMRI measures are used to scale and enhance the EEG
estimates of significance including attention, emotional engagement
and memory retention measures.
[0041] Evidence of the occurrence or non-occurrence of specific
time domain difference event-related potential components (like the
DERP) in specific regions correlates with subject responsiveness to
specific stimulus. According to various embodiments, ERP measures
are enhanced using EEG time-frequency measures (ERPSP) in response
to the presentation of the marketing and entertainment stimuli.
Specific portions are extracted and isolated to identify ERP, DERP
and ERPSP analyses to perform. In particular embodiments, an EEG
frequency estimation of attention, emotion and memory retention
(ERPSP) is used as a co-factor in enhancing the ERP, DERP and
time-domain response analysis.
[0042] EOG measures saccades to determine the presence of attention
to specific objects of stimulus. Eye tracking measures the
subject's gaze path, location and dwell on specific objects of
stimulus. According to various embodiments, EOG and eye tracking is
enhanced by measuring the presence of lambda waves (a
neurophysiological index of saccade effectiveness) in the ongoing
EEG in the occipital and extra striate regions, triggered by the
slope of saccade-onset to estimate the significance of the EOG and
eye tracking measures. In particular embodiments, specific EEG
signatures of activity such as slow potential shifts and measures
of coherence in time-frequency responses at the Frontal Eye Field
(FEF) regions that preceded saccade-onset are measured to enhance
the effectiveness of the saccadic activity data.
[0043] According to various embodiments, facial emotion encoding
uses templates generated by measuring facial muscle positions and
movements of individuals expressing various emotions prior to the
testing session. These individual specific facial emotion encoding
templates are matched with the individual responses to identify
subject emotional response. In particular embodiments, these facial
emotion encoding measurements are enhanced by evaluating
inter-hemispherical asymmetries in EEG responses in specific
frequency bands and measuring frequency band interactions. The
techniques of the present invention recognize that not only are
particular frequency bands significant in EEG responses, but
particular frequency bands used for communication between
particular areas of the brain are significant. Consequently, these
EEG responses enhance the EMG, graphic and video based facial
emotion identification.
[0044] According to various embodiments, post-stimulus versus
pre-stimulus differential measurements of ERP time domain
components in multiple regions of the brain (DERP) are measured.
The differential measures give a mechanism for eliciting responses
attributable to the stimulus. For example the messaging response
attributable to an advertisement or the brand response attributable
to multiple brands is determined using pre-resonance and
post-resonance estimates
[0045] Target versus distracter stimulus differential responses are
determined for different regions of the brain (DERP). Event related
time-frequency analysis of the differential response (DERPSPs) is
used to assess the attention, emotion and memory retention measures
across multiple frequency bands. According to various embodiments,
the multiple frequency bands include theta, alpha, beta, gamma and
high gamma or kappa.
[0046] According to various embodiments, various mechanisms such as
the data collection mechanisms, the intra-modality synthesis
mechanisms, cross-modality synthesis mechanisms, etc. are
implemented on multiple devices. However, it is also possible that
the various mechanisms be implemented in hardware, firmware, and/or
software in a single system.
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a system for generating a
nicotine delivery reduction scheme. According to particular example
embodiments, a system 600 suitable for implementing particular
embodiments of the present invention includes a processor 601, a
memory 603, an interface 611, and a bus 615 (e.g., a PCI bus). When
acting under the control of appropriate software or firmware, the
processor 601 is responsible for tasks such as pattern generation.
Various specially configured devices can also be used in place of a
processor 601 or in addition to processor 601. The complete
implementation can also be done in custom hardware. The interface
611 is typically configured to send and receive data packets or
data segments over a network. Particular examples of interfaces the
device supports include host bus adapter (HBA) interfaces, Ethernet
interfaces, frame relay interfaces, cable interfaces, DSL
interfaces, token ring interfaces, and the like.
[0048] According to particular example embodiments, the system 600
uses memory 603 to store data, algorithms and program instructions.
The program instructions may control the operation of an operating
system and/or one or more applications, for example. The memory or
memories may also be configured to store received data and process
received data.
[0049] Because such information and program instructions may be
employed to implement the systems/methods described herein, the
present invention relates to tangible, machine readable media that
include program instructions, state information, etc. for
performing various operations described herein. Examples of
machine-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic
media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical
media such as CD-ROM disks and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as
optical disks; and hardware devices that are specially configured
to store and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory
devices (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). Examples of program
instructions include both machine code, such as produced by a
compiler, and files containing higher level code that may be
executed by the computer using an interpreter.
[0050] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be
apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced
within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the present
embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not
restrictive and the invention is not to be limited to the details
given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents
of the appended claims.
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