U.S. patent application number 14/349798 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for emotional control methods and apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Children's Medical Center Corporation. Invention is credited to Peter Ducharme, Joseph Gonzalez-Heydrich, Jason Kahn, Alexander Rotenberg.
Application Number | 20140323013 14/349798 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48044148 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140323013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gonzalez-Heydrich; Joseph ;
et al. |
October 30, 2014 |
EMOTIONAL CONTROL METHODS AND APPARATUS
Abstract
A system including at least one monitor and a toy is disclosed.
The at least one monitor may be communicatively coupled to at least
one sensor configured to measure at least one physical parameter of
an operator. The at least one monitor receives at least one
measurement from the at least one sensor indicative of the at least
one physical parameter of the operator. The at least one monitor
may determine whether the operator is in an elevated emotional
state based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement. The
toy may be capable of being operated by at least one operator and
may comprise a control system in communication with the at least
one monitor. The control system may be configured to affect at
least one behavior of the toy to cause the toy to be more difficult
to use when the monitor indicates that the operator is in an
elevated emotional state.
Inventors: |
Gonzalez-Heydrich; Joseph;
(Boston, MA) ; Kahn; Jason; (Boston, MA) ;
Ducharme; Peter; (Boston, MA) ; Rotenberg;
Alexander; (Brookline, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Children's Medical Center Corporation |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48044148 |
Appl. No.: |
14/349798 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
October 4, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US12/58719 |
371 Date: |
April 4, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61543033 |
Oct 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 30/00 20130101;
A61B 5/021 20130101; A61B 5/165 20130101; A63F 2250/265 20130101;
A61B 5/0476 20130101; A61B 5/0533 20130101; A63F 2300/1012
20130101; G09B 19/00 20130101; A61B 5/02438 20130101; A63H 2200/00
20130101; A63H 17/00 20130101; A63H 29/22 20130101; A61B 5/0024
20130101; A61B 5/02405 20130101; A61B 5/6896 20130101; A63F 2250/26
20130101; A63H 33/04 20130101; A61B 5/02055 20130101; A63H 30/02
20130101; A63H 30/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/484 |
International
Class: |
A63H 29/22 20060101
A63H029/22; A63H 30/02 20060101 A63H030/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a toy capable of being manipulated
and/or interacted with by an operator; at least one monitor
communicatively coupled to at least one sensor configured to
measure at least one physical parameter of the operator, the at
least one monitor configured to receive at least one measurement
from the at least one sensor indicative of the at least one
physical parameter of the operator, and to determine whether the
operator is in an elevated emotional state based, at least in part,
on the at least one measurement; and a control system in
communication with the at least one monitor, the control system
configured to affect at least one behavior of the toy to cause the
toy to be more difficult to use when the monitor indicates that the
operator is in an elevated emotional state.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the toy comprises a remote
controlled vehicle, and wherein the control system is configured to
affect at least one of speed, acceleration and steering of the
vehicle.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the toy comprises a
construction surface, and wherein the control system is configured
to vibrate the construction surface when the at least one
measurement is determined to meet the predetermined criteria.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the toy further comprises at
least one of building material to construct a structure on the
construction surface and a game to be played on the construction
surface.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the toy comprises building
material, and wherein the control system is configured to affect at
least one behavior by at least one of vibrating the building
material and affecting the magnetism of the building material.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the building material includes
blocks.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one monitor and
the control system form an integrated component.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one monitor and
the control system form separate components.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further
comprises the at least one sensor, and wherein the at least one
sensor and the at least one monitor form an integrated
component.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further
comprises the at least one sensor, and wherein the at least one
sensor and the at least one monitor form separate components.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor
measures at least one of heart rate, blood pressure,
electroencephalogram (EEG) information, pupil dilation,
temperature, galvanic skin response, perspiration and breathing,
and wherein the monitor is configured to determine whether the at
least one measurement meets a predetermined criteria to evaluate
whether the user is in an elevated emotional state, and wherein the
control system is configured to affect the at least one behavior of
the toy when the at least one measurement is determined to meet the
predetermined criteria.
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. At least on computer-readable storage medium storing
instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, perform
a method for controlling a toy capable of being manipulated and/or
interacted with by an operator, the method comprising: receiving at
least one measurement from at least one sensor configured to
measure at least one physical parameter of the operator, the at
least one measurement indicative of the at least one physical
parameter; determining whether the operator is in an elevated
emotional state based, at least in part, on the at least one
measurement; and affecting at least one behavior of the toy to
cause the toy to be more difficult to use when it is determined
that the operator is in an elevated emotional state.
15. The at least one computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein
the toy comprises a remote controlled vehicle, and wherein
affecting at least one behavior comprises affecting at least one of
speed, acceleration and steering of the vehicle.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. The at least one computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein
the toy comprises building material, and wherein affecting at least
one behavior comprises affecting at least one behavior by at least
one of vibrating or shaking the building material and affecting the
magnetism of the building material.
19. (canceled)
20. The at least one computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein
receiving at least one measurement comprises receiving at least one
measurement indicative of at least one of heart rate, blood
pressure, electroencephalogram (EEG) information, pupil dilation,
temperature, galvanic skin response, perspiration and breathing,
and wherein determining whether the operator is in an elevated
emotional state includes determining whether the at least one
measurement meets a predetermined criteria indicative of the
operator's emotional state, and wherein affecting the at least one
behavior of the toy is performed when the at least one measurement
is determined to meet the predetermined criteria.
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. A method for controlling a toy capable of being manipulated
and/or interacted with by an operator, the method comprising:
receiving at least one measurement from at least one sensor
configured to measure at least one physical parameter of the
operator, the at least one measurement indicative of the at least
one physical parameter; determining whether the operator is in an
elevated emotional state based, at least in part, on the at least
one measurement; and affecting at least one behavior of the toy to
cause the toy to be more difficult to use when it is determined
that the operator is in an elevated emotional state.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the toy comprises a remote
controlled vehicle, and wherein affecting at least one behavior
comprises affecting at least one of speed, acceleration and
steering of the vehicle.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the toy comprises a
construction surface, and wherein affecting at least one behavior
comprises vibrating or shaking the construction surface when the at
least one measurement is determined to meet the predetermined
criteria.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the toy further comprises at
least one of building material to construct a structure on the
construction surface and a game to be played on the construction
surface.
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. The method of claim 23, wherein receiving at least one
measurement comprises receiving at least one measurement indicative
of at least one of heart rate, blood pressure, electroencephalogram
(EEG) information, pupil dilation, temperature, galvanic skin
response, perspiration and breathing, and wherein determining
whether the operator is in an elevated emotional state includes
determining whether the at least one measurement meets a
predetermined criteria indicative of the operator's emotional
state, and wherein affecting the at least one behavior of the toy
is performed when the at least one measurement is determined to
meet the predetermined criteria.
30. (canceled)
31. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Children with severe emotional regulation disorders have a
specific developmental delay in emotional regulation. As these
children grow, levels of aggression acceptable for toddlers become
dangerous and unacceptable as they get stronger. Symptoms of
aggression can often isolate children both academically and from
their peers, leading to intellectual and social deficits that can
further exacerbate the aggression. While symptoms of aggression are
often apparent from an early age, few young children have developed
the cognitive capacity to understand regulation or the motivation
to succeed in psychotherapy. Consequently, current clinical
treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are rarely
developmentally appropriate or motivating given the age of the
patients involved. Therefore, children with this type of disorder
are often put on antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. However, the
use of antipsychotic medications to control aggression in children
is of concern due to the well documented risks of obesity, type II
diabetes, and tardive dyskinesia, among other side effects.
Furthermore, for in-patient situations the use of seclusion and
restraints is also relied on to control aggressive behavior.
However, research has suggested that the use of restraints may
result in lasting psychological effects.
SUMMARY
[0002] The inventors have recognized that there is a need for a
treatment that is conceptually ascertainable by a child, engaging,
and does not necessarily involve the use of antipsychotics or
restraints. More specifically, the inventors have recognized the
benefits of a physical toy that responds to the emotional state of
a child in an effort to assist the child in developing mechanisms
and responses to cope with their emotions while remaining engaged
in an activity.
[0003] Some embodiments include an apparatus comprising a physical
toy capable of being manipulated and/or interacted with by an
operator, at least one monitor communicatively coupled to at least
one sensor configured to measure at least one physical parameter of
the operator, the at least one monitor configured to receive at
least one measurement from the at least one sensor indicative of
the at least one physical parameter of the operator, and to
determine whether the operator is in an elevated emotional state
based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement, and a
control system in communication with the at least one monitor, the
control system configured to affect at least one behavior of the
toy to cause the toy to be more difficult to use when the monitor
indicates the operator is in an elevated emotional state.
[0004] Some embodiments include at least on computer-readable
storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on at least
one processor, perform a method for controlling a physical toy
capable of being manipulated and/or interacted with by an operator,
the method comprising receiving at least one measurement from at
least one sensor configured to measure at least one physical
parameter of the operator, the at least one measurement indicative
of the at least one physical parameter, determining whether the
operator is in an elevated emotional state based, at least in part,
on the at least one measurement, and affecting at least one
behavior of the toy to cause the toy to be more difficult to use
when it is determined that the operator is in an elevated emotional
state.
[0005] Some embodiments include a method for controlling a physical
toy capable of being manipulated and/or interacted with by an
operator, the method comprising receiving at least one measurement
from at least one sensor configured to measure at least one
physical parameter of the operator, the at least one measurement
indicative of the at least one physical parameter, determining
whether the operator is in an elevated emotional state based, at
least in part, on the at least one measurement, and affecting at
least one behavior of the toy to cause the toy to be more difficult
to use when it is determined that the operator is in an elevated
emotional state.
[0006] The foregoing and other aspects, embodiments, and features
of the present teachings can be more fully understood from the
following description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to
scale. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled
in every drawing. Various embodiments will now be described, by way
of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a toy
incorporating emotional control, in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of exemplary building
material, in the form of a set of blocks, adapted with emotional
control capabilities, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a remote control
vehicle adapted with emotional control capabilities, in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of two remote control
vehicles with emotional control capabilities, in accordance with
some embodiments;
[0012] FIGS. 5A & 5B illustrate configurations of emotional
controlled toys in accordance with some embodiments;
[0013] FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate configurations of emotional
controlled toys in accordance with some embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary computer system that may be
used to implement one or more components of an emotion controlled
system;
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a remote control vehicle adapted with
emotional control, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates an interface between the controller and
the remote control unit according to one embodiment of the system
illustrated in FIG. 8; and
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a construction surface adapted with
emotional control, in accordance with some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] As discussed above, treatment for pathological aggression
may include one or more of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),
medication and/or restraints. Medication is often an effective
treatment, but has undesirable side effects. Furthermore,
medication based treatments do not teach the patient emotional
regulation skills. Consequently, dysregulated emotional behavior
and aggression frequently resurface when the medication is stopped.
CBT is a didactic approach that is effective in fostering
regulation skills, but this approach requires motivation to
practice and learn. CBT also requires a level of cognitive
functioning that often does not develop to sufficient levels until
a child is 10 to 12 years old. The difficulties with CBT are
compounded in children who have developmental disorders, but these
children are also at increased risk for developing pathological
levels of aggressive behavior.
[0019] The inventors have recognized that children with
developmental disorders, as well as typically developing preschool
and early grade school children, often learn more effectively
through exploration by manipulating physical objects in their
environment. However, no such devices currently exist for use in a
therapy directed to addressing pathological aggression in children.
Consequently, there is a need for toys and/or other appropriate
physical or tangible objects (e.g., toys) that children may
manipulate and/or interact with to aid in developing and exploring
emotion regulation skills.
[0020] The inventors previously developed a video game that
responded to the emotional state of the player by altering the
effectiveness of the firing capability of a computer graphic, such
as an avatar of a tank or plane, that the player was capable of
controlling in a video game context. However, the inventors
recognized that players tend to disconnect from the world and their
peers when they are playing a video game. Therefore, a physical or
tangible object or toy, as opposed to a non-physical video game,
may promote increased interaction with the physical world and a
person's peers while learning to regulate emotions during an
activity.
[0021] The inventors have recognized that a physical system may
provide a more effective tool in psychological therapy in this
respect. According to some embodiments, the physical system
includes a monitor and a toy. A toy refers herein to any one or
combination of physical objects/manipulatives, capable of being
manipulated and/or interacted with by a user, that is of a physical
and/or tangible character. For example, a toy as used herein is to
be distinguished from a video game in that, although the system may
include a physical controller, the objects/manipulatives being
controlled/interacted with (e.g., the one or more computer graphic
avatars being controlled/manipulated) are virtual and not physical
or tangible in character.
[0022] The monitor may be configured to receive measurement(s) from
one or more sensors regarding at least one physical parameter of an
operator of the toy. The monitor may be configured to evaluate the
measurement(s) to determine whether the operator is in a normal or
in an elevated emotional state. For example, the monitor may be
configured to compare measurement(s) of the at least one physical
parameter to a predetermined criteria that is indicative of the
operator's emotional state. The monitor may be configured to
communicate with a control system of the toy and designed to
provide one or more signals indicating whether the operator has
reached an elevated emotional state (e.g., whether measurement(s)
of the at least one physical parameter meet the predetermined
criteria, such as whether the measurement(s) or values derived
therefrom exceed a given threshold).
[0023] When the monitor indicates to the control system that the
operator has reached an elevated state (e.g., when the
measurement(s) of the at least one physical parameter meet the
predetermined criteria), the control system of the toy may operate
to alter the behavior of the toy. More specifically, the control
system may affect at least one behavior of the toy to make the toy
more difficult to use. The control system may then return the toy
to normal operating behavior when the monitor indicates that the
operator has returned to a normal or acceptable emotional state
(e.g., indicates that the measurement(s) of the at least one
physical parameter no longer meet the predetermined criteria).
[0024] It may be advantageous to determine if an operator is in an
emotionally elevated state (e.g., angry or frustrated) by
evaluating a change in one or more physical parameters of the
operator relative to a baseline established while the operator is
calm. Autonomic responses indicative of such elevated states such
as anger include, but are not limited to, heart rate, heart rate
variability, blood pressure, electroencephalogram (EEG) data, pupil
dilation, skin temperature, galvanic skin response, perspiration,
breathing, etc., or any other appropriate physical parameter and/or
parameters derived therefrom that would indicate an emotional state
of the operator. Therefore, for purposes of determining an
operator's emotional state, one or more sensors may measure at
least one of the operator's heart rate, blood pressure, EEG, pupil
dilation, skin temperature, perspiration, breathing, etc., and the
monitor and/or control system may evaluate the measurement(s) to
assess whether the operator is in a normal or elevated state.
[0025] According to some embodiments, the measurement(s) of at
least one physical parameter include one or more measurements of
the heart rate of an operator due to its relative ease of
measurement and its generally reliable correlation with elevated
emotional states. Heart rate monitoring, or values derived
therefrom (e.g., heart rate variability), may be used alone or in
combination with other indicators of emotional states. In some
embodiments, one or more other physical parameters (e.g., any one
or combination of the physical parameters listed above) are
measured without using heart rate, as the aspect are not limited
for use with any particular type or combination of physical
parameters of the operator(s) being monitored. As discussed in
further detail below, the one or more sensors, the monitor, the
control system and the toy may be separate components, may be
integrated, or may be separate and integrated components in any
combination, as the aspects are not limited for use with any
particular implementation.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a method of controlling a toy based on
sensory input from an operator engaged with the toy, in accordance
with some embodiments. Initially, at least one physical parameter
of an operator is measured (e.g., by one or more sensors). For
example, as noted above, the at least one physical parameter may
include any physical property of the user such as heart rate, blood
pressure, electroencephalogram (EEG) data, pupil dilation, skin
temperature, galvanic skin response, perspiration, breathing, etc.,
either alone or in any combination. In act 110, one or more
measurements of the at least one physical parameter is received for
assessment of the emotional state of the operator. During act 120,
the one more measurements may be evaluated to assess the emotional
state of the operator (e.g., to determine whether the operator is
in a normal or in an elevated emotional state). For example, the
one or more measurements may be evaluated to ascertain whether the
one or more measurements (or values derived therefrom) meet a
predetermined criteria indicative of the operator's emotional
state.
[0027] In embodiments using one or more predetermined criteria, the
predetermined criteria may include any set of one or more
thresholds, values, rules, comparisons, analyses, etc., that, if
satisfied, is suggestive of an emotionally elevated state. The one
or more measurements may be processed in any manner to evaluate
whether they meet the predetermined criteria including, but not
limited to, performing one or more comparisons, processing the one
or more measurements such as applying one or more algorithms,
statistical analyses, transformations, etc., or applying other
operations to the one or more measurements to determine whether the
predetermined criteria is met or satisfied. As a simple example,
the one or more measurements (or one or more values derived
therefrom) may be compared to a threshold value to determine
whether the operator is believed to be in a normal or elevated
emotional state. More sophisticated processing of the measurements
to determine whether the one or more measurements indicates a
normal or elevated emotional state may be used and the type of
analysis performed may depend on the number and type of physical
parameters being monitored and analyzed.
[0028] If it is determined that the operator being monitored is in
a normal or acceptable emotional state (e.g., the one or more
measurements do not meet the predetermined criteria), the toy may
be operated normally (e.g., the operator may enjoy normal and
undisrupted control over the toy), as illustrated by act 130.
However, if it determined that the operator being monitored is in
an emotionally elevated state (e.g., the operator has become
emotionally aroused due to, for example, anger or frustration such
that the one more measurements meet the predetermined criteria),
the behavior of the toy may be disrupted (e.g., the ability of the
operator to control the toy may be impaired), as illustrated in act
140. The operator may continue to be monitored to assess whether
the operator is in a normal or in an elevated emotional state. If
operation of the toy is being disrupted and it is determined that
the operator as regained control over his/her emotions (e.g., the
one or more measurements indicates a normal and/or acceptable
emotional state), normal control of the toy may be resumed. Any
time that it is determined that the operator has entered an
emotionally elevated state (e.g., as assessed in act 120), the
control/behavior of the toy may be disrupted (e.g., as illustrated
in act 140). Any time that it is determined that the operator is in
or has regained a normal emotional state, the operator may be given
normal (e.g., undisrupted/unimpaired) control of the toy (e.g., as
illustrated in act 130).
[0029] In some learning or therapy environments, it may be
desirable to configure the disruption or impairment of control of
the toy to be dependent on (e.g., related or proportional) the
extent of the arousal of the operator (e.g., based on the
difference between measurement of the at least one physical
parameter and a respective baseline for the operator).
Consequently, an operator may receive feedback about their
improving or worsening emotional state. That is, the behavior of
the toy may be more disruptive under circumstances of increasingly
elevated emotional states, and less so with less severe elevations
in the emotional state, as indicated by the measurement(s) of the
one or more physical parameters. However, in other circumstances,
it may be more appropriate or desirable to decouple the extent of
the arousal from the severity of the disruption and simply have one
or more fixed levels of disruption that are used when it is
detected that the operator is in an emotionally elevated state.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an emotional control system wherein the
toy includes a set of blocks 200, in accordance with some
embodiments. In this and other embodiments, one or more sensors 202
may be coupled to the operator to measure one or more physical
parameters of the operator indicative of the operator's emotional
state. For example, one or more heart rate sensors may be placed on
the hands, arms and/or chest of the operator to monitor the heart
rate 204 of the operator. Other sensors may also be coupled to the
operator or to measure one or more other suitable physical
parameters indicative of the operator's emotional state. The one or
more sensors may be coupled to the operator either by direct
contact with the operator or by measuring one or more physical
parameters without direct contact (e.g., by obtaining measurements
from a sensor located proximate or located remote from the operator
that can detect or otherwise measure the respective one or more
physical parameter of the operator).
[0031] Prior to or during a first time period illustrated by
depiction 206, a baseline for the one or more physical parameters
being monitored is obtained. For example, a baseline heart rate
204a may be determined for the operator when the operator is deemed
to be in a normal and/or acceptable emotional state to obtain a
reference for the system. The operator may then be given
instructions to build a structure of a certain shape, arrangement,
or height with the blocks. Alternatively, the operator may simply
be allowed to use the blocks as they desire. As long as the
operator maintains a heart rate substantially at, or below, the
established baseline heart rate the blocks may function as normal
blocks. For example, as illustrated in depiction 208, the operator
has maintained a heart rate acceptably near the baseline 204a and
has built a structure 200a out of the blocks.
[0032] However, as shown in depiction 210, once the operator
exhibits an elevated emotional state via the measurements from the
one or more sensors 202 (e.g., an elevated heart rate 204b that
exceeds the baseline 204a by some predetermined amount), the blocks
may begin to vibrate as shown in depiction 210. This vibration
generally disrupts the operator's ability to construct or build a
structure, and may cause the blocks to shift relative to one
another or cause a structure to fall down (the latter result of
which is shown depiction 212). Once the operator has calmed down,
the blocks may return to normal operation as shown by depiction
206.
[0033] In some embodiments, the vibration of the blocks may be of a
predetermined magnitude independent of the extent of the emotional
arousal. Alternatively, the magnitude of the vibrations may be
dependent on or otherwise related to the extent or severity of the
elevated emotional state (e.g., the disruption of the toy may be
proportional to the difference between the elevated heart rate 204b
and baseline heart rate 204a). While the measurement of heart rate
is depicted in FIG. 2, it should be appreciated that different or
additional physical parameters may be monitored and the resulting
measurement(s) may be evaluated to determine whether the operator
is experiencing an elevated emotional state.
[0034] In some embodiments, the building material may be
non-vibrating (e.g., the blocks may be conventional blocks) and
instead the construction surface, such as a table, may be adapted
such that the construction surface vibrates or shakes in response
to elevated emotional states to disrupt the construction and/or
play using the building material (e.g., blocks), as discussed in
further detail below. In other embodiments, both the building
material (e.g., blocks) and construction surface (e.g., table) are
adapted to vibrate or shake to disrupt the operator's ability to
interact with toy, which comprises the building material and
construction surface (e.g., blocks and table). It should be
appreciated that a vibrating or shaking table may be used as part
of a toy in other ways to disrupt play. For example, any number of
games can be played on the table such that game play may be
disturbed when any monitored participant enters an emotionally
elevated state. For example, jacks, pick-up sticks, card games, or
other games may be played on the construction surface such that
game play may be disrupted by causing the table to
vibrate/shake.
[0035] Alternatively, or in addition to, vibration, magnetism may
be utilized to disrupt play such that when emotionally elevated
states are detected via monitoring one or more physical parameters
of the user, the blocks and/or table can be induced to repel (or
attract) one another to make manipulation and/or construction using
the blocks more difficult. Other mechanisms for disrupting
building, manipulation or play using the blocks may also be used,
as aspects of the invention are not limited in this respect. In
embodiments wherein the construction surface provides some
component of the disruption, the toy is the physical system
comprising the construction surface and the blocks.
[0036] As discussed above, other building material may be used in
place of or in addition to blocks to build structure. For example,
any shaped building material of any type may be used, provided some
aspect of either the building material or construction surface may
be adapted to disrupt play when elevated emotional states are
detected (e.g., Tinkertoys.RTM., Legos.RTM., etc., or even a
conventional deck of cards may be used to build structures in
connection with a vibrating or shaking table to provide an emotion
controlled toy). Furthermore, puzzles may also be used wherein the
puzzle pieces are adapted with mechanisms for disrupting
constructing or otherwise completing the puzzle (e.g., vibration or
magnetism that prevents the puzzle pieces from being joined, or
conventional puzzles may be constructed on a vibrating/shaking
surface). Other varieties of toys may be used, provided some aspect
can be suitably adapted to disrupt use when elevated emotional
states are detected, as the aspects are not limited for use with
any particular type or combination of toys.
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a toy that can be used to implement
techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the toy comprises a remote
controlled vehicle 300. Remote controlled vehicle 300 may include a
controller 320 that allows an operator to control the speed of the
vehicle and/or that allows the user to steer vehicle 300. According
to some embodiments, when one or more physical parameters, such as
heart rate, are within normal levels (e.g., heart rate 304a
indicating a normal or controlled emotional state), the controller
320 may allow the operator the full range of speed and/or
acceleration capabilities as indicated by speed indicator 350a.
When the one or more physical parameters change to indicate an
elevated emotional state (e.g., elevated heart rate 304b), the
controller 320 may disrupt control of the vehicle by slowing the
vehicle, preventing faster speeds to be reached, decreasing the
acceleration capability of the vehicle and/or otherwise disrupting
optimal control/performance of the vehicle. In some embodiments,
the controller may disrupt the steering of the vehicle when
elevated emotional states are detected via monitoring the one or
more physical parameters of the operator to impair the operator's
ability to control the vehicle.
[0038] Competitive activities may induce or heighten an emotional
state of a child exhibiting pathological aggression. Consequently,
it may be advantageous to link the ability of the operator to
control their emotions to their ability to continue to engage in a
competitive environment or activity. Therefore, in some
embodiments, the toy may be used in a competitive environment to
potentially enhance the therapeutic value of the play. In
connection with an emotion control system involving building
materials and/or a construction surface, participants may be asked
to compete in building a structure. For example, the participants
may be instructed to race to build a structure of a certain height,
or compete to build the tallest structure. In other examples,
participants may be asked to alternatively remove elements from a
structure without causing the structure to fall as in the familiar
game of Jenga.RTM., wherein either the elements of the structure
are adapted to vibrate/shake and/or the construction surface on
which the structure is built is configured to vibrate/shake when
monitored participants are determined to be in an emotionally
elevated state.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a competitive environment involving an
emotion controlled toys comprising remote control vehicles 400a and
400b, which are located on a race track 402. The two remote control
vehicles 400a and 400b are associated with remote controls 404a and
404b, respectively. Sensors 406a and 406b may monitor one or more
physical parameters (e.g., heart rate, EEG, galvanic skin response,
pupil dilation, etc.) of the respective operators as they engage in
driving remote control vehicles. In a circumstance wherein the one
or more physical parameters includes heart rate, Operator A has a
heart rate 408a that is within an acceptable range of closeness to
Operator A's baseline heart rate such that Operator A is deemed to
be in an emotionally acceptable state and is given undisrupted
control of vehicle 400a. Operator B has a heart rate 408b that
exceeds Operator B's baseline heart rate by an amount deemed
indicative of an elevated emotional state of Operator B (e.g.,
anger or frustration).
[0040] According to some embodiments, the vehicles may slow, stop,
or otherwise become more difficult to operate when it is determined
that the operator is experiencing an emotionally elevated state.
For example, Operator A may be permitted to control vehicle 400a
normally without impairment (e.g., vehicle 400a may be driven at
its maximum speed as indicated by the arrow). However, since
Operator B's heart rate indicates that he/she is experiencing
elevated emotions, vehicle 400b may only proceed around track 402
at a reduced speed, as indicated by the smaller arrow, until
Operator B is able to control his/her emotions and return heart
rate 408b back to a rate that is acceptably near the baseline rate.
The reduction in speed may depend on the severity of the elevated
emotions as indicated by the difference between the Operator B's
measured physical parameter(s) and a baseline for Operator B, or
the reduction in speed may remain fixed even as the emotional
arousal heightens or lifts, until such time as Operator B is deemed
to have returned to a normal or acceptable emotional state and
optimal speed control returned to Operator B. The disruption to
Operator B's vehicle is not limited to speed reduction and may
include disruption by the controller in Operator B's ability to
steer or otherwise control the operation of the vehicle.
[0041] Clinical insight suggests that pathologically aggressive
children often loose emotional control and become aggressive and/or
angry when they are challenged with a complex, social, and
potentially frustrating tasks. Therefore, it is desirable that the
therapeutic training would motivate them to practice regulating
their emotional arousal in the face of increasingly difficult
cognitive and social demands. For example, the child may be asked
to perform a series of increasingly difficult tasks with a toy
incorporating the emotional control system disclosed herein. One
such series of tasks may involve the use of building materials
(e.g., blocks, cards, Tinkertoys.RTM., Legos.RTM., Duplos.RTM.,
etc.) and/or a construction surface as described above. The child
may be asked to build increasingly complex and difficult
structures, or patterns, with the building material. In some
embodiments, the child may be asked to navigate an increasingly
difficult course with a remote control vehicle. In either case, the
toys and activities may be designed to push the child to the point
where they would need to control their emotions and then provide a
physical indication of their emotional state as indicated by the
behavior of the toys.
[0042] Team activities also provide a stressor for a child
exhibiting pathological aggression since it requires interpersonal
interactions and communication that may challenge and/or frustrate
the child. Therefore, it may be desirable to use a toy, or toys,
implementing the presently disclosed emotion based control in a
team based environment. In such a toy, the physical parameters of a
single operator, or multiple operators, may be measured. In some
embodiments, the emotional state of each operator may be used to
affect the overall behavior of the toy. Alternatively, each team
member may be responsible for one aspect of the toy's operation. In
such an embodiment, the emotion based control may affect separate
aspects of the toys operation based on the emotional state of the
individual operator responsible for those particular aspects of the
toy's behavior.
[0043] In other embodiments, instead of attaching separate sensors
to an operator, it may be desirable to incorporate sensors for
measuring the physical parameter of the operator into the toy
itself. Such an embodiment may help to promote a more natural
interaction between a child and the toy since there is no need for
possibly intrusive sensors to be placed on the child. For example,
the remote control vehicle disclosed above may incorporate a sensor
for measuring a heart rate directly into the remote control. While
incorporated sensors have been described with regards to a remote
control, it should be understood that integrated sensors may be
implemented in other embodiments to exploit possible benefits of
incorporating one or more sensors directly into a toy without the
need for additional external sensors.
[0044] In some instances, it may be desirable to determine a rate
of change in the physical parameter of the patient to enable the
emotional control based system to warn the operator prior to them
losing their temper or losing control and entering an emotionally
elevated state. If the rate of change in the physical parameter
indicates that the predetermined criteria may be met immanently,
the toy may emit an indication of this to the operator. For
example, the toy may emit an audible tone, turn on an indicator
light, affect the behavior of the toy to a lesser degree, or any
other appropriate action that may indicate that an operator is
about to reach an emotionally elevated state. By providing an
earlier indication, it may be possible for the operator to alter
their emotional state prior to becoming angry and/or disrupting or
more critically impairing the operating behavior of the toy.
[0045] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate examples of locating a monitor
relative to the control system of a toy, according to some
embodiments. In some embodiments, the monitor 500 may be placed
external to the toy 504. An external control system 502 may be
placed in communication with monitor 500 and internal control
system 506 of toy 504. External control system 502 may analyze a
signal from monitor 500 regarding the at least one physical
parameter to determine the emotional state of the operator.
External control system 302 may then communicate a signal to
internal control system 506 indicative of the emotional state of
the operator.
[0046] Alternatively, the external control system may simply
communicate a signal to internal control system 506 indicating
whether or not to disrupt the behavior of the toy to make it more
difficult to operate. Communications between the monitor, external
control system, and internal control system are indicated by the
arrows in FIG. 5A. Communications may be provided by wired or
wireless connections, as the aspects are not limited for use with
any particular type of communication between components of the
system. According to some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 5B, a
monitor 508 and internal control system 510 may be disposed within
the housing of a toy 512, or may otherwise be integrated with the
toy. In such embodiments, there may be no need for a separate
system or component to measure the one or more physical parameters
and communicate them to the internal control system of the toy.
Instead, monitor 508 located within the toy may directly
communicate with the internal control system 510, and in some cases
may be integrated into a single control component implemented in
software and/or hardware.
[0047] FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate further configurations of emotion
control systems comprising one or more sensors 605 that measure at
least one physical parameter of an operator, a monitor 610 to
determine whether an operator is in a normal or elevated emotional
state based on signals from sensor(s) 605, a control system 620 to
control toy 600 based, at least in part, on the indication of the
emotional state of the operator provided by monitor 610. In FIG.
6A, sensor(s) 605 and monitor 610 are integrated with control
system 620 to control a toy via control signals 625 (the toy itself
of which may have an internal controller to provide appropriate
control over the toy based on signals received from control system
620).
[0048] As one example, the controller for a remote control vehicle
may have integrated heart rate sensors located where the operator
holds the controller to measure heart rate as the operator controls
the vehicle. The monitor and control system may also be integrated
in the controller to provide indication of the emotional state of
the operator such that the controller can decide whether to provide
normal control signals to the vehicle based on the operator's
manipulation of the controller, or whether to disrupt the control
of the vehicle in any of the ways described in the foregoing
description. FIG. 6B illustrates a configuration wherein the
sensor(s) 605 are not integrated with the control system 620 and
are provided external to the control system 620 (e.g., positioned
as necessary on or proximate the operator) to provide signals 615
(e.g., signal comprising measurements of one or more physical
parameters of the operator) to control system 620 indicative of the
at least one physical parameter of the operator. Such signals may
be provided via wired or wireless connections between the
components.
[0049] FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate configurations wherein the
monitor 610 is provided separate from (e.g., is not integrated
with) the control system 620. In FIG. 6C, sensor(s) 605 and monitor
610 are integrated together to provide signals 635 indicative of
the operator's emotional state to control system 620 (e.g., signals
indicating whether the operator is in an emotionally normal or
elevated state and/or instructions to operate the toy normally or
in a disrupted manner). The control system 620 may then control toy
600 normally or control toy in a disrupted manner based on signals
635 using control signals 625. In FIG. 6D, sensor(s) 605 are
provided separate from the monitor 610 and provide signals 615,
either via wired or wireless connection, to the monitor 610 that
include measurements or are otherwise indicative of the at least
one physical parameter of the operator for assessment by the
monitor 610 of the emotional state of the operator.
[0050] FIGS. 6E and 6F illustrate configurations wherein the
control system 620 is integrated with the toy. In FIG. 6E,
sensor(s) 605 and monitor 610 are integrated together to provide
signals 635 to the toy indicative of the operator's emotional state
and/or that provide instructions to control system 620 regarding
how to operate the toy. The control system 620 integrated with the
toy may receive signals 635 and control toy 600 normally or control
toy in a disrupted manner based on signals 635. The control system
620 may either directly control the toy 600 via internal
electronics, or may communicate with an embedded controller of toy
600. In FIG. 6F, sensor(s) 605 are provided separate from the
monitor and provide signals 615, either via wired or wireless
connection, to the monitor 610 that include measurements or are
otherwise indicative of the at least one physical parameter of the
operator for evaluation by monitor 610 to assess the emotional
state of the operator. Monitor 610 provides signals 635 indicative
of the emotional state of the operator determined from the at least
one physical parameters measured by sensor(s) 605 and/or that
include instructions to control system 620 integrated with toy 600
via either wired or wireless communications to instruct control
system 620 to operate toy 600 normally or in a disrupted
manner.
[0051] It should be appreciated that other configurations of
sensor(s), monitor(s), control systems(s) and toy(s) may be used,
as the aspects of the invention are not limited for use with any
particular implementation. Components of the exemplary systems
described herein may be implemented in any way, including
microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICS),
field programmable gate arrays (FPGA's), computer systems executing
software, firmware, microcode, etc., or any combination of software
and/or hardware suitable for implementing techniques described
herein.
[0052] An illustrative implementation of a computer system 700 that
may be used to implement any one or combination of components of an
emotional control system (e.g., one or any combination of sensors,
a monitor, control system, etc.) is shown in FIG. 7. Computer
system 700 may include one or more processors 710 and one or more
non-transitory computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory 720
and one or more non-volatile storage media 730). The processor 710
may control writing data to and reading data from the memory 720
and the non-volatile storage device 730 in any suitable manner, as
the aspects of the invention described herein are not limited in
this respect. To perform functionality and/or techniques described
herein, the processor 710 may execute one or more instructions
stored in one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., the
memory 720, storage media, etc.), which may serve as non-transitory
computer-readable storage media storing instructions for execution
by the processor 710. Computer system 700 may also include any
other processor, controller or control unit needed to route data,
perform computations, perform I/O functionality, etc.
[0053] In connection with the monitoring and/or control techniques
described herein, one or more programs that evaluate data (e.g.,
data from the one or more sensors), make one or more determinations
(e.g., determine or assess the emotional state of an operator,
determine what control mechanism to propagate based on whether the
toy should be controlled in normal or disrupted mode, etc.), and/or
generate control signals may be stored on one or more
computer-readable storage media of computer system 700. Processor
710 may execute any one or combination of such programs that are
available to the processor by being stored locally on computer
system 700 or accessible over a network. Any other software,
programs or instructions described herein may also be stored and
executed by computer system 700. Computer 700 may be a programmable
microcontroller, standalone computer, mobile device, etc., and/or
may be configured to communicate with other devices, either via a
wired or wireless connection, or may be configured to connect to a
network and access resources over the network and/or communicate
with one or more other computers connected to the network.
[0054] Provided below are additional details regarding a number of
example implementations of emotional state monitoring systems. Some
implementations comprise a device (e.g., one or more sensors)
connected physiologically to the operator to measure at least one
physical parameter or characteristic of the operator, a
device/computer (e.g., a monitor) to read the physiological data
and interpret it, and a device/computer (e.g., control system) to
interface with the physical manipulative (e.g., toy) to provide
changes in the manipulative's behavior based on changes in
emotional state (e.g., to disrupt the behavior of the manipulative
when an emotionally aroused or elevated state is detected.
[0055] As discussed above, there are numerous ways to measure
changes in emotional state, including, but not limited to, heart
rate, heart rate variability, galvanic skin response, analysis of
EEG data, etc. The specifics of an interface to the
manipulative/toy may be different based on the type of
manipulative/toy being controlled (e.g., remote control vehicle,
blocks, puzzle, construction surface, etc.). For example, the
interface for a remote control vehicle implementation may contain
control outputs for forward, reverse, left, right, speed,
acceleration, etc., while the interface for a construction surface
(e.g., a vibrating or shaking table) may contain one control
determining whether the surface is vibrating/shaking or not, or may
include an additional control indicating the intensity of the
vibrating/shaking.
[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates an implementation of an emotionally
controlled remote control vehicle system, according to some
embodiments. The system comprises one or more sensors 805,
including a heart rate sensor, a monitor 810 (e.g., a computer
similar to the computer system 700 illustrated in FIG. 7) to
collect sensor data (e.g., via signals 815 received from sensor(s)
805) including heart rate information and to assess the
information, and relay information (e.g., via signals 835) to a
control system 820. The emotional control system further comprises
a remote controlled vehicle, including a remote control unit 824 as
part of the control system 820, and a vehicle unit 800 wirelessly
controlled by remote control 824 (e.g., via radio frequency (RF)
communication).
[0057] Control system 820 comprises a controller 822 having a
processor, a USB input connection, power output connected to the
vehicle's remote control unit 824, digital outputs 845 to send
signals to the remote control unit 824 corresponding to moving the
vehicle forward, moving the vehicle backward, turning the vehicle
left, and turning the vehicle right, and a plurality of transistors
to act as switches overriding normal control when emotionally
elevated states are detected. Controller 822 may be implemented in
any way that is suitable for disrupting control or otherwise
impairing the operator's ability to control the toy. According to
some embodiments, controller 822 may be implemented using an
Arduino platform, providing an ATMEGA processor, digital output
pins, and USB interface.
[0058] Monitor 810 may execute software that obtains sensor data
815, including heart rate information, over a Bluetooth connection
to compute RR heart rate variability. The software may be adapted
to be indifferent to the source of heart rate information. Heart
rate data could also be provided over audio (e.g., via a USB
connection), or any other input port available to monitor 810.
Software executed by monitor 810 may be configured to keep track of
the operator's threshold heart rate. Threshold heart rate may be
set prior to or at the beginning of the operator's interaction with
the toy (e.g., the remote control vehicle in this embodiment). When
threshold heart rate is exceeded by some designated amount, then
the operator is considered to be emotionally aroused. When the
monitor detects emotional arousal based on sensor signal(s) 815,
the monitor alerts controller 822 of the control system 820 of a
change in emotional state by signaling the change over a USB
connection between the monitor and the controller. While a USB
connection is used between the monitor and the controller in this
particular example, connections between components in the system
are not limited to any particular type of connection or connection
protocol.
[0059] Controller 822 and remote control unit 824 may be connected
using any type of connection such as an internal bus system,
electronics, embedded controls, etc. According to some embodiments,
controller 822 is connected to control unit 824 via a series of
transistors that operate as switches such that when controller 822
is informed of a change in the emotional state of the operator,
controller 822 can provide signals at its digital outputs to
disrupt the operation of the remote control vehicle 800. FIG. 9
illustrates an exemplary connection between controller 822 and
remote control unit 824 that facilitates overriding the steering
and/or acceleration of the vehicle when an emotionally elevated
state is detected.
[0060] Under normal operation, when controls are manipulated on the
remote control unit 824, a corresponding short circuit provides a
connection to ground, causing the remote control unit 824 to send
the desired signal to the vehicle unit 800. As shown in FIG. 9,
transistors may be placed at the physical switch to provide an
electronic switch for each of the desired control lines. When the
controller 822 turns on a desired transistor, the corresponding
control is shorted and the remote control unit 824 sends the signal
desired by the controller 822 to control the vehicle unit 800.
[0061] As such, using the above described override, software
provided on monitor 810 (or in some embodiments, software provided
on controller 822) determines whether the operator is in an
emotionally normal or elevated state based on the measurements
obtained by sensor(s) 805. When monitor 810 determines that the
operator is in an emotionally elevated state, it signals the
controller 822 to disrupt control of the vehicle. Software on
controller 822 may be configured to disrupt control the vehicle in
any number of different ways and to any level of desired
disruption, including causing the vehicle to stop completely, move
slowly and/or move randomly via digital outputs 845. In this way,
software may be configured to provide different types of
disruption, the severity of which may be related to the severity of
the elevation in the operator's emotional state. However, the
severity of the disruption need not vary as function of the extent
of the emotional arousal, and may simply operate in normal or
disrupted mode based on whether or not the operator being monitored
is determined to be in an emotionally elevated state.
[0062] FIG. 10 illustrates an implementation of an emotionally
controlled table that can be used as a playing or construction
surface, in accordance with some embodiments. The system includes
one or more sensors 1005 and a monitor 1010 to obtain sensor
information from sensor(s) 1005. In this embodiment, monitor 1010
is integrated with control system 1020 to determine when the
operator is emotionally aroused and to provide control signals to
disrupt play/construction on table 1000. Table 1000 includes, or
has attached to it, a vibrating motor (e.g., a 1/4 horse power, 185
watt motor) for causing the table to shake to disturb the action
taking place at the table. Sensor(s) 1005 may communicate with the
control system 1020 via a wireless connection such as an RF
communication link. The control system 1020 may operate off of a 9
volt source and include one or more processors, an RF receiver, and
an output to control the state of a solid state relay 875. The
relay 875 may switch on and off 120 VAC power (e.g., wall power) to
the motor depending on the state into which it is placed by the
control system 1020.
[0063] In operation, one or more participants (operators) may be
engaged in an activity on the table, such as any cognitive task
that makes use of the table surface. For example, the participants
may be building a structure out of blocks or any other type of
building material, may be engaged in a game, or may be assembling a
puzzle. When the target participant(s) being monitored by the
system are in an emotionally stable state, the table may remain
still, thus allowing the participants to optimally perform their
activities and/or achieve their tasks. When the monitor 1010
detects that any of the target participant(s) (i.e., any of the
participants being monitored) has entered an emotionally elevated
state, the control system 1020 disrupts the activity by causing the
relay to provide power to the motor. The motor shakes or vibrates
the table to make the task being performed and/or activity being
conducted on the table more difficult. When the monitor detects
that the target participant(s) have returned to an emotionally
normal state, the control system 1020 signals normal operation by
turning the relay off such that power is no longer provided to the
motor. It should be appreciated that table 1000 may be any suitable
surface such as a mat, a rigid surface of any material, or other
type of surface that can be configured to shake or vibrate to
disrupt use, as the aspect in this respect are not limited to any
particular type or surface on which activity may be conducted.
[0064] While the present teachings have been described in
conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not
intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments
or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass
various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be
appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the
foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.
While certain embodiments have been described using particular
configurations, it should be appreciated that any emotional control
system may be implemented using any of the configurations
illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B and/or FIGS. 6A-6F, or any other
suitable configuration that allows for control of a manipulative
based on the emotional state of an operator, as the aspects of the
invention are not limited for use with any particular configuration
or implementation.
[0065] The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of
numerous ways. For example, the monitor and/or control features and
mechanisms can be implemented using hardware, software or a
combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software
code may be executed on any suitable processor or collection of
processors to provide the above disclosed control functionality.
The various measurement, analysis and/or control methods or
processes outlined herein may be coded as software that is
executable on one or more processors. Additionally, such software
may be written using any of numerous suitable programming languages
and/or programming or scripting tools, and also may be compiled as
executable machine language code or intermediate code.
[0066] In this respect, various inventive concepts may be embodied
as at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium
(e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs,
optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memories, circuit
configurations in Field Programmable Gate Arrays or other
semiconductor devices, etc.) encoded with one or more programs
that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors,
implement the various embodiments of the present invention. The
non-transitory computer-readable medium or media may be
transportable, such that the program or programs stored thereon may
be loaded onto any computer resource to implement various aspects
of the present invention as discussed above. The use of the term
computer readable storage medium reflects that the medium is an
article of manufacture and therefore also non-transitory.
[0067] The terms "program" or "software" are used herein in a
generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of
computer-executable instructions that can be employed to program a
computer or other processor to implement various aspects of
embodiments as discussed above. Additionally, it should be
appreciated that according to one aspect, one or more computer
programs that when executed perform methods of the present
invention need not reside on a single computer or processor, but
may be distributed in a modular fashion among different computers
or processors to implement various aspects of the present
invention. Computer-executable instructions may be in many forms,
such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other
devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs,
objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular
tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically the
functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed
as desired in various embodiments.
[0068] Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or
more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts
performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way.
Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are
performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include
performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as
sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
[0069] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one." As used
herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase "at least
one," in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be
understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or
more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily
including at least one of each and every element specifically
listed within the list of elements and not excluding any
combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition
also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the
elements specifically identified within the list of elements to
which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A
and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,
optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and
optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than
one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B
(and optionally including other elements); etc.
[0070] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in
conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can
refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements
other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
[0071] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of,"
or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the
claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of
patent law.
[0072] Use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third,"
etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself
connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element
over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are
performed. Such terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one
claim element having a certain name from another element having a
same name (but for use of the ordinal term).
[0073] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The
use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing",
"involving", and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the
items listed thereafter and additional items.
[0074] Having described several embodiments of the invention in
detail, various modifications and improvements will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements
are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only,
and is not intended as limiting. The invention is limited only as
defined by the following claims and the equivalents thereto.
* * * * *