U.S. patent application number 14/657303 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-17 for systems, devices and methods for sensory augmentation to achieve desired behaviors or outcomes.
The applicant listed for this patent is Charles Marion CURRY, Jr., Brian Mark SHUSTER, Gary Stephen SHUSTER. Invention is credited to Charles Marion CURRY, Jr., Brian Mark SHUSTER, Gary Stephen SHUSTER.
Application Number | 20150262429 14/657303 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54067611 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150262429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHUSTER; Gary Stephen ; et
al. |
September 17, 2015 |
SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SENSORY AUGMENTATION TO ACHIEVE
DESIRED BEHAVIORS OR OUTCOMES
Abstract
Systems, devices and methods for altering sensory perceptions
are disclosed. The systems and methods of the present invention
comprise operably coupling at least one device for capturing
sensory data to a computing device, identifying the captured data,
querying at least one data base to identify desired behaviors
and/or outcomes, querying the same data base or other data bases to
identify and/or calculate modified, enhanced and/or virtual sensory
data likely to achieve the desired behaviors or outcomes,
generating modified, enhanced and/or virtual sensory data, and
substituting the altered sensory data in real or near real time for
the sensory data. The present invention advantageously alters
sensory perceptions to promote health, ease patient's fears and
allow safe performance of medical procedures, promote personal and
public safety, and improve the success of military mission and
operations.
Inventors: |
SHUSTER; Gary Stephen;
(Fresno, CA) ; SHUSTER; Brian Mark; (Vancouver,
CA) ; CURRY, Jr.; Charles Marion; (Fresno,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SHUSTER; Gary Stephen
SHUSTER; Brian Mark
CURRY, Jr.; Charles Marion |
Fresno
Vancouver
Fresno |
CA
CA |
US
CA
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54067611 |
Appl. No.: |
14/657303 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61952759 |
Mar 13, 2014 |
|
|
|
61952781 |
Mar 13, 2014 |
|
|
|
61952788 |
Mar 13, 2014 |
|
|
|
61952792 |
Mar 13, 2014 |
|
|
|
61952799 |
Mar 13, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/633 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/4863 20130101;
G06T 19/006 20130101; A61B 5/002 20130101; A61B 5/4845 20130101;
A61B 5/0024 20130101; G16H 50/20 20180101; A61B 5/082 20130101;
A61B 5/0077 20130101; A61B 5/7246 20130101; G06F 16/951 20190101;
G10L 15/01 20130101; A61B 5/112 20130101; G16H 40/67 20180101; A61B
5/163 20170801; A61B 5/6898 20130101; G10L 25/66 20130101; A61B
5/1123 20130101; A61B 5/18 20130101; A61B 5/4803 20130101; G06F
16/245 20190101 |
International
Class: |
G06T 19/00 20060101
G06T019/00; G06F 17/30 20060101 G06F017/30 |
Claims
1. A method of altering sensory perceptions of a person, the method
comprising: operably coupling at least one device for capturing
sensory data to a computing device; capturing sensory data using
the at least one device; identifying the sensory data captured;
querying at least one data base to identify one or more desired
behaviors and/or outcomes; querying the at least one data base
and/or one or more other data bases to identify and/or calculate
modified, enhanced and/or virtual sensory data likely to achieve
the desired behavior(s) or outcome(s); generating the modified,
enhanced and/or virtual sensory data; substituting the modified,
enhanced and/or virtual sensory data in real or near real time for
the sensory data, wherein the modified, enhanced and/or virtual
sensory data is configured to trigger the one or more desired
behaviors or outcomes.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the modified, enhanced and/or
virtual sensory data is one or more of visual, auditory, olfactory,
gustatory, and/or tactile data.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the modified, enhanced and/or
virtual sensory data is alternated with different modified,
enhanced and/or virtual sensory data to enhance the person's
perception that the modified, enhanced and/or virtual sensory data
is real.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising capturing medical data
from one or more measuring devices, and utilizing the medical data
to identify modified and/or enhanced sensory data likely to achieve
the desired behavior or outcome.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the medical data comprises blood
pressure, pulse rate, body fat percentage, blood sugar and/or blood
alcohol level.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein differences between the sensory
data and the modified, enhanced and/or virtual sensory data become
greater or lesser depending on the person's blood pressure, pulse
rate, body fat percentage, blood sugar and/or blood alcohol level
compared to a desired blood pressure, pulse rate, body fat
percentage, blood sugar and/or blood alcohol level.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising capturing calorie
consumption, activity level, calorie utilization and/or sleep
history data, wherein the calorie consumption, activity level,
calorie utilization level and/or sleep history data is used to
identify (a) the one or more desired behaviors and/or outcomes
and/or (b) the modified, enhanced and/or virtual sensory data
likely to achieve the desired behavior or outcome.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one device is one or
more mirrors, cameras, video and/or audio recorders, microphones,
speakers, headphones, amplifiers, three-dimensional monitors,
digital image projectors, light projectors, stereoscopic devices,
alternating shutter glasses, polarized glasses, holographic display
devices, electro-holographic display devices and/or immersive
visual devices.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensory data is a threat to
the person's safety, and the method further comprises identifying
the source and level of the threat, and the modified, enhanced
and/or virtual sensory data is calculated to (a) make obvious the
direction from which the threat is coming, and/or (b) induce the
person to avoid and/or eliminate the threat.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising (a) capturing
location, topography and/or environmental data for the person,
modifying and/or enhancing the location, topography and/or
environmental data, and transmitting the modified and/or enhanced
location, topography and/or environmental data to other persons
and/or a control center.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising capturing location,
topography and/or environmental data for one or more other living
beings and/or inanimate objects, modifying and/or enhancing the
location, topography and/or environmental data, and transmitting
the modified and/or enhanced location, topography and/or
environmental data to the person, other persons and/or a control
center.
12. A system for altering sensory perceptions of a person to
achieve a desired outcome, the system comprising: at least one
device configured to capture and/or generate sensory data, the at
least one device operably coupled to a computing device configured
to (a) identify the sensory data captured, and (b) identify and/or
calculate (i) desired behaviors and/or outcomes, and (ii) modified,
enhanced and/or virtual sensory data likely to achieve the desired
behaviors and/or outcomes in real or near real time.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one device is a
light, a sound and/or a small projection device incorporated into
the person's environment.
14. The system of claim 12, further comprising a support system for
supporting one or more parts of a body of a person, the support
system comprising (a) a seat, (b) a head rest, (c) a chest support,
(d) a face rest, (e) upper legs rests, (f) lower leg rests and/or
(g) arm rests.
15. The system of claim 14, where at least one position of the
support system is adjustable.
16. The system of claim 14, further comprising an opaque barrier
configured to shield from sight all or part of the person's
body.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one device is one
or more vibration generating mechanisms and/or air jets.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one device is a
force feedback device.
19. The system of claim 12, wherein the modified, enhanced and/or
virtual sensory data is identified and/or calculated based on
sounds and/or images the person likely associates with certain
risks and/or responses.
20. The system of claim 12, wherein the system is mounted in a
vehicle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Nos. 61/952,759, 61/952,781, 61/952,788,
61/952,792, and 61/952,799, all filed Mar. 13, 2014. The text and
contents of each of these provisional patent applications are
hereby incorporated into this application by reference as if fully
set forth herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The subject disclosure generally relates to the field of
augmented reality. Specifically, embodiments of the present
invention pertain to methods and systems for modifying sensory data
in order to achieve a desired behavior and/or outcome.
DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND
[0003] For the purposes of this specification, the present
invention will be described in language and examples relating to
achieving desired personal health benefits, patient responses to
medical procedures, appropriate responses to threats to personal
safety, and increased effectiveness of military missions and
operations. However it should be understood that the invention is
not so limited, and may be applied and/or used to modify or augment
sensory perception to evoke appropriate and/or desired responses
and/or outcomes in a wide variety of other applications.
[0004] Human reactions to environmental stimuli are strongly
related to how the stimuli are perceived. Indeed, it is the nature
of human reaction that sensory data is utilized to trigger a
response (a response that may, additionally, be informed by
expectations, past experience, or other factors). There are
numerous situations where the sensory data evokes an improper or
non-optimal response. There are other situations where the sensory
data evokes an evolutionarily appropriate response (such as
resisting being stuck with a sharp stick), but one that is
undesirable (such as when the sharp stick is in fact a needle
bearing a vaccine).
[0005] Likewise, human decision making is frequently driven by
vestigial instincts related to evolutionary biology. For example,
hunger was a persistent problem during the primary periods during
which human sensory response evolved, putting a premium on
consumption of all available foods and creating a preference for
high-fat food, sweet food, and other foods that provide substantial
numbers of calories but which, in the presence of abundant food
choices, are relatively undesirable foods.
[0006] There are numerous situations where sensory data evokes an
improper or non-optimal response, whether based on evolutionary
biology, social norms, personal history, or other factors. For
example, an obese human may receive visual data about foods at a
buffet, and while the optimal response would be to pick the healthy
foods, the visual appearance, smell and/or anticipated taste of
certain unhealthy foods may be so appealing as to cause the person
to pick the unhealthy foods.
[0007] It is also common for humans to be deceived by presentation
of environmental elements. For example, a fixed amount of food on a
large plate may seem inadequate while the same amount of food on a
small plate may seem to be too much. Human self-perception is also
well known to create unhealthy behaviors. Anorexia and bulimia are
related, in part, to a self-perception that the human's body is too
fat. Less acute behavioral issues may also occur in a manner
related to self-perception, such as when a person exercises
excessively because they think their musculature is not yet large
enough, or when a person eats too much because they have worn loose
clothes and thus do not accurately perceive themselves as
overweight.
[0008] Every parent has had the experience of taking a child to get
an immunization or a blood draw, having the child see the size of
the needle, and entering into some degree of panic, phobia, or
other negative reaction. Similarly, adults and children facing
medical procedures that may invoke a visceral reaction often have
their reaction triggered prior to the actual procedure
(particularly with regard to repeated and/or invasive procedures,
as well as certain other non-medical physical experiences). For
example, imagine Fred, a 10 year old, who has a violent fear of
needles. Fred cannot receive immunizations without being physically
restrained by several nurses. Not only does Fred put the nurses at
risk of an accidental needle puncture, but Fred may harm himself or
be unable to receive the treatment. Fear of the experience of the
procedure may even result in a failure of a patient or guardian to
consent to a medically beneficial procedure.
[0009] The currently available solutions are primitive. At best,
patients are asked to look away, tricked into looking away, told to
bury their faces in their parent's shoulder, presented with a
needle hidden behind the nurse's back or the needle is
surreptitiously stuck into them as an unsuspecting patient. In some
instances, sedatives such as those from the benzodiazepine family
are used to reduce patient anxiety. Ultimately, however, existing
treatments rely on the patient not seeing the needle (or other
implements), not knowing the needle is part of the treatment, or
simply tolerating seeing the needle (or other implements). There is
no known invention in the art that passively soothes and/or
distracts patients with sensory stimulation to facilitate fast and
safe intramuscular or transdermal injections or blood draws.
[0010] A variant of this problem presents in non-medical fields as
well. For example, a person with a phobia of snakes may be unable
to walk in certain wilderness areas--even areas where the only
snakes present are harmless--because of this phobia. As with the
medical examples, the only solutions currently available are to
avoid the area or to simply deal with potentially seeing a
snake.
[0011] In a somewhat opposite example, a person's retina may
receive an image of a mosquito on their arm nestled among dark
hair, but the sensory data may be insufficient to cause the human
to identify and react to the mosquito, even though the mosquito may
carry malaria or other diseases. In such situations, a response
(i.e., killing of the mosquito) is desired, yet because the sensory
data is insufficient, no response is forth coming.
[0012] Native human sensory capability is well suited to
applications such as finding food on a savannah, but poorly suited
to maximizing efficacy in military or public safety applications.
Some rudimentary improvements have been made, such as utilizing
wearable night vision glasses that permit humans to see in low
light situations. However, simply enhancing data is insufficient to
overcome the sensory deficits that put humans at risk in modern
situations, and the fundamental problem remains: humans do not
innately perceive combat threats or policing threats with the same
native fluency as they perceive the threats human sensory systems
have evolved to address. By altering the data perceived, in a
manner that matches human instinct and training, it is possible to
improve safety for individuals, the military, the police, the
general public, and other groups of people.
[0013] Therefore, it is desirable to modify human sensory
perception, such as human perception of themselves, foods, and
similar elements, to achieve desired health benefits. It is also
desirable to modify human sensory perception to ease patient
anxiety levels in order to facilitate performing medical
procedures. While in other instances, it is desirable to modify
and/or enhance human sensory perception to increase the efficiency
and effectiveness of military missions or operations, or to improve
personal and/or public safety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems,
devices and methods for sensory modification and augmentation to
achieve desired behaviors and outcomes. These systems and methods
may be applied, at minimum, to human health, in medical settings,
to personal and public safety, and in military missions and
operations. Other systems, devices and methods for accomplishing
similar objectives are disclosed in a co-pending application,
entitled "Detecting Medical Status and Cognitive Impairment
Utilizing Ambient Data", filed concurrently by the inventors
hereof, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this
application as if fully set forth herein.
[0015] In one embodiment, human sensory perception is modified to
make the human believe his body or other features are different
than they actually are. For example, an overweight man may be
presented with a self-image showing him 20% more overweight than he
really is. This may advantageously result in the man being more
careful about food choices. Food may also be presented as different
then it really is. For example, desserts may be modified to look
older, drier, or otherwise less desirable, while vegetables may be
presented to look more vibrant, with unappetizing visual elements
removed. The changes may become more or less pronounced depending
on certain factors, such as whether the person has worked out that
day and needs more calories, how much the person has already eaten,
or in the case of a diabetic, the current blood sugar level,
etc.
[0016] In one aspect, such modifications may be accomplished by
modifications made in the image presented in a mirror-style
display. In another aspect, such modifications may be accomplished
utilizing a heads-up or other wearable display technology, a
projected image system, and/or other mechanisms described herein.
In another aspect, a system may be operably coupled to elements of
clothing or to other physical objects, and the properties of the
clothing or objects modified. For example, a person who is trying
to lose weight may enter a buffet line. When the system determines
that the person is at a place where he or she will likely eat, the
system may tighten the belt by 20% and/or tighten elements worn as
or in addition to clothing in order to create physical sensations.
In one aspect, the physical sensations are calibrated to match
and/or validate the visually presented altered data.
[0017] Many children and adults exhibit some level of anxiety when
faced with the inevitability of receiving an injection. In some
embodiments, the present invention advantageously enables
injections and other medical procedures to be conducted while
altering the recipient's reaction to environmental stimuli (such as
a syringe) by altering what the patient perceives, including
visual, olfactory, and/or tactile sensations. In some aspects,
tactile sensory stimuli may include mild to moderate vibration and
simulated touches.
[0018] Visual sensory stimuli may include altering the appearance
of a syringe and/or the alteration of the patient's skin in a
manner that reduces the perceptibility or apparent threat posed by
the syringe. In addition, the patient may be soothed by artificial
or supplemental sensory input; for example, the artificially
generated smell of baked cookies, while tasting a cookie or cookie
flavored supplement, while listening to the ambient sounds of a
bakery, and watching footage of a grandmother baking or while being
immersed in a virtual reality environment. As the patient may be
immersed in this artificially generated experience, simultaneously,
treatment may be administered to the patient unknowingly or with
minimal discomfort. In some aspects, the invention may be
implemented utilizing a 3D monitor system, a projected image
system, a wearable device system, or other display or sensory input
modality.
[0019] The instant invention provides a way to stimulate one or
more of each of the five senses (i.e., taste, touch, sight, smell
and hearing) individually or in combinations, in order to alter the
user's perception of receiving medical treatment. Different to the
archaic deceptive methods involving sleight of hand that are often
used to dupe patients into unknowingly or unpreparedly complying
with the desires of the healthcare professional, among other
things, the instant invention may stimulate the patient's
somatosensory system to distract, delude or preoccupy the patient.
The instant invention offers heath care professionals and
institutions the ability to increase compliance and improve or
eliminate the patient's perception of the treatment they are
simultaneously receiving.
[0020] In another aspect, when a child falls down, the child often
looks to an adult to determine if the child should be crying or if
the child is hurt. It is frequently the reaction of others than
defines or contributes to the response to an event. Aspects of the
present invention permit modification of the apparent response of
others. For example, a grimace by a parent may be altered to be a
smile. Similarly, artificial "people" or characters may be
generated and displayed to moderate the patient's view of the risk
of the procedure and/or the patient's response to the procedure
once completed.
[0021] People process sensory data based on evolutionary wiring,
life experience, and learned information. Powerful sensory data and
sensory data of the type people evolved to process, such as the
roar of an attacking bear, are seldom ignored or misconstrued.
However, the nearly silent approach of an electric vehicle, the
nearly inaudible buzz of a mosquito carrying a parasite, or the
presence of a synthesized toxin in a drink are frequently
accompanied by sensory data that a person could detect, but would
normally ignore even if detected. Situational inattentiveness, as
described by Chabris and Simons in their book "The Invisible
Gorilla, How Our Intuitions Deceive Us", may also render unnoticed
data that is easily perceptible and understood if the data is
presented under circumstances where it is unexpected.
[0022] In one embodiment, the invention advantageously enhances or
alters sensory data in a way that triggers an appropriate and
beneficial response. For example, a mosquito with malaria may not
generate sufficient visual or auditory data to trigger a response
by a person to avoid or kill the mosquito prior to biting and
infection. However, when detected by the invention, the buzz
associated with the mosquito may be modified to be similar to the
far more threatening sound of a predator (or by augmenting the
sound to make it more noticeable), thereby beneficially triggering
a "kill the mosquito" response in the person. In this regard, the
present invention advantageously modifies persons' perceptions of
environmental threats so that they may react to the threats in a
manner appropriate to the magnitude of the threat, without regard
to the threat magnitude that would be perceived by the unaided
human. In one aspect, such modifications are done highly
selectively, to avoid causing a diminution in the response of the
human or for other reasons. For example, the sound of a female
mosquito may be amplified whereas the sound of a male mosquito may
be unaltered.
[0023] In high stress environments where situational awareness and
precision of executed tasks are paramount, these inventions include
a sensory assistant system to aid in the safe, accurate and
efficient completion of tasks. By altering sensory data provided to
military and public safety professionals, threats that would not
normally be recognized or understood are made clear.
[0024] Embodiments of the present invention advantageously aid
military units in completing missions, such as by aiding in
avoiding sniper fire while engaging in more efficient navigation to
extraction points. Casualties may be reduced by presenting users
with visual data describing the terrain and location and status of
fellow units, as well as the position of hostile units.
[0025] Additionally the system may further assist ground units by
reporting local environmental data back to a control center or base
to allow the units at base to provide appropriate support. By
enhancing the visual perception of ground units, sharing data
between units and a control center, and alerting units of hostile
units or potentially dangerous situations and aiding the units in
circumventing the threats, the instant invention may advantageously
improve the efficacy of military units and operations.
[0026] These and other advantages of the present invention will
become readily apparent from the detailed description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Various non-limiting embodiments are further described with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates modification of sensory
data to achieve a desired behavior according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates modification of sensory
data to achieve a desired response of eating healthy foods
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates modification of sensory
data and generation of alternative sensory data to achieve a
desired outcome.
[0031] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates modification of sensory
data to achieve a desired patient response to a medical
procedure.
[0032] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates modification of
environmental data to trigger a desired response to a threat to
personal safety.
[0033] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates modification of sensory
data to improve the efficiency and success of military
operations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments
of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with the following embodiments, it will be understood
that the descriptions are not intended to limit the invention to
these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to
cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be
included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed
description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the
present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components
have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily
obscure aspects of the present invention. These conventions are
intended to make this document more easily understood by those
practicing or improving on the inventions, and it should be
appreciated that the level of detail provided should not be
interpreted as an indication as to whether such instances, methods,
procedures or components are known in the art, novel, or
obvious.
[0035] For the sake of convenience and simplicity, the terms
modification and enhancement may be used interchangeably herein.
Also, for convenience and simplicity, the terms sensory data,
environmental data and sensory perception may be used
interchangeably, and wherever one such term is used, it also
encompasses the other term.
[0036] As discussed in the background, there are numerous
situations where sensory data evokes an improper or non-optimal
response. The currently available solutions are primitive. With
regard to eating habits, people are asked/expected to abstain from
certain foods, or in the case of eating too much, for example, food
is placed on smaller plates so as to appear as more. With regard to
medical procedures, patients are asked to look away, tricked into
looking away, told to bury their faces in their parent's shoulder,
or surreptitiously stuck with a needle. In police or military
situations, night vision goggles present some enhanced features,
but are non-optimal for networking information between officers
and/or troops. In public safety situations, amplified voice through
microphones or megaphones may provide some instruction, but these
are often not heard, not understood or may be ignored in the panic
of the situation.
[0037] The various embodiments disclosed herein are directed
generally to systems and methods to alter sensory perceptions to
achieve desired behaviors and/or beneficial outcomes. An exemplary
general system/method 100 is described in FIG. 1. The system may
include a camera 105, operably coupled to a processor 115 and a
computing device 125, which are also operably coupled to a user
immersive device 155. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the camera 105
captures sensory data, the processor processes the captured data
and identifies images, sounds, smells, etc., the computing device
125 identifies desired behaviors, and identifies and/or calculates
modified and/or enhanced sensory data. The user immersive device
155 generates and substitutes the modified/enhanced sensory data
for sensory data.
[0038] The method is described in steps 110 thru 150. At step 110,
sensory data is captured. In the embodiment in FIG. 1, the data is
captured by camera 105. However, in other embodiments, sensory data
may be captured by one or more other devices, including, but not
limited to video recorders, audio recorders, odor cameras,
spectography equipment, medical measurement devices (e.g., devices
that measure blood pressure, blood sugar level, alcohol level,
enzyme levels, etc.), GPS devices, sensors (e.g., carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide, chemical, humidity, thermal, etc.), other image
recognition devices, sound recognition devices, odor or chemical
recognition devices, and/or tactile sensors.
[0039] At step 120, the captured data is processed and images,
sounds, odors, etc. are identified by the processor 115, which
processor may comprise image, sound, odor, chemical and/or tactile
recognition software. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the processor
115 is shown separately from the computing device 125. However, in
some embodiments, the computing device 125 may comprise an internal
processor, and image, sound, odor, chemical and/or tactile
recognition software may be located within the computing device
such that the processing and identifying of the captured data may
be performed solely by the computing device 125.
[0040] At step 130, one or more databases in the computing device
125 are queried to identify behaviors or outcomes that are
desirable to achieve. The behaviors and/or outcomes may include,
but are not limited to healthy food choices, healthy exercise
choices, reduction of fear of medical procedures, appropriate
responses to threat levels, avoidance of threats to human health
and safety, coordinated military missions, etc. At step 140, the
same or other data bases are queried to identify and/or calculate
modified and/or enhanced sensory data likely to achieve the desired
behavior or outcome. Such altered sensory data may include altered
body image, appearance or smell of foods, altered images of
personal or environmental threats, etc. At step 150, modified
and/or enhanced sensory data is generated and at step 160, the
modified and/or enhanced sensory data is substituted for the
captured sensory data.
[0041] The modified and/or enhanced sensory data may be generated
and/or substituted for the sensory data of a person by generating
devices including, but not limited to speakers, headphones,
amplifiers, three-dimensional monitors, digital image projectors,
light projectors, stereoscopic devices, alternating shutter
glasses, polarized glasses, holographic display devices,
electro-holographic display devices and/or immersive visual
devices. Elements may be overlaid over ambient data and/or a
partially transparent and/or an opaque display modality may be
utilized.
[0042] These methods and systems are described below in relation to
(1) digital body or food image modification to promote healthy
eating or responsible drinking, (2) altering perceptions to ease
patient's fears and allow for the safe performance of medical
procedures (3) modifying environmental data to promote personal or
public safety, and (4) capturing, aggregating and generating
enhanced and/or virtual sensory data to facilitate military mission
and operations. The systems and methods described will be applied
to each of these desired behaviors or outcomes in the exemplary
embodiments that follow. However, it should be understood by those
skilled in the art that the systems and methods described herein
are not so limited and may be applied to numerous other desired
behaviors and outcomes.
[0043] Exemplary Systems and Methods for Digital Body, Food,
Alcohol and Tobacco Sensory Modification
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, undesirable or habitual
behaviors such as eating unhealthy types and/or amounts of food, or
consuming excess amounts of alcohol may be modified. With regard to
unhealthy eating habits, in one embodiment, sensory data regarding
a person's appearance may be modified to promote healthy eating
habits. In such embodiments, a person's image may be modified so
that they appear to weigh more than they do, to promote an intake
of less food, or they may appear thinner than they are (e.g., in
the case of a bulimic person), to promote an intake of larger
quantities of food.
[0045] In some aspects, light, sound and/or small projection
technology may be incorporated into the user's environment, such as
within a refrigerator, above a table or bar, within containers,
plates, or glasses, and may be used to capture and/or generate
modified data to alter perceptions. In other aspects, wearable
technology may be utilized to alter a person's perception of his or
her environment. In yet other aspects, mirrored surfaces or
apparently mirrored surfaces may incorporate an opaque,
non-reflective or partially reflective capability wherein part or
all of the surface reflects an image while another part of the
surface shows modified data. An artificial mirror may be utilized,
wherein the "mirror" is a display coupled with a camera and a
modification device, and the image presented to the mirror is
presented to the user, as modified. The camera may be placed behind
the mirror.
[0046] In another aspect, the invention may be utilized to alter
smoking or inhalation behavior, whether tobacco, marijuana, or
other inhaled substances. For example, the quantity of smoke
apparently generated from a "drag" of a cigarette may be
artificially enhanced to make the user believe he has received a
greater dose of smoke than he actually has. In another aspect, the
user's chest, throat, or other body parts may be warmed to simulate
inhaling smoke, or warmed or cooled to simulate intake of food or
liquids. Thus, for example, a person drinking a beer may expect to
feel a cool sensation in the throat and chest as he drinks; by
providing an artificial cooling sensation, the user may drink less.
In another aspect, the smoke generation device may be modified to
incorporate other, less harmful elements, such as steam, thereby
diluting the concentration of the undesirable elements. Such
generation is, in one implementation, coordinated with visual field
modifications to make the smoke appear to be undiluted.
[0047] Object identification technology is utilized to identify
objects. Images of objects are captured, and one or more databases
may be queried to compare the captured images against known objects
or images so as to better define and/or identify objects in a
person's environment. The one or more data bases queried may be a
generic database, one generated by the user, one generated by a
healthcare provider, one ordered by a court, or otherwise. There
may be multiple queries and not all queries must, in some aspects,
be run against all databases.
[0048] Another set of queries may identify the status or preferred
treatment of the objects vis-a-vis the user (e.g., "French fries
are a deprecated food" for a particular user or "beer is an
alcoholic beverage, and consumption of an alcoholic beverage is
prohibited for this user."). In addition, databases may be searched
to determine modified sensory data that is likely to evoke a
particular response, and the modified data substituted for the
sensory data. Such sensory data may be identified as likely to
generate a desired response or behavior in any user (e.g., a beer
may look or feel warm and thus unappealing, or the beer may out of
date and very old so as to lead the user to believe it will taste
bad), or the sensory data may be identified to likely generate a
desired response or behavior peculiar to the current user. For
example, if the current user has a phobia of spiders, the label on
a bottle of beer may be replaced with an image of a label with the
words "spider beer" on it and artwork on the label that includes
spiders.
[0049] In one implementation, images of elements that are
undesirable and/or of which the user is phobic may be overlaid over
visual field elements for very short time periods, such as one
millisecond (although longer time periods may be used as well) in
order to create a subconscious perception and association of the
undesirable environmental element with the element that the user is
phobic of. The overlay may be made fully opaque, nearly
transparent, or anywhere in between. Although the opacity of the
overlay need not correlate with the amount of time the overlay is
displayed and the amount of time between displays of the overlay,
in one aspect the undesirable/phobic element is overlaid for a
shorter period of time when the overlay has a higher opacity. In
one implementation, the overlay may be projected generally over an
area where the object is found without the need to overlay
specifically over, and only over, the object.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention as it relates to food image modification is shown
therein. Method 200 for food image modification begins at step 210.
At step 210, the actual appearance or smell of food is captured.
The appearance may be captured by a camera, a video camera, a
miniature camera and/or other type of video or image recorder.
Smells may be captured by a smell camera. At step 220, the captured
image or smell is identified (e.g., by a processor having image or
odor recognition software), and at step 230 a data base is queried
to determine a desired response such as to eat certain healthy
foods, or to not eat certain unhealthy foods.
[0051] For example, diabetics may have to avoid certain foods that
contain high concentrations of sugar, obese or overweight people
may have to avoid high fat foods, and people requiring extra iron
in their diet may have to eat more spinach, raisins or other foods
with high iron content. The data base queried may be a general data
base, or one prescribed by a physician or other nutritional
professional so as to identify those foods that comport with the
desired outcomes. At step 240, the same or other data bases may be
queried to determine the person's likely response to the actual
appearance and/or smell of the food.
[0052] For example, if the image or smell captured is of a sugary
item such as a donut, and the particular person likes donuts, the
likely response is that the person will eat the donut. However, if
the image or smell captured is a piece of dark chocolate, and the
person does not like dark chocolate because it tends taste bitter
to them, then the likely response is that the person will not eat
the dark chocolate. The smell or odor of an item may be detected an
analyzed by electronic sensing (e-sensing) devices, including but
not limited to chemosensors, gas chromatography, electronic odor
detectors which store "smell prints" of food and other odiferous
items, etc.
[0053] At step 250, the desired response is compared with the
likely response. If the desired response is the same as the likely
response, then no sensory data modification is necessary, and the
method ends at step 255. However, when the likely response is not
the same as the desired response, at step 260 the appearance and/or
smell of the food is altered, and at step 270 the modified
appearance and/or smell of the food is substituted for the actual
appearance and/or smell so as to achieve the desired behavior of
the person eating/not eating the appropriate foods.
[0054] In another aspect, numbing agents may be deployed to reduce
sensory acuity in taste and/or smell when the user is eating or may
be about to eat foods that are deprecated. For example, when the
dessert course arrives at a dinner, a numbing agent may be
released. The numbing agent may be contained within cutlery; may be
contained within a device operably coupled to the nose and/or mouth
and/or tongue; the numbing agent may be sprayed on the food from a
device worn on the user or elsewhere; the numbing agent may be
applied to the food (or the surface thereof) by a device in the
kitchen that receives a signal from the user's device; or via other
means.
[0055] In another aspect, the taste of the food the user is about
to eat may be altered by, for example, requiring or otherwise
providing an incentive to the user to eat another food first, the
taste of which will, when combined with the taste of the deprecated
food, make the deprecated food taste less appealing than it
otherwise would. Similarly, the user may be required or otherwise
provided with an incentive to brush his or her teeth prior to
eating a deprecated food, and the act of brushing, or the taste of
toothpaste may cause the user to be less likely to consume the
deprecated food.
[0056] A variety of methods may be used to discourage or prevent
certain undesirable or habitual behaviors. The following examples
are by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.
[0057] In one example, a user is sitting down to a meal. The user
is wearing immersive vision goggles, projection technology is
available, or other modes of altering images, sounds and/or smells
in real time or near-real time is utilized. The apparent size of
the portions may be altered in order to cause the user to put less
unhealthy food on his plate and/or to put more healthy food on his
plate. Undesirable foods may be made less noticeable or even
blocked from vision entirely using lighting or digital signal
processing. Food appearance may be altered to make foods look less
or more enticing (for example by adding a greenish or grey cast to
meat).
[0058] Further, data may be generated by medical measurement
devices or mechanisms, such as measurement of body fat percentage
and/or blood sugar level. These measurements may be utilized to
help identify and/or determine desired behaviors or outcomes. For
example, if a diabetic's blood sugar level is within a certain
range, eating certain foods may be acceptable, which would not be
acceptable if the person's blood sugar level was outside the
specified range. In addition, the invention may track daily calorie
consumption, exercise and calorie utilization, activity level,
sleep history, or other behavioral or health factors to further
determine permissible/impermissible behaviors. The device may also
import such data if it is available from another device.
[0059] The environmental stimuli presented to the user may be
altered to induce the user to engage in better or more desirable
behavior, and to discourage undesirable behavior. For example,
immediate positive or negative reinforcement may be provided. In
one aspect, a user may be presented with alterations in reflected
body image that track the likely appearance of the user after a
certain time period X, if the user continues to engage the
activities such as the ones the user has engaged in over the past
time period Y. If the user has exercised for an hour every other
day for 14 days, the user might be presented with a projected body
image that matches, approximates, or is slightly more similar to
the appearance that is likely if the user continues that behavior
for a year (if Y is 14 days and X is one year).
[0060] Apparent user appearance may be altered in other ways as
well. For example, if a user is engaging in excessively strenuous
weight lifting activity at the gym, the user's reflection in the
mirrors may be altered to make the user appear more muscular and
sweatier than he really is. If a user is about to open a
refrigerator with a mirrored surface, the image may be altered to
appear to make the user appear fatter than he is.
[0061] A parent may wish to get reluctant children to bathe more
frequently. The image the children are presented in the mirror may
be altered to make them appear dirtier than they actually are.
[0062] In one instance of the present invention, cameras may be
operably connected to a computer that identifies the undesired
behavior of drug use--for example, the camera captures images of
hypodermic needles being filled from a spoon. In addition,
microphones operably connected to the computer may detect a
discussion between two or more persons about illegal drug use or
the commission of some other crime. The computer may then identify
the drug use as an undesirable behavior. To improve the chances
that the drug use is immediately halted, the sound of police sirens
(in one aspect approaching police sirens) may be generated by an
audio system and played in a manner such that the persons
participating in the illegal drug use are motivated to cease the
drug use. Other stimuli may also be utilized to such an end.
[0063] In some aspects, the modified, enhanced and/or virtual
sensory data may be further altered, rotated with other modified
data, or used intermittently to prevent the users from determining
that it is artificial. In the above example, the sound of sirens
may be rotated with the screeching tires of police vehicles, voice
commands over a loud speaker, or similar sounds that make evoke a
corresponding response to cease the drug use.
[0064] The method 300 of FIG. 3, schematically illustrates how
further modified or alternatively modified, enhanced and/or virtual
sensory data may be substituted or rotated with initially modified
sensory data. The method begins at step 310, wherein sensory data
is captured. Such sensory data may be captured by the devices
and/or methods described with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2 above. At
step 320, the captured sensory data is analyzed and identified,
also by devices and/or methods described above. At step 330, at
least one data base is queried to determine a desired
behavior/outcome such as those described above. At step 340, it is
determined whether the sensory data is likely to triggers the
desired behavior. If the desired behavior/outcome is likely
triggered by the sensory data, then the method ends at step
345.
[0065] If, on the other hand, the sensory data is not likely to
trigger the desired behavior or outcome, then, at step 350, one or
more data bases are queried to determine or calculate what modified
sensory data is likely to evoke the desired behavior or outcome. At
step 360, the modified sensory data is generated, and at step 370,
the modified data is substituted for the sensory data. At step 380,
a determination is made as to whether the sensory data captured is
sufficiently similar to past sensory data captured. In other words,
if the captured data is a not a reoccurring event, the method ends
at step 375. However, if the sensory data captured is sufficiently
similar to past sensory data captured (i.e., the sensory data
captured is a repetitive event), then alternative
modified/enhanced/virtual data is generated. The generation of
alternative data helps to prevent the user from discerning that the
modified data is artificially generated.
[0066] In another embodiment, the effects of drugs, alcohol, or
other elements that impair cognition, balance, behavior, judgment
or other physical or intellectual characteristics may be
exaggerated or minimized using aspects of these inventions. In one
aspect, the impairment that is likely to be derived by the user of
an apparently contemplated (or other) quantity of alcohol or drugs
may be at least partially simulated in advance of the completion of
the consumption, thereby allowing the user to cease consumption if
the impairment is undesirable. In another aspect, the level of
impairment that corresponds to the amount of intoxicant that the
user has consumed but not yet absorbed into the blood (or otherwise
felt the full effects of) may be calculated and emulated so that
the user can slow or stop intake of the intoxicant based on what
the effects will be. Such a system may be useful, for example, in
reducing binge drinking or in preventing somebody with rising blood
alcohol levels from getting into a car to drive because he hasn't
yet felt the full intoxication.
[0067] For example, consumption of a pint of beer by a person who
already has a blood alcohol level of 0.05 may be at least partially
simulated by altering the person's visual field, making items
appear closer or further than they are, delaying the visual or
auditory perception of events slightly to mimic the decreased
response times, or by taking similar steps. Thus, if the person
feels that he or she has already consumed a larger quantity of
alcohol or drugs than is actually the case, the person may be
motivated to cease use sooner. In another aspect, countermeasures
to decrease physical impairment may be taken, such as by making
stairs more visible (e.g., well lit and colored red) so as to aid
the person to safely negotiate physical obstacles.
[0068] Exemplary Systems and Methods for Improving Medical
Outcomes
[0069] The methods and systems of the present invention may also be
applied to medical procedures. For example, the prospect of having
a sharp object penetrate the flesh tends to be a daunting thought
for many. For younger children and even teens, the fears associated
with receiving an injection extend beyond the syringe. In these
situations children may suffer from separation anxiety; fearful
that their parent may leave them alone in a fear-inducing moment.
They may be fearful of general pain, not necessarily having
anything to do with the syringe. A child may simply be fearful that
the exam may cause pain. In some instances when met by a physician
who they perceive as unfriendly, they may feel as though they upset
the physician. Children may also exhibit a fear based simply out of
not knowing what to expect from the experience as a whole.
[0070] This level of fear and anxiety may manifest itself in
erratic and otherwise unsafe behavior that may place the healthcare
provider and the patient at risk. As a result it may be necessary
to distract the child from visual stimuli that may cause the child
further stress, and in doing so possibly dissipate any current
anxiety or fear. Existing techniques for distracting the patient
are crude, and frequently ineffective. For example, simply asking a
child to look away or waiting until the child looks away before
injecting the child is rarely as effective as desired. The goal of
achieving patient compliance with the administration of tests,
treatments or injections may be achieved by utilizing the
inventions described herein.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 4, the present invention as it relates
to medical procedures is generally described therein. At step 410,
actual appearances, sounds, odors and/or the feel of a medical
procedure is captured, and at step 420 identified (e.g., by image,
sound, odor, chemical and/or tactile recognition software or other
appropriate software systems). At step 430, one or more data bases
are queried to ascertain previous patient response, if any, or the
likely response to the medical procedure. At step 440, if the
patient's previous or likely response is not one of fear, then the
method ends at step 445. On the other hand, if the patient's
previous or likely response is fear, than the method proceeds to
step 450, where the appearance, sound, smell and/or feel of the
medical procedure is altered or modified. At step 460, the altered
or modified appearance, sound, smell and/or feel is substituted for
the actual appearance, sound, smell and/or feel.
[0072] A variety of methods may be used to overcome fear in a
medical setting. The following examples are by way of illustration
and are not intended to be limiting. The invention may utilize
techniques that modify the perception of sensory input to minimize
the apparent danger or other fear-inducing elements; to change the
appearance of environmental elements; to add virtual environmental
elements; or otherwise to alter the patient's perception in a
manner that improves patient compliance.
[0073] In a simple subset of the invention, a sufficient level of
distraction may be achieved by altering the visual appearance of
the needle or the child's arm, such as by utilizing immersive
reality glasses, projected light, or an opaque barrier below which
the injection site is located, and above which there is a display
visible to the patient.
[0074] In a simple example, a curtain may be placed right below a
patient's chin, preventing the patient from seeing their body. A
camera may image the patient's body or a portion of the body (for
example, an arm near an injection site). Alternatively, the image
may be generated entirely by computer, or by a combination of live
video and computer. The images displayed to the patient may then be
modified.
[0075] For example, a computer may receive a video stream showing
the needle in the nurse's hand. The needle may be digitally altered
to appear smaller and thinner. The nurse may be digitally altered
to appear as a cartoon princess holding the needle or, in one
implementation, a magic wand that replaces the image of the actual
needle. The patient's arm may be displayed as having magic
bluebirds flying around on it. The actual administration of the
injection may be displayed to the child as the princess (i.e. the
nurse) "accidentally" is bumping the child's arm with the magic
wand or as picking up one of the bluebirds on the wand, and the
bluebird scratching the child as it walks onto the wand.
[0076] In another embodiment, the systems of the present invention
administers sensory stimulus before, during and after a child (or
other patient) receives the injection. The stimulus may take place
at various points along the arm or other body portions, which will
distract from the actual injection site. In the context of delivery
of a subcutaneous injection, for example, the child may be told to
grab hold of a rubber object that appears to be the top of a carrot
while a bunny begins approaching on the screen. If the child holds
the carrot still, the bunny will begin to nibble it. The visual
appearance of nibbling may coordinate with the vibration the rubber
"carrot top" causing the child to focus on their hand, while they
observe a cat licking their arm at the injection site (as the arm
is sterilized by the doctor), and then resting their head at the
site as the whiskers touch the skin to simulate the actual
injection. The specifics of how the images are modified may be
altered as desired, for example based on the preference and age and
gender of the child.
[0077] In one aspect, causing tactile stimulation in areas other
than the area in which the injection is actually being administered
would add value to the entire process as it will provide sensory
distraction. The device may even be designed to provide stimulation
in the form of pressure at multiple points along the arm at the
time of injection, which may impair the brain's ability to detect
the location administration, the amount of pain involved, and
perhaps even preclude the brain from detecting that an injection
has been administered.
[0078] The instant invention may provide unobtrusive tactile
stimulation to the user by way of either vibration or air jets.
Such stimulation may distract the user from the touch of the
healthcare professional or the eventual pinching sensation
associated with the needle breaking the skin. Such tactile
stimulation could be programmed by the system to course over the
patient's body in patterns based upon the selected location of the
injection site.
[0079] In a further aspect of the invention, the device may have
one or more openings. A child may be asked to put both arms into
slots, and some or most of the action may occur at the arm that is
not the subject of the injection. While a simple monitor and opaque
curtain may be utilized, is should be understood that any opaque
barrier, any video or audio display modality, and other mechanisms
for altering the appearance of things in a visual field (or the
sound of things in an audio field) may be utilized. Without
limitation, these may include projected images, 3D displays,
flexible displays, wearable displays, speakers, headphones, and
similar technology.
[0080] The display on the instant invention may be used to show the
patient a number of images or videos that may be considered
soothing to the user. For example a seascape of a sunset or playing
puppies may be shown to the user with or without audio to keep the
patient's mind from the imminent injection.
[0081] In one aspect, olfactory senses are associated with fear of
medical procedures. Indeed, olfactory stimulus has a profound
relationship to memory, and even a single bad experience associated
with a smell may bring that memory, together with associated fear,
to the forefront when the smell is next detected. Accordingly,
embodiments of the present invention may emit odors, optionally
related to the visual and/or audio stimuli being provided. In one
aspect, it may be useful to generate odors that are relatively
unique, such as by mixing a variety of odor sources, so that the
odor associated with the procedure is unlikely to be experienced
again by that patient. In another aspect, odors with positive
associations, such as freshly baked cookies, may be provided to
reduce fear levels. This may be accomplished utilized a specialized
odor mixing and emission device, but may also be accomplished by
utilizing scented alcohol or other wipes, or by adding a scent to
wipes.
[0082] In another aspect, certain medical procedures trigger
physical responses distant from the injection site, while others
trigger a taste response. For example, the injection of IV iodine
contrast for certain radiological studies may cause a warm or even
burning sensation around the anus. In an additional example, dental
procedures frequently have associated tastes and/or physical
sensation in the mouth. Just as olfactory sense memory may be
modified as described above; taste sensory inputs may be utilized.
For distant physical responses, it may be desirable to emulate some
portion of that response prior to initiation of the procedure, in
some instances in a manner that increases slowly. Utilizing the IV
contrast example, a warming element may be placed near the anus and
slowly warmed prior to the injection of contrast so as to prevent
the sudden onset of sensation.
[0083] For a vaccination, the arm must be held still and the
vaccine administered, and it may be advantageous to utilize a
device to hold the arm in place. In that case, or in other cases
where the patient must insert an appendage into a hole or other
device, the visual field may be altered to make the hole appear
bigger. The device may contract around the arm (gently) as the
screen displays clouds or marshmallows or something gently wrapping
around the forearm.
[0084] One problem that occurs in certain procedures, including MRI
and CT scans, is that patients fear being trapped in a small space
(e.g., claustrophobia or similar phobias). In those cases, it may
be desirable to create a partial or full sensory immersion illusion
that the patient is in a larger space. For example, a 3D display
may show the patient an image of lying down in a field; a set of
fans may blow air across the patient, simulating wind; speakers or
a headset may simulate leaves rustling and birds chirping. In one
aspect, it may be desirable to include a simulated environmental
element that causes the patient to desire to stay still.
[0085] For example, a virtual house of cards may be placed on the
patient's chest and the patient rewarded for not knocking the cards
over. In some aspects, it may be desirable to pose the incentive to
stay still as a threat, such as a rose bush with thorns that sits
directly over the patient. In one aspect, the threat may be
restricted to the areas at or adjacent to the areas being imaged
(and thus the areas most important to immobilize). In another
aspect, environmental elements may be coordinated with sounds. For
example, the sound of the CT scanner rotating around the patient
(which may be altered in one aspect) may be coordinated with
artificial environmental elements such as placing a user in a
virtual environment in a forest where there is logging going on in
the distance, and the sounds of the CT scanner coordinated with the
sounds of the logging machines.
[0086] Although the present invention may take many forms, it is
useful to consider a sample implementation. In one implementation,
the invention may present as a seat where the child rests with
their chest on a cushioned upholstered platform. Their head is
supported by a heavily cushioned face rest. The face rest may be
shaped like a horseshoe.
[0087] Through the horseshoe shaped face rest, there may be a
display for viewing programming that may occupy the child's mind. A
cushioned upholstered seat may rest below the child's buttock
and/or upon the child's upper hamstrings, to support the child's
rear while another cushioned upholstered platform supports the
child's shins or knees. An armrest may extend from the front of the
instant invention to support the child's arms so that they may rest
limply. When seated properly in the instant invention the child may
appear to be in a prayer like position but tilted forward at a 45
degree (or other) angle. This position may take stress away from
the muscle groups commonly injected for a vaccine. The shin and arm
rests may be outfitted with adjustable cushioned upholstered siding
that may be adjusted to fit snugly along the limbs of the
child.
[0088] Weighted gears may be placed within the cushions of the rear
seat, chest, shin rest and armrest cushions to gently vibrate the
child to sooth and further relax the muscles of the child. This
vibration may put the child further at ease as they may be
concurrently engrossed in the programming playing on the display
within the face rest. In another aspect, air jets may be placed in
the cushions of the rear seat, chest, shin rest and armrest
cushions to shoot out gentle bursts of air against the injection
recipient's body to simulate the touch of an object against the
recipient's body. In addition more air jets may be beneath the
armrest cushion, such that the air jets may shoot air burst on the
thigh muscles of the injection recipient. The face rest may serve
as a comfort itself as it may simulate a parent's shoulder.
[0089] While the child may be distracted by the tactile and visual
stimuli of the instant invention it may be possible for the
healthcare professional to safely inject the child in the
appropriate location. There are multiple sites at which it is
appropriate to administer an intramuscular (or subcutaneous)
injection. The appropriateness of the location varies by age of the
child. The vastus lateralis muscle (the thigh) is an ideal
injection site location for children of the age of three and
younger. The ventrogluteal muscle is a favorable location for
children seven months old and older, well into adulthood. The
dorsogluteal muscle is an appropriate location for children over
three years old. Children younger than three tend to have
undeveloped gluteal muscles making the site unfit for intramuscular
injection. The deltoid muscle, the shoulder, should be avoided in
all persons who are either thin or have undeveloped shoulder
muscles.
[0090] The instant embodiment may be constructed with a telescopic
pipe that runs down the center of the structure connecting all of
the cushions. The telescopic pipe may adjust in a way to allow the
repositioning of the injection recipient to further relieve stress
from certain body parts, allowing for easier intramuscular
injections. For example, if a healthcare professional was
administering an intramuscular injection in the shoulder of a
patient, the instant invention could be adjusted such that the
patient's chest resting on the chest cushion would create a
45-degree angle with the floor that the instant device is resting
on. In another example, if the healthcare professional needed to
administer a dorsogluteal, ventrogluteal or thigh muscle injection,
the patient could be repositioned by adjusting the instant
invention such that the patient is face down where the chest
cushion is parallel with the floor. Such adjustments may be made by
allowing the telescopic pipe joint to recede into or pull out from
the larger pipe in order to change the angle of the upper part of
the instant invention (including the chest, arm and face rest).
[0091] The instant invention may be constructed keeping these
intramuscular sites exposed as to make injection possible. The site
of the cushioned support for the child's rear may be placed beneath
the gluteus muscles in an effort to expose this muscle group for
the ventrogluteal injection. The placement of the shin and arm
rests leave both the thigh and arms exposed for thigh or shoulder
injection. The armrest may be positioned such that the arms are
exposed giving access for both intramuscular injections and blood
draws.
[0092] While an injection is being given the patient may be
distracted by video programming being played on the display.
Furthermore the patient may be distracted by the audio output from
the video being played on the display. In another aspect, the audio
playing to distract the patient may be played over a calibrated 5.1
or 7.1 sound system. The sound system may be calibrated for the
position and height of the patient seating component of the instant
embodiment such that an optimal sound field is created for the
seated patient. While the patient is about to receive an injection,
distracting audio may be played over the speaker systems, such that
the sound jumps around from speaker to speaker, potentially making
it difficult for the patient to detect the source. This may make it
difficult for the patient to determine where the healthcare
professional or syringe is, or where or when the injection will be
administered.
[0093] Another aspect of the present invention permits modification
of a response, or an apparent response of others to the treatment
and/or procedure which the patient is undergoing. Such modification
of the response of another person may temper or lessen the
patient's fear and/or anxiety related to the treatment or
procedure. This aspect is roughly analogous to when a child falls
down and looks to an adult or parent to determine whether the child
is hurt or should be crying. As an example, a parent's frown or
grimace may be altered to look like a smile to the patient. A
sharp, indrawn breath of the parent may be altered to be heard as a
soothing voice or humming. In another example, fictional characters
or artificial "people" may be generated and displayed to the child,
which the child may recognize as being friendly or nurturing.
[0094] In some aspects, the estimated, apparent, or induced mental
status of the patient may be utilized by the system. For example, a
patient who has been administered an opiate may not perceive the
piercing of a needle as a sharp pain, and thus the image presented
may be one consonant with a rub rather than a prick. Similarly, a
patient who has had local anesthetic may perceive a certain amount
of pressure despite the anesthetic but no pain, and the images
presented to that patient, for example while a scalpel is making an
incision, may therefore be ones that reflect a pushing across the
skin rather than a cutting or scratching. In the case where a sound
exists (for example, a drill) and cannot be completely muted or
covered up, that sound may be incorporated into the imagery
presented. In the case where smells are involved (for example,
burning flesh during cauterization), such smells may be
incorporated into the visual cues provided (for example, by showing
a scalpel being heated as if being sterilized).
[0095] Medical measurements, such as blood pressure and pulse, may
be used to modify the images being presented. In one aspect, the
images may be modified in a manner that heuristically seeks out a
lower blood pressure, pulse, or other indicia of distress. In
another aspect, the imagery may change in a manner that tracks the
changes to physical distress or condition.
[0096] In one aspect, light projectors mounted on the instant
invention may be used to project images on the skin of the patient,
camouflaging the syringe or vacutainer, or otherwise rendering the
items nearly invisible to the patient if they are otherwise able to
see what the healthcare professional is doing. It may also be
possible to alter the brightness and colors of the projection to
account for the skin tone and complexion of the patient.
[0097] Exemplary Systems and Methods for Improving Public and
Personal Safety
[0098] The methods and systems of the present invention may also be
applied to improve personal and public safety. Humans have evolved
to innately be fearful of loud and abrupt noises, rapidly
approaching large objects, and other environmental data that is
perceived as a potential threat. In the event of a threat, such as
a natural disaster or an attacking animal, frequently loud noises
or other indicators of danger cause a person to evade harmful
objects or vacate an area. By modifying sensory data associated
with less easily perceived threats, a human avoidance or safety
response may be induced. In addition, the type of response, such as
the direction in which a person runs, may be influenced.
[0099] FIG. 5 demonstrates, in general, a method 500 of altering
environmental data to improve personal or public safety according
to an embodiment of the present invention. The method begins at
step 510, wherein environmental data is captured. As with other
embodiments of the present invention, environmental data may be
captured utilizing a camera, a video camera or another type of
video recorder, microphones, sound recorder (such as a digital
sound recorder), sensors and/or detectors (e.g., smoke, carbon
monoxide, natural gas, thermal etc.). At step 520, the captured
data is analyzed and identified. In step 530, one or more data
bases are queried to determine the threat level based on the
environmental data captured.
[0100] At step 540 a determination is made as to whether or not
there is a significant threat to personal or public safety based on
the data collected. If there is not a significant danger, then the
method ends at step 545. However, if a significant danger exists,
then at step 550, a determination is made as to whether the threat
is likely to be perceived by the person, or if appropriate, the
public in general. The likely response of a person or the general
public may be identified or calculated by searching one or more
data bases for information containing histories of similar
responses by the person, or general information of how threats are
perceived by the general public in the same or similar
circumstances. If a determination is made that the threat is likely
to be perceived by the target person or the general public, then
the method ends at step 555. Otherwise, the method proceeds to step
560.
[0101] At step 560, enhanced data and/or virtual environmental data
is generated that will likely induce the desired response. Such
data likely to produce the desired response is determined by a
search of one or more relevant data bases that contain information
regarding what sensory data may evoke a particular response. Such
sensory data may be peculiar to a particular individual (in the
case of personal safety) or may be applicable, instead, to the
public at large.
[0102] At step 570, the enhanced and/or virtual data is substituted
for the sensory data captured, and at step 580, a determination is
made as to whether the desired response (e.g., avoidance of the
threat) is triggered. Such determination may be made by collecting
additional, sensory data (e.g., by a video camera that may indicate
when a person is fleeing an area). If the desired response is
triggered, then the method ends at step 585.
[0103] However, if the desired response is not triggered, then at
step 590 additional, alternative environmental data may be
generated, which may then be substituted for the previously
enhanced and/or virtual data generated. The method then again
determines if the avoidance response is triggered. If so, then the
method ends at step 575. If not, then the steps 570-590 are
repeated until the avoidance response is triggered.
[0104] The methods of the present invention, may be repeated in a
continuous loop in real or near real time, or may be programmed to
occur at specific times and/or at regular intervals. The times
and/or intervals may be dependent on the location, the time of year
(e.g., during fire season), the current and/or predicted weather,
the number of persons present in a given area, etc.
[0105] It should be appreciated that human perception of a scenario
may be further altered by their physiological response, such as a
"fight or flight" response to an eminent threat. By modifying the
sensory data, altering it if necessary to make obvious the
direction in which the human should perceive the threat to be
approaching from in order to induce the human to run in the
direction of safety, mortality and morbidity may be reduced.
[0106] In one aspect, the invention may function, utilizing sound
alone, or primarily sound, as the sensory output source. As an
exemplary description, an intersection with a crosswalk may be
equipped with one or more cameras, a computing system capable of
identifying people in the crosswalk and the speed and direction of
oncoming cars. When the system identifies a vehicle that is on a
course that, without intervention, may cause injury to the person
in the crosswalk, the system may calculate the direction the person
should move to minimize injury. For example, the system may utilize
a speaker system (in many cases, a multiple-speaker or surround
sound system) to cause the person in the crosswalk to perceive a
loud, menacing sound coming from the direction of the oncoming
vehicle. Alternatively, if desired, it may sound as if the noise is
emanating from a point slightly distant from the direction of the
oncoming vehicle, but distant in a manner that causes the person's
reaction to be more likely the correct one. For example, if the
person has just entered the crosswalk and the best path to safety
is to turn around and run back to the curb, the sound may appear to
come more from the far side of the street than the approaching
vehicle's actual position in the street.
[0107] In another exemplary scenario, a photonic fence and laser
system utilized for malaria control may be modified to include a
sound generation system. There may be cases, such as when a
mosquito is aligned in a manner that creates risk to human sight,
in which the laser system is inappropriate to use to kill the
mosquito. There may also be situations, such as fog, rain or other
objects between the laser and the mosquito (in the case of rain,
one may imagine the mosquito under a canopy and thus able to fly),
where the laser cannot reach or effectively kill the mosquito. In
such instances the present invention may utilize the location data
for the mosquito and create a sound perceptible by a human near the
mosquito that makes the mosquito far more likely to be detected by
the human and appropriately killed or avoided.
[0108] In one aspect, the mosquito may additionally be illuminated
with a low power laser or another light source to make
identification and location of the mosquito simpler. It should be
understood while this document discusses speaker systems, other
mechanisms for generation of actual or perceived sound may be
utilized. Furthermore, force feedback devices may additionally be
utilized to create a sensation on a person's skin to make them
aware of a mosquito that has landed on them. Indeed, in some
aspect, it is not preferable to attempt to kill a mosquito with a
very high powered laser when the mosquito is on a person's skin,
but utilizing a laser sufficient to warm the skin, but not damage
the skin, may be sufficient to trigger the person to notice and
kill the mosquito.
[0109] In another aspect, the present invention may alter a user's
perception of events so as to improve their response time or
minimize their injury. For example, if a car is going to hit a
pedestrian and the system detects that the pedestrian can likely
reduce injury by standing more upright (for example, to concentrate
the force on the legs rather than the pelvis or abdomen), the
system may alter the view so that the vehicle appears to be much
shorter than it really is, encouraging the user to try to jump over
the car. Further, if a threat (such as a car) is detected but the
user is not yet moving, the threat can be altered to be more
noticeable to the user, such as by making the vehicle larger, by
causing a noise to appear to emanate from the vehicle, to cause the
vehicle to appear to be flashing its lights, etc.
[0110] Such systems may be designed with regard to new or altered
threats to attach sounds and/or images that the user already
associates (or likely associates) with certain risk profiles and/or
responses. For example, most humans associate the sound of an
internal combustion engine with a vehicle, and such sounds trigger
awareness and safety-enhancing responses. If the system detects a
vehicle with a silent (or nearly silent) electric motor, the system
may cause the user to perceive the sound of an internal combustion
engine as the vehicle approaches and/or if the system determines
that there is a risk presented by the vehicle.
[0111] Similarly, chemical analysis may identify dangerous
atmospheric elements (or the presence in the atmosphere of markers
indicating the proximate presence of dangerous chemicals). In such
a case, a smell (such as the smell of gasoline), an image (such as
fire), and/or a sound (such as an alarm) may be presented to the
user. In some implementations the presentation of such warning
signals may be done in such a manner as to cause the person to flee
in an appropriate direction and/or to take other appropriate
responses.
[0112] There are multiple other uses for the invention. For
example, a thermal sensor may be utilized to determine when an
environmental object is at a temperature that may cause injury. In
such a case, the object may be made to glow red or blue, may appear
to emit a sound, or may otherwise be modified (utilizing augmented
reality or other technology) to elicit a response.
[0113] In another application, if toxins are detected, such as
sarin gas, or in the event of another threat where movement in a
particular direction is preferable, the invention may be utilized
to create a sound appearing to originate in a particular direction,
either a scary or uncomfortable sound, or a sound associated with
threat, optionally together with instructions to run in the
direction of, or away from, the sound.
[0114] In another aspect, the system may be mounted within a
vehicle. Threats to the safety of the vehicle or those outside of
the vehicle may be evaluated by the system. For example, if the
system identifies a bicycle, it may make a sound in the vehicle,
perhaps one similar to a motorcycle, appearing to originate in the
direction of the bicycle, thus notifying the driver as to the
presence of the bicycle. In another example, the system may
identify a vehicle that is being driven in an erratic manner or
weaving, for example by tracking only one of the two lane lines,
and may create an audio warning that the vehicle is erratic and a
potential threat.
[0115] Exemplary Systems and Methods for Military and Public Safety
Situations
[0116] The systems and methods of the present invention may also
improve the efficiency and efficacy of military operations. A
variety of mechanisms exist for projection of three dimensional
images onto the retina. These include an assortment of stereoscopic
displays that do not require glasses, displays that require
alternating shutter glasses, displays that require polarized
glasses, holographic and electro-holographic displays, immersive
glasses (such as the Oculus Rift), and others. While embodiments of
the present invention are described with regard to 3D display
technology, it should be noted that in many cases 2D technology may
be acceptable, and in some cases may be made efficacious by
blocking the display from being viewed by one of the user's two
eyes. Similarly, a variety of mechanisms exist for projection of
sound, and even for simulation or release of scents, temperatures,
force feedback and other sensory data.
[0117] Such mechanisms may be operably coupled with a data
processing device, such as a computer, and utilized to alter user
sensory perceptions in order to trigger or ease the evocation of
certain human (or animal) behavior.
[0118] This alteration is particularly critical in public safety or
military situations. A simple example is that while humans are
innately afraid of a growling animal and will likely evaluate the
risk posed currently, the sound of a bullet passing near the ear is
likely to trigger perception of danger that is far smaller than the
actual level of danger. Similarly, a backpack that is out of place
and that may contain a bomb is likely to trigger no fear reaction,
even in an environment where there has been a warning that a terror
event is expected.
[0119] Further, the speed and other characteristics of certain
threats can render human perception ineffective or inaccurate. For
example, a sniper rifle fired from a mile away may not generate a
sufficient sound when actuated to identify the location of the
rifle. At the same time, the speed of the bullet may make visual or
audio tracking of the bullet impossible or inaccurate. As a result,
people in the target area may not know the direction the shots are
coming from, and thus be unable to identify an appropriate barrier
to hide behind.
[0120] Modern computers, cameras, microphones, and other data
gathering devices make it possible to identify the source and true
level of modern threats in a manner that an unaided human would be
unlikely to achieve. As an exemplar, consider a public shooting. In
such event, the instant invention can make obvious the direction of
the gunshots by amplifying the sound, adding visual cues to entice
the person to turn toward the danger (e.g., in the case of a police
officer) or to flee the danger (e.g., in the case of a bystander).
One implementation may be a green flashing pathway with arrows
pointing away from the danger and/or a red flashing pathway with
arrows pointing toward it. Additionally the instant invention may
notify a person of his proximity to danger with a noise that
increases or decreases in frequency with respect to the proximity
to danger. The presentation of this actionable data in dangerous
situations may be critical in saving lives.
[0121] In combat on the ground, for instance an extraction mission,
the instant invention may prove invaluable in the marking and
differentiation of friend or foe. When paired with a device that
emits a known, unique, signature or frequency, worn only by
friendly forces, in conjunction with facial recognition software,
and/or in conjunction with other identification methods, the
instant invention can visually differentiate those forces from
hostile forces or targets with a mark such as a color or symbol.
Such a differentiation may visually appear to be similar to those
seen on first person shooter video games.
[0122] The uses of the instant invention in this context are
multifaceted. Not only would the specified augmented reality
equipment be able to display the difference between friendly and
hostile units, but also do so through objects such as trees, other
topography presented by the terrain, walls, or any object through
which the signal emitted from the device worn by friendly forces
can travel. Furthermore, the instant invention can display
different states of the friendly forces, such as blinking the
marker or changing the appearance of the marker, if the friendly
unit is injured or in trouble.
[0123] When paired with other devices such as a microphone, radio,
or other transmission devices worn by soldiers, the instant
invention if networked, can provide information about the status of
different quadrants of the battlefield, from a present unit to
other nearby units, through the transmission of sound or visual
information. The instant invention may be used to share one unit's
view or perspective with other units in real time or near real
time, upon request or otherwise. In this way each ground unit can
provide data from a unique perspective different to the data
provided by technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV),
while simultaneously enhancing or altering their own perception.
The presentation of this type of data by the instant invention can
increase the efficiency of ground forces while improving and
preserving their personal safety. Additionally the ability of the
instant invention to provide passive feedback to other units or
headquarters may improve response times and adaptations to
unforeseen developments in combat.
[0124] An embodiment of the present invention is described
schematically in FIG. 6. In the system 600 of FIG. 6, a number of
user devices 601-604 are linked to a control center 610. Any number
N of user devices may be linked to control center 610. Actual
environmental and sensory data from the user devices are
transmitted to the control center 610, which includes a computing
device 620. The computing device 620, may include a database 621 in
which aggregated location, topography and other environmental data
from each of the user devices 601-604 is analyzed, identified
and/or stored. The same or another data base may contain
instructions to transmit back to user devices 601 through 604
modified and/or enhanced location, topographic and/or other
environmental data.
[0125] In one aspect, the device or devices may be associated with
an individual. In another aspect, each individual may have data or
other metrics tracked and utilized across one or more other user
devices, optionally in conjunction with facial recognition or other
tracking technology. The individuals' reactions to various signals
may be recorded. In some implementations, data may be sought out by
triggering user reactions, such as by showing a user which way to
walk in response to a user inquiry, where different ways to show
the direction may be tested for efficacy.
[0126] In some aspects, user familiarity with video games, virtual
environments, drone control systems, robotic control systems, or
other human/computer interfaces may be analyzed, requested,
measured, or otherwise learned by the system. The system may then
bias or prefer control inputs and messages to the user that are
similar to the systems with which the user is familiar. In a simple
example, the "survival mode" in Minecraft includes certain hostile
creatures that make a very specific noise. By contrast, the zombies
in the survival version of "Call of Duty" make a different,
specific noise. A person who uses Minecraft frequently would be
more responsive to the Minecraft noises and those noises would thus
be preferred for warning that user.
[0127] In another aspect, of relevance to combat or police
situations (among others), is that different weapons make
distinguishable, unique sounds. For example, specific firearms
(potentially in combination with specific rounds, or specific
rounds on their own) make certain noise patterns on firing.
Similarly, types of firearms and types of rounds make identifiable
sounds. The system may identify police rounds, standard issue
police weapons, or even the specific weapon owned by a user of the
system or an ally of a user of the system as "friendly" rounds and
provides a different kind of warning, indication of location, or
even no indication for such rounds.
[0128] The system may also differentiate real weapons and real
rounds from fake rounds. The system may also identify both the
sound of a shot originating and the sound of a shot hitting a
target, and use those points to estimate the distance of the
shooter, the direction of the shots, and other data that may be of
use. The system may also reference a database or compare data
gathered during a single event or past events in order to predict
the ballistic or other characteristics of ordinance or other
threats. For example, if the system identifies the sound of an Acme
Road Runner gun and the Acme Coyote bullet, it may reference a
database and determine that the range of that combination of
ordinance is 300 meters with an accuracy of approximately 2 feet at
300 meters.
[0129] It should be noted that in the future, direct neural input
may make it possible to transmit images or other sensory data
directly to a person's brain, and such technology could be used as
a transmission modality for some aspects of these inventions.
[0130] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principals of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and the various embodiments and modifications
as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended
that the scope of the invention be defined by the components and
elements described herein and their equivalents.
* * * * *