U.S. patent application number 16/986807 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-10 for methods and systems for modifying bioactive agent use.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Invention Science Fund I, LLC. Invention is credited to Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood.
Application Number | 20200384198 16/986807 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005001744 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-10 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200384198 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hyde; Roderick A. ; et
al. |
December 10, 2020 |
Methods and Systems for Modifying Bioactive Agent Use
Abstract
Methods, computer program products, and systems are described
that include measuring at least one effect of a combined bioactive
agent and artificial sensory experience on an individual and/or
modifying at least one of the bioactive agent or the artificial
sensory experience at least partially based on the at least one
effect.
Inventors: |
Hyde; Roderick A.; (Redmond,
WA) ; Ishikawa; Muriel Y.; (Livermore, CA) ;
Leuthardt; Eric C.; (St. Louis, MO) ; Levien; Royce
A.; (Cambridge, MA) ; Lord; Robert W.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Malamud; Mark A.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Sweeney; Elizabeth A.; (Seattle, WA) ;
Wood, JR.; Lowell L.; (Bellevue, WA) ; Wood; Victoria
Y.H.; (Livermore, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Invention Science Fund I, LLC |
Bellevue |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005001744 |
Appl. No.: |
16/986807 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15349974 |
Nov 11, 2016 |
10786626 |
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16986807 |
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13857721 |
Apr 5, 2013 |
9504788 |
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15349974 |
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12229531 |
Aug 22, 2008 |
9282927 |
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13857721 |
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12220706 |
Jul 25, 2008 |
9560967 |
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12229531 |
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12218627 |
Jul 16, 2008 |
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12220706 |
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12218503 |
Jul 15, 2008 |
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12218627 |
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12217620 |
Jul 7, 2008 |
8606592 |
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12218503 |
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12217509 |
Jul 3, 2008 |
9064036 |
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12217620 |
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12156949 |
Jun 5, 2008 |
9662391 |
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12217509 |
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12156440 |
May 30, 2008 |
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12156949 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2205/581 20130101;
A61B 5/4839 20130101; G06F 16/24575 20190101; A61B 5/16 20130101;
A61B 5/024 20130101; A61B 5/05 20130101; A61B 5/418 20130101; A61B
5/415 20130101; A61M 2230/10 20130101; A61M 5/1723 20130101; G06F
3/011 20130101; A61M 2205/50 20130101; A61M 2230/04 20130101; A61B
5/416 20130101; A61B 5/04 20130101; A61B 5/411 20130101; A61M
2205/52 20130101; A61M 2230/65 20130101; A61B 5/4266 20130101; A61M
2230/30 20130101; A61B 5/48 20130101; A61M 2205/502 20130101; A61B
5/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/172 20060101
A61M005/172; A61B 5/024 20060101 A61B005/024; A61B 5/04 20060101
A61B005/04; A61B 5/05 20060101 A61B005/05; A61B 5/08 20060101
A61B005/08; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00; A61B 5/16 20060101
A61B005/16 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a display; data processing hardware; and
memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware,
the memory storing instructions that when executed on the data
processing hardware cause the data processing hardware to perform
operations comprising: accepting at least one mental diagnosis
associated with an individual; searching at least one database at
least partly based on the at least one mental diagnosis; selecting,
from the at least one database, at least one artificial sensory
experience for use in combination with at least one prescription
medication to at least partially address the at least one mental
diagnosis associated with the individual; implementing, via at
least the display, the at least one artificial sensory experience
to at least partially address the at least one mental diagnosis
associated with the individual; measuring at least one effect of
the artificial sensory experience and the prescription medication;
and modifying at least one of the artificial sensory experience and
the prescription medication at least partially based on the at
least one effect, comprising: modifying a prescription medication
dosage of the at least one prescription medication; and
transmitting a modified prescription medication dosage signal based
on the modified prescription medication dosage to an administration
unit configured to administer the modified prescription medication
dosage to the individual.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one mental diagnosis
comprises schizophrenia.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one prescription
medication comprises an antipsychotic.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one mental diagnosis
comprises post-traumatic stress disorder.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one prescription
medication comprises an anxiolytic.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one mental diagnosis
comprises depression.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one prescription
medication comprises an antidepressant.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one mental diagnosis
comprises bipolar disorder.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one prescription
medication comprises at least one of an antipsychotic, an
antidepressant, a mood stabilizer, a hypnotic, or a sleeping
agent.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one mental
diagnosis comprises a developmental disorder.
11. A method comprising: accepting, via one or more processors, at
least one mental diagnosis associated with an individual;
searching, via the one or more processors, at least one database at
least partly based on the at least one mental diagnosis; selecting,
via the one or more processors, from the at least one database, at
least one artificial sensory experience for use in combination with
at least one prescription medication to at least partially address
the at least one mental diagnosis associated with the individual;
implementing, via at least a display in communication with the one
or more processors, the at least one artificial sensory experience
to at least partially address the at least one mental diagnosis
associated with the individual; measuring, via the one or more
processors, at least one effect of the artificial sensory
experience and the prescription medication; and modifying, via the
one or more processors, at least one of the artificial sensory
experience and the prescription medication at least partially based
on the at least one effect, comprising: modifying, via the one or
more processors, a prescription medication dosage of the at least
one prescription medication; and transmitting, via the one or more
processors, a modified prescription medication dosage signal based
on the modified prescription medication dosage to an administration
unit configured to administer the modified prescription medication
dosage to the individual.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one mental
diagnosis comprises schizophrenia.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one prescription
medication comprises an antipsychotic.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one mental
diagnosis comprises post-traumatic stress disorder.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one prescription
medication comprises an anxiolytic.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one mental
diagnosis comprises depression.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one prescription
medication comprises an antidepressant.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one mental
diagnosis comprises bipolar disorder.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one prescription
medication comprises at least one of an antipsychotic, an
antidepressant, a mood stabilizer, a hypnotic, or a sleeping
agent.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one mental
diagnosis comprises a developmental disorder.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This U.S. patent application is a continuation of, and
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 from U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/349,974, filed Nov. 11, 2016, which is a
continuation of application Ser. No. 13/857,721, filed on Apr. 5,
2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,504,788, which is a Continuation of
application Ser. No. 12/229,531, filed on Aug. 22, 2008, now U.S.
Pat. No. 9,282,927, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser.
No. 12/220,706, filed on Jul. 25, 2008, and a continuation-in-part
of application Ser. No. 12/218,627, filed on Jul. 16, 2008, and a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/218, 503, filed on
Jul. 15, 2008, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
12/217,620, filed on Jul. 7, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,606,592, and
a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/217,509, filed on
Jul. 3, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,064,036, and a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/156,949, filed on
Jun. 5, 2008, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
12/156,440, filed on May 30, 2008, and a continuation-in-part of
application Ser. No. 12/214,547, filed on Jun. 19, 2008, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,801,686, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser.
No. 12/154,275, filed on May 21, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,974,787,
and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/157,989,
filed on Jun. 13, 2008, and a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 12/157,160, filed on Jun. 6, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,876,688, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
12/152,266, filed on May 13, 2008, now abandoned, and a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/157,922, filed on
Jun. 13, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,449,150, and a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/150,122, filed on
Apr. 24, 2008.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This description relates to methods and systems for
combining medicine with an artificial sensory experience.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, a method includes but is not limited to
measuring at least one effect of a combined bioactive agent and
artificial sensory experience on an individual and modifying at
least one of the bioactive agent or the artificial sensory
experience at least partially based on the at least one effect. In
addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in
the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present
disclosure.
[0004] In one or more various aspects, related systems include but
are not limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the
herein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming
can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or
firmware configured to effect the herein-referenced method aspects
depending upon the design choices of the system designer.
[0005] In one aspect, a system includes but is not limited to means
for measuring at least one effect of a combined bioactive agent and
artificial sensory experience on an individual and means for
modifying at least one of the bioactive agent or the artificial
sensory experience at least partially based on the at least one
effect. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are
described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the
present disclosure.
[0006] In one aspect, a system includes but is not limited to
circuitry for measuring at least one effect of a combined bioactive
agent and artificial sensory experience on an individual and
circuitry for modifying at least one of the bioactive agent or the
artificial sensory experience at least partially based on the at
least one effect. In addition to the foregoing, other method
aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a
part of the present disclosure.
[0007] In one aspect, a computer program product includes but is
not limited to a signal-bearing medium bearing one or more
instructions for measuring at least one effect of a combined
bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience on an individual
and one or more instructions for modifying at least one of the
bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least
partially based on the at least one effect. In addition to the
foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims,
drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
[0008] In one aspect, a system includes but is not limited to a
computing device and instructions that when executed on the
computing device cause the computing device to measure at least one
effect of a combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory
experience on an individual and modify at least one of the
bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least
partially based on the at least one effect. In addition to the
foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims,
drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
[0009] The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain
simplifications, generalizations, inclusions, and/or omissions of
detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
the summary is illustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any
way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the
devices and/or processes and/or other subject matter described
herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment in which one or
more technologies may be implemented.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to selecting a combination of at least one
prescription medication and at least one artificial sensory
experience.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0026] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0027] FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0029] FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0032] FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0033] FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0034] FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0035] FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0036] FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0037] FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 2.
[0038] FIG. 29 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to selecting a combination of at least one
prescription medication and at least one artificial sensory
experience.
[0039] FIG. 30 illustrates a computer program product related to
selecting a combination of at least one prescription medication and
at least one artificial sensory experience.
[0040] FIG. 31 illustrates a system related to selecting a
combination of at least one prescription medication and at least
one artificial sensory experience.
[0041] FIG. 32 illustrates an exemplary environment in which one or
more technologies may be implemented.
[0042] FIG. 33 illustrates an exemplary environment in which one or
more technologies may be implemented.
[0043] FIG. 34 illustrates an exemplary environment in which one or
more technologies may be implemented.
[0044] FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary environment in which one or
more technologies may be implemented.
[0045] FIG. 36 illustrates an operational flow representing example
operations related to modifying at least one artificial sensory
experience.
[0046] FIG. 37 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0047] FIG. 38 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0048] FIG. 39 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0049] FIG. 40 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0050] FIG. 41 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0051] FIG. 42 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0052] FIG. 43 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0053] FIG. 44 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0054] FIG. 45 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0055] FIG. 46 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0056] FIG. 47 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0057] FIG. 48 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
operational flow of FIG. 36.
[0058] FIG. 49 illustrates a computer program product related to
modifying a combination of at least one prescription medication and
at least one artificial sensory experience.
[0059] FIG. 50 illustrates a system related to modifying a
combination of at least one prescription medication and at least
one artificial sensory experience.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here.
[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for accepting at least one
attribute of at least one individual, querying at least one
database at least partly based on the at least one attribute,
selecting from the at least one database at least one prescription
medication and at least one artificial sensory experience to
address the at least one attribute of at least one individual, and
presenting an indication of the at least one prescription
medication and the at least one artificial sensory experience at
least partly based on the selecting from the at least one database
at least one prescription medication and at least one artificial
sensory experience to address the at least one attribute of at
least one individual. The system 100 may include acceptor module
102, querier module 104, selector module 106, presenter module 108,
implementer module 138, and/or modifier module 140. Acceptor module
102 may receive attribute 120 from network storage 110, memory
device 112, database entry 114, and/or user interface 116. User
interface 116 may receive information from user 118. User 118 may
include health care provider 136. Querier module 104 may search
database 122. Database 122 may include medication database 124
and/or artificial sensory experience database 126. Presenter module
108 may present to health care provider 128, output device 130,
and/or individual 134. Output device 130 may include mobile device
132. Modifier module 140 may include restrictor module 142, granter
module 144, alterer module 146, adder module 148, deleter module
150, and/or acceptor module 152. System 100 generally represents
instrumentality for accepting at least one attribute of at least
one individual, querying at least one database at least partly
based on the at least one attribute, selecting from the at least
one database at least one prescription medication and at least one
artificial sensory experience to address the at least one attribute
of at least one individual, and presenting an indication of the at
least one prescription medication and the at least one artificial
sensory experience at least partly based on the selecting from the
at least one database at least one prescription medication and at
least one artificial sensory experience to address the at least one
attribute of at least one individual. The operations of accepting
at least one attribute of at least one individual, querying at
least one database at least partly based on the at least one
attribute, selecting from the at least one database at least one
prescription medication and at least one artificial sensory
experience to address the at least one attribute of at least one
individual, and presenting an indication of the at least one
prescription medication and the at least one artificial sensory
experience at least partly based on the selecting from the at least
one database at least one prescription medication and at least one
artificial sensory experience to address the at least one attribute
of at least one individual may be accomplished electronically, such
as with a set of interconnected electrical components, an
integrated circuit, and/or a computer processor.
[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow 200 representing
example operations related to accepting at least one attribute of
at least one individual, querying at least one database at least
partly based on the at least one attribute, selecting from the at
least one database at least one prescription medication and at
least one artificial sensory experience to address the at least one
attribute of at least one individual, and/or presenting an
indication of the at least one prescription medication and the at
least one artificial sensory experience at least partly based on
the selecting from the at least one database at least one
prescription medication and at least one artificial sensory
experience to address the at least one attribute of at least one
individual. In FIG. 2 and in following figures that include various
examples of operational flows, discussion and explanation may be
provided with respect to the above-described examples of FIG. 1,
and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it
should be understood that the operational flows may be executed in
a number of other environments and contexts, and/or in modified
versions of FIG. 1. Also, although the various operational flows
are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be
understood that the various operations may be performed in other
orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed
concurrently.
[0063] After a start operation, the operational flow 200 moves to
an operation 210. Operation 210 depicts accepting at least one
attribute of at least one individual. For example, as shown in FIG.
1, acceptor module 102 may accept at least one attribute of at
least one individual. In one instance, acceptor module 102 can
accept from a user 118 and a user interface 116 an attribute 120
including an attribute of a personal health history associated with
an individual named John Smith. In some instances, acceptor module
102 may include a computer processor.
[0064] Then, operation 220 depicts querying at least one database
at least partly based on the at least one attribute. For example,
as shown in FIG. 1, querier module 104 may search at least one
database at least partly based on the at least one attribute. In
one example and continuing with the previous example, querier
module 104 can search a database 122 including a medication
database 124 and artificial sensory experience database 126 at
least partly based on the attribute including an attribute of a
personal health history associated with an individual named John
Smith. In some instances, querier module 104 may include a computer
processor.
[0065] Then, operation 230 depicts selecting from the at least one
database at least one prescription medication and at least one
artificial sensory experience to address the at least one attribute
of at least one individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
selector module 106 may select from the at least one database at
least one prescription medication and at least one artificial
sensory experience to address the at least one attribute of at
least one individual. In one instance and continuing with the
previous example, selector module 106 can select from a medication
database 124 and artificial sensory experience database 126 a
prescription medication and an artificial sensory experience for
addressing the attribute 120 including an attribute of a personal
health history associated with an individual named John Smith. In
some instances, selector module 106 may include a computer
processor.
[0066] Then, operation 240 depicts presenting an indication of the
at least one prescription medication and the at least one
artificial sensory experience at least partly based on the
selecting from the at least one database at least one prescription
medication and at least one artificial sensory experience to
address the at least one attribute of at least one individual. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1, presenter module 108 may present the
at least one prescription medication and the at least one
artificial sensory experience at least partly based on the
searching at least one database at least partly based on the at
least one attribute. In one instance and continuing with the
previous example, presenter module 108 can present to a medical
professional the prescription medication and the artificial sensory
experience based on searching the medication database 124 and
artificial sensory experience database 126 based on the at least
one attribute 120 including an attribute of a personal health
history associated with an individual named John Smith. In some
instances, presenter module 108 may include a computer
processor.
[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates example
embodiments where the operation 210 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include an
operation 302.
[0068] Operation 302 illustrates accepting at least one physical
enhancement goal associated with the at least one individual. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may accept from a
database entry 114 at least one physical enhancement goal
associated with the at least one individual. In one instance and
continuing with the above example, acceptor module 102 accepts from
memory device 112 at least one physical enhancement goal associated
with an individual named John Smith. A physical enhancement goat
may include a physical state and/or situation an individual may
plan to achieve. Some examples of a physical enhancement goal may
include achieving a certain state of relaxation, reaching a certain
body mass, maintaining a specific cholesterol level, achieving an
athletic performance goal, and/or lowering a blood pressure level.
In some instances, acceptor module 102 may include a computer
processor.
[0069] FIG. 4 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates example
embodiments where the operation 210 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include an
operation 402, an operation 404, and/or an operation 406.
[0070] Operation 402 illustrates accepting at least one physical
attribute associated with the at least one individual. For example,
as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may accept from network
storage 110 at least one physical attribute associated with the at
least one individual. In one instance, acceptor module 102 can
accept a physical attribute 120 associated with a group of twenty
individuals including an individual weight for each individual. A
physical attribute may include an attribute that may be described
and/or detected using senses, that has substance and/or a material
existence, and/or that may be acted upon by physical force. Some
examples of a physical attribute may include a biochemical
measurement such as blood sugar level, a smell, an appearance, a
physiological measurement such as blood pressure, and/or skin
conductivity. In some instances, acceptor module 102 may include a
computer processor.
[0071] Operation 404 illustrates accepting at least one physical
symptom associated with the at least one individual. For example,
as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may accept at least one
physical symptom associated with the at least one individual. In
one example, acceptor module 102 can accept from a user 118 and/or
user interface 116 a physical symptom including an indication of
influenza such as a fever associated with an individual named Mark
White. A physical symptom may include a manifestation, sign, and/or
an indication of the presence of a disease and/or some other bodily
disorder and/or abnormality. Some examples of a physical symptom
may include pain, swelling, fever, rash, and/or discoloration. In
some instances, acceptor module 102 may include a computer
processor.
[0072] Operation 406 illustrates accepting at least one of an
indication or a measurement of at least one of pain, hypertension,
sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness, abnormal respiration,
headache, fatigue, nausea, fever, abnormal heart rhythm, motor
weakness, or abnormal heart rate. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
acceptor module 102 may accept from at least one of an indication
or a measurement of at least one of pain, high blood pressure,
sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness, abnormal respiration,
headache, fatigue, nausea, fever, abnormal heart rhythm, motor
weakness, or abnormal heart rate. In one example, acceptor module
102 can accept an indication of pain and a measurement of high
blood pressure from network storage 110. Pain may include a
sensation of somatic hurt or disorder and may include acute pain
and/or chronic pain. Hypertension may include chronically elevated
blood pressure and may be considered to be present when a person's
systolic blood pressure is consistently about 140 mm Hg or greater
and/or their diastolic blood pressure is consistently about 90 mm
Hg or greater. Sweating may include the excessive production and/or
evaporation of fluid excreted by the sweat glands in the skin.
Dizziness may include vertigo, disequilibrium, pre-syncope, and/or
other balance disorders. Lightheadedness may include a sensation of
dizziness and/or fainting. Abnormal respiration may include
atypical and/or pathological breathing patterns. Headache may
include pain in the head, neck, and/or upper back and may be a
symptom of tension, migraine, dehydration, eye strain, sinus
disorders, and/or low blood sugar. Fatigue may include muscle
weakness and/or lack of strength. Nausea may include the sensation
of unease and/or discomfort in the stomach, often with the urge to
vomit. Fever may include an increase in internal body temperature
to levels above normal. Abnormal heart rhythm may include
inconsistent and/or irregular rhythmic contractions in the heart
such as sick sinus syndrome, atrial fibrillation, and/or atrial
flutter. Motor weakness may include a lack of strength and/or
function in the portion of the central nervous system involved in
movement. An abnormal heart rate may include an irregular heart
contraction frequency such as bradycardia, tachycardia or the like.
In some instances, acceptor module 102 may include a computer
processor.
[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates example
embodiments where the operation 210 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include an
operation 502, and/or an operation 504. Further, operation 502
illustrates accepting at least one physical impairment associated
with the at least one individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
acceptor module 102 may accept at least one physical impairment
associated with the at least one individual from a user 118 and a
user interface 116. In one instance, acceptor module 102 accepts a
physical impairment including a bodily impairment associated with
an individual named Fred Johnson from a user 118 and/or a user
interface 116. A physical impairment may include a condition or
function judged to be significantly impaired relative to the usual
standard of an individual of their group and may include physical
impairment, sensory impairment, and/or disease. In some instances,
acceptor module 102 may include a computer processor.
[0074] Operation 504 illustrates accepting at least one of a
disease, an illness, or a bodily impairment. For example, as shown
in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may accept at least one of a
disease, an illness, or a bodily impairment. In one example,
acceptor module 102 accepts an indication of a disease and a bodily
impairment from database entry 114. A disease may include an
abnormal condition of an organism that impairs bodily functions
associated with one or more specific symptoms and signs and may
include discomfort, distress, dysfunction, injury, a disorder, a
syndrome, infection, and/or other atypical variation associated
with structure and/or function of the body. An illness may include
any state of poor health. Some examples of an illness may include
cancer, the common cold, influenza, pneumonia, and/or high
cholesterol. A bodily impairment may include a diminished ability
in body function and/or structure. In some instances, acceptor
module 102 may include a computer processor.
[0075] FIG. 6 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 210 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 602.
Operation 602 illustrates accepting an impairment associated with
at least one individual including at least one of a potential
medication reaction or a potential susceptibility to a side effect.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may accept an
impairment associated with at least one individual including at
least one of a potential medication reaction or a potential
susceptibility to a side effect. In one example, acceptor module
102 can accept from network storage 110 an impairment associated
with at least one individual including at least one of a potential
medication reaction or a potential susceptibility to a side effect.
A potential medication reaction may include a possible response a
person may exhibit resulting from at least one drug and/or
medication administered to the person. A potential medication
reaction may include an allergy and/or a drug and/or medication
interaction with a separate drug and/or medication. A potential
susceptibility to a side effect may include the probability a
certain person may be vulnerable to a side effect coupled with a
specific drug and/or medication. In some instances, acceptor module
102 may include a computer processor.
[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 illustrates example
embodiments where the operation 210 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include an
operation 702, and/or an operation 704. Further, operation 702
illustrates accepting at least one physical diagnosis associated
with the at least one individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
acceptor module 102 may accept at least one physical diagnosis
associated with the at least one individual. In a specific example,
acceptor module 102 accepts from memory device 112 a physical
diagnosis associated with a group of ten individuals. A physical
diagnosis may include identifying a disease and/or condition by its
outward signs and/or symptoms. Some examples of a physical
diagnosis may include identifying influenza and/or identifying
Alzheimer's disease. In some instances, acceptor module 102 may
include a computer processor.
[0077] Operation 704 illustrates accepting at least one diagnosis
of at least one of a cardiovascular disorder, a digestive disorder,
an endocrine disorder, a hearing disorder, an immune disorder, an
inner ear disorder, an integumentary disorder, a lymphatic
disorder, a muscular disorder, a nervous system disorder, a
reproductive disorder, a respiratory disorder, a skeletal disorder,
a visual disorder, or an urinary disorder. For example, as shown in
FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may accept at least one diagnosis of at
least one of a cardiovascular disorder, a digestive disorder, an
endocrine disorder, an integumentary disorder, a lymphatic
disorder, a muscular disorder, a nervous system disorder, a
reproductive disorder, a respiratory disorder, a skeletal disorder,
or an urinary disorder. In a specific instance, acceptor module 102
can accept from user interface 116 and/or user 118 a diagnosis of a
respiratory disorder. A cardiovascular disorder may include a
disorder associated with the circulatory system including the
pumping and channeling of blood to and from the body and lungs with
the heart, the blood, and the blood vessels. Examples of a
circulatory disorder include high blood pressure, coronary heart
disease, atherosclerosis, or the like. A digestive disorder may
include a disorder associated with the esophagus, the stomach, the
liver, the gallbladder, the pancreas, the intestines, the rectum,
the anus, and/or the digestive system including digestion and
processing food with salivary glands. Examples of a digestive
disorder include GERD, Crohn's disease, IBS, stomach ulcers
including those associated with H. pylori infection, or the like.
An endocrine disorder may include a disorder associated with the
endocrine system including the pancreas, the pituitary gland, the
pineal body and/or the pineal gland, the thyroid, the parathyroids,
the adrenal glands, and/or communication within the body using
hormones made by the endocrine glands, such as the hypothalamus.
Examples of an endocrine disorder include diabetes, acromegaly, or
the like. A hearing disorder may include a full or partial decrease
in the ability to detect or understand sounds. Some examples of a
hearing disorder may include otosclerosis, deafness, loss due to
death of auditory hair cells, for example that caused by trauma,
and/or unilateral hearing toss. An immune disorder may include a
dysfunction of the immune system. Examples of an immune disorder
may include an immunodeficiency, such as malfunctioning
lymphocytes; autoimmunity, such as Coeliac disease and/or
autoimmune hepatitis; and/or hypersensitivity, such as asthma. An
inner ear disorder may include a balance disorder, such as vertigo,
disequilibrium, and/or pre-syncope. An integumentary disorder may
include a disorder associated with the integumentary system
including the skin, hair, and/or nails, such as psoriasis, eczema,
dermatitis, or the like. A lymphatic disorder may include a
disorder associated with the lymphatic system including structures
involved in the transfer of lymph between tissues and the blood
stream and/or the lymph and the nodes and vessels that transport
lymph including the immune system, including defending against
disease-causing agents with leukocytes, and/or including the
tonsils, the adenoids, the thymus, and/or the spleen. Examples of a
lymphatic disorder include lymphedema, lymphadenopathy, or the
like. A muscle disorder may include a disorder associated with the
muscular system including the structure and/or movement of muscles.
Examples of a muscle disorder include muscular dystrophy,
myasthenia gravis, an injury, such as a strain, or the like. A
nervous system disorder may include a disorder associated with the
nervous system including collecting, transferring, and/or
processing information with the brain, the spinal cord, the
peripheral nerves, and/or the nerves. Examples of a nervous system
disorder include multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel
syndrome, or the like. A reproductive disorder may include a
disorder associated with the reproductive system including the sex
organs, such as ovaries, fallopian tubes, the uterus, the vagina,
mammary glands, testes, the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, the
prostate, and/or the penis. Examples of a reproductive disorder
include erectile dysfunction, endometriosis, fibroids, or the like.
A respiratory disorder may include a disorder associated with the
respiratory system including the organs used for breathing, the
pharynx, the larynx, the trachea, the bronchi, the lungs, and/or
the diaphragm. Examples of a respiratory disorder include
emphysema, asthma, or the like. A skeletal disorder may include a
disorder associated with the skeletal system including the
structural support and protection with bones, cartilage, ligaments,
and/or tendons. Examples of a skeletal disorder include
osteoporosis, arthritis, tendonitis, a skeletal injury, such as a
bone fracture, or the like. A visual disorder may include a
disease, impairment, and/or lack of function in the eye and/or in
visual perception. Some examples of a visual disorder may include
amblyopia, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and/or blindness. A
urinary disorder may include a disorder associated with the urinary
system including the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and/or
urethra involved in fluid balance, electrolyte balance and/or the
excretion of urine. Examples of a urinary disorder include bladder
dysfunction, kidney disease, bladder or urethra infection, or the
like. In some instances, acceptor module 102 may include a computer
processor.
[0078] FIG. 8 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 illustrates example
embodiments where the operation 210 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include an
operation 802, an operation 804, an operation 806, and/or operation
808.
[0079] Operation 802 illustrates accepting at least one of a
current treatment or a proposed treatment associated with the at
least one individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor
module 102 may accept at least one of a current treatment or a
proposed treatment associated with the at least one individual. In
one instance, acceptor module 102 accepts a current treatment
regime associated with an individual named Cathy Hansen. A current
treatment may include one or a series of treatments recommended,
administered, and/or prescribed for a certain individual. A
proposed treatment may include one or a series of treatments
recommended, prescribed, and/or not currently administered to a
certain individual. In some instances, acceptor module 102 may
include a computer processor.
[0080] Operation 804 illustrates accepting the at least one
attribute from a medical history associated with the at least one
individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102
may accept the at least one attribute from a medical history
associated with the at least one individual. In one example,
acceptor module 102 may accept from database entry 114 an attribute
120 from a medical history including the number of blood relatives
with diabetes associated with an individual named Emily Smith. A
medical history may include a list of previous illnesses, symptoms,
medicines, treatments, health risk factors, operations, and/or
doctor visits for an individual and/or a relation of an individual.
In some instances, acceptor module 102 may include a computer
processor.
[0081] Operation 806 illustrates accepting the at least one
attribute from a personal medical history associated with at least
one individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module
102 may accept the at least one attribute from a personal medical
history associated with at least one individual. In a specific
instance, acceptor module 102 can accept from database entry 114 an
attribute 120 including, for example, a list of operations from a
personal medical history associated with an individual named Robert
Murphy. A personal medical history may include a list of previous
illnesses, symptoms, medicines, treatments, health risk factors,
operations, and/or doctor visits associated with at least one
individual. A personal and/or a family medical history may include
life history and/or social history characteristics such as smoking,
drinking, drug use, sexual history, exercise history, eating
history, nutraceutical history, or the like. In some instances,
acceptor module 102 may include a computer processor.
[0082] Operation 808 illustrates accepting the at least one
attribute from a family medical history associated with the at
least one individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor
module 102 may accept the at least one attribute from a family
medical history associated with the at least one individual. In one
example, acceptor module 102 can accept from network storage 110 an
attribute 120 including a list of family members that have had
ovarian cancer from a family medical history associated with an
anonymous individual or an individual named Elizabeth Green. A
family medical history may include a list of previous illnesses,
symptoms, medicines, treatments, health risk factors, operations,
and/or doctor visits associated with family members related to the
at least one individual. In some instances, acceptor module 102 may
include a computer processor.
[0083] FIG. 9 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 210 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 902.
[0084] Operation 902 illustrates accepting at least one mental
enhancement goal associated with the at least one individual. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may accept at
least one mental enhancement goal associated with the at least one
individual. In one instance, acceptor module 102 can accept a
mental enhancement goal associated with, for example, an individual
named Dorothy Anderson. A mental enhancement goat may include a
mental state and/or situation an individual may plan to achieve.
Some examples of a mental enhancement goat may include achieving a
certain state of mental awareness such as increased alertness or
visual perception, reaching a certain cognitive capability such as
enhanced memory or pattern recognition, maintaining a specific
attention level, and/or reducing or eliminating a phobia. In some
instances, acceptor module 102 may include a computer
processor.
[0085] FIG. 10 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 210 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 1002, an
operation 1004, and/or an operation 1006.
[0086] Operation 1002 illustrates accepting at least one mental
attribute associated with the at least one individual. For example,
as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may accept at least one
mental attribute associated with the at least one individual. In
one example, acceptor module 102 can accept a mental attribute 120
including, for example, an intelligence quotient associated with an
individual named Judy Peterson. A mental attribute may include an
attribute that may be related to and/or associated with basic
mental function and/or high-level brain function. Some examples of
a mental attribute may include an intelligence quotient (IQ),
measurements of brain activity for example using functional MRI or
near infra-red technology, and/or measurements of mental
development. In some instances, acceptor module 102 may include a
computer processor.
[0087] Operation 1004 illustrates accepting at least one mental
symptom associated with the at least one individual. For example,
as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may accept at least one
mental symptom associated with the at least one individual. In one
example, acceptor module 102 can accept from network storage 110 a
mental symptom including a stress level measurement associated with
an individual named Heather Swanson. A mental symptom may include a
manifestation, sign, and/or an indication of the presence of a
disease and/or some other mental disorder and/or abnormality. Some
examples of a mental symptom may include lack of attention,
indication of stress, hyperactivity, nervousness, and/or lack of
responsiveness. In some instances, acceptor module 102 may include
a computer processor.
[0088] Operation 1006 illustrates accepting at least one indication
of anxiety, an appearance, a behavior, depression, fear,
inattention, a mood disturbance, a phobia, or a psychological test
result. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may
accept at least one indication of anxiety, appearance, behavior,
depression, fear, inattention, mood disturbance, phobia, or
psychological test result. In one example, acceptor module 102 can
accept from user interface 116 and user 118 an indication of
anxiety and depression. Anxiety may include feelings of fear,
apprehension, and/or worry and may be accompanied by physical
sensations. An appearance may include an outward, audible, and/or
visible aspect of a person and/or thing associated with a person. A
behavior may include the manner in which a person and/or thing
associated with a person acts and/or reacts. Depression may include
a mental state characterized by pessimism, a sense of inadequacy,
despondence, despair, a low level of energy, and/or a lack of
activity. Fear may be caused by impending danger, perceived evil,
and/or pain, whether real or imagined. Inattention may include the
failure of a person to focus attention. A mood disturbance may
include a change in emotional state. A phobia may include an
irrational, and/or persistent fear of certain situations, objects,
activities, and/or people. A psychological test result may include
a sample behavior for inferring a certain generalization about a
person. For example, a personality test result may indicate that
person has obsessive/compulsive characteristics. In some instances,
acceptor module 102 may include a computer processor.
[0089] FIG. 11 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 11 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 210 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 1102.
[0090] Operation 1102 illustrates accepting at least one
measurement associated with at least one of brain activity, cardiac
activity, vascular activity, peripheral neural signals, hemodynamic
activity, or metabolic activity. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
acceptor module 102 may accept at least one measurement associated
with at least one of brain activity, cardiac activity, vascular
activity, peripheral neural signals, hemodynamic activity, or
metabolic activity. In one instance, acceptor module 102 can accept
from database entry 114 a measurement associated with brain
activity. Brain activity may include the electrical activity of the
brain, such as that measured by EEG, MEG, or the like. Other brain
activity measurements may include functional MRI imaging, near
infra-red imaging, PET scanning, or the like. Cardiac activity may
include electrical activity in the heart, such as that measured by
EKG or visual imaging. Vascular activity may include any activity
and/or function of the circulatory system. Peripheral neural
signals may include neural signals sent through the peripheral
nervous system. Hemodynamic activity may include any activity
associated with the circulatory system. Metabolic activity may
include any activity associated with the biochemical reactions
occurring in a living organism. In some instances, acceptor module
102 may include a computer processor.
[0091] FIG. 12 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 12 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 210 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 1202,
and/or an operation 1204.
[0092] Operation 1202 illustrates accepting at least one mental
impairment associated with at least one individual. For example, as
shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may accept at least one mental
impairment associated with at least one individual. In one example,
acceptor module 102 can accept from memory device 112 a mental
impairment associated with an individual named Richard Lewis. A
mental impairment may include a condition or function judged by a
health care provider to be significantly impaired relative to the
usual standard of an individual of their group, and may include
mental impairment, sensory impairment, and/or mental disease. In
some instances, acceptor module 102 may include a computer
processor.
[0093] Operation 1204 illustrates accepting at least one indication
of at least one of a mood disorder, an anxiety disorder, a
psychotic disorder, an eating disorder, a developmental disorder, a
phobia, a communication disorder, a social disorder, or a
personality disorder. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor
module 102 may accept at least one indication of at least one of a
mood disorder, an anxiety disorder, a psychotic disorder, an eating
disorder, a developmental disorder, a phobia, or a personality
disorder. In one instance, acceptor module 102 can accept from user
interface 116 and/or user 118 an indication of a mood disorder
including a mood change and the onset of depression in a specific
individual. A mood disorder may include a condition whereby the
prevailing emotional mood is distorted or inappropriate to the
circumstances, and may include examples such as bipolar disorder,
an alteration in mood, and/or depression. An anxiety disorder may
include nervous system disorders such as irrationality, illogical
worry not based on fact, fear, and/or phobia. A psychotic disorder
may include a state of mind in which thinking becomes irrational
and/or disturbed and may include hallucinations, abnormal
perception, mania, dementia, delusions and/or delusional beliefs,
delirium, depression, psychosis personality disorder, personality
changes, and/or disorganized thinking. An eating disorder may
include a compulsion to eat and/or avoid eating that negatively
affects physical and/or mental health. Some examples of an eating
disorder may include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A
developmental disorder may include a disorder occurring in a
child's development, which may retard development. Some examples of
a developmental disorder may include an emotional disorder, a
cognitive disorder, and/or a mental disorder accompanied by
physical traits, such as Down syndrome. A phobia may include an
irrational, intense, and/or persistent fear of certain situations,
objects, activities, and/or persons. Examples of phobias include
social phobias, arachnophobia, xenophobia, and/or claustrophobia. A
communication disorder may include a disease and/or a condition
partially or totally preventing human communication. Some examples
of a communication disorder may include autism, stuttering, and/or
aphasia. A social disorder may include a condition characterized by
a difficulty in human interaction and/or emotional discomfort in
social situations. Some examples of a social disorder may include
stage fright, social anxiety disorder, and/or shyness. A
personality disorder may include a disorder characterized by
pathological trends in personality structure. Some examples of a
personality disorder may include a paranoid personality disorder, a
narcissistic personality disorder, and/or an obsessive-compulsive
personality disorder. In some instances, acceptor module 102 may
include a computer processor.
[0094] FIG. 13 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 13 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 210 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 1302,
and/or an operation 1304. Further, operation 1302 illustrates
accepting at least one mental diagnosis associated with at least
one individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module
102 may accept at least one mental diagnosis associated with at
least one individual. In a specific instance, acceptor module 102
accepts from memory device 112 a mental diagnosis including a
phobia associated with an anonymous individual or an individual
named Roy Black. A mental diagnosis may include identifying a
mental disorder and/or condition by its symptoms. Some examples of
a mental diagnosis may include a mood disorder such as depression,
an anxiety disorder such as PTSD, a behavioral disorder such as
ADHD, a personality disorder such as borderline personality
disorder, and/or a phobia. Mental disorders may include those
listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM). In some instances, acceptor module 102 may include a
computer processor.
[0095] Operation 1304 illustrates accepting at least one of a
depression, a phobia, an anxiety disorder, a personality disorder,
a psychotic disorder, a developmental disorder, a panic disorder, a
bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, an eating disorder, obsessive
compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, an attentional
disorder, a communication disorder, a social disorder, or a mood
disorder. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may
accept at least one of a depression, a phobia, an anxiety disorder,
a personality disorder, a psychotic disorder, a developmental
disorder, a panic disorder, or a mood disorder. In one example,
acceptor module 102 accepts from database entry 114 a diagnosis of
depression. Depression may include a mental state characterized by
a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and/or a despondent lack of
activity. A phobia may include an irrational, intense, and/or
persistent fear of certain situations, objects, activities, and/or
persons. Some phobias may include social phobias, arachnophobia,
xenophobia, and/or claustrophobia. An anxiety disorder may include
nervous system disorders such as irrationality, illogical worry not
based on fact, fears, and/or phobias. A personality disorder may
include a disorder characterized by pathological trends in
personality structure. Some examples of a personality disorder may
include a paranoid personality disorder, a narcissistic personality
disorder, and/or an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. A
psychotic disorder may include a state of mind in which thinking
becomes irrational and/or disturbed and may include hallucinations,
delusional beliefs, personality changes, and/or disorganized
thinking. A developmental disorder may include a disorder occurring
in a child's development, which may often retard development. Some
examples of a developmental disorder may include psychological or
physical disorders. A panic disorder may include a condition
characterized by recurring panic attacks in combination with
significant behavioral change. A bipolar disorder may include a
mood disorder characterized by the presence of one or more episodes
of abnormally elevated mood, such as Bipolar I disorder, Bipolar II
disorder, cyclothymia, and/or Bipolar-NOS. Schizophrenia may
include a mental illness characterized by impairments in the
perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as
auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or
disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant
social or occupational dysfunction. An eating disorder may include
a compulsion to eat or avoid eating, such as anorexia nervosa
and/or bulimia nervosa. Obsessive compulsive disorder may include a
psychiatric anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive,
distressing, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions which
attempt to neutralize the obsessions. Post traumatic stress
disorder may include an anxiety disorder that can develop after
exposure to one or more terrifying events in which grave physical
harm occurred or was threatened. An attentional disorder may
include a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity,
as well as forgetfulness, poor impulse control or impulsivity, and
distractibility, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). A communication disorder may include a disease and/or a
condition partially or totally preventing human communication. Some
examples of a communication disorder may include autism,
stuttering, and/or aphasia. A social disorder may include a
condition characterized by a difficulty in human interaction and/or
emotional discomfort in social situations. Some examples of a
social disorder may include stage fright, social anxiety disorder,
and/or shyness. A mood disorder may include a condition whereby the
prevailing emotional mood is distorted or inappropriate to the
circumstances and may include examples such as bipolar disorder
and/or depression. In some instances, acceptor module 102 may
include a computer processor.
[0096] FIG. 14 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 14 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 210 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 1402.
Further, operation 1402 illustrates accepting at least one past
mental therapy associated with the at least one individual. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102 may accept at
least one past mental therapy associated with the at least one
individual. In one instance, acceptor module 102 can accept from
database entry 114 a past mental therapy associated with an
individual named James Williams or an anonymous individual. A past
mental therapy may include a list and/or a record of at least one
mental therapy, such as an anti-depressant medication, administered
to at least one individual. In some instances, acceptor module 102
may include a computer processor.
[0097] FIG. 15 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 15 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 210 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 1502, an
operation 1504, and/or an operation 1506.
[0098] Operation 1502 illustrates accepting the at least one
attribute associated with the at least one individual from a health
care provider. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, acceptor module 102
may accept the at least one attribute associated with the at least
one individual from a health care provider. In one example,
acceptor module 102 can accept from user interface 116 and/or user
118 an attribute 120 including a medication history associated with
a group of fifty individuals from a health care provider 136. A
health care provider may include a hospital, a doctor, a nurse, a
medical clinic, a dentist, and/or any provider of preventive,
diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, maintenance, or palliative
care and/or counseling. A healthcare provider may include a seller
and/or dispenser of prescription drugs or medical devices. In some
instances, acceptor module 102 may include a computer
processor.
[0099] Operation 1504 illustrates accepting the at least one
attribute associated with the at least one individual from a
licensed health care provider. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
acceptor module 102 may accept the at least one attribute
associated with the at least one individual from a licensed health
care provider. In one instance, acceptor module 102 accepts from
memory device 112 an attribute 120 including a symptom indication a
phobia associated with an individual named Robert Clark from a
licensed health care provider 136. A licensed health care provider
may include a person licensed by a governing authority, such as a
state, to provide medical and/or health care. Some examples of a
licensed health care provider may include a licensed medical doctor
or physician, a licensed physician's assistant, and/or a licensed
nurse practitioner. In some instances, acceptor module 102 may
include a computer processor.
[0100] Operation 1506 illustrates accepting the at least one
attribute associated with the at least one individual from an
alternative medicine provider. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
acceptor module 102 may accept the at least one attribute
associated with the at least one individual from an alternative
medicine provider. In one instance, acceptor module 102 can accept
from network storage 110 an attribute 120 associated with an
individual named Connie Martin from an alternative medicine
provider. An alternative medicine provider may include a provider
of folk medicine, herbal medicine, diet fads, homeopathy, faith
healing, new age healing, chiropractic, acupuncture, aromatherapy,
naturopathy, massage, reflexology, hypnotism, and/or music therapy.
In some instances, acceptor module 102 may include a computer
processor.
[0101] FIG. 16 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 16 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 220 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 1602.
[0102] Operation 1602 illustrates searching at least one
prescription medication database and at least one artificial
sensory experience database. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
querier module 104 may search at least one prescription medication
database and at least one artificial sensory experience database.
In one example, querier module 104 searches a medication database
124 and an artificial sensory experience database 126. A database
may include a collection of data organized for convenient access.
The database may include information digitally stored in a memory
device 112, as at least a portion of at least one database entry
114, and/or in network storage 110. In some instances, the database
may include information stored non-digitally such as at least a
portion of a book, a paper file, and/or a non-computerized index
and/or catalog. Non-computerized information may be received by
acceptor module 102 by scanning or by manually entering the
information into a digital format. A prescription database and/or
medication database may include any database associated with at
least one prescription medication and may be available to health
care professionals and/or the public. An artificial sensory
experience database may include any database associated with at
least one artificial sensory experience and may include a database
accessible by the public and/or a health care provider. In some
instances, acceptor module 102 and/or querier module 104 may
include one or more computer processors.
[0103] FIG. 17 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 17 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 230 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 1702,
and/or an operation 1704.
[0104] Operation 1702 illustrates selecting the at least one
prescription medication from a physician's desk reference database.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select the
at least one prescription medication from a physician's desk
reference database. In one example, selector module 106 selects the
at least one prescription medication from a physician's desk
reference database 122, such as a PDR psychiatry database. In some
instances, selector module 106 may include a computer
processor.
[0105] Operation 1704 illustrates selecting at least one of an
analgesic, an antacid, an antiarrhythmic, an antibacterial, an
antibiotic, an anticoagulant, a thrombolytic, an anticonvulsant, an
antidiarrheal, an antiemetic, an antifungal, an anti-allergic
agent, an antihistamine, an antihypertensive, an anti-anginal, an
anti-asthmatic, an anti-inflammatory, an antineoplastic, an
antipyretic, an antiviral, an anti-ulcer agent, an antidyspeptic,
an antacid, a beta-blocker, a bronchodilator, a cold treatment, a
corticosteroid, an antitussive, a cytotoxic agent, a decongestant,
a diuretic, an expectorant, a hormone, a hypoglycemic, an
immunosuppressive, a laxative, a muscle relaxant, a sedative, a
female sex hormone, a male sex hormone, a tranquilizer, an appetite
modulator, or a vitamin. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, selector
module 106 may select at least one of an analgesic, an antacid, an
antiarrhythmic, an antibacterial, an antibiotic, an anticoagulant,
a thrombolytic, an anticonvulsant, an antidiarrheal, an antiemetic,
an antifungal, an anti-allergic agent, an antihistamine, an
antihypertensive, an anti-anginal, an anti-asthmatic, an
anti-inflammatory, an antineoplastic, an antipyretic, an antiviral,
an anti-ulcer agent, an antidyspeptic, an antacid, a beta-blocker,
a bronchodilator, a cold treatment, a corticosteroid, a cough
suppressant, an antitussive, a cytotoxic agent, a decongestant, a
diuretic, an expectorant, a hormone, a hypoglycemic, an
immunosuppressive, a laxative, a muscle relaxant, a sedative, a
female sex hormone, a male sex hormone, a tranquilizer, an appetite
modulator, or a vitamin. An analgesic may include a drug and/or
other medication suitable for relieving pain. Additionally, an
analgesic may be effective for relieving different degrees of pain.
Some examples of an analgesic may include narcotics such as
morphine or oxycodone, non-narcotics, an NSAID such as aspirin or
naproxen or ibuprofen, and/or acetaminophen. An antacid may include
a substance for neutralizing stomach acid, such as a proton pump
inhibitor. Some examples of an antacid may include imeprazole
and/or a pharmaceutical composition containing aluminum hydroxide,
magnesium hydroxide, aluminum carbonate, calcium carbonate, sodium
bicarbonate, hydrotalcite, bismuth sub salicylate, magaldrate,
and/or simethicone.
[0106] An antiarrhythmic may include a drug for controlling a
heartbeat irregularity. Some examples of an antiarrhythmic may
include a beta blocker such as propanolol, and/or lidocaine,
verapamil, and/or quinidine. An antibacterial may include a drug
used to treat an infection. Some examples of an antibacterial may
include amoxicillin and/or ciprofloxacin. An antibiotic may include
a drug made from naturally occurring and/or synthetic substances
for combating a bacterial infection. Some examples of an antibiotic
may include penicillin, streptomycin, and/or sulfonamide-based
drugs. An anticoagulant may include an agent for preventing blood
clots. An example of an anticoagulant may include a vitamin K
antagonist, such as warfarin, and/or aspirin. A thrombolytic may
help dissolve and disperse a blood clot and may be prescribed for
patients with recent arterial or venous thrombosis. A thrombolytic
may be derived from Streptomyces spp. and/or recombinant DNA
technology and may include streptokinase, urokinase, and/or a
tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) such as alteplase.
[0107] An anticonvulsant may include a pharmaceutical administered
for the prevention of seizures. Some examples of an anticonvulsant
may include a barbiturate, a carbamate, a fatty acid derivative,
and/or a sulfonamide. An antidiarrheal may include a drug utilized
for the relief of diarrhea. Some examples of an antidiarrheal may
include an antispasmodic such as diphenoxylate and loperamide, a
bismuth compound, a bulking agent, and/or an absorbent. An
antiemetic may include a drug used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Some examples of an antiemetic may include a 5-HT3 receptor
antagonist, a dopamine antagonist, and/or a histamine. An
antifungal may include a drug used to treat fungal infections, the
most common of which affect the hair, skin, nails, and/or mucous
membranes. Some examples of antifungals may include polyene
antifungals, imidazole and triazole antifungals, and/or
allylamines. An anti-allergenic agent may include an agent
characterized by preventing and/or reducing the effect of an
allergen. Some examples of an anti-allergenic may include an
antihistamine, cortisone, hydrocortisone, and/or epinephrine. An
antihistamine may include an agent used for counteracting the
effects of histamine. Some examples of an antihistamine may include
a H1-receptor antagonist and/or a H2-receptor antagonist. An
antihypertensive may include drugs utilized for towering blood
pressure. Some examples of an antihypertensive may include a
diuretic, an adrenergic receptor antagonist, and/or an ACE
inhibitor. An anti-anginal may include an agent used for preventing
and/or reducing angina and/or chest pain. Some examples of an
anti-anginal may include aspirin, ranolazine, and/or ivabradine. An
anti-asthmatic may include an agent for preventing and/or reducing
asthma and/or its effects. Some examples of an anti-asthmatic may
include albuterol, an inhaled steroid, for example budesonide or
fluticasone, and/or ipratropium bromide.
[0108] An anti-inflammatory may include an agent utilized to reduce
inflammation and/or to treat redness, heat, swelling, and/or
increased blood flow associated for example, that seen with an
infection or injury, or in many chronic diseases such as rheumatoid
arthritis and gout. Some anti-inflammatories may include steroids,
and/or NSAIDs such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and/or aspirin. An
antineoplastic may include drugs used to treat cancer and to
inhibit and/or prevent the development of tumors. Some
antineoplastics may include alkylating agents, antimetabolites,
enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, immune modulators, and taxoids. An
antipyretic may include a drug used to reduce a fever. Some
examples of an antipyretic may include aspirin and/or
acetaminophen. An antiviral may include a drug used to treat viral
infections and/or to provide temporary protection against viral
infections such as influenza. Some examples of an antiviral may
include an interferon, acyclovir, ribavirin, and/or oseltamivir. An
anti-ulcer agent may include an agent used for preventing and/or
lessening the effect of an ulcer, including stomach ulcers, mouth
ulcers, or other types of ulcers. Some examples of an anti-ulcer
agent may include a bismuth compound, a prostaglandin analogue,
and/or cimetidine. An antidyspeptic may include an agent used for
treating and/or preventing dyspepsia. Some examples of an
antidyspeptic may include simethicone and/or a proton pump
inhibitor, such as esomeprazole. An antacid may include a
substance, often a base, which may counteract stomach acidity. Some
examples of an antacid may include magnesium hydroxide, aluminum
hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and/or bismuth subsalicylate. A
beta-blocker may include a beta-adrenergic blocking agent utilized
for reducing the oxygen needs of the heart by reducing the
heartbeat rate. Some examples of a beta-blocker may include
propranolol, esmolol, bisoprolol, and/or timolol. A bronchodilator
may include an agent utilized for opening the bronchial tubes
within the lungs when the tubes have become narrowed, for example,
by muscle spasm and may be used for treating asthma. Some examples
of a bronchodilator may include albuterol and/or ipratropium
bromide. A cold treatment may include an agent utilized for
treating aches, pains, and/or fever accompanying a cold. Some cold
treatments may include aspirin, acetaminophen, a decongestant, an
antihistamine, and/or caffeine.
[0109] A corticosteroid may include a hormonal preparation used as
an anti-inflammatory for arthritis or asthma and/or treating some
malignancies or compensating for a deficiency of natural hormones.
Some examples of a corticosteroid may include cortisol and/or
aldosterone. A cough suppressant may include an agent used to
soothe irritation caused by coughing and/or to prevent coughing.
Some examples of a cough suppressant may include codeine, an
antihistamine, and/or dextromethorphan. An antitussive may include
a cough suppressant. A cytotoxic agent may include a drug used for
killing and/or damaging cells. Some examples of a cytotoxic agent
may include actinomycin-D, azathioprine, bleomycin, melphalan,
busulphan, doxorubicin, etoposide, an antineoplastic agent, and/or
an apoptotic agent. A decongestant may include an agent for
reducing the swelling of the mucous membranes lining the nose
and/or throat. Some examples of a decongestant may include
pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. A diuretic may include an agent
for increasing the quantity of urine produced by the kidneys and
passed out of the body. Some examples of a diuretic may include
hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, mannitol, and/or glucose. An
expectorant may include an agent for stimulating the flow of
saliva, loosening and thinning mucus in airways, and/or promoting a
more productive cough as to eliminate phlegm from the respiratory
tract. An example of an expectorant may include guaifenesin. A
hormone may include molecules produced naturally by the endocrine
glands. Some examples of a hormone may include steroid hormones,
amine-derived hormones, peptide hormones, and/or lipid and
phospholipid-derived hormones. A hypoglycemic may include an agent
for lowering the level of glucose in the blood. Some examples of a
hypoglycemic may include a sulfonylurea, a meglitinide, a
biguanide, a thiazolidinedione, and/or a alpha-glucosidase
inhibitor. An immunosuppressive may include an agent for preventing
or reducing the body's normal reaction to invasion by disease
and/or foreign tissues. Some examples of an immunosuppressive may
include a drug such as a corticosteroid, cyclosporine, rapamycin,
which acts on immunophilins, and/or an antibody.
[0110] A laxative may include an agent for increasing the frequency
and ease of bowel movements. Some examples of a laxative may
include methylcellulose, docusate, mineral oil, and/or magnesium
hydroxide. A muscle relaxant may include an agent utilized for
relieving muscle spasms. Some examples of a muscle relaxant may
include neuromuscular blocking drugs, carisoprodol,
cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, a benzodiazepine and/or a
tranquilizer. A sedative may include a substance which depresses
the central nervous system and may result in calmness, relaxation,
reduction of anxiety, sleepiness, and/or slowed breathing. Some
examples of a sedative may include zolpidem, and/or eszopiclone. A
female sex hormone may include a hormone responsible for the
development of female secondary sexual characteristics. Some
examples of a female sex hormone may include estrogen and
progesterone. A mate sex hormone may include a hormone responsible
for the development of secondary male sexual characteristics. One
example of a mate sex hormone may include testosterone. Sex
hormone-related agents may include agents metabolically related to
sex hormones. Examples of sex hormone-related agents may include
sterols, androgens (testosterone), progestogens estrogens
(estradiols, estrone), follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing
hormone, inhibin B, anti-Mullerian hormone thyroid-related
hormones. A tranquilizer may include any drug having a calming
and/or sedative effect. Some examples of a tranquilizer may include
an antidepressant, a barbiturate, and/or a benzodiazepine. An
appetite modulator may include an agent used for regulating and/or
adjusting appetite. Some examples of an appetite modulator may
include recombinant PYY 3-36 and/or sibutramine. A vitamin may
include chemicals essential in relatively small quantities for good
health. Some examples of a vitamin may include Vitamin A, Vitamin
C, Vitamin D, and/or Vitamin K.
[0111] In one instance, selector module 106 can select an analgesic
and an antipsychotic for subsequent presentation, perhaps in
response to accepting a pain symptom and a hallucination symptom as
the at least one attribute. In some instances, selector module 106
may include a computer processor.
[0112] FIG. 18 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 18 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 230 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 1802.
Further, operation 1802 illustrates selecting at least one of an
antiparalytic, an antimanic, an antineuralgic, an anti-dyskinesia
agent, an antispasmodic, an antiadrenergic, an antimuscarinic, a
neuromimetic agent, a neuromuscular agent, an antianxiety agent, an
antipsychotic, an antidepressant, a mood stabilizer, a stimulant,
an anxiolytic, a hypnotic, or a sleeping agent. For example, as
shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select at feast one of an
antiparalytic, an antimanic, an antineuralgic, an anti-dyskinesia
agent, an antispasmodic, an antiadrenergic, an antimuscarinic, a
neuromimetic agent, a neuromuscular agent, an antianxiety drug, an
antipsychotic, an antidepressant, a mood stabilizer, a stimulant,
an anxiolytic, a hypnotic, and/or a sleeping agent such as a
long-acting barbiturate. In one example, selector module 106
selects an antianxiety drug and a sleeping agent. An antiparalytic
may include an agent used for preventing the loss of and/or
recovering muscle function. One example of an antiparalytic may
include methylprednisolone. An antimanic may include an agent used
for treating and/or suppressing mania. Some examples may include
lamotrigine and/or carbamazepine. An antineuralgic may include an
agent for relieving paroxysmal nerve pain. One example of an
antineuralgic may include carbamazepine. An anti-dyskinesia agent
may include an agent used for reducing and/or preventing
dyskinesia, including involuntary muscle movement. One example of
an anti-dyskinesia agent may include methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
An antispasmodic may include a drug or an herb that suppresses
smooth muscle contraction. Some examples of an antispasmodic may
include dicyclomine and/or hyoscyamine. An antiadrenergic may
include a medication for inhibiting the functioning of the
sympathetic nervous system. Some examples of an antiadrenergic may
include clonidine and/or mecamylamine. An antimuscarinic may
include an agent for reducing the activity of the muscarinic
acetylcholine receptor. Some examples of an antimuscarinic may
include atropine and/or hyoscine. A neuromimetic agent may include
an agent that mimics the response of an effector organ to nerve
impulses. A neuromuscular agent may block neuromuscular
transmission at the neuromuscular junction and cause paralysis of
the affected skeletal muscles. Some examples of a neuromuscular
agent may include atracurium and/or vecuronium. An antianxiety drug
may include a drug for suppressing anxiety and relaxing the
muscles. An antianxiety drug may include a sedative, a
tranquilizer, an anxiolytic, such as a benzodiazepine, alprazolam
and/or diazepam, an antidepressant, a short-acting barbiturate,
and/or an herbal treatment, such as chamomile, kava extract,
Kratom, and/or valerian. An antipsychotic may include a group of
drugs commonly used to treat psychosis and may include
phenothiazines, thioxanthenes, butyrophenones, risperidone,
amisulpride, and/or other suitable drugs. An antidepressant may
include a psychiatric medication or other substance, such as a
nutrient or herb, used for alleviating depression or dysthymia.
Some examples of an antidepressant may include a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor, such as Prozac and/or Zoloft, and/or
a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, such as Cymbalta. A
mood stabilizer may include a psychiatric medication used to treat
mood disorders characterized by intense and sustained mood shifts.
Some examples of a mood stabilizer may include lithium carbonate
and/or lamotrigine. A stimulant may include substances that may
temporarily increase alertness and awareness, such as caffeine,
ephedrine, and/or nicotine. An anxiolytic may include a substance
used for the treatment of anxiety, such as a benzodiazepine and/or
a barbiturate. A hypnotic may include substances that induce steep,
such as a barbiturate and/or an antihistamine (diphenhydramine). A
sleeping agent may include any number of medications for helping a
person sleep and/or stay asleep and may include benzodiazepines,
antidepressants, melatonin, and/or antihistamines as well as other
suitable substances. In some instances, selector module 106 may
include a computer processor.
[0113] FIG. 19 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 19 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 230 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 1902, an
operation 1904, and/or an operation 1906.
[0114] Operation 1902 illustrates selecting the at least one
prescription medication at least partially based on at least one of
a behavior, a symptom, or a diagnosis. For example, as shown in
FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select the at least one
prescription medication at least partially based on at least one of
a behavior, a symptom, or a diagnosis. In one instance, selector
module 106 can select a prescription medication based on a
diagnosis. A behavior may include the manner a person behaves
toward other people and/or a certain circumstance. A symptom may
include a subjective indicator of a health problem reported by an
individual, or a sign of a health problem noticed by another,
perhaps a doctor. A symptom may be evidence of a disease, a
disability, an impairment, and/or a condition. A diagnosis may
include an identification of a disease, a disability, an
impairment, and/or a condition. In some instances, selector module
106 may include a computer processor.
[0115] Operation 1904 illustrates selecting the at least one
prescription medication at least partially based on at least one of
a susceptibility to a drug side effect or a drug interaction. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select the at
least one prescription medication at least partially based on at
least one of a susceptibility to a drug side effect or a drug
interaction. In one instance, selector module 106 can select a
prescription medication based on a susceptibility to a drug side
effect including an allergy. A susceptibility to a drug side effect
may include a probability a certain person may be vulnerable to a
side effect associated with a specific drug and/or medication. A
susceptibility to a drug side effect may include predisposition to
a particular drug side effect or class of drug side effects, such
as upset stomach associated with aspirin formulations. A drug
reaction may include a possible response a person may exhibit
resulting from at least one drug and/or medication administered to
the person. A drug reaction may include an allergy and/or a drug
and/or medication interaction with a separate drug and/or
medication. In some instances, selector module 106 may include a
computer processor.
[0116] Operation 1906 illustrates selecting a prescription
medication and at least one alternative medicine treatment as the
at least one prescription medication. For example, as shown in FIG.
1, selector module 106 may select a prescription medication and at
least one alternative medicine treatment as the at least one
prescription medication. In one instance, selector module 106 can
select a prescription medication and at least one alternative
medicine treatment as the at least one prescription medication. A
prescription medication may include a medication, drug, and/or
treatment available only with written instructions from a doctor,
dentist, and/or other licensed professional. An alternative
medicine treatment may include medical and/or nutraceutical
treatments and/or practices utilized instead of standard medical
treatments. Some examples of alternative medicine treatments may
include chiropractic, herbal medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy,
naturopathy, and/or spiritual devotions. In some instances,
selector module 106 may include a computer processor.
[0117] FIG. 20 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 20 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 230 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 2002,
and/or an operation 2004.
[0118] Operation 2002 illustrates selecting the at least one
prescription medication at least partially based on at least one of
a medication history of the at least one individual or an
artificial sensory experience history of the at least one
individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106
may select the at least one prescription medication at least
partially based on at least one of a medication history of the at
least one individual or an artificial sensory experience history of
the at least one individual. In one example, selector module 106
can select a prescription medication based on a medication history
of an individual named Jennifer Harris or an anonymous individual.
A medication history may include any record of administered
medications and/or drugs that may exist for an individual. An
artificial sensory experience history may include any record of an
artificial sensory experience associated with an individual. In
some instances, selector module 106 may include a computer
processor.
[0119] Operation 2004 illustrates selecting the at least one
prescription medication at least partially based on at least one of
a genetic or an epigenetic profile. For example, as shown in FIG.
1, selector module 106 may select the at least one prescription
medication at least partially based on at least one of a genetic or
an epigenetic profile. In one instance, selector module 106 can
select a prescription medication based on a genetic profile. A
genetic profile may include hereditary information encoded in the
genetic sequence of an individual. An epigenetic profile may
include information regarding chromatin and/or DNA modifications
that are stable over rounds of cell division but do not involve
changes in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism, such as
histone acetylation and/or DNA methylation. Other epigenetic
information may be found in higher-order chromatin structure. In
some instances, selector module 106 may include a computer
processor.
[0120] FIG. 21 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 21 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 230 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 2102,
and/or an operation 2104.
[0121] Operation 2102 illustrates selecting at least one virtual
experience as the at least one artificial sensory experience. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select at
least one virtual experience as the at least one artificial sensory
experience. In one example, selector module 106 can select a
virtual experience as the artificial sensory experience. A virtual
experience may include an experience with a computer-simulated
environment. Such a virtual experience may be interactive or
non-interactive. Some examples of a virtual experience may include
an experience with a virtual world, a simulated reality, a computer
game, and/or a virtual tour, and may involve input devices such as
a keyboard, a mouse, an accelerometer-containing input device,
and/or a wired glove. A virtual experience may also involve a
visual and/or auditory monitoring device such as a video monitor,
goggles, loudspeakers, or the like. Examples of a virtual
experience include second life, snow world, or the like. In some
instances, selector module 106 may include a computer
processor.
[0122] Operation 2104 illustrates selecting at least one of a
virtual world, a social networking website, an online game, an
online educational experience, a networked game, or a single-player
game. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106 may
select at least one of a virtual world, a social networking
website, an online game, an online educational experience, a
networked game, or a single-player game. In one instance, selector
module 106 can select a virtual world. A virtual world may include
a computer-based simulated environment intended for its users to
inhabit and interact via avatars, such as second life. A social
networking website may include a website for observing and/or
interacting with one or more personal and/or professional
relationships between individuals. Some examples of a social
networking website may include MySpace, GeoCities, Facebook, and/or
LinkedIn. In one instance, selector module 106 may select Facebook
as the social networking website and may include directions to
Facebook to implement a color scheme including bright colors, such
as yellow and light blue, for preventing the onset of depression in
a depression prone viewer. An online game may include a game played
over a network, such as hardwired terminals, a wireless network, a
modem network, a video console, and/or the internet. Some online
games may include virtual worlds and/or virtual communities.
Examples of online games may include World of Warcraft (WoW), Final
Fantasy XI, Lineage II, Guild Wars, and/or RuneScape. An online
educational experience may include a tutorial, a lesson, and/or an
online class. Some examples of an online educational experience may
include a HTML tutorial, an online piano lesson, and/or an online
degree program from the University of Phoenix. A networked game may
include any game played by more than one player and may be played
on a computer. An example of a networked game may include World of
Warcraft (WoW). A single-player game may include any game that can
be played by one player and that may or may not be played on a
computer. Examples of a single-player game includes solitaire,
puzzle games such as Tetris, Call of Duty, and Guitar Hero. In some
instances, selector module 106 may include a computer
processor.
[0123] FIG. 22 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 22 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 230 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 2202,
and/or an operation 2204.
[0124] Operation 2202 illustrates selecting at least one real-world
sensory stimulus as the at least one artificial sensory experience.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select at
least one real-world sensory stimulus as the at least one
artificial sensory experience. In one instance, selector module 106
can select a real-world sensory stimulus including an aroma as an
artificial sensory experience. Some examples of a real-world
sensory stimulus may include aromas and/or smells, sounds, sights,
touch, pressure, temperature and/or heat, and/or vibration. In some
instances, selector module 106 may include a computer processor.
Further, operation 2204 illustrates selecting at least one of a
smell, a taste, a sound, a physical contact, or a sight as the at
least one real-world sensory stimulus. For example, as shown in
FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select at least one of a smell, a
taste, a sound, a physical contact, or a sight as the at least one
real-world sensory stimulus. In one example, selector module 106
selects a smell and a taste as a real-world sensory stimulus. A
smell may include any property detected by the nose and/or
olfactory system. A taste may include any flavor and/or property
detected by the tongue and/or taste buds. A sound may include any
sound wave that may be detected by the eardrum. A physical contact
may include anything related to touch, feel, and/or detection by
the skin and/or body, and/or physical activity including exercise.
In one instance, selector module 106 may select a physical contact
including physical exercise associated with participating in
playing a tennis game on a Nintendo Wii video game console, for
example. A sight may include any image, and/or light detected by
the eyes. In some instances, selector module 106 may include a
computer processor.
[0125] FIG. 23 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 23 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 230 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 2302, an
operation 2304, and/or an operation 2306.
[0126] Operation 2302 illustrates selecting the at least one
artificial sensory experience at least partially based on at least
one of a behavior, a symptom, or a diagnosis. For example, as shown
in FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select the at least one
artificial sensory experience at least partially based on at least
one of a behavior, a symptom, or a diagnosis. In one example,
selector module 106 can select an artificial sensory experience
based on behavior entered by a user 118 via a user interface 116. A
behavior may include the manner in which a person and/or thing acts
and/or reacts. A symptom may include a manifestation, sign, and/or
an indication of the presence of a disease and/or some other
disorder and/or abnormality. A diagnosis may include identifying a
disease and/or condition by its signs and/or symptoms. For example,
selector module 106 and/or system 100 may select an immersive
virtual reality experience as the at least one artificial sensory
experience at least partially based on a pain symptom and/or a
third-degree burn diagnosis. In some instances, selector module 106
may include a computer processor.
[0127] Operation 2304 illustrates selecting the at least one
artificial sensory experience at least partially based on at least
one demographic characteristic of the at least one individual. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select the at
least one artificial sensory experience at least partially based on
at least one demographic characteristic of the at least one
individual. In one example, selector module 106 can select an
artificial sensory experience based on a demographic characteristic
the at least one individual. A demographic characteristic may
include a socioeconomic, age, gender, and/or other similar factor
defining a certain population. For example, selector module 106
and/or system 100 may select a virtual reality experience such as a
Sesame Street or Disney-themed experience as the at least one
artificial sensory experience at least partially based on an
indication that the individual is aged 6-10 years old. In some
instances, selector module 106 may include a computer
processor.
[0128] Further, operation 2306 illustrates selecting the at least
one artificial sensory experience at least partially based on at
least one of geographic location, family status, age, gender,
weight, ethnicity, body mass index, household size, or income of
the at least one individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
selector module 106 may select the at least one artificial sensory
experience at least partially based on at least one of geographic
location, family status, age, gender, weight, ethnicity, body mass
index, household size, or income of the at least one individual. In
one example, selector module 106 can select the artificial sensory
experience based on an age and a weight associated with the at
least one individual. A geographic location may include a location
where an individual currently resides, has resided in the past,
and/or has visited. A family status may include marital status,
status and/or presence of children, and/or the status and/or health
of extended family. In some instances, selector module 106 may
include a computer processor.
[0129] FIG. 24 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 24 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 230 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 2402,
and/or an operation 2404.
[0130] Operation 2402 illustrates selecting the at least one
artificial sensory experience at least partially based on at least
one of a medication history or an artificial sensory experience
history of the at least one individual. For example, as shown in
FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select the at least one artificial
sensory experience at least partially based on at least one of a
medication history or an artificial sensory experience history of
the at least one individual. In one instance, selector module 106
can select an artificial sensory experience based on an artificial
sensory experience history of the at least one individual. An
artificial sensory experience history may include any record of at
least one administered artificial sensory experience history. For
example, system 100 and/or selector module 106 may select a
modified facebook webpage having a cheerful color scheme at least
partly based on a facebook usage history for an individual with
signs of depression. In some instances, selector module 106 may
include a computer processor.
[0131] Operation 2404 illustrates selecting a preferred artificial
sensory experience and at least one alternative artificial sensory
experience. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106
may select a preferred artificial sensory experience and at least
one alternative artificial sensory experience. In one example,
selector module 106 can select a preferred artificial sensory
experience and at least one alternative artificial sensory
experience. A preferred artificial sensory experience may include a
more desirable artificial sensory experience due to a lack of
and/or a reduced level of side effects, reduced impact upon the
individual, and/or increased compatibility with another medications
and/or treatment. An alternative artificial sensory experience may
include any artificial sensory experience in addition to the
preferred artificial sensory experience and may be less desirable
than the preferred artificial sensory experience due to side
effects and/or increased impact upon the individual. In some
instances, selector module 106 may include a computer
processor.
[0132] FIG. 25 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 25 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 230 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 2502, an
operation 2504, and/or an operation 2506.
[0133] Operation 2502 illustrates selecting at least one artificial
sensory experience and at least one prescription medication at
least partially based on a treatment algorithm. For example, as
shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select at least one
artificial sensory experience and at least one prescription
medication at least partially based on a treatment algorithm. In
one instance, selector module 106 can select an artificial sensory
experience and a prescription medication based on a computer
software treatment algorithm. A treatment algorithm may include any
computation, formula, statistical survey, and/or look-up table for
determining and/or selecting a suitable artificial sensory
experience and prescription medication combination. Some examples
may include a computer software algorithm, a calculator, a
flowchart, and/or a decision tree. For example, system 100 and/or
selector module 106 may, based on an accepted pain symptom of an
individual, access a lookup chart that matches the pain symptom
with a pain medication, such as naproxen, and a virtual experience,
such as World of Warcraft. Such a combination therapy may be
particularly effective in ameliorating the pain symptom in the
individual. In some instances, selector module 106 may include a
computer processor.
[0134] Further, operation 2504 illustrates selecting at least one
prescription medication at least partially based on at least one of
a drug allergy associated with the at least one individual or a
drug interaction associated with the at least one prescription
medication. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106
may select at least one prescription medication at least partially
based on at least one of a drug allergy associated with the at
least one individual or a drug interaction associated with the at
least one prescription medication. In one example, selector module
106 can select a prescription medication based on a drug allergy
associated with the at least one individual. A drug allergy may
include any allergy to a drug and/or drug intolerance. Some
examples of a drug allergy may include penicillin allergies,
codeine allergies, and/or allergies to a dye in a drug. A drug
interaction may include an undesirable and/or unwanted reaction
between two or more drugs and/or medications. For example, the
system 100 and/or selector module 106 can select a prescription
medication other than those that might cause a side effect in an
individual, perhaps because of a known predisposition to the side
effect (e.g., an allergy) or because of a known drug-drug
interaction relevant to the individual based on the individual's
medication regimen. In this way, risk of side effects can be
lessened. In some instances, selector module 106 may include a
computer processor.
[0135] Operation 2506 illustrates selecting at least one opioid
analgesic and at least one virtual world experience to address at
least one pain attribute of at least one individual. For example,
as shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select from a
prescription medication database at least one opioid analgesic and
at least one virtual world experience to address at least one pain
attribute of at least one individual. In one example, selector
module 106 can select an opioid analgesic including morphine and a
virtual world experience including an online game to address a pain
attribute of at least one individual named Mary Andersen. In some
instances, selector module 106 may include a computer
processor.
[0136] FIG. 26 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 26 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 240 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 2602, an
operation 2604, and/or an operation 2606.
[0137] Operation 2602 illustrates presenting an indication of a
preferred combination including at least one prescription
medication and at least one artificial sensory experience and at
least one alternative combination including at least one
alternative prescription medication and at least one alternative
artificial sensory experience. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
presenter module 108 may present an indication of a preferred
combination including at least one prescription medication and at
least one artificial sensory experience and at least one
alternative combination including at least one alternative
prescription medication and at least one alternative artificial
sensory experience. In one instance, presenter module 108 can
present an indication of a preferred combination to an individual
134 including a prescription medication and an artificial sensory
experience along with an alternative combination including an
alternative prescription medication and an alternative artificial
sensory experience. Individual 134 may include a single individual,
multiple individuals, and/or an entity. A preferred combination may
include a more desirable combination due to a tack of and/or a
reduced number of and/or level of side effects, reduced impact upon
the administered individual, and/or increased compatibility with
another medications and/or treatment. An alternative combination
may include any combination in addition to the preferred
combination and may be ostensibly less desirable than the preferred
artificial sensory experience because of a potential side effect
and/or impact upon the administered individual. Presentation of
alternative combinations may provide benefits to the individual in
terms of accessibility, affordability, and/or personal preference
of medication and/or artificial sensory experience. In some
instances, presenter module 108 may include a computer
processor.
[0138] Operation 2604 illustrates presenting an indication of the
at least one prescription medication and the at least one
artificial sensory experience to at least one output device. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1, presenter module 108 may present an
indication of the at least one prescription medication and the at
least one artificial sensory experience to at least one output
device. In one example, presenter module 108 can present an
indication of a prescription medication and an artificial sensory
experience to an output device 130 including a printer at a health
clinic. An output device may include any hardware device configured
for receiving computer output. Some examples of an output device
may include a printer, a monitor, a mobile phone, a speaker, and/or
a visual display unit. The output device may be used by individual
134. In some instances, presenter module 108 may include a computer
processor.
[0139] Further, operation 2606 illustrates presenting an indication
of at least one of the at least one prescription medication or the
at least one artificial sensory experience to at least one user
interface. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, presenter module 108
may present an indication of at least one of the at least one
prescription medication or the at least one artificial sensory
experience to at least one user interface. In one instance,
presenter module 108 can present an indication of a prescription
medication and an artificial sensory experience to a user
interface. A user interface may include means by which an
individual may interact with a system. Some examples of a user
interface may include a touchscreen, a graphical user interface, a
tactile interface, and/or a live user interface. In some instances,
presenter module 108 may include a computer processor.
[0140] FIG. 27 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 27 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 240 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 2702.
Further, operation 2702 illustrates presenting an indication of at
least one of the at least one prescription medication or the at
least one artificial sensory experience to at least one mobile
device. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, presenter module 108 may
present an indication of at least one of the at least one
prescription medication or the at least one artificial sensory
experience to at least one mobile device. In one instance,
presenter module 108 can present an indication of a prescription
medication to a mobile device 132. A mobile device may include a
portable computing device and may have wireless connection
capability. Some examples of a mobile device may include a laptop
or notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an ipod,
a smartphone, an Enterprise digital assistant (EDA), and/or a
pager. In some instances, presenter module 108 may include a
computer processor.
[0141] FIG. 28 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 28 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 240 may include at least one additional
operation. Additional operations may include an operation 2802,
and/or an operation 2804.
[0142] Operation 2802 illustrates presenting to a health care
provider an indication of at least one of the at least one
prescription medication or the at least one artificial sensory
experience at least partly based on the selecting at least one
prescription medication and at least one artificial sensory
experience to address the at least one attribute of at least one
individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, presenter module 108
may present to a health care provider an indication of at least one
of the at least one prescription medication or the at least one
artificial sensory experience at least partly based on the
selecting at least one prescription medication and at least one
artificial sensory experience to address an attribute of an
individual. In one example, presenter module 108 can present to a
health care provider 128 an indication of a prescription medication
based on the selecting at least one prescription medication and at
least one artificial sensory experience to address the at least one
attribute 120 of at least one individual. A health care provider
may include a pharmacy, a pharmaceutical company, a medical device
company, a research institution, a computer software and/or
computer hardware company, a website, a nurse and/or a physician.
In some instances, presenter module 108 may include a computer
processor.
[0143] Operation 2804 illustrates presenting an indication of the
at least one prescription medication or the at least one artificial
sensory experience at a staggered time. For example, as shown in
FIG. 1, presenter module 108 may present an indication of at least
one of the at least one prescription medication or the at least one
artificial sensory experience at a staggered time. In one example,
presenter module 108 can present an indication of a series of
prescription medications and an artificial sensory experience at
staggered times. A staggered time may include presenting an
indication of the at least one drug and/or artificial sensory
experience at overlapping times and/or at different times,
including alternating times. For example, at least one drug and an
artificial sensory experience may be administered at an initial
time and the same or a different drug may be administered when the
first-administered at least one drug is at its peak effect. In
another example, at least one drug and an artificial sensory
experience may be administered at an initial time and the same or a
different drug may be administered when the first administered at
least one drug is at its lowest effect. In another example, an
artificial sensory experience may be administered at an initial
time and at least one prescription medication at a later time. The
at least one artificial sensory experience and/or the at least one
prescription medication may be administered at any number of times
either concurrently, partially concurrently, or not concurrently.
In some instances, presenter module 108 may include a computer
processor.
[0144] FIG. 29 illustrates an operational flow 2900 representing
example operations related to querying at least one database at
least partly based on at least one attribute of an individual,
selecting from the at least one database at least one prescription
medication to address the at least one attribute of at least one
individual, and/or implementing at least one artificial sensory
experience to address the at least one attribute of at least one
individual in response to a selected at least one prescription
medication. In FIG. 29, discussion and explanation may be provided
with respect to the above-described examples of FIG. 1, and/or with
respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be
understood that the operational flows may be executed in a number
of other environments and contexts, and/or in modified versions of
FIG. 1. Also, although the various operational flows are presented
in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the
various operations may be performed in other orders than those
which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.
[0145] After a start operation, the operational flow 2900 moves to
an operation 2910. Operation 2910 depicts querying at least one
database at least partly based on at least one attribute of an
individual. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, querier module 104 may
search at least one database at least partly based on at least one
attribute of an individual. In one instance, querier module 104 may
search medication database 124 and artificial sensory experience
database 126 based on an attribute 120 including an indication of
hypertension associated with an individual named John Smith. In
some instances, querier module 104 may include a computer
processor.
[0146] Then, operation 2920 depicts selecting from the at least one
database at least one prescription medication to address the at
least one attribute of at least one individual. For example, as
shown in FIG. 1, selector module 106 may select from the at least
one database at least one prescription medication to address the at
least one attribute of at least one individual. In one example and
continuing with the previous example, selector module 106 may
select from medication database 124 and artificial sensory
experience database 126 a prescription medicine for addressing the
attribute 120 including an indication of hypertension associated
with an individual named John Smith. In some instances, selector
module 106 may include a computer processor.
[0147] Then, operation 2930 depicts implementing at least one
artificial sensory experience to address the at least one attribute
of at least one individual in response to a selected at least one
prescription medication. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
implementer module 138 may implement at least one artificial
sensory experience to address the at least one attribute of at
least one individual in response to a selected at least one
prescription medication. In one instance and continuing with the
previous example, implementer module 106 may implement an
artificial sensory experience including a virtual world for
addressing the attribute 120 including an indication of
hypertension associated with an individual named John Smith in
response to a selected prescription medication from a medication
database 124. In some instances, selector module 106 may include a
computer processor.
[0148] FIG. 30 illustrates a partial view of an example computer
program product 3000 that includes a computer program 3004 for
executing a computer process on a computing device. An embodiment
of the example computer program product 3000 is provided using a
signal-bearing medium 3002, and may include one or more
instructions for accepting at least one attribute of at least one
individual; one or more instructions for querying at least one
database at least partly based on the at least one attribute; one
or more instructions for selecting from the at least one database
at least one prescription medication and at least one artificial
sensory experience to address the at least one attribute of at
least one individual; and one or more instructions for presenting
an indication of the at least one prescription medication and the
at least one artificial sensory experience at least partly based on
the selecting from the at least one database at least one
prescription medication and at least one artificial sensory
experience to address the at least one attribute of at least one
individual. The one or more instructions may be, for example,
computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In one
implementation, the signal-bearing medium 3002 may include a
computer-readable medium 3006. In one implementation, the signal
bearing medium 3002 may include a recordable medium 3008. In one
implementation, the signal bearing medium 3002 may include a
communications medium 3010.
[0149] FIG. 31 illustrates an example system 3100 in which
embodiments may be implemented. The system 3100 includes a
computing system environment. The system 3100 also illustrates the
user 118 using a device 3104, which is optionally shown as being in
communication with a computing device 3102 by way of an optional
coupling 3106. The optional coupling 3106 may represent a local,
wide-area, or peer-to-peer network, or may represent a bus that is
internal to a computing device (e.g., in example embodiments in
which the computing device 3102 is contained in whole or in part
within the device 3104). A storage medium 3108 may be any computer
storage media.
[0150] The computing device 3102 includes computer-executable
instructions 3110 that when executed on the computing device 3102
cause the computing device 3102 to accept at least one attribute of
at least one individual; query at least one database at least
partly based on the at least one attribute; select from the at
least one database at least one prescription medication and at
least one artificial sensory experience to address the at least one
attribute of at least one individual; and present an indication of
the at least one prescription medication and the at least one
artificial sensory experience at least partly based on the
selecting from the at least one database at least one prescription
medication and at least one artificial sensory experience to
address the at least one attribute of at least one individual. As
referenced above and as shown in FIG. 31, in some examples, the
computing device 3102 may optionally be contained in whole or in
part within the device 3104.
[0151] In FIG. 31, then, the system 3100 includes at least one
computing device (e.g., 3102 and/or 3104). The computer-executable
instructions 3110 may be executed on one or more of the at least
one computing device. For example, the computing device 3102 may
implement the computer-executable instructions 3110 and output a
result to (and/or receive data from) the computing device 3104.
Since the computing device 3102 may be wholly or partially
contained within the computing device 3104, the device 3104 also
may be said to execute some or all of the computer-executable
instructions 3110, in order to be caused to perform or implement,
for example, various ones of the techniques described herein, or
other techniques.
[0152] The device 3104 may include, for example, a portable
computing device, workstation, or desktop computing device. In
another example embodiment, the computing device 3102 is operable
to communicate with the device 3104 associated with the user 118 to
receive information about the input from the user 118 for
performing data access and data processing and presenting an output
of the user-health test function at least partly based on the user
data.
[0153] Although a user 118 is shown/described herein as a single
illustrated figure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a
user 118 may be representative of a human user, a robotic user
(e.g., computational entity), and/or substantially any combination
thereof (e.g., a user may be assisted by one or more robotic
agents). In addition, a user 118, as set forth herein, although
shown as a single entity may in fact be composed of two or more
entities. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in
general, the same may be said of "sender" and/or other
entity-oriented terms as such terms are used herein.
[0154] FIG. 32 illustrates system 3200 for measuring at least one
effect of a combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory
experience on an individual, modifying at least one of the
bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least
partially based on the at least one effect, modifying an artificial
sensory experience to enhance the efficacy of the bioactive agent,
and/or presenting an indication of a modified combined bioactive
agent and artificial sensory experience at least partially based on
a modified at least one bioactive agent or artificial sensory
experience. The system 3200 may include measurer module 3402,
modifier module 3418, indication presenter module 3460, monitoring
unit 3202, and/or administration unit 3222. Administration unit
3222 may include physical intervention effector module 3224 and/or
artificial sensory experience effector module 3226. Monitoring unit
3202 may include drug sensing unit 3204, physiologic activity
monitor 3206, brain activity measurement unit 3208, behavior
monitor 3210, instrumentation monitor 3212, compliance reporting
unit 3214, voice response module 3216, hearing test module 3218,
and/or scale 3220. Additionally, system 3200 may include mobile
device 132.
[0155] FIG. 33 illustrates system 3200 for measuring at least one
effect of a combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory
experience on an individual, modifying at least one of the
bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least
partially based on the at least one effect, modifying an artificial
sensory experience to enhance the efficacy of the bioactive agent,
and/or presenting an indication of a modified combined bioactive
agent and artificial sensory experience at least partially based on
a modified at least one bioactive agent or artificial sensory
experience. The system 3200 may include measurer module 3402,
modifier module 3418, acceptor module 102, monitoring unit 3202,
indication presenter module 3460 and/or administration unit 3222.
Accepter module 102 may receive information and/or data from user
118, database 122, and/or health care provider 136. Database 122
may include medication database 124 and/or artificial sensory
experience database 126. Monitoring unit 3202 may monitor
individual 134, may be communicatively coupled to modifier module
3418, and may include drug sensing unit 3204, physiologic activity
monitor 3206, brain activity measurement unit 3208, behavior
monitor 3210, instrumentation monitor 3212, compliance reporting
unit 3214, voice response module 3216, hearing test module 3218,
and/or scale 3220. Administration unit 3222 may be communicatively
coupled to measurer module 3402 and may include physical
intervention effector module 3224 and/or artificial sensory
experience effector module 3226. Additionally, mobile device 132
may communicate with acceptor module 102, assigner module 3334,
monitoring unit 3202, and/or administration unit 3222.
[0156] FIGS. 34 and 35 further illustrate system 3200 including
measurer module 3402, modifier module 3418, and/or indication
presenter module 3364. Measurer module 3402 may include data
comparer module 3404, laboratory test utilizer module 3406, self
assessment measurer module 3408, computerized assessment measurer
module 3410, and/or expected behavior measurer module 3414.
Computerized assessment measurer module 3410 may include virtual
experience score measurer module 3412. Expected behavior measurer
module 3414 may include behavior data comparer module 3416.
Indication presenter module 3364 may include output device
presenter module 3462 and/or third party presenter module 3468.
Output device presenter module 3462 may include user interface
presenter module 3464 and/or mobile device presenter module 3466.
Third party presenter module 3468 may include health care provider
presenter module 3470 and/or selective presenter module 3472.
[0157] As further illustrated in FIG. 35, system 3200 may include
modifier module 3418. Modifier module 3418 may include access
modifier module 3420, visual object modifier module 3426, sound
alterer module 3432, dosage modifier module 3440, bioactive agent
combination modifier module 3442, bioactive agent delivery modifier
module 3444, efficacy enhancing modifier module 3446, side effect
reduction modifier module 3448, visual/audio content adder module
3450, deleter module 3452, content adder module 3454, and/or
sensate experience modifier module 3456. Access modifier module
3420 may include access restrictor module 3422 and/or access
granter module 3424. Visual object modifier module 3426 may include
color scheme modifier module 3428 and/or text modifier module 3430.
Sound alterer module 3432 may include music alterer module 3434,
ambient noise alterer module 3436, and/or voice alterer module
3438. Sensate experience modifier module 3456 may include stimulus
modifier module 3458.
[0158] System 3200 generally represents instrumentality for
measuring at least one effect of a combined bioactive agent and
artificial sensory experience on an individual, modifying at least
one of the bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at
least partially based on the at least one effect, modifying an
artificial sensory experience to enhance the efficacy of the
bioactive agent, and/or presenting an indication of a modified
combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience at least
partially based on a modified at least one bioactive agent or
artificial sensory experience. The operations of measuring at least
one effect of a combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory
experience on an individual, modifying at least one of the
bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least
partially based on the at least one effect, modifying an artificial
sensory experience to enhance the efficacy of the bioactive agent,
and/or presenting an indication of a modified combined bioactive
agent and artificial sensory experience at least partially based on
a modified at least one bioactive agent or artificial sensory
experience may be accomplished electronically, such as with a set
of interconnected electrical components, an integrated circuit,
and/or a computer processor.
[0159] FIG. 36 illustrates an operational flow 3600 representing
example operations related to measuring at least one effect of a
combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience on an
individual and modifying at least one of the bioactive agent or the
artificial sensory experience at least partially based on the at
least one effect. In FIG. 36 and in following figures that include
various examples of operational flows, discussion and explanation
may be provided with respect to the above-described examples of
FIGS. 32 through 35, and/or with respect to other examples and
contexts. However, it should be understood that the operational
flows may be executed in a number of other environments and
contexts, and/or in modified versions of FIGS. 32 through 35. Also,
although the various operational flows are presented in the
sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various
operations may be performed in other orders than those which are
illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.
[0160] After a start operation, the operational flow 3600 moves to
operation 3610. Operation 3610 depicts measuring at least one
effect of a combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory
experience on an individual. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32
through 35, measurer module 3402 may measure an effect of a
combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience on an
individual. Some examples of measuring an effect may include
requesting and/or accepting one or more laboratory test results,
for example a blood test; measuring one or more physiologic
effects, such as heart rate; and/or measuring brain activity and/or
function. Additional examples of measuring an effect may include
using medical imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging and/or
computed tomography. An effect may include a side effect and/or a
desired effect. In some instances, measurer module 3402 may include
a computer processor and/or a medical device.
[0161] Then, operation 3620 depicts modifying at least one of the
bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least
partially based on the at least one effect. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 32 through 35, the modifier module 3418 may modify a
bioactive agent and/or an artificial sensory experience at least
partially based on an effect of the combined bioactive agent and
artificial sensory experience. In one instance, modifier module
3418 may modify a virtual world in response to a measured effect of
the bioactive agent. Some examples of a bioactive agent may include
a prescription medication, nutraceutical, and/or dietary
supplement. Some examples of modifying a bioactive agent may
include changing a bioactive agent dosage, modifying a bioactive
agent administration method, adding a supplemental bioactive agent;
and/or changing the bioactive agent to another bioactive agent.
Some examples of an artificial sensory experience may include a
virtual experience, such as an online game or a social networking
site, and/or a real-world sensory stimulus, such as a smell and/or
a sight. Examples of modifying an artificial sensory experience may
include changing a computer game and/or changing a computer display
background content and/or emission setting. One example of
administering an artificial sensory experience may include a game
utilizing a neuroheadset having sensors for detecting mental state
based on, for example, electrical signals and/or blood flow in the
brain. See, for example, headsets manufactured by Emotiv Systems,
Inc. In some instances, modifier module 3418 may include a computer
processor.
[0162] FIG. 37 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36. FIG. 37 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 3610 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include operation
3702, operation 3704, and/or operation 3706.
[0163] Operation 3702 illustrates comparing empirical data with a
current effect measurement. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32
through 35, data comparer module 3404 may compare empirical data
with a current effect measurement. In one instance, data comparer
module 3404 may compare a set of previous experimental data with a
current effect measurement, such as a pulse measurement. Empirical
data may include data obtained from experimentation and/or
observation. Some examples of empirical data may include results
from a clinical trial and/or data collection from medical records,
e.g., data obtained through data mining. Further discussion
regarding data mining may be found in Oren et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,807,492, which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally,
empirical data may be obtained through a lab information system
(LIS), such as the system discussed in Birkner et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 6,826,498, which is incorporated herein by reference. In some
instances, data comparer module 3404 may include a computer
processor.
[0164] Operation 3704 illustrates measuring the at least one effect
at least one of during or after the individual experiences the
combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, measurer module 3402 may
measure an effect during or after an individual experiences the
combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience. The
effect may be measured using, for example, a medical device, a
laboratory testing protocol, and/or a physician's observation. The
effect may be measured during and/or after administration of an
artificial sensory experience and bioactive agent combination for
comparing one or more effects of the combination at different times
and/or compared to one or more pre-administration measurements. In
one embodiment, measurer module 3402 may measure an individual's
blood pressure during and after administration of a combination
artificial sensory experience and bioactive agent and compare the
different measurements to determine the extent of the combination
effect on the individual. In some instances, measurer module 3402
may include a computer processor, a medical device, and/or a
combination of a computer processor and medical device.
[0165] Further, operation 3706 illustrates utilizing at least one
laboratory test to measure the at least one effect. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, laboratory test utilizer module 3406
may utilize a laboratory test to measure the effect. A laboratory
test may include, for example, a design of experiments test (e.g.,
a test where one or more parameters is changed to observe the
effect the changes have on one or more response variables), a blood
test, a DNA analysis test, a toxicology test, a urinalysis, and/or
a histopathological test. Such tests may serve to determine the
effect of a combination bioactive agent and artificial sensory
experience on an individual. In some instances, laboratory test
utilizer module 3406 may include a computer processor and/or
medical instrumentation.
[0166] FIG. 38 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36. FIG. 38 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 3610 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include operation
3802, operation 3804, and/or operation 3806.
[0167] Operation 3802 illustrates measuring the at least one effect
with a self assessment. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through
35, self assessment measurer module 3408 may measure an effect with
a self assessment. A self assessment may include a judgment by the
individual regarding the individual's own condition. In one
embodiment, the individual may input into self assessment measurer
module 3408 an indication of a level of pain being experienced. The
individual may input an indication of pain using a pain scale, such
as a Faces Pain Scale (FPS) and/or a Pediatric Pain Questionnaire
(PPQ). In some instances, self assessment measurer module 3408 may
include a computer processor and/or an input device, such as a
touchscreen display.
[0168] Operation 3804 illustrates measuring the at least one effect
with a computerized assessment. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32
through 35, computerized assessment measurer module 3410 may
measure the at least one effect with a computerized assessment. A
computerized assessment may include, for example, inputting and/or
receiving an indication of at least one effect and computationally
determining the existence and/or extent of an effect. One example
of a cognitive assessment tool may include inputting patient
information, recommending a battery of tests, administering the
tests, and/or processing the test results. Further discussion
regarding a cognitive assessment tool may be found in Simon et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 7,294,107, which is incorporated herein by reference.
In some instances, computerized assessment measurer module 3410 may
include a computer processor, an input device, and/or medical
instrumentation. Further, operation 3806 illustrates measuring the
at least one effect with a virtual experience score. For example,
as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, virtual experience score measurer
module 3412 may measure an effect with a virtual experience score.
In one embodiment, virtual experience score measurer module 3412
may measure an effect of a combination antianxiety medication
combined with a virtual experience, such as a World of Warcraft
game. In this embodiment, a tow score may indicate efficacy of the
antianxiety medication administration. In some instances, virtual
experience score measurer module 3412 may include a computer
processor.
[0169] FIG. 39 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36. FIG. 39 illustrates example
embodiments where the operation 3610 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include operation
3902, and/or operation 3904.
[0170] Operation 3902 illustrates measuring an expected behavior.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, expected behavior
measurer module 3414 may measure an expected behavior. An expected
behavior may include a behavior that is expected and/or predicted
to occur. One example of measuring an expected behavior may include
measuring an individual's pulse during administration and/or
bioavailability of an antianxiety medication to an individual and
while the individual is engaged with an artificial sensory
experience. In this example, an expected behavior may include a
decrease in pulse proximate to administration of the medication and
engagement with the artificial sensory experience. Another example
of measuring an expected behavior may include measuring an
individual's pain while she is being administered an opioid and
experiencing an artificial sensory experience as a means for
distraction. In this example, an expected behavior may be a
reduction in pain due to the effects of the opioid and the
artificial sensory experience. In some instances, expected behavior
measurer module 3414 may include a computer processor and/or
medical instrumentation.
[0171] Further, operation 3904 illustrates comparing current
measured behavior data with expected behavior data. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, behavior data comparer module 3416
may compare current measured behavior data with expected behavior
data. Current measured behavior data may include data obtained
and/or measured from the most recent occurrence of administering a
combination bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience to an
individual. Expected behavior data may include previous
measurements from the individual and/or a separate group of people
with similar characteristics. Expected behavior data may also
include, for example, statistical treatments of historical response
data, such as average response measures for an individual and/or
for a group of individuals. In some instances, behavior data
comparer module 3416 may include a computer processor.
[0172] FIG. 40 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36. FIG. 40 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 3620 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include operation
4002, operation 4004, and/or operation 4006.
[0173] Operation 4002 illustrates modifying access to at least a
portion of the artificial sensory experience to alter at least one
effect of the bioactive agent. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32
through 35, access modifier module 3420 may modify access to a
portion of the artificial sensory experience to alter at least one
effect of the bioactive agent. In one instance, access modifier
module 3420 may modify access to a portion of an artificial sensory
experience including a photo gallery portion of a social networking
website to alter at least one effect of a bioactive agent such as
an antidepressant. Such modified access may function
therapeutically to prevent access of an individual to potentially
depressing, stressful, or otherwise triggering sensory experiences,
and/or the modified access may involve presentation of a sensory
experience that affirmatively improves a condition (e.g., bright
sunny images for a clinically depressed individual). In some
instances, access modifier module 3420 may include a computer
processor.
[0174] Further, operation 4004 illustrates restricting access to at
least a portion of the artificial sensory experience. For example,
as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, access restrictor module 3422 may
restrict access to at least a portion of the artificial sensory
experience. In one instance, access restrictor module 3422 may
restrict access to a portion of a virtual world designed to
overcome a flying phobia, where access to a portion of a simulated
flying experience is prevented, for example, a jet take-off
portion. In this instance, the most stressful portion of the flight
simulation may be avoided. In some instances, access restrictor
module 3422 may include a computer processor. Further, operation
4006 illustrates granting access to at least a portion of the
artificial sensory experience. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32
through 35, access granter module 3424 may grant access to at least
a portion of the artificial sensory experience. In one instance and
continuing with the above example, access granter module 3424 may
grant access to at least a portion of a virtual world designed to
overcome a flying phobia, where access to a portion of a simulated
flying experience is granted, including a jet landing portion. Such
a simulation presenting gradually increasing contact with the
object of the fear may serve to provide conditioning for the
individual to eventually overcome the phobia. In some instances,
access granter module 3424 may include a computer processor.
[0175] FIG. 41 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36. FIG. 41 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 3620 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include operation
4102, operation 4104, and/or operation 4106.
[0176] Operation 4102 illustrates modifying a visual object in an
artificial sensory experience to alter at least one effect of the
bioactive agent. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35,
visual object modifier module 3426 may modify a visual object in an
artificial sensory experience to alter at least one effect of the
bioactive agent. In one instance and continuing with the above
example, visual object modifier module 3426 may modify a visual
object, such as adding window covers over the windows of a virtual
plane in a virtual world designed to overcome a flying phobia to
alter at least one effect of an anti-anxiety medication. In this
example, the window covers may reduce anxiety experienced by the
individual in addition to anxiety reduction mediated by the
anti-anxiety medication. Additional examples of a visual object may
include a virtual character (i.e., an avatar), an action performed
by the avatar, and/or character attribute and/or artifact, such as
facial features, weapons, clothing, and/or tools. In some
instances, visual object modifier module 3426 may include a
computer processor.
[0177] Further, operation 4104 illustrates modifying a color scheme
of an artificial sensory experience to alter at least one effect of
the bioactive agent. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35,
color scheme modifier module 3428 may modify a color scheme of an
artificial sensory experience to alter at least one effect of the
bioactive agent. In one instance, color scheme modifier module 3428
may modify a color scheme by adding brighter background lights and
colors in a virtual world designed to overcome depression to alter
an effect of an anti-depression medication. Such a color scheme
modification may help to overcome depression, seasonal affective
disorder, and/or other disorders because it has been purported that
color and/or light may affect nonvisual psychological processes.
Discussion regarding the effects of color and/or light on nonvisual
psychological processes may be found in Knez, Effects of colour of
light on nonvisual psychological processes, JOURNAL OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY, 21(2):201-208 (2001); M. R Basso Jr.,
Neurobiological relationships between ambient lighting and the
startle response to acoustic stress in humans, INT J NEUROSCI.,
110(3-4):147-57 (2001), and Lam et al., The Can-SAD Study: a
randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of light therapy
and fluoxetine in patients with winter seasonal affective disorder,
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, 163(5):805-12 (2006), each
incorporated by reference. In some instances, color scheme modifier
module 3428 may include a computer processor. Further, operation
4106 illustrates modifying at least a portion of text of an
artificial sensory experience to alter at least one effect of the
bioactive agent. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, text
modifier module 3430 may modify at least a portion of text of an
artificial sensory experience to alter at least one effect of the
bioactive agent. In one instance, text modifier module 3430 may
modify a portion of instructional text in a virtual world including
a computer game to alter an effect of a bioactive agent including a
prescribed herbal memory supplement. Text modification may improve
memory by utilizing techniques such as underlining, highlighting,
boldfacing, and/or mnemonics as discussed in Carney, R. N., &
Levin, J. R., Mnemonic instruction with a focus on transfer,
JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, 92(4):783-90, incorporated
herein by reference. Another example may include instructional text
providing contextual or associative information, perhaps
individualized, to aid in remembering during the rest of a module.
Another example of text modification and memory may include
modifying the use of interactive components, e.g. via a keyboard
and/or speakers, to use multiple forms of memory input, including
visual, auditory, motor, and contextual. For example, this may be
used to aid memory and/or in learning disorders such as dysgraphia,
and/or memory disorders, such as in conjunction with
memory-enhancing medications, for example cholinesterase inhibitors
or herbal memory supplements. Additionally, text messages may be
added and/or altered based on cognitive therapy but individualized
for the person, affliction, and/or medication (e.g. an
antidepressant and instructions to work toward a goal within a game
that will aid in refuting automatic negative thoughts). In some
instances, text modifier module 3430 may include a computer
processor.
[0178] FIG. 42 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36. FIG. 42 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 3620 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include operation
4202, operation 4204, operation 4206, and/or operation 4208.
[0179] Operation 4202 illustrates altering a sound in an artificial
sensory experience. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35,
sound alterer module 3432 may alter a sound in an artificial
sensory experience. In one instance, sound alterer module 3432 may
alter a sound in a virtual world, such as an instructor's voice
tone in an instructional tutorial. This may be done as a
custom-tailored feature. For example, various voice tones may be
tested with an individual in order to find one that has the most
significant benefit for the individual, in conjunction with the
bioactive agent. In some instances, sound alterer module 3432 may
include a computer processor. Further, operation 4204 illustrates
altering at least a portion of music in the artificial sensory
experience. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, music
alterer module 3434 may alter at least a portion of music in the
artificial sensory experience. In one instance, music alterer
module 3434 may alter a portion of music including background music
in an instructional tutorial. Music in the artificial sensory
experience may include pitch, rhythm, tempo, meter, and
articulation, dynamics, lyrics, timbre and texture. In one specific
instance, music alterer module 3434 may alter a portion of uptempo
music to soothing classical music in an artificial sensory
experience coupled with administration of an anxiolytic. Such a
music alteration may serve to provide a calming and/or relaxing
environment where the effects of the anxiolytic may be facilitated.
In another instance, a sound pitch may be altered to affect bone
(as in healing fractures and/or promoting bone growth) and/or
sinuses (including joints). Additionally, music alterer module 3434
may include providing another type of sound, such as a low
frequency, to aid in healing, e.g. in conjunction with pain
medication and/or an anti-inflammatory medication. In another
example, the sound may originate from a natural source, for
instance a purr of a cat, possibly provided at a particular pitch,
to aid in relaxation, as in conjunction with a tranquilizer, and/or
in healing tissue in conjunction with pain medication or
anti-inflammatories. Further discussion regarding low frequency
therapeutic biomechanical stimulation may be found in von
Muggenthaler, E. K., The Felid purr: low frequency therapeutic
biomechanical stimulation, 12th International Conference on Low
Frequency Noise and Vibration and its Control, Bristol, UK, Sep.
18-20, 2006, Abstract located at Fauna Communications Research
Institute <http://animalvoice.
com/catpurrP.htm#2pAB7.%20The%20felid%20purr:%20A%20healing%20
mechanism?%20Session:%20Tuesday%20Afternoon,%20Dec%2004%20Time:%203:15>-
;, and Simos et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/262,884,
each incorporated herein by reference. In some instances, music
alterer module 3434 may include a computer processor. Further,
operation 4206 illustrates altering at least a portion of ambient
noise in the artificial sensory experience. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 32 through 35, ambient noise alterer module 3436 may alter
at least a portion of ambient noise in the artificial sensory
experience. In one instance, ambient noise alterer module 3436 may
alter the ambient noise in an artificial sensory experience
including a level of white noise in the online virtual world Second
Life. Ambient noise may include white noise, background noise, such
as people talking or sounds naturally occurring in nature, and/or
room noise. Changing the level of white noise may enhance the
effect of an attention deficit drug such as Ritalin, or it may
enhance the sedative properties of a steep medication or
tranquilizer. Further discussion of the effects of white noise may
be found in Spencer, J. A. et al., White noise and sleep induction,
ARCH DIS CHILD 65(1):135-7 (1990). In some instances, ambient noise
alterer module 3436 may include a computer processor. Further,
operation 4208 illustrates altering at least a portion of voice in
the artificial sensory experience. For example, as shown in FIGS.
32 through 35, voice alterer module 3438 may alter at least a
portion of voice in the artificial sensory experience. In one
instance, voice alterer module 3438 may alter a voice rhythm in an
online tutorial. Such alteration may enhance the effect of an
attention deficit medication, for example by elimination or
reduction of monotonic qualities in the voice rhythm of the online
tutorial, for example. Some examples of a voice may include a voice
recording, an artificially generated voice, and/or a human voice.
In some instances, voice alterer module 3438 may include a computer
processor.
[0180] FIG. 43 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36. FIG. 43 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 3620 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include operation
4302, operation 4304, operation 4306, and/or operation 4308.
[0181] Operation 4302 illustrates modifying a bioactive agent
dosage. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, dosage
modifier module 3440 may modify a bioactive agent dosage. In one
embodiment, dosage modifier module 3440 may reduce an antianxiety
dose for an individual experiencing an artificial sensory
experience and exhibiting a drastically reduced heart rate. Such a
dosage reduction may serve to achieve a bioactive agent effective
dose, reduce one or more detected side effects, and/or increase
efficiency of the combination bioactive agent and artificial
sensory experience. One example of reducing a bioactive agent
dosage using a controller in an implanted device may be found in
Shelton, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0172044, which is
incorporated herein by reference. In some instances, dosage
modifier module 3440 may include a computer processor and/or
medical instrumentation.
[0182] Operation 4304 illustrates modifying at least one bioactive
agent in a bioactive agent combination. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 32 through 35, bioactive agent combination modifier module
3442 may modify a bioactive agent in a bioactive agent combination.
A bioactive agent combination may include two or more bioactive
agents. One example of a bioactive agent combination may include
Caduet, which is a combination of Norvasc and Lipitor. Another
example of a combination may include a multivitamin where each
individual vitamin and/or mineral is a bioactive agent. In some
instances, bioactive agent combination modifier module 3442 may
include a computer processor and/or medical instrumentation.
[0183] Operation 4306 illustrates modifying a bioactive agent
delivery method. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35,
bioactive agent delivery modifier module 3444 may modify a
bioactive agent delivery method. In one embodiment, bioactive agent
delivery modifier module 3444 may modify an antidepressant route of
administration from an intravenous delivery to a tablet delivery.
Some examples of bioactive delivery methods may include mucosal
administration, parenteral administration (such as intravenous,
intramuscular, and/or subcutaneous administration), topical
administration such as epicutaneous administration, inhalational
administration, transdermal administration, and/or enteral therapy,
such as a pill taken orally, or the like. In some instances,
bioactive agent delivery modifier module 3444 may include a
computer processor and/or a medical device.
[0184] Operation 4308 illustrates modifying an artificial sensory
experience to enhance the efficacy of the bioactive agent. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, efficacy enhancing
modifier module 3446 may modify an artificial sensory experience to
enhance the efficacy of the bioactive agent. In one embodiment,
efficacy enhancing modifier module 3446 may modify a virtual world
by adding uptempo music to enhance the efficacy of an
antidepressant. Further discussion of music effects may be found in
Schellenberg, E. G. et al., Exposure to music and cognitive
performance: tests of children and adults, PSYCHOLOGY OF MUSIC,
Vol. 35, No. 1, 5-19 (2007), incorporated herein by reference. In
some instances, efficacy enhancing modifier module 3446 may include
a computer processor.
[0185] FIG. 44 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36. FIG. 44 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 3620 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include operation
4402, operation 4404, operation 4406, and/or operation 4408.
[0186] Operation 4402 illustrates modifying an artificial sensory
experience to reduce a side effect of the bioactive agent. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, side effect reduction
modifier module 3448 may modify an artificial sensory experience to
reduce a side effect of the bioactive agent. In one instance, side
effect reduction modifier module 3448 may modify a virtual world by
adding music and/or sounds occurring in nature for reducing a side
effect including a headache due to an administration of penicillin.
Further discussion of music effects upon a side effect may be found
in Siedliecki, S. L. and Good, M., Effect of music on power, pain,
depression and disability, JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
54(5):553-562 (2006), and Natural distractions reduce pain--study
finds that sights and sounds of nature aid in pain reduction--Brief
Article, MEN'S FITNESS. October 2001, each incorporated by
reference. In some instances, side effect reduction modifier module
3448 may include a computer processor.
[0187] Operation 4404 illustrates adding at least one of visual or
audio content to the artificial sensory experience. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, visual/audio content adder module
3450 may add visual and/or audio content to the artificial sensory
experience. In one instance, visual/audio content adder module 3450
may add audio content including calming music to an artificial
sensory experience including a virtual world for treating a phobia
of heights. Adding may include increasing, creating, and/or
combining content. Some examples of visual content may include
visual objects, light amount and/or intensity, and or color
schemes. Examples of audio content may include music, voices,
artificial sounds, and/or white noise. In some instances,
visual/audio content adder module 3450 may include a computer
processor.
[0188] Operation 4406 illustrates deleting at least one of visual
or audio content of the artificial sensory experience. For example,
as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, deleter module 3452 may delete at
least one of visual or audio content of the artificial sensory
experience. In one instance, deleter module 3452 may delete visual
content including a bright lighting environment in a virtual world
for enhancing the effect of a medication for a migraine headache.
Deleting may include reducing and/or eliminating visual and/or
audio content. In some instances, deleter module 3452 may include a
computer processor.
[0189] Operation 4408 illustrates adding content to the artificial
sensory experience and deleting different content of the artificial
sensory experience. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35,
content adder module 3454 and deleter module 3452 may add content
to the artificial sensory experience and deleting different content
of the artificial sensory experience. In one instance, content
adder module 3454 may add classical background music to a virtual
world and deleter module 3452 may delete ambient street noise, for
example, using sound detection and/or noise-cancellation
technology, to enhance the effect of a sedative or other similar
bioactive agent. In some instances, content adder module 3454 and
deleter module 3452 may include a computer processor.
[0190] FIG. 45 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36. FIG. 45 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 3620 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include operation
4502, and/or operation 4504.
[0191] Operation 4502 illustrates modifying a sensate experience to
alter the at least one effect of the bioactive agent. For example,
as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, sensate experience modifier module
3456 may modify a sensate experience to alter the at least one
effect of the bioactive agent. In one instance, sensate experience
modifier module 3456 may modify a sensate experience including
adding an aroma to enhance the effect of an anxiolytic drug or
other similar bioactive agent. A sensate experience may include a
thing perceived by the senses, such as an aroma, a sound, a feel, a
taste, and/or a sight. In some instances, sensate experience
modifier module 3456 may include a computer processor. Further,
operation 4504 illustrates modifying at least one of an olfactory
stimulus, a haptic stimulus, a visual stimulus, an auditory
stimulus, or a taste stimulus to alter the at least one effect of
the bioactive agent. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35,
stimulus modifier module 3458 may modify at least one of an
olfactory stimulus, a haptic stimulus, a visual stimulus, an
auditory stimulus, or a taste stimulus to alter the at least one
effect of the bioactive agent. In one instance, stimulus modifier
module 3458 may modify an olfactory stimulus by adding a floral
aroma and/or gentle vibration to enhance a relaxing effect of a
sedative or other similar bioactive agent, such as an antianxiety
medication. Further discussion of an olfactory stimulus may be
found in Shaw, D. et al., Anxiolytic effects of lavender oil
inhalation on open-field behaviour in rats, PHYTOMEDICINE,
14(9):613-20 (2007), incorporated by reference. In some instances,
stimulus modifier module 3458 may include a computer processor.
[0192] FIG. 46 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36. FIG. 46 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 3620 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include operation
4602, operation 4604, and/or operation 4606.
[0193] Operation 4602 illustrates modifying an artificial sensory
experience implemented on a mobile device. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 32 through 35, modifier module 3418 may modify an artificial
sensory experience implemented on a mobile device. In one instance,
modifier module 3418 may modify a virtual world implemented in a
web browser on a laptop computer having wireless capability and a
battery by changing a background color theme to a brighter color
theme in the virtual world. An artificial sensory experience
modification, such as the color change in the above example, may
enhance the effect of a bioactive agent. For example, modifying the
color in the above example while an anti-depressant is bioavailable
may create a more pleasant environment in the artificial sensory
experience. Some examples of a mobile device may include a laptop
or notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an ipod,
a smartphone, an Enterprise digital assistant (EDA), and/or a
pager. In another example, modifier module 3418 may modify a city
image by providing a soothing image having fewer people in the same
part of the city and combining the modified image with an
anti-anxiety medicine for alleviating a phobia, such as
agoraphobia. In another example, modifier module 3418 may provide a
stepwise procedure, with a gradually less specific procedure and/or
less steps, for a compulsive patient to follow to achieve a goal
for a particular outing while taking a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI). In some instances, modifier module 3418 may
include a computer processor. Data sent to or from a mobile device
may be encrypted by methods known in the art to preserve the
integrity of the data and the privacy of the individual's personal
and medical information.
[0194] Operation 4604 illustrates measuring at least one effect of
a pain medication and modifying a virtual world experience to alter
at least one effect of the pain medication. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 32 through 35, measurer module 3402 and modifier module
3418 may measure an effect of a pain medication and modify a
virtual world experience to alter at least one effect of the pain
medication. In one embodiment, measurer module 3402 may measure a
reduction in pain resulting from an opioid, such as hydrocodone,
using a self assessment by the individual. In the same embodiment,
modifier module 3418 may alter a virtual world, such as a virtual
environment used for creating distractions to reduce the perception
of pain, by increasing the distractions in the virtual world. In
another example, using a virtual world experience may include using
and/or modifying a movie and/or presentation to relax the
individual and place the individual into a state of hypnosis,
further discussed in Carbis et al., U.S. Patent Publication No.
2006/0247489, which is incorporated herein by reference. In some
instances, measurer module 3402 and modifier module 3418 may
include a computer processor and/or medical instrumentation.
[0195] Operation 4606 illustrates measuring at least one effect of
an anti-depressant medication prescribed for the individual and
modifying at least one cheerful attribute in a virtual world
experience. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, measurer
module 3402 and modifier module 3418 may measure an effect of an
anti-depressant medication prescribed for the individual, such as a
better mood measured by increased activity while interacting in a
virtual world including Second Life, and modify a cheerful
attribute, such as by adding a brighter color scheme for increasing
the effect of the antidepressant medication. In some instances,
measurer module 3402 and modifier module 3418 may include a
computer processor and/or medical instrumentation.
[0196] FIG. 47 illustrates an operational flow 4700 representing
example operations related to measuring at least one effect of a
combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience on an
individual, modifying at least one of the bioactive agent or the
artificial sensory experience at least partially based on the at
least one effect, and presenting an indication of a modified
combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience at least
partially based on a modified at least one bioactive agent or
artificial sensory experience. FIG. 47 illustrates an example
embodiment where the example operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36 may
include at least one additional operation. Additional operations
may include operation 4710, operation 4712, operation 4714, and/or
operation 4716.
[0197] After a start operation, operation 3610, and operation 3620,
the operational flow 4700 moves to operation 4710. Operation 4710
illustrates presenting an indication of a modified combined
bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience at least
partially based on a modified at least one bioactive agent or
artificial sensory experience. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32
through 35, indication presenter module 3460 may present an
indication of a modified combined bioactive agent and artificial
sensory experience at least partially based on a modified at least
one bioactive agent or artificial sensory experience. In one
embodiment, indication presenter module 3460 may present an
indication of a combined prescription antianxiety medication and
prescribed virtual world, in which the dosage of the antianxiety
medication is a modification of a previously prescribed dosage. In
some instances, indication presenter module 3460 may include a
computer processor.
[0198] Operation 4712 illustrates presenting to at least one output
device. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, output device
presenter module 3462 may present to at least one output device. In
one example, output device presenter module 3462 may present an
indication of a prescription medication and an artificial sensory
experience to an output device 130, such as a printer 3302 at a
health clinic. An output device may include any hardware device
configured for receiving computer output. Some examples of an
output device may include a printer, a monitor, a mobile phone, a
speaker, and/or a visual display unit. The output device 130 may be
used by individual 134. In some instances, output device presenter
module 3462 may include a computer processor. Further, operation
4714 illustrates presenting to at least one user interface. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, user interface presenter
module 3464 may present to at least one user interface. In one
embodiment, user interface presenter module 3464 may present to a
touchscreen device. A user interface may include means by which an
individual may interact with a system. Some examples of a user
interface may include a touchscreen, a graphical user interface, a
tactile interface, and/or a live user interface. In some instances,
user interface presenter module 3464 may include a computer
processor. Further, operation 4716 illustrates presenting to at
least one mobile device. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through
35, mobile device presenter module 3466 may present to at least one
mobile device. In one embodiment, mobile device presenter module
3466 may present to a mobile phone. A mobile device may include a
portable computing device and may have wireless connection
capability. Some examples of a mobile device may include a laptop
or notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an ipod,
a smartphone, an Enterprise digital assistant (EDA), and/or a
pager. In some instances, mobile device presenter module 3466 may
include a computer processor.
[0199] FIG. 48 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example
operational flow 4700 of FIG. 47. FIG. 48 illustrates example
embodiments where operation 4710 may include at least one
additional operation. Additional operations may include operation
4802, operation 4804, and/or operation 4806.
[0200] Operation 4802 illustrates presenting to a third party. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, third party presenter
module 3468 may present to a third party. For example, third party
presenter module 3468 may present to an individual's physician. A
third party may include a party that is an independent party,
person, and/or entity. Some examples of a third party may include a
physician, a medical database, a hospital, a law enforcement
agency, and/or a pharmacy. One example of reporting to a third
party may include creating displays and reports for aggregating
data from therapy results, further discussed in Bair et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 6,067,523, which is incorporated herein by reference. In
some instances, third party presenter module 3468 may include a
computer processor and/or a communications device. Further,
operation 4804 illustrates presenting to a health care provider.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, health care provider
presenter module 3470 may present to a health care provider. A
health care provider may include a pharmacy, a pharmaceutical
company, a medical device company, a research institution, a
computer software and/or computer hardware company, a website, a
nurse and/or a physician. In some instances, health care provider
presenter module 3470 may include a computer processor. Further,
operation 4806 illustrates selectively presenting only to the
individual. For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 through 35, selective
presenter module 3472 may selectively present only to the
individual. Selective presenting may include limiting and/or
blocking access of measuring and/or modification results to a
specific party. For example, selective presenter module 3472 may
present only to individual 134 and may keep results of a certain
modification confidential. In one embodiment, an encryption key may
be employed to protect selected information. In an additional
example, selective presenter module 3472 may report only to a law
enforcement agency and/or representative, such as a probation
officer, and not to individual 134. In some instances, selective
presenter module 3472 may include a computer processor.
[0201] FIG. 49 illustrates a partial view of an example computer
program product 4900 that includes a computer program 4904 for
executing a computer process on a computing device. An embodiment
of the example computer program product 4900 is provided using a
signal-bearing medium 4902, and may include one or more
instructions for measuring at least one effect of a combined
bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience on an individual
and one or more instructions for modifying at least one of the
bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least
partially based on the at least one effect. The one or more
instructions may be, for example, computer executable and/or
logic-implemented instructions. In one implementation, the
signal-bearing medium 4902 may include a computer-readable medium
4906. In one implementation, the signal bearing medium 4902 may
include a recordable medium 4908. In one implementation, the signal
bearing medium 4902 may include a communications medium 4910.
[0202] FIG. 50 illustrates an example system 5000 in which
embodiments may be implemented. The system 5000 includes a
computing system environment. The system 5000 also illustrates the
user 118 using a device 5004, which is optionally shown as being in
communication with a computing device 5002 by way of an optional
coupling 5006. The optional coupling 5006 may represent a local,
wide-area, or peer-to-peer network, or may represent a bus that is
internal to a computing device (e.g., in example embodiments in
which the computing device 5002 is contained in whole or in part
within the device 5004). A storage medium 5008 may be any computer
storage media.
[0203] The computing device 5002 includes computer-executable
instructions 5010 that when executed on the computing device 5002
cause the computing device 5002 to measure at least one effect of a
combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience on an
individual and modify at least one of the bioactive agent or the
artificial sensory experience at least partially based on the at
least one effect. As referenced above and as shown in FIG. 50, in
some examples, the computing device 5002 may optionally be
contained in whole or in part within the device 5004.
[0204] In FIG. 50, then, the system 5000 includes at least one
computing device (e.g., 5002 and/or 5004). The computer-executable
instructions 5010 may be executed on one or more of the at least
one computing device. For example, the computing device 5002 may
implement the computer-executable instructions 5010 and output a
result to (and/or receive data from) the computing device 5004.
Since the computing device 5002 may be wholly or partially
contained within the computing device 5004, the device 5004 also
may be said to execute some or all of the computer-executable
instructions 5010, in order to be caused to perform or implement,
for example, various ones of the techniques described herein, or
other techniques.
[0205] The device 5004 may include, for example, a portable
computing device, workstation, or desktop computing device. In
another example embodiment, the computing device 5002 is operable
to communicate with the device 5004 associated with the user 118 to
receive information about the input from the user 118 for
performing data access and data processing and presenting an output
of the user-health test function at least partly based on the user
data.
[0206] Although a user 118 is shown/described herein as a single
illustrated figure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a
user 118 may be representative of a human user, a robotic user
(e.g., computational entity), and/or substantially any combination
thereof (e.g., a user may be assisted by one or more robotic
agents). In addition, a user 118, as set forth herein, although
shown as a single entity may in fact be composed of two or more
entities. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in
general, the same may be said of "sender" and/or other
entity-oriented terms as such terms are used herein.
[0207] Following are a series of flowcharts depicting
implementations. For ease of understanding, the flowcharts are
organized such that the initial flowcharts present implementations
via an example implementation and thereafter the following
flowcharts present alternate implementations and/or expansions of
the initial flowchart(s) as either sub-component operations or
additional component operations building on one or more
earlier-presented flowcharts. Those having skill in the art will
appreciate that the style of presentation utilized herein (e.g.,
beginning with a presentation of a flowchart(s) presenting an
example implementation and thereafter providing additions to and/or
further details in subsequent flowcharts) generally allows for a
rapid and easy understanding of the various process
implementations. In addition, those skilled in the art will further
appreciate that the style of presentation used herein also lends
itself well to modular and/or object-oriented program design
paradigms.
[0208] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing
specific exemplary processes and/or devices and/or technologies are
representative of more general processes and/or devices and/or
technologies taught elsewhere herein, such as in the claims filed
herewith and/or elsewhere in the present application.
[0209] Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state
of the art has progressed to the point where there is little
distinction left between hardware, software, and/or firmware
implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware,
software, and/or firmware is generally (but not always, in that in
certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can
become significant) a design choice representing cost vs.
efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate
that there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems
and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g.,
hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred
vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or
systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if an
implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the
implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle;
alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt
for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again alternatively,
the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software,
and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by
which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies
described herein may be effected, none of which is inherently
superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a
choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will be
deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or
predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of
implementations will typically employ optically-oriented hardware,
software, and or firmware.
[0210] In some implementations described herein, logic and similar
implementations may include software or other control structures
suitable to operation. Electronic circuitry, for example, may
manifest one or more paths of electrical current constructed and
arranged to implement various logic functions as described herein.
In some implementations, one or more media are configured to bear a
device-detectable implementation if such media hold or transmit a
special-purpose device instruction set operable to perform as
described herein. In some variants, for example, this may manifest
as an update or other modification of existing software or
firmware, or of gate arrays or other programmable hardware, such as
by performing a reception of or a transmission of one or more
instructions in relation to one or more operations described
herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants, an
implementation may include special-purpose hardware, software,
firmware components, and/or general-purpose components executing or
otherwise invoking special-purpose components. Specifications or
other implementations may be transmitted by one or more instances
of tangible transmission media as described herein, optionally by
packet transmission or otherwise by passing through distributed
media at various times.
[0211] Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include
executing a special-purpose instruction sequence or otherwise
invoking circuitry for enabling, triggering, coordinating,
requesting, or otherwise causing one or more occurrences of any
functional operations described above. In some variants,
operational or other logical descriptions herein may be expressed
directly as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as an
executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example,
C++or other code sequences can be compiled directly or otherwise
implemented in high-level descriptor languages (e.g., a
logic-synthesizable language, a hardware description language, a
hardware design simulation, and/or other such similar mode(s) of
expression). Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the
logical expression may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware
description or other circuitry model before physical implementation
in hardware, especially for basic operations or timing-critical
applications. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to
obtain, configure, and optimize suitable transmission or
computational elements, material supplies, actuators, or other
common structures in light of these teachings.
[0212] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various
embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block
diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block
diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions
and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art
that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams,
flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or
collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or
virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, several
portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented
via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field
Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs),
or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in
whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated
circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more
computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more
computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more
processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more
microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination
thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code
for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of
one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the
subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as
a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative
embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies
regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to
actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing
medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable
type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact
Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer
memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital
and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a
waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication
link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, reception
logic, etc.), etc.).
[0213] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the various embodiments described herein can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by various types of
electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of electrical
components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually
any combination thereof; and a wide range of components that may
impart mechanical force or motion such as rigid bodies, spring or
torsional bodies, hydraulics, electro-magnetically actuated
devices, and/or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, as
used herein "electro-mechanical system" includes, but is not
limited to, electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer
(e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a Micro
Electro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.), electrical circuitry
having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical
circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical
circuitry having at least one application specific integrated
circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing
device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose
computer configured by a computer program which at least partially
carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a
microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least
partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),
electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory
(e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical
circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem,
communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or
any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical or other
analogs. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that
examples of electro-mechanical systems include but are not limited
to a variety of consumer electronics systems, medical devices, as
well as other systems such as motorized transport systems, factory
automation systems, security systems, and/or
communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the art wilt
recognize that electro-mechanical as used herein is not necessarily
limited to a system that has both electrical and mechanical
actuation except as context may dictate otherwise.
[0214] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the various aspects described herein which can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware,
software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof can be viewed as
being composed of various types of "electrical circuitry."
Consequently, as used herein "electrical circuitry" includes, but
is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one
discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least
one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one
application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry
forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer
program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer
program which at least partially carries out processes and/or
devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a
computer program which at least partially carries out processes
and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a
memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash,
read only, etc.)), and/or electrical circuitry forming a
communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch,
optical-electrical equipment, etc.). Those having skill in the art
will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be
implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination
thereof.
[0215] Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a
portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can be
integrated into a data processing system. Those having skill in the
art will recognize that a data processing system generally includes
one or more of a system unit housing, a video display device,
memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors such as
microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational
entities such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user
interfaces, and applications programs, one or more interaction
devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.),
and/or control systems including feedback loops and control motors
(e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; control
motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A
data processing system may be implemented utilizing suitable
commercially available components, such as those typically found in
data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication
systems.
[0216] Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common
within the art to implement devices and/or processes and/or
systems, and thereafter use engineering and/or other practices to
integrate such implemented devices and/or processes and/or systems
into more comprehensive devices and/or processes and/or systems.
That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes and/or
systems described herein can be integrated into other devices
and/or processes and/or systems via a reasonable amount of
experimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that
examples of such other devices and/or processes and/or systems
might include--as appropriate to context and application--all or
part of devices and/or processes and/or systems of (a) an air
conveyance (e.g., an airplane, rocket, helicopter, etc.), (b) a
ground conveyance (e.g., a car, truck, locomotive, tank, armored
personnel carrier, etc.), (c) a building (e.g., a home, warehouse,
office, etc.), (d) an appliance (e.g., a refrigerator, a washing
machine, a dryer, etc.), (e) a communications system (e.g., a
networked system, a telephone system, a Voice over IP system,
etc.), (f) a business entity (e.g., an Internet Service Provider
(ISP) entity such as Comcast Cable, Qwest, Southwestern Bell,
etc.), or (g) a wired/wireless services entity (e.g., Sprint,
Cingular, Nextel, etc.), etc.
[0217] In certain cases, use of a system or method may occur in a
territory even if components are located outside the territory. For
example, in a distributed computing context, use of a distributed
computing system may occur in a territory even though parts of the
system may be located outside of the territory (e.g., relay,
server, processor, signal-bearing medium, transmitting computer,
receiving computer, etc. located outside the territory).
[0218] A sale of a system or method may likewise occur in a
territory even if components of the system or method are located
and/or used outside the territory.
[0219] Further, implementation of at least part of a system for
performing a method in one territory does not preclude use of the
system in another territory.
[0220] All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application
publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign
patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this
specification and/or listed in any Application Data Sheet, are
incorporated herein by reference, to the extent not inconsistent
herewith.
[0221] One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein
described components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the
discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of
conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are
contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars
set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be
representative of their more general classes. In general, use of
any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its
class, and the non-inclusion of specific components (e.g.,
operations), devices, and objects should not be taken limiting.
[0222] Although user 118 is shown/described herein as a single
illustrated figure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
user 118 may be representative of a human user, a robotic user
(e.g., computational entity), and/or substantially any combination
thereof (e.g., a user may be assisted by one or more robotic
agents) unless context dictates otherwise. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that, in general, the same may be said of "sender"
and/or other entity-oriented terms as such terms are used herein
unless context dictates otherwise.
[0223] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0224] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates
different components contained within, or connected with, different
other components. It is to be understood that such depicted
architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other
architectures may be implemented which achieve the same
functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components
to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such
that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two
components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality
can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired
functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or
intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated
can also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably
coupled," to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and
any two components capable of being so associated can also be
viewed as being "operably couplable," to each other to achieve the
desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable
include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or
physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable,
and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically
interacting, and/or logically interactable components.
[0225] In some instances, one or more components may be referred to
herein as "configured to," "configurable to," "operable/operative
to," "adapted/adaptable," "able to," "conformable/conformed to,"
etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that "configured to"
can generally encompass active-state components and/or
inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless
context requires otherwise.
[0226] White particular aspects of the present subject matter
described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein,
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and,
therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope
all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit
and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be
understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used
herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the
appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the
term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not
limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at
least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but
is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those
within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim
recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited
in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent
is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following
appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at
least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations.
However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply
that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite
articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such
introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such
recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory
phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles
such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be
interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same
holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim
recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an
introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in
the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be
interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically
means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).
Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at
least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least
one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems
that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C
together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended
in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further
understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive
word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms,
whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates
otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be typically
understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and
B."
[0227] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally
be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows
are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the
various operations may be performed in other orders than those
which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples
of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved,
interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental,
simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context
dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like "responsive to,"
"related to," or other past-tense adjectives are generally not
intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates
otherwise.
[0228] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *
References