U.S. patent application number 17/020125 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-07 for system and method for instructing a behavior change in a user.
The applicant listed for this patent is Emotiv Inc.. Invention is credited to Tan Le, Geoffrey Mackellar.
Application Number | 20210000374 17/020125 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2021-01-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210000374 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Le; Tan ; et al. |
January 7, 2021 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTRUCTING A BEHAVIOR CHANGE IN A USER
Abstract
A method and system for instructing a user behavior change
comprising: collecting a first and a second bioelectrical signal
dataset; generating an analysis based upon the first and the second
bioelectrical signal datasets; and providing a behavior change
suggestion to the user based upon the analysis. The method can
further comprise collecting a third bioelectrical signal dataset
associated with a performance of an action by the user in response
to the behavior change suggestion; generating an adherence metric
based upon the third bioelectrical signal dataset and at least one
of the first and the second bioelectrical signal datasets;
providing a stimulus configured to prompt an action by the user;
and providing at least one of the analysis and an analysis based
upon the adherence metric to the user. An embodiment of the system
comprises a biosignal detector and a processor configured to
implement an embodiment of the method.
Inventors: |
Le; Tan; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Mackellar; Geoffrey; (San Francisco,
CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Emotiv Inc. |
San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/020125 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15683581 |
Aug 22, 2017 |
10799140 |
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17020125 |
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13903832 |
May 28, 2013 |
9763592 |
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15683581 |
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61652045 |
May 25, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/0482 20060101
A61B005/0482; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00; G16H 50/20 20060101
G16H050/20 |
Claims
1. A method for facilitating behavior change for a user with a
biosignal neuroheadset, the method comprising: with the biosignal
neuroheadset, collecting a first bioelectrical signal dataset; with
a processor at a remote server: generating an analysis of the first
bioelectrical signal dataset; determining a behavior change
suggestion based on the analysis, wherein the behavior change
suggestion facilitates adjustment of an aspect of the user's
environment, wherein the aspect comprises at least one of
audio-visual content, digital pictures and art, music, lighting,
temperature, sound and appliances; transmitting the behavior change
suggestion to a computing device; with the biosignal neuroheadset,
collecting a second bioelectrical signal dataset.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the behavior change
suggestion to the computing device comprises transmitting, with the
remote server, the behavior change suggestion to the computing
device to control the computing device to adjust the aspect of the
user's environment.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the analysis comprises
determining a mental state of the user based on the first
bioelectrical signal dataset; wherein determining the behavior
change suggestion comprises generating a mental state recipe based
on the mental state, wherein the mental state recipe is configured
to bring the user to a specific mental state.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a first
stimulus to the user for prompting a first action associated with
the first bioelectrical signal dataset, wherein the behavior change
suggestion facilitates adjustment of at least one of timing,
frequency, and duration of a second stimulus; and providing the
second stimulus to the user for prompting a second action
associated with the second bioelectrical signal dataset.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: determining a
similarity between the user and a group of users; and providing the
second stimulus to the group of users based on the similarity,
wherein the second stimulus is operable to elicit similar brain
activity between the user and the group of users.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein collecting the first
bioelectrical signal dataset comprises collecting the first
bioelectrical signal dataset associated with the user receiving
first content, wherein collecting the second bioelectrical signal
dataset comprises collecting the second bioelectrical signal
dataset associated with the user receiving second content, and
wherein the behavior change suggestion is associated with the
second content.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the second content comprises at
least one of an advertisement and interactive content, wherein the
behavior change suggestion facilitates adjustment of at least one
of lighting, temperature, and sound associated with the at least
one of the advertisement and the interactive content to facilitate
the adjustment of the aspect of the user's environment.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein determining the behavior change
suggestion comprises determining a positive reinforcement mechanism
analysis for the user based on the analysis of the first
bioelectrical signal dataset, wherein transmitting the behavior
change suggestion to the computing device comprises transmitting
the positive reinforcement mechanism to the computing device
associated with the at least one of the advertisement and the
interactive content to facilitate the adjustment of the at least
one of the lighting, the temperature, and the sound associated with
the at least one of the advertisement and the interactive
content.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjustment of the aspect of
the user's environment comprises modification of a software
parameter of the computing device to adjust the aspect of the
user's environment.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: with a data storage
module of the remote server, storing anonymized bioelectrical
signal data associated with a set of supplemental users and the
first action, wherein generating the analysis with the processor of
the remote server comprises generating the analysis of the first
bioelectrical signal dataset based on the anonymized bioelectrical
signal data.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising, with the processor
of the remote server, determining an assessment of the
effectiveness of the behavior change suggestion based on the second
bioelectrical signal dataset; and transmitting the assessment to
the computing device.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the behavior change suggestion
comprises instructions for the user to control the computing device
to modify the aspect of the user's environment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/683,581 filed 22 Aug. 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/903,832, filed 28 May 2013, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/652,045
filed 25 May 2012, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by
this reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to the biosignals field,
and more specifically to a new and useful system and method for
instructing a behavior change in the biosignals field.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The general populace interacts with a wide variety of
sensors on a daily basis and vast amounts of data pertaining to
individuals and entire groups of people is collected from these
sensors. This data can be anchored in the physical realm, such as
location data provided through a GPS sensor, caloric expenditure
provided by an exercise machine, footstep count provided by an
accelerometer-based step counter, or heart rate, body temperature,
respiratory rate, or glucose level provided by a biometric sensor.
This data can alternatively be anchored in the digital realm, such
as interests as indicated by websites visited or needs as indicated
by purchases made through an online store. Such data can provide
significant insight into market trends and needs, interests, and
expectations of a particular user or demographic. Furthermore, this
data can even be used to target a user with particular experience,
physical good or service, or digital good or service. However,
contemporary sensors, data collection, and data analysis fail to
capture cognitive, mental, and affective states of individuals and
groups of people that can provide similar insight and improve user
experiences and abilities. Furthermore, contemporary data
collection fails to efficiently locate, obtain, and aggregate
biosignal data from multiple or selected individuals and make this
data available for analysis. Thus, there is a need in the
biosignals field for a new and useful system and method for
instructing a behavior change in a user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] FIG. 1A is a flowchart representation of an embodiment of a
method for instructing a behavior change in a user;
[0005] FIG. 1B is a schematic of an embodiment of a method for
instructing a behavior change in a user;
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a biosignal detector;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a flowchart representation of an embodiment of a
portion of a method for instructing a behavior change in a
user;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a flowchart representation of an embodiment of a
portion of a method for instructing a behavior change in a
user;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a flowchart representation of an embodiment of a
portion of a method for instructing a behavior change in a user;
and
[0010] FIG. 6 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system for
instructing a behavior change in a user.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] The following description of preferred embodiments of the
invention is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred
embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to
make and use this invention.
1. Method
[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, an embodiment of a method 100
for instructing a behavior change in a user comprises collecting a
first bioelectrical signal dataset S110; collecting a second
bioelectrical signal dataset S120; generating an analysis based
upon the first bioelectrical signal dataset and the second
bioelectrical signal dataset S130; and providing a behavior change
suggestion to the user based upon the analysis S140. The method 100
can further comprise collecting a third bioelectrical signal
dataset associated with a performance of an action by the user in
response to the behavior change suggestion S150; generating an
adherence metric based upon the third bioelectrical signal dataset
and at least one of the first and the second bioelectrical signal
datasets S160; providing a stimulus configured to prompt an action
by the user S170, wherein the action is associated with one of the
bioelectrical signal datasets, and providing at least one of the
analysis and an analysis based upon the adherence metric to the
user S180.
[0013] The method 100 functions to facilitate a behavior change in
a user based upon an analysis of bioelectrical signal data received
from the user while the user performs a particular action (or
activity) or responds to a stimulus. The method 100 preferably
functions to facilitate a behavior change in a user outside of a
clinical (e.g., hospital, therapy center) or research (e.g.,
laboratory) environment using portable devices; however, the method
100 can additionally or alternatively function to facilitate a
behavior change in any suitable environment of the user or in any
suitable manner. The method 100 can further function to facilitate
a behavior change in a user based upon an analysis of the user's
bioelectrical signal data and other data from the user, and/or to
facilitate a behavior change in a user based upon an analysis of a
user's bioelectrical signal data and data from another user (or
group of users). The analyses can also be performed on data
collected at multiple time points and/or under different
circumstances (e.g., actions or activities) from a single user or
group of users.
[0014] One variation of the method 100 functions to receive
electroencephalogram (EEG) data taken while the user engages in a
particular action, to define trends in the user brain activity
based upon comparison of the user EEG data with EEG data received
from the user at an earlier time point, and to provide a behavior
change suggestion to the user in order to improve or modify the
cognitive, mental, and even physical well-being of the user. In
this variation, EEG data of the user can be further compared
against EEG data of other users ("aggregate EEG data") to further
inform the behavior change suggestion. Generally, trends and
changes in user brain function over time can be ascertained by
tracking and comparing user EEG data, particularly EEG data of the
user performing the same or similar actions. These trends and/or
changes can indicate user mental development, brain "wiring,"
"rewiring," learning progression, or adaptation to stimuli over
time and/or in comparison with other users. These trends can
furthermore be used to provide the behavior change suggestions that
shifts user behavior toward maximizing development of knowledge,
skills, or abilities. Additionally or alternatively, these trends
or changes can indicate the occurrence of a particular mental state
and/or the events or process leading into a particular mental
state. This variation of the method 100 can therefore access and
analyze brain activity of the user to provide insight into
improving or modifying the cognitive, mental, and/or physical well
being of the user.
[0015] Another variation of the method 100 functions to receive
bioelectrical signal data taken while the user performs a
particular action in response to a provided stimulus, to define
trends in the user biosignal activity based upon comparison of the
user bioelectrical signal data with bioelectrical signal data
received from the user at an earlier time point and associated with
an earlier instance of stimulus provision, and to provide a
behavior change suggestion to the user in order to improve or
modify the response of the user to the stimulus. In this variation,
the method 100 can function to hone or modify a user's response or
reaction to a stimulus, thus affecting a behavior change in order
to promote the well-being of the user.
[0016] In a few specific applications of the variations, the method
100 can be used to facilitate a behavior change to increase
productivity in a working environment, or used to adjust a
behavioral response of a user suffering from post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). The method 100 is preferably performed using an
embodiment of a system 300 comprising a biosignal detector 310 and
a processor 320 comprising a receiver 330, an analyzer 340, a
transmitter 350, and a stimulus transmission module 360, as
described in further detail below; however, the method 100 may be
performed using any suitable system configured to collect
bioelectrical signal data from a user and generate an analysis
based upon the bioelectrical signal data.
[0017] Step S110 recites collecting a first bioelectrical signal
dataset, and functions to receive data while a user performs an
action relevant to a change in the user's behavior or a behavior
being modified. Preferably, the bioelectrical signal data includes
electroencephalograph (EEG) data, which can be reflective of
cognitive, mental, and affective state of the user. However, the
bioelectrical signal data can additionally or alternatively include
any one of more of: data related to magnetoencephalography (MEG)
impedance or galvanic skin response (GSR), electrocardiography
(ECG), heart rate variability (HRV), electrooculography (EOG), and
electromyelography (EMG). Furthermore, Step S110 can comprise
collecting other biosignal data, including data related to cerebral
blood flow (CBF), optical signals (e.g., eye movement, body
movement), mechanical signals (e.g., mechanomyographs) chemical
signals (e.g., blood oxygenation), acoustic signals, temperature,
respiratory rate, and/or any other data obtained from or related to
biological tissue or biological processes of the user, as well as
the environment of the user. Additionally, the bioelectrical signal
data preferably includes data acquired from multiple channels,
wherein each channel is associated with a particular sensor
arranged on a particular location or region of the user (e.g., head
region, torso region). In one example, one of more sensors can
therefore be primarily associated with a particular region of the
brain, such as the left or right frontal, temporal, parietal, or
occipital lobe of the cerebral cortex. The bioelectrical signal
data can alternatively comprise a single signal (e.g., from a
single channel or as a composite of multiple channels), or a
plurality of composite signals, each of which is a composite of
multiple channels. The bioelectrical signal can also be a
compressed, filtered, analyzed, or otherwise processed version of
raw bioelectrical signals from one or more sensors. However, the
bioelectrical signal data can be of any other suitable form or
format.
[0018] In Step S110, collecting a first bioelectrical signal
dataset preferably comprises collecting a first bioelectrical
signal dataset at a biosignal detector that is worn by the user
while he/she performs the action defined in Step S110. In one
variation, Step S110 is performed using a portable biosignal
detector that can operate outside of a clinical (e.g., hospital) or
research (e.g., laboratory) setting, such that that the first user
can be in a non-contrived environment as the bioelectrical signal
dataset is collected and received. In another variation, Step S110
can be performed using a biosignal detector operating within a
clinical or research setting. In a specific example of Step S110,
the user wears a portable EEG device, an example of which is shown
in FIG. 2, while performing a substantially normal, everyday
activity, such as driving, playing a sport, shopping, working,
studying, drawing reading, watching television, playing an
instrument, or otherwise engaging in a substantially normal (e.g.,
daily) activity or action. In the specific example, the
bioelectrical signal data (i.e., EEG signal data) is therefore
collected while the user is outside of a hospital, lab, or purely
medical setting and substantially removed from medical/research
staff.
[0019] Furthermore, in Step S110, the bioelectrical signal dataset
can be collected as described above and stored locally prior to
generating an analysis in Step S130 and/or an adherence metric in
Step S160, or can be stored on a separate device in communication
with the biosignal detector. In variations, the separate device can
be a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a
personal data assistant (PDA), a laptop, or a digital music player.
In other variations, the separate device can be a non-mobile
device, such as a desktop computer, a gaming console, or any other
suitable device. The separate device in these variations is
preferably Internet-capable (e.g., via a Wi-Fi, cellular, or
Ethernet connection) such that the bioelectrical signal dataset can
be subsequently transmitted to a data storage module, and can be
accessed by a user or other entity; however, the bioelectrical
signal dataset can be accessible in any other suitable manner. By
accessing the bioelectrical signal dataset following recordation,
the user or other entity can associate an action, activity, person,
location, mood, weather, or other relevant personal or
action-related information with the bioelectrical signal data. In a
specific example, this information is automatically captured
through a smartphone device that stores bioelectrical signal data
(e.g., EEG data) locally, through a mobile application executing on
the smartphone and in communication with the data storage module.
In another specific example, the user provides any of the foregoing
personal or action-related information (or subsets of information)
through a web browser or application executing on a non-mobile
electronic device and in communication with the data storage module
or through another venue, media, or method.
[0020] In Step S110, the first bioelectrical signal dataset is
preferably collected from a user while the user engages in or
performs an action associated with the behavior change. In one
variation, the action comprises the behavior being modified;
however, in other variations, the action alternatively comprises
actions complementary to, opposed to, or substantially different
from the behavior being modified. In one specific example of Step
S110, the action and the behavior being modified comprise playing
an instrument, such that the method 100 provides an analysis and/or
behavior change suggestion that can improve the user's ability to
play the instrument. In another specific example of Step S110, the
action comprises performing a difficult task that the user has
mastered, and the behavior being modified comprises performing a
difficult task that he user has not mastered, such that the method
100 provides an analysis and/or behavior change suggestion that can
help the user master the task that he or she has not mastered. In
another specific example of Step S110, the action comprises surfing
the web and the behavior being modified relates to working
productively, such that the method 100 provides an analysis and/or
behavior change suggestion based upon non-productive working
activities in order to increase working productivity.
[0021] Furthermore, collecting a bioelectrical signal dataset in
Step S110 can be triggered manually or automatically, as described
in the following variations. In a first variation, receiving the
bioelectrical signal dataset is triggered manually. In a first
example of the first variation, the user activates a biosignal
detector prior to performing an action related to the user's
behavior change or the behavior being modified, for example, by
depressing a `record` button, setting a timer to begin recording,
and/or providing any other input to activate the biosignal
detector. In a second variation, receiving the bioelectrical signal
dataset is triggered automatically. In a first example of the
second variation, an accelerometer integrated into the biosignal
detector can sense accelerations of the first user, enabling
anticipation of the action of the first user based upon an
accelerometer signal (e.g., predominantly vertical accelerations
and small forward accelerations with peaks occurring at a frequency
of approximately 2 Hz indicate that the user is walking, triggering
bioelectrical signal capture). In a second example of the second
variation, a camera proximal to the user cooperates with a
processor implementing machine vision to determine objects or
people proximal to the user, wherein the processor determines the
user to be reading when an image depicts an open book in front of
the first user, triggering bioelectrical signal capture. In a third
example of the second variation, a digital calendar of the user is
accessed, wherein events on the calendar, including dates, times,
and event descriptions, indicate an anticipated action of the first
user at a particular time, triggering bioelectrical signal capture
at the particular time. In a fourth example of the second
variation, a biometric sensor coupled to the user collects
biometric data (e.g., heart rate data, blood oxygen level data, and
respiratory rate data) of the first user, which is correlated to a
particular action (e.g., by a processor), triggering bioelectrical
signal capture. However, any other sensor coupled to, in
communication with, or integrated into a biosignal detector or data
storage module can function independently or in cooperation with
any other sensor or processor to estimate an action of the first
user to trigger bioelectrical signal capture. Through the foregoing
examples or any other example of signal capture and analysis, an
action of the user can be automatically detected and used to
initiate bioelectrical signal capture in Step S110. However, the
action of the user can be indicated or determined in any other way
or used to initiate and/or terminate bioelectrical signal capture
in any other way. For example, a camera may detect a closed book
suggesting that the user has finished reading, which terminates
bioelectrical signal collection.
[0022] In a further variation of Step S110, an action tag defined
by the user can initiate bioelectrical signal data collection
semi-automatically. The action tag is preferably provided through
an interface device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other
electronic device. Additionally or alternatively, action tags
defined by the user can be added to the bioelectrical signal data
to inform an action performed by the user during the related
bioelectrical signal capture session. In one example, an input
provided by the user into an e-reader to move to a subsequent page
indicates that the user is reading; and the title, genre, and/or
other details of the book can also be accessed. In another example,
a user input into an electric piano (or acoustic piano with a
built-in touch or audio sensor) indicates that the user is playing
the piano; and the particular piece can be also identified and the
skill level of the piece can be estimated. In another example, a
user input into a television remote control indicates that the user
is watching television; and the particular show, movie, or sporting
event can also be determined, such as by accessing a television
calendar. In yet another example, a GPS sensor arranged within a
vehicle determines that the user is driving and provides
information related to the departure and present locations, from
which a final destination and local traffic conditions can also be
assembled, such as by accessing published traffic data and an
electronic calendar of the user. In still another example, a device
for administration of an aptitude test or neuropsychological test
can supply information related to presentation and timing of
questions, tasks, and other stimuli, including overall performance
or performance on individual questions or tasks. However, any other
device implementing any other sensor can be accessed to inform the
action of the user and to initiate and/or terminate bioelectrical
signal capture.
[0023] Again, any one or more of the aforementioned sensors, or any
other sensor coupled to, in communication with, or integrated into
a biosignal detector collecting bioelectrical signal data, or
coupled to a bioelectrical signal storage module can define an
action tag for the bioelectrical signal data collected in Step
S110. Additional information associated with the action and sourced
from external entities, such as the title of a book read by the
user, can also be associated with the bioelectrical signal data.
The user can also provide information pertaining to the user
himself/herself, the action, or environmental conditions proximal
to the action. Therefore, information of various types and provided
by various sources can enrich and augment bioelectrical signal data
that is collected in Step S110. Additionally or alternatively, the
bioelectrical signal data and enriching data can be added to
compiled bioelectrical signal data of multiple users, and in this
variation, the bioelectrical signal data and enriching data are
preferably anonymized to conform to relevant privacy and security
laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA).
[0024] As described above in the variations and examples of Step
S110, receiving the first bioelectrical signal dataset preferably
includes receiving bioelectrical signal data taken while the user
performs an action; however, as shown in FIG. 3, Step S110 may
further include collecting a baseline bioelectrical signal dataset
S112 and/or collecting a repeat bioelectrical signal dataset S113
substantially near in time to the time window during which the
first bioelectrical signal dataset is received. Collecting a
baseline bioelectrical signal dataset can comprise collecting
bioelectrical signal data while the user is in a neutral state, and
functions to generate a baseline dataset against which other
bioelectrical signal data from a user can be normalized or compared
(e.g., to produce a normalized bioelectrical signal dataset). In a
specific example of collecting a baseline bioelectrical signal
dataset, a set of EEG data can be taken while the user is
stationary with eyes closed for a period of time (e.g., thirty
seconds) prior to collecting bioelectrical signal data while an
action is being performed (e.g., between an action initiation time
point and an action termination time point). However, the baseline
bioelectrical signal dataset can be of any other suitable active or
passive action of the user and the EEG signal can include any other
relevant EEG data. Collecting a repeat bioelectrical signal dataset
functions to allow multiple bioelectrical signal datasets from a
user to be collected and analyzed (e.g., to produce an aggregate
bioelectrical signal dataset for a single user or multiple users).
The repeat bioelectrical signal dataset(s) can be collected while a
user repeats a specific action, such that multiple datasets
characterizing a substantially identical action can be analyzed to
facilitate a behavior change; however, the bioelectrical signal
dataset can be collected while the user performs a different action
than a previously performed action. In one example, the first
bioelectrical signal dataset can be collected while the user is
listening to music, and the repeat bioelectrical signal dataset can
be collected while the user is playing an instrument, such that
data for complementary actions can analyzed to facilitate a
behavior change. In another example, the first bioelectrical signal
dataset can be collected while the user is mentally focused on a
working task and the repeat bioelectrical signal dataset can be
collected while the user is distracted, such that data for
"opposite" actions can be analyzed to facilitate a behavior change.
In this example, bioelectrical signal datasets associated with an
action, paired with repeat bioelectrical signal datasets associated
with a different action, acquired at substantially different time
points (e.g., in Steps S110 and S120) can be analyzed for
divergences in signal trends for the two actions, across the time
points, as an indication of behavior change.
[0025] Step S120 recites collecting a second bioelectrical signal
dataset, and functions to provide data that can be analyzed with
the first bioelectrical dataset to form a behavior change
suggestion. Similar to Step S110, Step S120 is preferably performed
while a user performs an action relevant to a change in the user's
behavior or a behavior being modified. In some variations, however,
collecting bioelectrical signal datasets in Steps S110 and S120 may
be performed at a single biosignal detector, or at a first
biosignal detector for Step S110 and at a second biosignal detector
for Step S120. Additionally, Step S110 is preferably performed
within a first time window and Step S120 is preferably performed
within a second time window, wherein the first time window and the
second time window are substantially non-overlapping; however, the
first time window and the second time window can overlap or
coincide with each other in some variations, and especially in
variations wherein Steps S110 and S120 involve different users.
[0026] In a first variation, Step S110 comprises collecting the
first bioelectrical signal dataset during performance of a first
action, and Step S120 comprises collecting the second bioelectrical
signal dataset during performance of a second action that is
different from the first action. The first action and the second
action in this variation can be complementary actions, opposite
actions, or different actions by any other suitable definition. In
one example, the first bioelectrical signal dataset can be
collected during one form of exercise (e.g., yoga), and the repeat
bioelectrical signal dataset can be collected during another form
of exercise (e.g., weight lifting), such that data for
complementary actions can analyzed to improve a user's mind-body
awareness in multiple forms of exercise. In another example, the
first bioelectrical signal dataset can be collected during a
working task (e.g., performing an engineering calculation) and the
second bioelectrical signal dataset can be collected during a
period of distraction, such that data for "opposite" actions can be
analyzed to improve a user's mental focus at work.
[0027] In a second variation, Step S110 comprises collecting the
first bioelectrical signal dataset during performance of an action
(or actions) within a first time window, and Step S120 comprises
collecting the second bioelectrical signal dataset during
performance of the action (or actions) within a second time window.
In this variation, identical (or similar) actions characterized by
a first and a second bioelectrical signal dataset can be used to
generate an analysis of the signal data associated with the action
across time. In this variation, identical (or similar) groups of
actions characterized by a first and a second bioelectrical signal
dataset can also be used to generate an analysis of the signal data
associated with the action group across time (e.g., an analysis of
divergence or convergence between signals associated with different
actions across time). In a first example, the action associated
with the first and the second bioelectrical signal dataset
comprises falling asleep, and the method 100 functions to
facilitate a change in a user's ability to regulate his/her
sleeping behavior. In a second example, the action group associated
with the first and the second bioelectrical signal dataset
comprises playing an easy piano piece and playing a difficult piano
piece, such that the method 100 functions to enhance a user's
ability to pick up difficult pieces (based upon convergences in
signal data for the actions over time).
[0028] In a third variation, Step S110 comprises collecting the
first bioelectrical signal dataset from a first user (or group of
users), and Step S120 comprises collecting the second bioelectrical
signal dataset from a second user (or group of users). Thus, in the
third variation data from similar users (e.g., users in a similar
demographic group) and/or different users can be used to facilitate
a behavior change in a user. In a first example, the first
bioelectrical signal dataset can be collected from a group of users
without dyslexia during a reading activity and the second
bioelectrical signal dataset can be collected from a user diagnosed
with dyslexia, in order to provide suggestions to the user with
dyslexia to improve his/her condition. In a second example, the
first and second bioelectrical signal datasets can be collected
from users of the same demographic (e.g., age, ethnicity, gender,
etc. . . . ), such that comprehensive bioelectrical signal data
from the demographic can be used to facilitate a behavior change in
at least one of the users of the demographic.
[0029] In a fourth variation, Step S110 comprises collecting the
first bioelectrical signal dataset from a user within a first time
window, and Step S120 comprises collecting the second bioelectrical
signal dataset from the user during a second time window. The
fourth variation therefore enables analyses to be generated based
upon a time-series of bioelectrical signal data taken from the same
user, in order to facilitate a behavior change.
[0030] Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, variations of Steps S110 and S120
encompass conditions wherein the first and the second bioelectrical
signal datasets are collected from the same user or different
users, and/or are associated with the same or different action(s).
Additionally, Steps S110 and S120 can be performed according to any
of the embodiments, variations, examples, or any combination
thereof as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/903,806, entitled "System and Method for Providing and
Aggregating Biosignals and Action Data", which is incorporated
herein in its entirety by this reference.
[0031] Step S130 recites generating an analysis based upon the
first bioelectrical signal dataset and the second bioelectrical
signal dataset, and functions to form the basis of a behavior
change suggestion that can modulate a user's behavior. As shown in
FIG. 5, Step S130 can further comprise processing the first
bioelectrical signal dataset and/or the second bioelectrical signal
dataset to reduce noise effects S131. In one variation, processing
can comprise filtering, compressing, analyzing, or comparing
multiple bioelectrical signal datasets, taken within multiple time
windows, against baseline bioelectrical signal data to reduce
noise. A first variation of Step S130 can comprise comparing a
first bioelectrical signal dataset from a user with a second
bioelectrical signal dataset from the user to extract information
related to trends in signals correlated, for example, with
different brain regions. In one example, brain activity, as
characterized by EEG signal data, can be isolated for general
regions of the brain, such as the forebrain, midbrain, and
hindbrain, for particular regions of the brain, such as the
frontal, temporal, parietal, or occipital lobe of the cerebral
cortex, for more specific portions of the brain, such as the left
or right parietal lobe, or for any other portion of the brain of
any other focus. Brain activity can also be isolated indicating
functional connectivity or interaction between multiple portions of
the brain. Stimuli and actions, such as playing a piano, reading a
book, watching a commercial or sporting event, eating, studying,
drawing, cooking, talking with friends, etc., can then be
associated with brain activity in a particular portion of the
brain. A multidimensional matrix of stimulus, action, environmental
condition, related user experience, etc. over time can be assembled
to quantitatively and/or qualitatively relate certain brain
activity to a particular user experience and to depict changes in
user brain activity over time given the particular user experience.
Additionally, comparing bioelectrical signal data taken at multiple
time points and associated with similar actions can further allow
trends in brain activity over time (e.g., over days, weeks, or
years) to be extracted despite signal noise.
[0032] In the first variation of Step S130, generating an analysis
based upon a comparison of the first and the second bioelectrical
signal dataset can show how the brain of the user is changing and
adapting over time. For example, a trend in increased brain
activity in the right frontal lobe and the parietal lobe while
painting can be associated with increased creative function in the
frontal lobe and improved deftness of motion (or "muscle memory")
as controlled by the parietal lobe. In this example, an analysis
generated in Step S130 can provide the basis of a behavior change
suggestion in Step S140 that advises the user to continue a drawing
regimen that has been shown, by the analysis, to yield positive
changes in brain function related to drawing ability. Similarly, a
lack of significant change in brain activity over time, based upon
an analysis generated in Step S130, can indicate that the brain is
not changing or adapting to a stimulus or input. For example, an
increase and then taper in user brain activity while playing the
piano can suggest a period of positive learning followed by a
period in which a user skill (as related to brain function) shows
limited improvement. In this example, the analysis of Step S130 can
be used to generate a behavior change suggestion in Step S140 that
advises a user to change a style of learning the piano or to
increase the difficulty of pieces played during piano practice.
Furthermore, in this example, sensors in the piano (e.g., a
microphone, accelerometer, or piezoresistive element) can record
user inputs into the piano such that actual skill level of the user
can be correlated with brain activity or trends in brain activity
over time. Changes in brain function can therefore be extrapolated
from trends in brain activity to indicate a level of user
improvement in a skill or capability.
[0033] Additionally or alternatively in Step S130, the analysis can
detect occurrences of a particular mental state (e.g., as typified
by elevated brain activity or function in a particular portion of
the brain) which can be associated with a stimulus, action,
environmental condition, etc. leading into the particular mental
state. For example, the user can indicate a feeling of being "in
the zone" at a certain time in which EEG data shows high activity
in the left frontal lobe and extremely limited activity in other
portions of the brain. A unique brain activity fingerprint for such
a mental state can thus be generated. Additionally or alternatively
in Step S130, a (time-lapse) brain activity fingerprint leading up
to realization of the particular mental state can also be
generated, and certain brain activities can be linked to particular
user actions in the analysis generated in Step S130. In an example,
a recipe for entering the particular mental state can thus be
assembled, wherein this recipe can be unique to the user or general
to a group of users or particular demographic. At least one of the
brain activity fingerprint and the mental state recipe can further
be provided to the user in Block S140 as a behavior change
suggestion, which can aid the user in returning to the desired
mental state. However, any other brain function can be extrapolated
from trends in brain activity and used to isolate a particular
mental state, skill, or ability of the user.
[0034] A second variation of Step S130 can comprise generating an
analysis based upon comparing a bioelectrical signal dataset from a
first user with bioelectrical signal data of at least one other
user. The bioelectrical signal data of the at least one other user
is preferably incorporated into aggregate bioelectrical signal data
maintained by a data storage module as described briefly above and
in further detail below. Comparing bioelectrical signal data of the
first user with aggregate bioelectrical signal data from other
users in the second variation of Step S130 can provide a benchmark
for user progress or changes in brain activity. The speed at which
the brain of the user adapts to a new stimulus, the volume of brain
activity in a certain portion of the brain for a given activity or
stimulus, retention of brain activity levels for a given activity
or stimulus over time, or any other relevant metric of user brain
function can be compared with all or portions of the aggregate
bioelectrical signal data, such as for users of a demographic,
skill level, or experience level similar to that of the user.
Additionally or alternatively, comparing user and aggregate
bioelectrical signal data in the second variation of Step S130 can
inform a process by which the first user can enter a
previously-unavailable or difficult-to-achieve mental state, such
as by suggesting a mental state recipe of another user to the user
in a variation of Step S140. However, comparing user and aggregate
bioelectrical signal data can inform any other relevant metric,
standard, or benchmark or aid development of user brain function in
any other way.
[0035] Step S130 can thus comprise generating an analysis based
upon data including bioelectrical signal data and other data (e.g.,
biosignal, biometric, and environment data), data associated with
one action or multiple actions (e.g., to determine a convergence or
divergence in signals associated with multiple actions), and data
collected from a single user or multiple users (e.g., aggregate
bioelectrical signal data). The analysis can further be generated
according to any suitable combination of the embodiments,
variations, and examples described above, using independent
components analysis, or using any suitable method, such as those
described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0035579, entitled "Methods for
Modeling Neurological Development and Diagnosing a Neurological
Impairment of a Patient", which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by this reference.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, Step S140 recites providing a
behavior change suggestion to the user based upon the analysis
generated in Step S130. The suggestion is preferably related to one
or more actions that stimulates brain activity in the user and/or
induces a mental state of the user. In one variation of Step S140,
the behavior change suggestion includes urging the user to engage
in a particular activity more often because trends in user brain
activity indicate a correlation between positive brain development
and the activity. For example, trends in bioelectrical signal data
for a user who is autistic can correlate viewing images of faces,
such as in a magazine or on a television, with reduced brain
activity in the frontal lobe of the user, wherein such higher
levels of activity in this part of the brain is associated with
user discomfort or nervousness. In this example, providing the
behavior change suggestion in Step S140 can include urging the user
to spend more time viewing images of faces in magazines or on
television based upon an analysis generated in Step S130.
[0037] In another variation of Step S140, the behavior change
suggestion includes urging the user to engage in a particular
activity that is shown in other users to improve brain function
(based upon an analysis generated for multiple users). For example,
aggregate bioelectrical signal data of stroke victims can correlate
gains in brain function in an affected brain area with painting or
sketching. In this example, providing the behavior change
suggestion in Step S140 can therefore include urging the user who
is a stroke victim to paint or to sketch based upon an analysis
generated in Step S130.
[0038] In yet another variation of Step S140, the behavior change
suggestion includes urging the user to modify a behavior. For
example, and as described above, reduced or tapering brain activity
when playing a piano can prompt the behavior change suggestion
provided in Step S140 to include urging the user to modify a style
of learning or increase the difficulty of practice pieces. In
another example, a trend in user and/or aggregate bioelectrical
signal data indicates that brain activity and brain development
improve at more rapid rates for users reading paper-format media
than for users reading digital-format media. In this example,
providing the behavior change suggestion in Step S140 can therefore
include offering a paper-based substitute for the user viewing
digital media. In a further example, a trend in user bioelectrical
signal data shows that the user exhibits substantially isolated and
elevated activity in the left frontal lobe, which is correlated
with increased efficiency and work quality, when working on a
computer that is disconnected from the Internet. Furthermore, in
this example, an analysis based upon the bioelectrical signal data
indicates reduced activity in the left frontal lobe, which is
correlated with reduced efficiency and work quality, while working
on a computer that is connected to the Internet. In this example,
providing the behavior change suggestion in Step S140 can therefore
include reducing or restricting Internet access and limiting other
distractions available on the user's computer while working.
[0039] The behavior change suggestion of Step S140 is preferably
provided directly to the user. However, the behavior change
suggestion can additionally or alternatively be provided to a
parent or legal guardian, a teacher, a physician or other doctor,
an employer, or any other suitable entity related to or interacting
with the user. The parent or legal guardian can implement the
behavior change suggestion to improve disciplinary action,
teaching, care, or other interactions with the user who is a child.
The teacher can implement the behavior change suggestion to modify
a curriculum, a teaching style, a mentoring role, a teacher-student
and/or student-student interaction, or any other teaching-related
variable for the user who is a student. The physician can implement
the behavior change suggestion to prescribe an action, an
interaction, a medication, or a therapy for the user who is a
patient. The employer can implement the behavior change suggestion
to change a workspace layout, an employer-employee or
employee-employee interaction, work content or workflow, a
deadline, or any other employment-related variable for the user who
is an employee. However, any other entity can access the behavior
change suggestion and implement any other change in response to the
behavior change suggestion provided in Step S140. Furthermore, the
parent or legal guardian, teacher, physician or other doctor,
employer, or other entity can also be instrumental in generating
the behavior change suggestion, such as by providing additional
user-related information to a data storage module or the
third-party entity to inform the behavior change suggestion.
Alternatively, the entity can generate the behavior change
suggestion directly by accessing and analyzing available user
bioelectrical signal data trends and/or aggregate bioelectrical
signal data. The behavior change suggestion preferably informs a
behavior or action that moves the user toward optimizing learning
or development of new knowledge or a new skill or ability.
[0040] In some variations, the behavior change suggestion of Step
S140 can be provided to the user (or other entity) through a mobile
application executing on a mobile electronic device, such as the
same mobile electronic device that handles distribution of
bioelectrical signal data from a biosignal detector (that collects
bioelectrical signal data) to a data storage module. The behavior
change suggestion can additionally or alternatively be provided
through a web browser executing on an electronic device associated
with or distinct from user bioelectrical signal data distribution.
However, the behavior change suggestion can additionally or
alternatively be provided through an email client, an electronic
calendar, or any other suitable user interface or any other
suitable device. In these variations, the behavior change
suggestion can be presented as a notification, a calendar event, an
email, a chart or other visual media depicting bioelectrical signal
data (and associated action) data or trends, or in any other
suitable format or combination of formats.
[0041] In other variations, the behavior change suggestion provided
in Step S140 can be automatically implemented at a device
associated with a user (e.g., mobile device, biometric monitor) or
at a device that modifies aspects of the user's environment. In one
example, for a user suffering from a sleeping disorder, lighting,
room temperature, and ambient sound within the user's environment
can be automatically adjusted (as a behavior change suggestion)
based upon an analysis of the user's brain activity and desired
sleeping behavior. In another example, for a user suffering from
fatigue, the behavior change suggestion can comprise automatic
enforcement of a "resting period" (e.g., automatic saving,
shutdown, and period of disablement of software applications
associated with work). In yet another example, for a user suffering
from depression, the behavior change suggestion can comprise
automatically restricting the accessibility of certain materials
(e.g., household items that can be abused, which are stored in an
electronically lockable container) for the user based upon an
analysis that shows that the user is entering a depressive or
anxious phase. These variations can additionally or alternatively
comprise automatically implementing a behavior change suggestion
using any other suitable method.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the method 100 can further
comprise Step S150, which recites collecting a third bioelectrical
signal dataset associated with a performance of an action by the
user in response to the behavior change suggestion. Step S150
functions to generate additional data that can be used to assess
changes in a user's behavior based upon the user's response to the
behavior change suggestion. The third bioelectrical signal dataset
is preferably collected within a time window shortly after the
behavior change suggestion is provided in Step S140; however, the
third bioelectrical signal dataset can be collected at any suitable
time after the behavior change suggestion is provided. Collection
of the third bioelectrical signal dataset in Step S150 can be
performed in a manner similar to that described in the descriptions
of Steps S110 and S120 above, or in any other suitable manner. In
some variations, collecting the third bioelectrical signal dataset
can be automatically initiated upon detection of the user's
performance of an action in response to the behavior change
suggestion. In these variations, automatic collection can be
initiated by any suitable input (e.g., sensor input) that indicates
that the action is being performed and/or terminated by any
suitable input that indicates that performance of the action is
complete. Furthermore, variations of Step S150 can comprise
initiating collection of the third bioelectrical signal dataset
upon provision of the behavior change suggestion, such that
additional data encompassing the user's activity between receiving
the behavior action through performance of the action can be
collected. Step S50 can, however, comprise any other suitable
duration of data collection and can be initiated and/or terminated
using any other suitable method.
[0043] The method can also further comprise Step S160, which
recites generating an adherence metric based upon the third
bioelectrical signal dataset and at least one of the first and the
second bioelectrical signal datasets. Step S160 functions to
provide an assessment of a user's adherence to the behavior change
suggestion in order to measure behavior change progress. Step S160
can further function to assess the appropriateness or effectiveness
of the behavior change suggestion that was provided to the user in
Step S140. The adherence metric preferably provides a quantitative
metric characterizing the user's adherence to the behavior change
suggestion, as assessed between the third bioelectrical signal
dataset and at least one of the first and the second bioelectrical
signal datasets, but may alternatively be a qualitative metric. In
a first example, the adherence metric characterizes improvement,
stagnation, or regression in a user's behavior, and can be used to
create a modified behavior change suggestion that is presented to
the user. In the first example, the adherence metric can provide a
regional and/or global analysis of brain activity prior to and
after receiving the behavior change suggestion, wherein regional
and/or global changes in activity indicate changes in behavior
and/or adherence to the behavior change suggestion.
[0044] In some variations, Step S160 can further function to
provide a metric for social comparisons, in order to further
facilitate behavior change by the user. In these variations, the
adherence metric can be provided to the user along with an
adherence metric determined based upon data from at least one other
user (e.g., of the same or a relevant demographic). In a specific
example involving a group of users (e.g., employees) from the same
company, the adherence metric can be presented to a single employee
alongside an adherence metric determined from multiple employees of
the same company, in order to promote changes in working efficiency
at the company. However, any other suitable method of providing a
social comparison based upon the adherence metric(s) can be used in
other variations of Step S160.
[0045] The method can also further comprise Step S170, which
recites providing a stimulus configured to prompt an action by the
user S170. Step S170 functions to prompt the user to perform an
action or to stimulate a reaction by a user that is associated with
at least one of the bioelectrical signal datasets collected in
variations of Steps S110, S120, and S150. The stimulus can be
provided or deployed in any suitable manner, can be automatically
or manually provided, and can be provided to multiple users (e.g.,
a demographic group) simultaneously or non-simultaneously.
Furthermore, multiple stimuli can be deployed, such that responses
to combined stimuli and/or a sequence of stimuli can be later
analyzed. The stimulus can be a notification, a command to perform
an action, a haptic stimulus, a visual stimulus, an auditory
stimulus, or any other suitable stimulus. Furthermore, the stimulus
can be time-locked (i.e., deployed and/or presented within a
specific time window characterized by an initiation time and a
termination time) and/or presented at multiple timepoints to a
single user or multiple users. Additionally, provision of the
stimulus/stimuli can be synchronized with user biosignal,
biometric, and/or environment data substantially in real time, or
upon detection of an event from user biosignal, biometric, and/or
environment data. In one variation, the stimulus is deployed using
a mobile device of the user, or a set of mobile devices of a group
of users, such that the stimulus can be deployed at any point that
a user or group of users is using the mobile device(s). In a first
example, the stimulus is a command deployed on a mobile device
application that tells a user to go to a specific restaurant and
eat a specific menu item. In a second example, the stimulus is a
music piece that is automatically deployed on a mobile device
action, such that a reaction response to the music piece, captured
in bioelectrical signal data collected from a user, can be
analyzed. In a third example, the stimulus is a disturbing news
story deployed on a mobile device, such that a reaction response to
the news story can be analyzed in a manner relevant to the user's
behavior change. In a fourth example, a combination of stimuli can
be provided, such as a happy image rendered on a mobile device
display followed by a sad music piece, such that reactions to
combinations of stimuli can be later analyzed. In a fifth example
with a combination of stimuli, a user or group of users can be
presented with different music samples while exercising, such that
responses to different types of music while exercising, captured in
bioelectrical signal data, can be collected and analyzed in a
manner relevant to behavior change. In a sixth example, the
stimulus is automatically deployed upon detection that a user is
exercising, as determined from additional biosignal, biometric, and
or environment data. Thus, Step S170 allows a stimulus or a
combination of scriptable stimuli to be deployed to a user or a
group of users, which enables fully deployable automated
experiments to be performed.
[0046] Providing a stimulus in Step S170 can also function to
enable detection of evoked brain potentials that are produced in
response to the provided stimulus. The evolution of these evoked
potentials can indicate the degree, speed, and/or efficiency of
different levels of cognitive processing following provision of the
stimulus, which can allow verification that the stimulus has been
received by the user, and which can further bolster analyses
relevant to the user's behavior change. In one example, the
stimulus can comprise an auditory stimulus, and evoked brain
potentials captured in bioelectrical signal data can indicate
detection of the stimulus, recognition of repetitive sequences in
the stimulus, recognition of different or unexpected aspects of the
stimulus, and recognition of changes in the stimulus by the
user.
[0047] Step S170 can further comprise measuring the timing and/or
nature of the response to the stimulus, as assessed in the
collected bioelectrical signal data. In one application, the
progression of evoked potentials in time and across different
processing regions of the brain, in response to stimuli provided in
Step S170, can provide information related to the user's ability to
process the stimulus/stimuli. Furthermore, this information can be
further used to provide feedback to the user (e.g., in the form of
an analysis or behavior change suggestion in variations of Step
S130, S140, or S160), indicating improvement, regression, or
stagnation in the user's behavior. In specific examples, the
feedback can indicate modifications in mental abilities
corresponding to changes in lifestyle, diet, exercise, reactions to
negative stimuli, progression of neurological disorders, or
processing of different educational methods.
[0048] In variations of the method 100 comprising Step S170,
generating an analysis in Step S130 can comprise averaging portions
of bioelectrical signal datasets associated with identical or
similar actions, or performing a detailed analysis of data
associated with a single action using methods including independent
components analysis. In either case, generating an analysis in Step
S130 preferably involves usage of a data storage module (e.g., a
local or remote repository) for collected bioelectrical signal
data, as well as a control over stimulus provision and timing.
[0049] The method can further comprise Step S180, which recites
providing at least one of the analysis and an analysis based upon
the adherence metric to the user S180. Step S180 functions to
provide an additional avenue to motivate a behavior change in a
user, and can supplement the behavior change suggestion provided in
Step S140. The analysis and/or an analysis based upon the adherence
metric is preferably provided at a mobile device of the user, and
can be rendered on a display of the mobile device by an application
executing on the mobile device. In other variations, the analysis
or analysis can be provided at any other suitable computing device
(e.g., personal computer, laptop, digital assistant, tablet, etc.),
and/or can be provided by another entity (e.g., health care
professional, parent, teacher, supervisor) associated with the
user. Providing the analysis in Step S180 can, however, be provided
in any other suitable manner.
[0050] The method 100 described above can have a variety of
applications, a few of which are described as exemplary
applications below.
1.1 Exemplary Applications of the Method
[0051] In one specific application of the method 100, the user
desires to improve his/her ability in playing an instrument. An
analysis generated in a specific example of Step S130, based upon
EEG signal data collected when the user is learning an "easy"
piece, shows that regions of the user's brain related to stress
handling show less activity in comparison to EEG signal data
collected when the user is learning a more difficult piece. A
behavior change suggestion in this specific application thus
comprises suggestions that reduce the user's stress, as well as
automatic adjustments to the user's environment (e.g., lighting,
temperature, and ambient noise) that reduce stress when learning
more difficult pieces. These suggestions and adjustments can thus
improve the user's ability to play the instrument. A variation of
this specific application can comprise providing just the melody of
the music piece as a stimulus to the user, and an analysis based
upon data collected from the user, in response to the stimulus, can
show that the user demonstrates increased learning ability in
response to auditory stimuli, which facilitates the behavior
change.
[0052] In another specific application, the user is one of several
employees working at a company, wherein all the employees are
subject to the same working environment. Collecting bioelectrical
signal data from the user in Step S110 and collecting bioelectrical
signal data from the collective of employees in Step S120 can be
used to generate an analysis in Step S130 that provides information
related to working efficiency and the effects specific working
environment aspects (e.g., internet availability, snack
availability, temperature, lighting, etc.) on working efficiency. A
behavior change suggestion can thus be provided to the user and/or
a supervisor based upon the analysis, such that a change in the
user's behavior is mediated based upon an analysis of data
aggregated from the employees at the company.
[0053] In another specific application, the user is a patient
suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and is characterized
as having a negative response to loud auditory stimuli. In this
specific application, the method 100 can comprise providing a loud
auditory stimulus at a mobile device of the user in Step S170,
collecting a bioelectrical signal dataset associated with the
user's response to the stimulus in Step S110, and generating an
analysis based upon the bioelectrical signal dataset in Step S130,
wherein the analysis provides information related to brain regions
activated by the stimulus. The behavior change suggestion can
comprise suggestions to the patient to focus on aspects of the
environment or memories that deactivate regions activated by the
stimulus, wherein analysis of bioelectrical signal data collected
from the patient while the patient focus on these aspects/memories
indicates a reduction in activity in brain regions activated by the
stimulus. Further collection of bioelectrical signal data from the
patient, in response to the behavior change suggestion and a repeat
provision of the stimulus, can be used to generate an analysis or
adherence metric characterizing improvements in the patient's
response to the stimulus. This specific application of the method
100 is preferably performed outside of a clinical or research
environment, using a portable biosignal detector and a mobile
device, such that the user's behavior change is implemented in the
user's native environment and not in a contrived environment. The
user can thus learn to improve his/her response to such stimuli
during normal daily life.
[0054] As a person skilled in the field of biosignals will
recognize from the previous detailed description and from the
figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the
embodiments, variations, examples, and specific applications of the
method described above without departing from the scope of the
method 100. In particular, collecting bioelectrical signal data in
any of Steps S110, S120 and S150, generating an analysis in Step
S130, providing a behavior change in Step S140, generating an
adherence metric in Step S160, and/or providing a stimulus in Step
S170 can be performed in any suitable order and in any suitable
number of iterations, as noted in the variations and exemplary
applications described above.
2. System
[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, an embodiment of a system 300 for
providing and aggregating bioelectrical signal data comprises a
biosignal detector 310 and a processor 320 comprising a receiver
330, an analyzer 340, a transmitter 350, and a stimulus
transmission module 360. The system 300 can further comprise a data
storage module 370 that receives data relevant to a user's behavior
change. The system 300 functions to facilitate collection of
bioelectrical signal data while a user engages in a particular
action associated with the user's behavior change, to generate an
analysis based upon bioelectrical signal and/or other data
collected from the user, and to provide a behavior change
suggestion to the user based upon the analysis. The system 300
preferably enables a variation of the method 100 described above,
but can alternatively facilitate performance of any suitable method
involving collection and analysis of bioelectrical signal data to
promote a behavior change in a user.
[0056] The biosignal detector 310 functions to collect
bioelectrical signal data from a user. The biosignal detector 310
preferably comprises a bioelectrical signal sensor system, wherein
the sensor system comprises a plurality of sensors, each sensor
providing at least one channel for bioelectrical signal capture.
The plurality of sensors can be placed at specific locations on the
user, in order to capture bioelectrical signal data from multiple
regions of the user. Furthermore, the sensor locations can be
adjustable, such that the biosignal detector 310 is tailorable to
each user's unique anatomy. Alternatively, the sensor system can
comprise a single bioelectrical signal sensor configured to capture
signals from a single region of the user. In one example, the
biosignal detector can be a personal EEG device, such as the Emotiv
EPOC neuroheadset, which is shown in FIG. 2. EEG devices are taught
in the U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2007/0066914 (Emotiv) and
2007/0173733 (Emotiv), which are also incorporated in their
entirety herein by this reference.
[0057] The biosignal detector 310 can also comprise or be coupled
to additional sensor systems configured to capture data related to
other biological processes of the user and/or the environment of
the user. As such, the biosignal detector 310 can comprise optical
sensors to receive visual information about the user's environment,
GPS elements to receive location information relevant to the user,
audio sensors to receive audio information about the user's
environment, temperature sensors, sensors to detect MEG impedance
or galvanic skin response (GSR), sensors to measure respiratory
rate, and/or any other suitable sensor. Furthermore, the system can
comprise multiple biosignal detectors, each paired with a given
user, such that bioelectrical signal data can be simultaneously
collected from more than one user.
[0058] The processor 320 comprises a receiver 330, an analyzer 340,
a transmitter 350, and a stimulus transmission module 360, and
functions to receive and process bioelectrical signal data,
biosignal data, and/or any other suitable data from the user or
group of users. As such, the processor 320 can comprise a remote
server configured to perform the functions of at least one of the
receiver 330, the analyzer 340, the transmitter 350, and the
stimulus transmission module 360. In this embodiment, the remote
server can execute analysis tools to facilitate processing,
analysis, storage, and/or transmission of data; however, the
processor 320 can alternatively comprise any other suitable element
or combinations of elements.
[0059] The receiver 330 functions to receive bioelectrical signal
datasets from a single user or multiple users. The receiver 330
preferably comprises a wireless connection to a biosignal detector
(or other suitable element for data transfer); however, the
receiver 330 can alternatively comprise a wired connection. In
wireless variations, the receiver 330 can implement wireless
communications, including Bluetooth, 3G, 4G, radio, or Wi-Fi
communication. In these variations, data and/or signals are
preferably encrypted before being received by the receiver 330. For
example, cryptographic protocols such as Diffie-Hellman key
exchange, Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS), or any other
suitable type of protocol may be used. The data encryption may also
comply with standards such as the Data Encryption Standard (DES),
Triple Data Encryption Standard (3-DES), or Advanced Encryption
Standard (AES).
[0060] The analyzer 340 functions to generate an analysis of
collected bioelectrical signal data and any other biosignal,
biometric, and/or environment data from the user(s), in order to
provide the basis for a behavior change suggestion. In some
variations, the analyzer 340 can further function to generate the
behavior change suggestion, an adherence metric, and/or an analysis
based upon the adherence metric to a user. The analyzer 340
preferably implements signal analysis techniques (e.g., independent
component analysis) and data mining algorithms; however, the
analyzer 340 can additionally or alternatively implement any
suitable methods or algorithms for processing and/or comparing
bioelectrical signal datasets. In a first variation, the analyzer
340 is configured to generate an analysis based upon multiple
bioelectrical signal datasets collected from a single user. In a
second variation, the analyzer 340 is configured to generate an
analysis based upon bioelectrical signal datasets from multiple
users.
[0061] The transmitter 350 functions to transmit at least one of a
generated analysis and a behavior change suggestion to the user. As
such, the transmitter is preferably configured to communicate with
a device of the user in order to electronically provide the
analysis and/or behavior change suggestion at a user-device
interface. In other variations, the transmitter can provide the
analysis and/or behavior change suggestion to an intermediate
entity (e.g., storage module, third party) that further conveys the
analysis/behavior change suggestion to the user. The transmitter
350 can alternatively comprise any other suitable element(s)
configured to transmit information to a user.
[0062] The stimulus transmission module 360 functions to facilitate
provision of a stimulus or combination of stimuli to a user, in
order to prompt an action by the user related to the user's
behavior change. As such, the stimulus transmission module 360 can
comprise an alert system that provides a notification to the user,
a module that gives a command to the user instructing the user to
perform an action, a haptics system configured to provide haptic
stimulus, a display configured to render a visual stimulus, an
audio system configured to provide an audio stimulus, and/or any
other suitable stimulus transmission system. Preferably, the
stimulus transmission module comprises a controller that controls
delivery of the stimulus/stimuli, with regard to timing, frequency,
and/or duration. In one variation, at least a portion of the
stimulus transmission module 360 is implemented on a mobile device
of the user, or a set of mobile devices of a group of users, such
that a given stimulus or combination of stimuli can be deployed
whenever a user or group of users is using the mobile device(s).
The system 300 can, however, comprise any other suitable stimulus
transmission elements to provide a stimulus to one or more
users.
[0063] The system 300 can further comprise a data storage module
370, which functions to receive and store data associated with the
user's behavior change. Preferably, bioelectrical signal data and
other enriching data is transmitted to and maintained by the data
storage module 370. Furthermore, the data storage module 370 is
preferably remote from the biosignal detector 310. As such,
bioelectrical signal data of the first user and multiple other
users are preferably collected over time and stored by the data
storage module 370 at a remote location. The data storage module
also preferably maintains aggregate bioelectrical signal data
including anonymized (e.g., stripped of personal or identifying
information) data of the first user and other users, wherein the
aggregate data is preferably assembled into buckets defining a
particular action or group of similar actions performed by users
during recordation of bioelectrical signals. In some variations,
the data storage module 370 can be a remote server configured to
host or communicate with an application programming interface
(API), wherein the API allows accessing and manipulation of data
stored in the data storage module 370. In one example, the
biosignal detector 310 can be Internet-capable and transmit data
directly to the data storage module 370, or the biosignal detector
310 can communicate via a wireless or wired connection with a local
electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet, that transmits
the data to the data storage module 370. In the example, the data
storage module can thus be hosted by a remote server in a manner
compliant with privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA compliance) or can be
hosted in any suitable cloud storage module. Alternatively,
bioelectrical signal data and additional enriching data can be
maintained by a data storage module 370 that operates, at least in
part, on an electronic device that is local to the user and
configured to communicate with the biosignal detector 310. In any
of the foregoing variations, the bioelectrical signal data and
enriching data is preferably accessible by the user, from the data
storage module 370, to view, augment, or update any portion of the
data. Data can be transmitted to the data storage module 370
substantially in real time, such as during recordation of the
signal, or once the data collection is completed, verified, or
released by the user.
[0064] The method 100 and system 300 of the preferred embodiment
and variations thereof can be embodied and/or implemented at least
in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable
medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions are
preferably executed by computer-executable components preferably
integrated with the system 300 and one or more portions of the
processor 320 and/or a controller. The computer-readable medium can
be stored on any suitable computer-readable media such as RAMs,
ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard
drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The
computer-executable component is preferably a general or
application specific processor, but any suitable dedicated hardware
or hardware/firmware combination device can alternatively or
additionally execute the instructions.
[0065] The FIGURES illustrate the architecture, functionality and
operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and
computer program products according to preferred embodiments,
example configurations, and variations thereof. In this regard,
each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a
module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more
executable instructions for implementing the specified logical
function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative
implementations, the functions noted in the block can occur out of
the order noted in the FIGURES. For example, two blocks shown in
succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or
the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,
depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted
that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart
illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams
and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special
purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions
or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer
instructions.
[0066] As a person skilled in the field of biosignals will
recognize from the previous detailed description and from the
figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the
preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the
scope of this invention defined in the following claims.
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