Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Detecting brain electric signal
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-13
2001-09-11
Winakur, Eric F. (Department: 3736)
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Detecting brain electric signal
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289240
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a biofeedback device using jets of fluid, such as a compressed gas, to stimulate a targeted area on a body and alert the user to modify body position or behavior. More particularly, the device can be used to stimulate abdominal and back muscle control to improve posture and muscle strength, or for behavior modification such as incontinence.
2. Description of Related Art
Biofeedback devices have been developed to serve as aids to persons trying to achieve control over postural or autonomic (self-controlled) body functions. For example, devices have been developed to monitor electrical signals or electrical resistance in the organs (e.g., skin) of the human anatomy, and then send a signal to the individual to indicate the presence of a given body condition or behavior. The signals sent to the individual typically take the form of audible, visual, vibrational, or electrical signals. With practice, the signal imparted to the user can be used by the subject to control or modify the body conditions or behaviors that gave rise to the change in electrical signal or resistance. Autonomic conditions can be monitored and controlled through biofeedback instrumentation and training, including body temperature (thermal), brainwave activity (EEG), and muscle neuron activity (EMG). An example of a modular biofeedback training system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,110,918 to James et al.
Biofeedback devices have been developed particularly to strengthen abdominal muscles to provide an improved appearance to the stomach area and to support the back. These devices include weight belts and other abdominal excursion restrictive devices. Restrictive belts merely hold back the abdomen, however, and do not strengthen the musculature. In fact, this type of device may allow the anterior and lateral abdominal musculature to attenuate.
Other devices use audible, electrical, visual, or vibrational signals to remind the wearer to improve posture and abdominal strength. U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,921 to Zigenfus discloses an apparatus where a constant signal, either an electrical charge or vibrational impulse, is applied to the abdominal wall to remind the wearer to contract the abdominal muscles. U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,540 to Wheeler et al. discloses a position sensing and signaling system using audible or vibrational signals to cause the wearer to contract abdominal muscles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,157 to Sears discloses an abdomen-circumscribing belt with a battery-operated vibrator that is activated when the wearer's abdomen reaches a predetermined girth.
The present invention provides a variation to these prior art devices by providing a biofeedback signal in the form of tactile stimulation to an animal or human body using small jets of fluid, such as a compressed gas. This tactile stimulation can be a pleasant sensation (for positive feedback), or it can produce a jarring, uncomfortable stimulus that is necessary to elicit a change in the body position or behavior of the subject. This form of biofeedback signal can be incorporated into a device that is relatively inconspicuous to wear, simple in construction, easy to use, and cost-effective to manufacture. The jets of fluid can be activated by a sensor that causes the opening of release valves for the jets either mechanically or electrically.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a biofeedback device using small jets or streams of fluid, such as a compressed gas, as tactile stimuli to a selected region of a subject's body. Upon sensing the gas jets, the subject modifies body position or behavior. The gas jets may produce a positive sensation, providing positive feedback, or may act as an irritant and provide feedback for negative behavior.
The device comprises a stimulus unit, which contains an array or grid of the jets or nozzles for directing a sudden flow of high velocity gas to the skin of the target area. The stimulus unit is connected to a fluid supply, such as a cylinder of compressed gas (e.g., air or CO
2
), through a fluid release valve. The stimulus unit is capable of being worn next to the body, like a belt, and may include means for maintaining contact with the body. The stimulus unit may be connected directly to a sensor unit, which senses a change in body position or other behavior and activates the release valve to release a burst of jets of gas. This activation can be accomplished through mechanical means, which requires no power source, or the stimulus unit can be activated by an electrical signal powered by a power source (e.g., a battery).
In an alternative embodiment, a control unit may be connected to the sensor unit and the release valve, whereby the sensor unit causes a change in the control unit. The control unit then sends a signal to the release valve to activate the burst of gas jets so as to stimulate the superficial skin and its attendant nerves and cause tactile pleasure or discomfort. Alternatively, the stimulus unit can be connected to a control unit without a sensor unit, where the control unit is programmed to activate the stimulation on a pre-set time schedule or computer-generated randomized pattern, as a reminder or positive stimulus to the subject.
A sensor unit comprises a sensor that may be incorporated into or mechanically connected to an electronic circuit element (e.g., capacitor, inductor, resistor) in the control unit to cause a change in the electrical characteristics of the circuit in a measurable way in response to changes in the sensor. For example, changes induced in the value of a capacitor or inductor alter the resonant frequency of an L-C resonator circuit. Changes in the electrical characteristics of the circuit in the control unit can be detected remotely by the stimulus unit using an electronic interrogation device. The control unit can powered by the interrogator device in the stimulus unit, or the control unit circuit element may be designed for passive interrogation.
The present invention can be used to provide biofeedback stimulus for a wide range of behaviors. For example, the device can be readily designed for strengthening abdominal and back muscles and improving posture by using a pressure sensor unit sensitive to the expansion and contraction of a subject's abdominal or back muscles. As an abdominal muscle training aid, the device is relatively compact and may be worn in a concealed, inconspicuous manner. The stimulus unit may be personally fitted to the wearer, and the sensor unit adjusted specifically for a pre-determined set of limits relative to the pressure between the abdominal wall and the sensor.
The sensor unit can be designed to be remote from the stimulus unit; that is, the stimulus is applied in one area of the body while the sensor unit detects body position or another behavior at another area of the body. The sensor unit can be designed as a chemical sensor to detect an analyte such as urine, for example, for a device to control incontinence. A sensor for detecting compounds in cigarette smoke can be used for a device to discourage smoking. The sensor can basically be designed using methods known in the various arts to detect changes in any measurable physical, chemical, or electrical property: pressure, temperature, positional, air flow or volume (e.g., respiratory changes), electrical impulses, sound, resistance, or frequency. The response of the sensor is then communicated mechanically, optically, or electrically to the stimulus unit.
The invention can be used for animals as well as humans. For example, collars can be fitted for cats and dogs to serve as training aids. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4110918 (1978-09-01), James et al.
patent: 4801921 (1989-01-01), Zigenfus
patent: 4846157 (1989-07-01), Sears
patent: 5546941 (1996-08-01), Zeimer et al.
patent: 5634463 (1997-06-01), Hayafuji
patent: 5808540 (1998-09-01), Wheel
Da Silva Luiz B.
Weber Christopher P.
Weber Michael R.
Weber Paul J.
Pearl Technology Holdings, LLC.
Szmal Brian
Winakur Eric F.
Wooldridge John P.
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