Abstract: A medical hypnosis device (20) for controlling the administration of a hypnosis experience to a user is described. The device comprises a stimulus output module (24) for outputting a first type of content via one or more media channels to a sensory output device (28a, 28b) for presentation to the user and a sensor data receiver (26) for receiving physiological feedback data from a sensor (32a, 32b, 32c) sensing a physiological parameter of the user. The device also comprises a processor (22) for comparing the received physiological feedback data with predetermined physiological data to detect a change in a neurological state of the user. The processor is arranged, on detection of such a change, to trigger the provision of a second type of content to the user via the stimulus output module.

Abstract: A computer system for reorienting, reducing anxiety, and/or reducing delirium risk of a patient in a hospital is provided. The computer has a central processing unit (CPU) for executing machine instructions for a passive and active module and a memory for storing the machine instructions. The machine instructions implement functions when executed by the CPU. Patient-specific content is inputted into the CPU. The system then communicates the patient-specific content from the CPU to the patient by displaying and looping the patient-specific content such that any point of the loop of the patient-specific content helps reorient and reduce anxiety and delirium risk.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system and method utilizing a biofeedback mediated color, sound, and aroma therapy. The visual, auditory, and aromatic stimulation is intended to alleviate stress and/or anxiety by relaxing and stimulating the brain, thereby correcting any neurophysical imbalances. Reduction in the levels of stress and/or anxiety is achieved through the use of the auditory, visual, and aromatic sequences which are individually specific and systematic. The system and method is preferably provided in multiple sessions with each session providing both a mechanism for providing treatment as well as assessment which is used to form the basis for future treatments.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. By recording neural response to a predetermined input stimulus, one can alter that input stimulus to the needs of an individual patient. A minimum input stimulus is applied to a patient, followed by recording neural response in the vicinity of the input stimulus. By alternating stimulation and recording at gradually increasing levels, one can determine the minimum input that creates a neural response, thereby identifying the threshold stimulation level. One can further determine a maximum level by increasing stimulus until a predetermined maximum neural response is obtained.

Abstract: A portable moist heat delivery system comprising a water vapor generating portion comprising a water vapor source and a heat source; a water vapor-air regulating portion, said water vapor-air regulating portion comprising a water vapor-air mixing layer, and a water vapor-air distribution layer; said water vapor generating portion and said water vapor-air regulating portion being in fluid communication; and said water vapor-air regulating portion having a latent heat delivery surface disposed adjacent said water vapor-air regulating portion which delivers moist heat at a preselected temperature range wherein about 15% to about 95% of the moist heat is latent heat of condensation. Methods include delivering improved pain relief, blood flow, relaxation, and reduced cardiac workload.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods to modify memory and/or cognitive function by delivering a sensory stimulus paired with learned material at opportune physiological periods during sleep. For example, described herein are systems, methods and devices to enhance a user's cognitive function in such areas as memorization and learning. A machine (e.g., a system or device) may be used to identify opportune periods of the sleep cycle and to deliver a stimulus during specific phases of the sleep cycle to facilitate or interrupt memory consolidation. In some variations the machine records ambient sensory inputs during awake acquisition or reinforcement/relearning and replays all or an extracted form of the ambient sensory stimuli a specified portion of the user's sleep.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breath pacing apparatus, comprising a haptic output unit with a variable haptically perceivable feature, said haptic output unit being provided to change said haptically perceivable feature periodically according to a sequence of desired respiration cycles, wherein a characteristic of the change of said haptically perceivable feature is related to the length of the respiration cycles. The invention is further related to a corresponding method for pacing the respiration of a person.

Abstract: A lamp for generating flickering at a selectable frequency corresponding to a desired human brainwave state comprises a base supporting a light source, a shade having a plurality of regularly circumferentially spaced apertures defined therein and a drive mechanism for rotating the shade about the light source. At least one speed control is coupled to the drive mechanism for controlling the rotational speed of the shade. Rotation of the shade while the light source is emitting light produces flickering for an observer looking at the lamp from a fixed position, and the speed control can be used to select a rotational speed of the shade to produce flickering at a frequency corresponding to a pre-selected human brainwave state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which generates an image and particularly a celestial or a natural image having embedded movement that is useful in relieving conditions such as patient angst, depression and the like. The apparatus may include a control panel for adjusting the image and the movement based on the patient's condition or response to the image.

Abstract: A therapeutic environmental light and image system and related methods are provided. A controller controls a lighting system and one or more images displayed on a display monitor to create a virtual window in a patient recovery room that simulates characteristics of a real window. Optionally, circadian full-spectrum light cycling is delivered via a prescriptively-selected circadian light cycle, which may or may not be configured based on the images provided on the display monitor. Additionally, ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light source may be dosed to the patient to favorably impact biologic functions and other health aspects of the patient, to facilitate patient recovery.

Abstract: A method for ameliorating an insomnia of a user having a brain wave includes steps of defining a specific frequency range of 8 to 12 Hz as a ? rhythm in the brain wave, detecting a total power under the specific frequency as a ? rhythm intensity of the user, providing one of an animation and a wave form representative of the ? rhythm intensity of the user, and inducing the ? rhythm of the user by watching one of the animation and the wave form by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to time-driven personalization of media preference. In an embodiment, the present invention includes a therapy for treating altered cognitive states, such as understimulation, overstimulation and sundowning, in individuals suffering from cognitive impairment, including dementia. The present invention uses time to focus its therapies through personal care shows. The time-based personal care shows include personalized content (e.g., images, music, trusted voice) and format (e.g., tempo, length of intervals, color contrast) to ensure effectiveness of the personal care shows in reaching the desired results.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an intra-nasal clip, and more particularly to a nasal clip that diffuses the aromas or fragrances, such as those used in aromatherapy, without risking irritation through direct contact with the inner nasal septum.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments include a system for preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in an infant, by the application of Stochastic Resonance neurological stimuli. The system includes a crib mattress and copper noise grids, wherein the copper noise grids are embedded in the crib mattress. The system also includes a mechanism for generating time controlled white noise and time controlled cyclic signals, combined with a multitude of varying frequencies and harmonics, wherein the mechanism is adjustable for measured local (near crib) white noise power density levels, the mechanism further adjustable for diurnal and seasonal white noise power density level changes. The system also includes circuitry effective for producing positive and negative adjustable DC voltage levels.

Abstract: A stress management device is formed in an integrated design that enables pulse measurement, display of results and a power supply gathered into a small finger clip device. The stress management device includes a non-invasive infrared sensor that identifies and measures pulse rate variability and utilizes that information to calculate the power spectrum distribution and create a curve of the results multiple times per second. The device incorporates a display screen on which a graphic image of a pair of lungs filling and emptying to encourage the user into a predetermined breathing pattern known to reduce stress levels during a training period. After the completion of the training period, the device presents a score reflecting the percentage of times the user achieved high, medium and low relaxation states, and a pie chart reflecting the distribution of the states of relaxation calculated during the training period.

Abstract: A light therapy device is taught including a light emitting assembly having light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source. The light emitting assembly capable of generating 2,500 lux to 7,500 lux at 12 inches.

Abstract: A system (100) for inducing a subject (110) to fall asleep comprises a monitor (120) for monitoring heart rate and breathing rate of the subject (110), a coherence assessing device (130) coupled to the monitor (120) for assessing a degree of coherence between the heart rate and the breathing rate, and an output device (140, 150) coupled to the coherence assessing device (130). The output device (140, 150) may comprise a light pattern generator (140) for generating a light pattern (145) in view of the subject (110) based on the degree of coherence. The output device (140, 150) may alternatively or additionally comprise an instructing system (150) for instructing the subject on a breathing pattern, and wherein the instructions are given based on the degree of coherence.

Abstract: A biological rhythm is adjusted based on a time difference as well while individually dealing with moving subjects that move in accordance with moving schedules. In step S1, information including the moving schedule and biological information on the moving subject is input. In step S2, a sleeping schedule is set based on the information obtained in step S1. Step S2 is roughly divided into two steps. In the first step, parameters for setting the sleeping schedule are set based on the moving schedule and the biological information. In the next step, the sleeping schedule is set with the parameters obtained in the first step.

Abstract: A computer system for reorienting, reducing anxiety, and/or reducing delirium risk of a patient in a hospital is provided. The computer has a central processing unit (CPU) for executing machine instructions for a passive and active module and a memory for storing the machine instructions. The machine instructions implement functions when executed by the CPU. Patient-specific content is inputted into the CPU. The system then communicates the patient-specific content from the CPU to the patient by displaying and looping the patient-specific content such that any point of the loop of the patient-specific content helps reorient and reduce anxiety and delirium risk.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods of using real-time neurofeedback to improve the correspondence between first-person experience and specific brain activation patterns in a manner that minimally affects the experience itself. The present invention provides meditators the ability to enhance their control over their own brain activity, such as posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) activation. The present invention also provides methods for treating a disease or disorder of a subject by measuring the subject's brain activity via fMRI, presenting a representation of the measured brain activity to the subject, and instructing the subject to reduce the represented brain activity by altering their meditative state. The present invention also provides a system and method of using fMRI neurofeedback to directly correlate subjective experience with neural activation.

Abstract: A human-computer interface apparatus and methods of use are disclosed herein. Several types of haptic stimulator are provided. A breathing apparatus that mimics the inhaling and/or exhaling motion of breathing is provided. Additionally, a hugging apparatus mimicking a hug is also provided. Additionally, interaction with an individual through sensing the individual's breathing rate or other activity is provided. Interaction with extrinsic data, such as messages from social networking sites or websites, is also provided.

Abstract: A space is set substantially in a tropical rain forest type environment to activate a human's essential brain region and realize an environment suitable for the human's brain by arranging a device for setting the tropical rain forest type environment based on characteristics of activating human's essential brain region responsive to tropical rain forest type environment information, in a space such as an urban space, a housing space or other living space. The tropical rain forest type environmental information has higher density and higher complexity than those of urban space type environmental information, and includes at least one of auditory information, visual information, and super perceptual information of aerial vibration. The tropical rain forest type environmental information is comfortable for the human with no excessive stress, and is environmental information for effecting prevention and treatment of diseases due to stress by realizing the environment comfortable for the human's brain.

Abstract: A computer system for reorienting, reducing anxiety, and/or reducing delirium risk of a patient in a hospital is provided. The computer has a central processing unit (CPU) for executing machine instructions for a passive and active module and a memory for storing the machine instructions. The machine instructions implement functions when executed by the CPU. Patient-specific content is inputted into the CPU. The system then communicates the patient-specific content from the CPU to the patient by displaying and looping the patient-specific content such that any point of the loop of the patient-specific content helps reorient and reduce anxiety and delirium risk.

Abstract: A focusing board assembly for a medical imaging equipment gives a comfortable feeling mentally or physically by visually getting rid of an oppressive feeling arisen when a patient is in a tunnel-like enclosed space such as MRI or CT for his/her medical examination.

Abstract: A device with a non-invasive first stimulation unit configured to generate first stimuli which, when administered to a patient, suppress a pathologically synchronous activity of neurons in at least one of the brain, and the spinal cord of the patient, with a non-invasive second stimulation unit configured to generate at least one of optical, acoustic, tactile, vibratory, and thermal second stimuli, and with a control unit configured to control the first and second stimulation units, wherein the generation of the first and second stimuli takes place optionally in a first or a second operating mode, and the control unit is configured to control the first and second stimulation units in such a way that, in the first operating mode, the generation of at least 60% of the second stimuli is coupled in time to the generation of the first stimuli and, in the second operating mode, the generation of at least 60% of the second stimuli takes place without the generation of the first stimuli.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a method for controlling an air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner includes an air-conditioning device that air-conditions an indoor space, a lighting device that illuminates the indoor space, an input device that receives signals to operate the air-conditioning device and for selecting a sleep mode, and a controller that controls the lighting device and the air-conditioning device. When the input device receives the signal for selecting the sleep mode, the lighting device is controlled to sequentially perform a sleep entry operation in which the indoor space is illuminated to have a predetermined luminance and color temperature for a predetermined time, a sleep operation in which the indoor space is illuminated to have a predetermined luminance and color temperature until a wakeup time, and a wakeup operation in which the indoor space is illuminated to have a predetermined luminance and color temperature.

Abstract: A sleeping state improvement system to improve a sleeping state of a user includes a memory device and a control device that comprises a specification unit and a control unit. The memory device can be carried by the user. The specification unit specifies individual attribute information of the user based on individual information. The individual information is information stored in the memory device. The control unit controls an environment during sleep of the user based on the individual attribute information.

Abstract: The invention involves training complexes and methods for optimization of the psycho-physiological condition of a person. It includes new capabilities and methods for training the skills of relaxation and activation of psycho-physiological processes. The proposed training complex consists of a training apparatus, audio-video system, training complex control system and methods for training the skills of relaxation and activation of psycho-physiological processes. Three types of training apparatus are employed: special adjustable armchair, the immersion tank and hyperbaric/hypobaric pressure chamber.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system for transmitting sounds to an in-utero infant, that is worn by a pregnant woman, said system comprising a flexible carrier with two arms and adapted to accommodate the continuously changing shape of the abdomen of a pregnant woman; an array of speakers disposed on the arms of the carrier and substantially surrounding the in-utero infant with the sounds emitted from said speakers; an amplifier operatively associated with the array of speakers that enables tailoring the frequencies and tonal qualities of the sounds emitted from the array of speakers to levels suitable for an in-utero infant; and an audio device, operatively connected to the array of speakers and the amplifier, that provides a source from which sounds are played back.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regular quadrilateral pyramid shaped pyramid building for the utilization of pyramid energy, which has isosceles triangle shaped supporting side walls and a square shaped base, with a free pyramid shaped internal space and with a podium in the pyramid shaped space. The invention is characterized in that the side walls (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) and the base (1a) of the pyramid building (1) are made of several layers (2), and the external layer (2a) of the side walls (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) and the external layer (2a) of the base (1a) facing the ground is made of walling units (3) dominated by positive ions the internal layer (2c) of the side walls (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) and the internal layer (2c) of the base (1a) is made of electrically controllable covering units (5) dominated by negative ions.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sedative for external use, and sedative sheet, and textile, clothing, wall material, and hyperthermia equipment, brain vitalization sheet, brain vitalization small pillow which are with high productivity, adaptive for various shape and various treatment style for patients with pain, and with high treatment effect, comparing with conventional sedative for external use. A sedative for external use 10 is provided which is a bag 2 containing desert rose powder 1 prepared by pulverizing desert rose.

Abstract: A patient seeking complementary and alternative medicine must visit a practitioner which is not always convenient or possible. It would be beneficial to provide a patient with a simple means of deriving benefit from such physical CAM techniques in a non-intimidating manner whereby the means has familiarity associated with it. Even with conventional medicine children, infants, toddlers, and babies require medical treatment and experience fear and/or anxiety arising from visiting the medical practitioner or with the treatment. According to embodiments of the invention provide patients are provided means to exploit CAM techniques away from the practitioner or allow patients to not associate activities with a medical treatment but another activity, such as playing in the instance of a child. Variations of the means allow medical monitoring activities to be similarly associated with familiar objects and non-traumatic activities.

Abstract: A device for initiating positive thoughts in an individual wherein the positive thought is not an implanted post-hypnotic suggestion. The device comprises housing for an energy source and an electronic circuit connected to an energy source affixed within the housing. The electronic circuit has an alerting means and a means for controlling the alerting means. The alerting means notifies the individual a determined number of times over a given period in an apparent random manner at a frequency of 10-12 Hz.

Abstract: A system (100) and a method for controlling an environmental physical characteristic in an environment of a person (105), a color and intensity tunable lamp, an electronic device and a computer program product are provided. The system (100) comprises an environment influencing means (102), a sensor (104), an input means (134) and a controller (130). The environment influencing means (102) changes the environmental physical characteristic in response to a control signal (112) indicating a desired influencing of the environmental physical characteristic. The sensor (104) obtains a sensor signal (122) representing a physiological condition of the person (105). The input means (134) obtains a user setting signal (132) representing a user setting with respect to the environmental physical characteristic. The controller (130) receives the sensor signal (122) and the user setting signal (132) and generates the control signal (112) by applying an original function (114) to the sensor signal (122).

Abstract: A cabinet includes a base section, a middle section, and an upper section. The base section encloses a plurality of speakers, the middle section includes a relaxation chamber for a reclining human user, and the upper section houses light fixtures that emit light at preselected frequencies related to the sound frequencies emitted by the speakers. Stationary foot and head light fixtures illuminate a foot and a head end of the relaxation chamber, respectively. A movable middle light fixture reciprocates along the length of the relaxation chamber. Each light fixture has a hexagonal housing with mirrored interior surfaces and at least one crystal through which light passes. A color disc mounted below the movable middle light fixture has translucent colored discs mounted about its periphery, only one of which is illuminated per user.

Abstract: Methods, computer systems, and computer-readable storage media for monitoring and managing patient discomfort are provided. Inputs are received from ambient sensors located in a clinical care room. Based on a determination that the inputs exceed predetermined thresholds, it is determined that the patient is experiencing discomfort. Various measures are automatically initiated to help diminish the patient's discomfort. The measures include aromatherapy, visual relaxation therapy, audio therapy, and automatic administration of pain relief.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sleep induction device which exhibits excellent hypnotic effects using light rather than ultrasonic waves or electrical voltages to induce sleep. When the face of a patient is irradiated with diffused ultra narrow band light having a FWHM of 10 nm or less, the specified wavelength of light has excellent hypnotic effects. The sleep induction device is provided with: an ultra narrow band light irradiation means which generates a blue to green ultra narrow band light having a FWHM of 10 nm or less and a peak wavelength range of 430-550 nm; and a diffusion means for reducing the illumination intensity of the light irradiated from the ultra narrow band light irradiation means onto the skin surface of the face to 1-300 lux, and expanding the emission area to the entire face. The green ultra narrow band light has a sleep-inducing effect, and the blue one has a stronger sleep-inducing effect.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for alleviating kinetosis using a mobile device. Motion sensors, gyroscopes, cameras, inertial modules, proximity detectors, global position system (GPS) receivers, orientation sensors, etc., are used to monitor motion that a mobile device user feels through the vestibular system but may not observe. A kinetosis alleviation system generates activity on a mobile device display that simulates the detected motion. In some examples, the activity may be a frame around video or text that shows movement congruent or more congruent with detected motion. In other examples, the activity may be a video or text window itself that moves in a manner congruent with detected motion.

Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods of the invention provide a solution to the problem of inefficiencies associated with the psychotherapeutic process. Heart rate variability (HRV) and other physiologic parameters can be used to regulate physiological state in the “real time” of the psychotherapy hour.

Abstract: A system (10) for relaxation, the system (10) comprising: electrodes (15) worn by a user to measure the electrocardiogram (ECG) of the user; a processor (18) to process the ECG to remove noise and analyse the ECG signal in the time and frequency domains, and compute an index of stress (33) from the processed ECG; and a multimedia device (14) to provide real-time biofeedback by communicating the index of stress (33) to the user together with a relaxation video (31) to cause the user to relax.

Abstract: A time series data analyzer includes a segment condition input section, an analysis condition input section, and an optimum condition deriving section for analyzing all segments based on the segment conditions and analysis conditions inputted in the respective input sections, under all analysis conditions by a maximum entropy method and a nonlinear least squares method. The time series data analyzer derives the optimum segment length and the optimum lag value in correspondence to selected results, and an analysis execution section executes analysis by the maximum entropy method by setting the optimum analysis conditions derived as described above. The trending of the spectrum of electroencephalogram data is used as an indicator of the state of the subject based on the findings that the spectrum of electroencephalogram data is an exponential spectrum and the gradient changes depending on the state of the subject.

Abstract: A diversionary therapy apparatus (100) provides a tangible intuitive and immersive interaction device for a patient so as to distract the patient from a treatment. It includes a handheld tablet device (110) having motion sensors and a screen (112) for showing digital content relating to a three-dimensional environment. A controller determines movement of the tablet device (110) and displays content on the screen (112) based on this movement so that the patient can interact with the three-dimensional environment displayed on the screen through physical manipulation of the device (110). Various other interactive features are also disclosed, including interchangeable selector elements, e.g. figurines (114), that may be mounted on the device (110) to allow selection of content and action, a camera, biometric sensors, a touchscreen, a domed rear surface to allow the device to rock on a surface and a profiled screen wall (124).

Abstract: A device for converting music signals into electrical stimulation is revealed. The device for converting music signals into electrical stimulation includes a switching device. The switching device is disposed with an amplifier whose input end is connected to a music player while an output end of the amplifier is connected to a voltage/current converter. A stimulating electrode is at an output end of the voltage/current converter. Music signals are input through the music player, amplified by the amplifier, and converted by the voltage/current converter. Thus the stimulating electrode at the output end stimulates users' acupuncture points for treatment of insomnia. Thereby the treatment of insomnia is effective and the sleep quality is improved. The switching device is with a high practical value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for delivering aromatherapy to a user of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The system may include a ventilator device, a vessel, and a coupler. The vessel may hold an aromatic substance and may be attached to the ventilator device by the coupler.

Abstract: A lucid dream is induced in a subject. A brain state entrainment signal is generated in a circuit. A transducer applies a waveform of a kind sufficient to cause a lucid dream in the brain based on the brain state entrainment signal. The brain state entrainment signal modulates a carrier wave of a higher frequency than the entrainment frequency. The waveform is first applied to the subject and thereafter removed to attempt a lucid dream. The waveform can be electrical, light, sound or magnetic waveforms.

Abstract: A device for providing aromatherapy is disclosed herein. The aromatherapy device comprises a textile article and aromatic materials disposed upon or within the textile article. The aromatic materials are the source for generating or evaporating aromatic scent to function on human mind or body.

Abstract: A sleeper apparatus for holding an infant designed to simulate the feeling of being held in a caregiver's arms is herein disclosed. The sleeper is similar in shape to that of a canoe and is able to accommodate most infants via a removable insert section. The insert may be added or removed, depending on the size of the infant. The sleeper is made using padded foam materials and comprises an air bladder located along an inside wall of a perimeter enclosure. The bladder is connected to a DC-powered air pump, which pumps air in and out of the bladder to simulate human breathing. The inner space of the sleeper is contoured to conform to the babies shape. The head area is larger with minimal padding to provide for unobstructed and clear breathing. The foot area is slightly declined and would be provided with additional padding. The sleeper provides a comforting and secure resting place for infants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a short-acting analgesic agent in the management of pain during labor, wherein the system enables efficient, real-time prediction of contractions for the coordinated administration of analgesia such that the peak effectiveness of the analgesic coincides with the intermittent pain of labor.

Abstract: A facility for performing a medical examination includes a room, a medical imaging system located in the room, and a plurality of elements installed on at least one of the room and the medical imaging system, the elements collectively creating a first theme that forms a physical environment at least partially surrounding a patient, wherein the theme is presented in a manner to increase the throughput of imaging patients while increasing overall patient satisfaction by reducing the level of patient anxiety and fear experienced by the patient being imaged. A compatibly configured medical imaging system is also described.

Abstract: A light treatment apparatus for simulating a psychophysical borderline experience comprises a light emitting apparatus for emitting light perceivable by the human eye as well as a control apparatus for controlling the light emission apparatus. Said light emission apparatus has at least one permanent light source as well as at least one flickering light source whose flickering light can be superimposed on the permanent light of the permanent light source in the region of a treatment area, with the control apparatus having a frequency control module which increases or reduces the frequency of the flickering light source from a starting frequency to a target frequency in at least one acceleration passage.