Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising to utilize local data to improve sleep is described. The method includes identifying local data relevant to a user's sleep quality, evaluating a user's sleep environment and sleep settings, and changing the user's sleep environment and/or sleep settings based on the local data.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a portable audio device that allows a user to easily access guided meditation sessions stored thereon to promote regular meditation practice. The portable audio device minimizes user effort with a goal to improve adoption of mindfulness meditation practice. In one embodiment, the portable audio device may be programmed to play guided mindfulness meditation sessions. In one embodiment, the portable audio device may include meditation modules that have predefined themes, and serve as a prompt or reminder for regular meditation practice.

Abstract: A process for making a safety video in order to keep a video watcher engaged involves the following steps. First, filming a safety parody video of things typical to a life of the road worker made into rap songs. Then, removing sound created by equipment in the safety parody video. After that, adding rap music about the contents of the safety parody video while producing a mild hypnotic subliminal effect. Following that, transmitting a suggestion of working hard while working well to obtain rewards. Finally, warning users against the consequences of malfeasance. A combination of positive and negative subliminal messages in a parody video effectively engages the video watcher into learning about workplace safety.

Abstract: A context-sensitive soundscape is generated by receiving a first identifier for identifying a target cognitive state for a user, and a second identifier for identifying a user cohort for the user. A present context is determined for the user. A machine-learning procedure is performed to map the target cognitive state to a set of audio output characteristics based upon the identified user cohort and the determined present context. An audio output is generated to create the context-sensitive soundscape that includes the set of audio output characteristics.

Abstract: Described and disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to employ acoustic coordinated reset neuromodulation therapies that are capable of adjusting or modulating at least one of the intensity, auditory filter bandwidth, and center frequency of therapeutic stimulation signals delivered to an individual patient, where in one embodiment such signals are tuned to have intensities that are above or slightly above the individual patient's hearing threshold.

Abstract: A computerized method for treating a psychopathological condition, the method comprising using at least one hardware processor for presenting to a patient on a computer display at least one visual media and at least audio media; receiving from an eye tracker a gaze direction of at least one eye of the patient; computing a display location of the gaze direction; and when a distance from the gaze location to a target location of the visual media is greater than a threshold value, pausing the audio media for a period of time.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a first display control unit, and a second display control unit. The first display control unit is configured to display, in a display device, a first intensity distribution which is at least per unit time and which is regarding a biosignal coming from a particular source. The second display control unit configured to display, side-by-side in the display device, a first image which has a shape of the source and on which a second intensity distribution of the biosignal corresponding to time corresponding to a point or an area specified in the first intensity distribution is superimposed, and second images which have the shape of the source and on which second intensity distributions of the biosignal before and after the time are superimposed.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein to reduce sound sensitivities, improve state regulation, and/or reduce auditory processing and social engagement deficits in individuals with such deficiencies by recruiting the anti-masking functions of the middle ear muscles in order to optimize the transfer function of the middle ear for the processing of human speech. In certain embodiments, an individual may be subjected to a training protocol comprising one or more training sessions. During each training session, acoustic stimuli are provided to a subject for a period of time, with or without accompanying visual stimulation. A user response may be determined, for example, before beginning the protocol, during a session, after a session, and/or upon completion of the protocol. Such user response may be employed to adjust the acoustic stimulation, and the adjusted acoustic stimulation may be provided to the subject during a subsequent training session (or at a subsequent time within the same training session).

Abstract: A method includes: (a) obtaining information about a period of a fluctuation cycle in an autonomic nerve of a user at rest; (b) inducing the user to breaths in synchronization with the period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve according to the obtained information; and (c) synchronizing a fluctuation in a diameter of a pupil of the user with the period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve at the same time of (b) according to the obtained information. The period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve is a period of a fluctuation cycle in the diameter of the pupil, a period of a fluctuation cycle in a heart beats of the user, or a period calculated from the period of the fluctuation cycle in the diameter of the pupil and the period of the fluctuation cycle in the heart beats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices to consolidate memory and/or cognitive functions by monitoring brain rhythms and delivering a stimulus at an appropriate stage of sleep cycle.

Abstract: This sleep assistance apparatus includes a stimulation generation unit that generates stimulation, a user being capable of receiving the stimulation; a detection unit that detects biological information of the user; and a control unit that decides optimal stimulation on the basis of the detected biological information, and causes the stimulation generation unit to generate the optimal stimulation.

Abstract: A method to improve digestion for an individual, especially the digestion issue caused by the individual's mental issues, may include steps of choosing one or more individuals having digestive discomfort caused by mental issues that may happen periodically; generating a sound file of digestion sounds for a predetermined length of time; administrating the sound file to the individual for a predetermined period of time; and determining if the individual's digestion is improved. In one embodiment, the step of generating a sound file of digestion sounds may include steps of recording the digestion sounds from a person during good digestion and editing the digestion sounds. In another embodiment, the predetermined length of time can be ten minutes.

Abstract: A method comprising: (a) obtaining information about a period of a fluctuation cycle in an autonomic nerve of a user; and (b) repeating, in a same period as the period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve, a process that includes inducing a point of gaze of the user to move in a direction away from the user and inducing the point of gaze of the user to move in a direction to approach the user, according to the obtained information. The period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve is a period of a fluctuation cycle in a diameter of a pupil of the user, a period of a fluctuation cycle in a heart beat of the user, or a period calculated from the period of the fluctuation cycle in the diameter of the pupil and the period of the fluctuation cycle in the heart beat.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems, and computer program products for detection and remediation of anxiety. Aspects include receiving an anxiety indicator. Aspects also include analyzing the anxiety indicator to determine whether an anxiety level exceeds an anxiety threshold. Aspects also include, based upon a determination that the anxiety level exceeds the anxiety threshold, selecting a first sound. Aspects also include outputting the first sound. Aspects also include receiving an anxiety feedback. Aspects also include determining, based upon the anxiety feedback, whether the anxiety level is decreasing.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic device that outputs a notification sound that takes into consideration those of older age. The electronic device is an electronic device that outputs a notification sound, and includes a frequency-setting unit and a notification-sound-control unit. The frequency-setting unit sets an initial frequency for the notification sound. The notification-sound-control unit causes the notification sound to be outputted at the initial frequency, and performs control so that the frequency of the notification sound is lowered from the initial frequency as time passes.

Abstract: A media recommendation system may score media items according to user recommendations, popularity, and/or recency. The scores may be weighted to produce an overall score for each media item. Media items may be added to a pool for a specific user, from which media items are selected for playback. The contents of the pool may be modified based upon user feedback and other data. The pool may be modified dynamically and/or in real time as media items are consumed or rated by the user.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for controlling an ear stimulation device with a personal computing device, based on analysis of an image of a user of the personal computing device captured with a camera associated with the personal computing device, are described. One or more parameter is determined from the processed image, including, but not limited, to user identity, emotion, physiological condition, or placement of a stimulator earpiece, and control of the ear stimulation device is based thereon. If the earpiece is located incorrectly, in an aspect, delivery of a stimulus is prevented. In another aspect, the user is notified of the need to reposition an incorrectly located earpiece.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for closed-loop respiration entrainment based on spatialized audio signals. According to an aspect, based on a determined rate of a subject's respiration, spatialization of a virtual sound source is altered to simulate a distance or directionality to the subject. Simulating the distance, directionality, and/or source characteristics comprises processing sounds of the virtual sound source to generate a perception of the sounds being heard from one or more distances or directions with reference to the subject. The altered virtual sound source attempts to regulate the rate of respiration of the subject. An audio device outputs the sounds of the altered virtual sound source.

Abstract: A method and a system for search/treatment of tinnitus are disclosed. The method includes outputting a tinnitus search interface, which comprises several response regions corresponding to the different frequency bands within audible frequency range of human beings, outputting an acoustic signal corresponding to the response region selected by a user, and storing the frequency information corresponding to the user's tinnitus frequency as a tinnitus frequency band. Accordingly, tinnitus may be rapidly diagnosed and treated.

Abstract: A media chair apparatus (200), system (100), and method (900). The media chair apparatus (200) includes a support assembly (400) that can be at least temporarily substantially fixed in an at least substantially fixed position while a seat assembly (300) rotates relative to the support assembly (400). A port (500) in the support assembly (400) can be used to interface with the operating environment (80) while a port (500) in the rotatable seat assembly (300) can be used to interface with a portable access device (150) used by the user (90) to access or otherwise enhance a media experience (800).

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present concepts reduce irritability in infants, such as infants suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) or colic. According to one embodiment, a method for reducing irritability in an infant includes determining one or more physiological measurements from an infant. The one or more physiological measurements relate to a state of irritability in the infant. The method also includes determining the state of irritability based on the one or more physiological measurements and applying a stochastic stimulation to the infant based on the state of irritability. The stochastic stimulation may be applied via a mattress. The stochastic stimulation may be vibro-tactile or subsensory.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for providing tinnitus relief to recipients of a hearing prosthesis. In accordance with embodiments presented herein, a hearing prosthesis comprises a tinnitus relief system that is configured to generate a tinnitus masker signal that comprises a plurality of discrete (separate) components. The tinnitus relief system is configured to inject the components of the tinnitus masker signal directly into a sound processing path so that the masker components are combined with different processed portions of a channelized sound signal. The channelized sound signal and the components of the tinnitus masker signal are used to generate one or more output signals for use in compensation of a hearing loss of a recipient of the hearing prosthesis.

Abstract: There is provided a content output device including a selection unit which selects content according to a user's condition and a magnetic field pattern corresponding to the content, a content output unit which outputs the content, and a magnetic field generating unit which generates a magnetic field based on the magnetic field pattern.

Abstract: A wearable device, a monitoring method and an intelligent monitoring system are disclosed. The wearable device includes an obtaining module, a timing module, a processing and a reminding module. The obtaining module is configured to obtain a current motion state of a user. The timing module is configured to generate a triggering signal when the time for which the user is in the current motion state reaches the predetermined time, so as to trigger the processing module to obtain a reminding signal corresponding to the current motion state of the user. The reminding module is configured to issue a reminder to remind the user to change the motion state.

Abstract: A novel musical instrument was created using electroencephalogram (EEG) motor imagery to control a synthesized piano, and is herein named the Encephalophone. Alpha-frequency (8-12 Hz) signal power, originating from either posterior dominant rhythm (PDR) in the occipital cortex or from mu rhythm in the motor cortex, was used to create a power scale which was then converted into a musical scale which could be manipulated by the individual. Subjects could then generate different notes of the scale by activation (event-related synchronization) or de-activation (event-related desynchronization) of the PDR or mu rhythms in occipital or motor cortex, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an audio apparatus and method for inducing a brainwave using a binaural beat, including a frequency shift unit for receiving a first audio sound source signal and generating a second audio sound source signal by shifting some of the frequency band of the first audio sound source signal by a specific frequency, and an audio output unit connected to the frequency shift unit, for outputting first and second audio output signals corresponding to the first and the second audio sound source signals. Accordingly, a user can hear a music signal or an audio signal for learning without being aware of the distortion of a sound source and can change his or her brainwave state without resistance or monotonousness because a required brainwave state is changed by applying a binaural beat to a specific frequency band of an audio signal, in particular, a music signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein to reduce sound sensitivities, improve state regulation, and/or reduce auditory processing and social engagement deficits in individuals with such deficiencies by recruiting the anti-masking functions of the middle ear muscles in order to optimize the transfer function of the middle ear for the processing of human speech. In certain embodiments, an individual may be subjected to a training protocol comprising one or more training sessions. During each training session, acoustic stimuli are provided to a subject for a period of time, with or without accompanying visual stimulation. A user response may be determined, for example, before beginning the protocol, during a session, after a session, and/or upon completion of the protocol. Such user response may be employed to adjust the acoustic stimulation, and the adjusted acoustic stimulation may be provided to the subject during a subsequent training session (or at a subsequent time within the same training session).

Abstract: Described herein is a device (100) for inducing and maintaining sleep in which one of a number of sleep programs can be selected in accordance with the requirement of a user, in addition, a background can be selected by the user which forms part of the program. The device (100) includes a display (120) and a control panel (130) mounted in a housing (110). Individual sleep programs are selected using the control panel (130) and the display (120). The device (100) includes processing unit (140) connected to a memory (150) and a driver (160) for a pair of speakers (170, 175) through which the selected sleep program is played to the user.

Abstract: A sound enrichment system for provision of tinnitus relief, the sound enrichment system includes a noise generator, at least one signal modulator for random or pseudo-random modulation of a noise signal that is obtained using the noise generator, and an output transducer for conversion of the modulated noise signal to an acoustic signal for presentation to a user. A method of providing a noise enriched sound signal for provision of relief of tinnitus includes generating a randomly or pseudo-randomly modulated noise signal, generating an acoustic noise signal using the modulated noise signal, and presenting the acoustic noise signal to a tinnitus suffering person.

Abstract: A method of brain wave analysis is to be implemented using a brain wave measuring instrument and a medical device. The method includes transmitting a nerve stimulation signal to cerebrum of a patient, measuring the nerve stimulation signal through the body of the patient so as to obtain discharge time information, measuring a brain wave signal from a head portion of the patient, obtaining energy distribution information according to the brain wave signal, and calculating behavior information according to the discharge time information and the energy distribution information.

Abstract: A digital processor system obtains at least one time-domain signal representing brain activity and at least one time-domain signal representing heart activity, each having a time-varying signal value. The system produces representations of a plurality of acoustic signals, each of which corresponds to a respective time-domain signal and is produced by concurrently generating a plurality of acoustic parameters, including a plurality of time-varying acoustic parameters. One or more of the plurality of time-varying acoustic parameters is modulated in accordance with at least the signal value of the respective time-domain signal. Each representation of an acoustic signal of the plurality of acoustic signals is further produced by combining the concurrently generated plurality of acoustic parameters to produce the representation of the acoustic signal corresponding to the respective time-domain signal.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, stimuli are intermittently presented to the left or right side of a user. For example, this invention may comprise a method of presenting stimuli to a bilateral organism, which organism has a left side and a right side, wherein: (a) the stimuli are produced by at least one transducer, (b) the stimuli include an intermittent beat train, and (c) the beat train has a beat frequency that is substantially equal to 7.8×(1.618)n Hz, where n is an even integer, which even integer may be negative, zero or positive.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor component, includes a common mode filter monolithically integrated with a protection device. The common mode filter includes a plurality of coils and the protection device has a terminal coupled to a first coil and another terminal coupled to a second coil.

Abstract: A music generating system comprising sensors configured to acquire data sets related to physiological and environmental condition of a user and a computing device comprising a processor and a memory. The computing device is configured to read, by a data acquisition module, the data sets received from the sensors, to perform, by a data analysis module, a value range analysis of the data sets received to normalize the data sets, to map, with the help of the data analysis module, each of the normalized data sets to families of sounds stored in a data store, to create, by the data analysis module, individual music pieces on the basis of a time series analysis and a frequency analysis of the normalized data sets mapped to the families of sounds and to merge, by a music generation module, the individual music pieces to create a final piece of music.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for controlling execution of multimedia data. One or more information blocks of multimedia data including audio sounds are determined. Also, one or more frequency differences in the audio sounds for each of the one or more information blocks of the audio data is determined. The control of the execution of the multimedia data is based, at least in part on, a comparison of the one or more frequency differences to one or more prestored frequency values.

Abstract: A portable computing device using power consumption reduction and a method of operating therefor. The method can include the following steps: determining, in a sensor in the portable computing device, orientation changes of the portable computing device; determining, in the portable computing device, a status of a first operation of the portable computing device; determining, in the portable computing device, a status of a second operation of the portable computing device; discontinuing, in the portable computing device, the second operation in response to when the orientation changes of the portable computing device are less than a threshold, and in response to the status of the first operation and the status of the second operation; and outputting, on a display of the portable computing device, an indication to a user that the second operation has been discontinued.

Abstract: A method for deriving optimal discriminating features indicative of a subject state when the subject listens to one of a set of musical pieces, comprising a step of extracting frequency features from the subject's EEG signal when the subject is in a first subject state and a second subject state, the frequency features being extracted from more than one frequency band in one set of time segments; and identifying optimal discriminating features from the extracted frequency features, the optimal discriminating features indicative of characteristics of the EEG signal when the subject is in the first subject state and the second subject state, wherein one of the first subject state and the second subject state indicates that the subject likes a musical piece while the other state indicates that the subject does not like the musical piece.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor component, includes a common mode filter monolithically integrated with a protection device. The common mode filter includes a plurality of coils and the protection device has a terminal coupled to a first coil and another terminal coupled to a second coil.

Abstract: A binaural hearing aid system (100) is adapted to provide binaural beats to a hearing aid user. The invention further provides a method of generating binaural beats.

Abstract: The treatment of tinnitus may include a tinnitus therapy including generating a tinnitus therapy sound that is similar to a patient's perceived tinnitus sound. In one example, a method for generating a tinnitus adjusted sound may include presenting a plurality of different sound templates to a user from a series of tinnitus therapy sound templates, receiving a selection by the user of one or more of the templates, receiving an adjustment to one or more of the selected templates, and generating a therapy sound based on the adjusted selections.

Abstract: The brain state support apparatus 1 comprises a stimulus applying device 2, a light detecting device 3, a calculating section 13 for calculating the changed amount of total hemoglobin and the changed amount of oxygen saturation based on the light information, a determination section 14 for determining whether the brain state of the human body is in at least one of a relaxation mode, a concentration mode and an intermediate mode, based on the changed amount of total hemoglobin and the changed amount of oxygen saturation by applying a stimulus of an electrical signal having a predetermined frequency to the acupoint of the human body through the stimulus applying device 2; and a stimulus adjusting section 15 for adjusting a quantity of stimulus to be applied to an acupoint of the human body by the stimulus applying device 2.

Abstract: Systems and methods for brain stimulation.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing anxiety of a patient during medical scanning in a medical scanner which may produce significant levels of acoustic noise. A processor or control unit receives a measure of variation in a parameter of the scanner noise during the medical scanning. The processor then generates outputs to audio and video playback units that present an audio-video scenery to the patient during the scanning in accordance with the measure of variation in the parameter of the scanner noise. An image object in the video imagery is linked to the audio signal, so as to distract the patient's attention away from the scanner noise. The audio-video scenery may be switched according to an estimated scanner noise level. An effective distraction of the patient is obtained with a limited audio signal level which is far lower than the scanner noise.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pacifier system adapted to imitate the closeness of a subject at rest.

Abstract: A message playing system includes a plurality of comfort devices, each having a soft, huggable body and an electronic circuit in the body. The electronic circuit includes a WiFi or other wireless communication circuit for wireless electronic message communications. Each comfort device includes a display device for displaying messages. A server is connected over a communication network that includes at least one wireless communication link to each comfort device. The server is configured to receive and store messages and identification information for each message. The server is further configured to transmit the plurality of messages from the server to the comfort devices associated with the messages.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating sleep disorders such as sleep terrors are provided, which may include any number of features. One feature is an apparatus configured to partially awaken a user to treat a sleep disorder. The apparatus can include one or more sensors configured to monitor a sleep parameter of the user, one or more therapeutic devices configured to apply a therapy to the user to partially awaken the user, and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the sensors and therapeutic devices to determine when to apply the therapy, and how to apply the therapy so as to only partially awaken the user.

Abstract: A wake-up system includes an illumination apparatus and an interface apparatus. A wake-up time is input to the interface apparatus. The illumination apparatus varies output and color temperature of wake-up light that it irradiates. The output of the irradiated wake-up light is increased from a wake-up operation start time to the wake-up time. Color temperature of the wake-up light is controlled to become higher in one period than in another period between the wake-up operation start time to the wake-up time.

Abstract: A device (1), for calming down a subject, comprises a content delivering means (12,14) adapted for delivering a content in a first mode, at least one sensor (22, 24, 26, 28, 29) configured to detect an activity level of the subject and a controlling unit operatively coupled to the at least one sensor. The controlling unit receives the detected activity level and compares the detected activity level with a pre-determined threshold activity level. The controlling unit is capable of changing the delivery of the content to a second mode when the detected activity level is above the threshold activity level.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention describe mechanisms configured to monitor, track, and manage symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. According to particular embodiments, a system includes sensors configured to monitor repetitive motion exhibited by a user with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The sensors are connected to a processor that is configured to determine whether the repetitive motion exhibited by the user exceeds an autism episode threshold. Once the autism episode threshold has been reached, the processor can access from memory an autism episode alleviation action associated with the user. Materials associated with the autism episode alleviation action can be presented to the user through an output interface, such that presentation of these materials is configured to reduce the severity or duration of the autism episode.

Abstract: An infant calming/sleep-aid/SIDS detection device is provided that includes a main moving platform that moves in a variable manner with accompanying variable sound generation, the sound and motion adapted to calm a fussy baby, induce sleep, and maintain sleep under normal conditions. The device may also have a sensor for detection of pauses in breathing and/or detection of resultant biological changes related to breathing pauses and respond with appropriate stimuli to arouse the baby and allow breathing to recommence.