Abstract: A method for training of auditory and graphical discrimination in humans, and a human's short term memory, is provided within an animated game environment. The method provides a number of stimulus sets, each stimulus set having similar sounding phonemes associated with graphemes. Upon initiation of a trial, a grid of tiles is presented to a subject. The subject selects the tiles, one at a time. As the tiles are selected, an associated phoneme is presented to the subject. The subject clears away tiles by pairing them with identical tiles. When all the tiles in a trial are cleared, the subject is either promoted or demoted in skill level. Promotion/demotion varies the number of tiles presented, the phonemes used within each trial, and the amount of audio processing that is applied to the phonemes.

Abstract: A method for training of auditory and graphical discrimination in humans is provided within an animated game environment. The method provides a number of stimulus sets, each stimulus set having a target phoneme and a plurality of associated foils (similar sounding phonemes). Upon initiation of a trial, a target phoneme is presented to a subject. Subsequently, the target phoneme is presented to the subject, along with one of the associated foils, in randomized order. As the target phoneme and associated foil is presented, a graphical animation associates the target and foil each with its own graphical image. The subject then designates identification of the target phoneme by selecting its associated image. Speech processing is used to provide multiple levels of emphasis for enhancing the subject's ability to discriminate between the target phoneme and the foils.

Abstract: Computer implemented training exercises present stimuli to a user and receive responses by the user to the stimuli. The stimuli are specifically selected to challenge and improve a cognitive ability of the user, e.g., the ability to perceive and understand spoken language. As a result, the stimuli cannot be changed or adapted to motivate the user through entertainment. Motivation is therefore provided by periodic reward animations which include persistent plots and characters. Progress indicators represent progress toward reward animations and represent such progression with smooth, entertaining progress animations. Randomly appearing animations and variations in rewards and immediate feedback add to the surprise and curiosity of the user and motivate further correct responses to see further random animations and variations. Progress indicators also represent a relation between the number of steps taking toward completion of a task and a maximum number of steps which should be needed to complete the task.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer implemented method for remotely administering and monitoring cognitive tests on a person using a computer network having a remote computer and a remote administering computer. The computer-implemented method includes administering a set of baseline cognitive tests to the person. The method further includes repeatedly administering a set of cognitive tests, obtaining a performance response of the person to the tests and uploading the testing information via the computer network. The method may also include monitoring the performance of the person. A database may be built from the performance response of multiple persons. The computer-implemented method includes administration using at least two computers where at least one is local and the other is remote.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for improving biochemical-based therapy, or other forms of therapy such as surgery or radiation, in a human. Using the biochemical-based therapy for discussion, the computer-implemented method may include administering, using a computer, a first stimulus/response exercise to the human to measure at least one of an efficacy of the biochemical portion on the human and an undesirable side effect of the biochemical portion on the human. If the administering the first stimulus/response exercise measures the efficacy of the biochemical portion on the human, the method further includes improving the efficacy of the biochemical portion on the human by identifying a second stimulus/response exercise that at least maintains the efficacy of the biochemical portion on the human, and administering, using the computer, the second stimulus/response exercise to the human.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for implementing a training regimen which alleviates exaggerated sensory, perceptual, cognitive and/or emotional response problems. For example, in the aural domain, some autistic individuals are hypersensitive to one of the senses, e.g., sound. As discussed above, sounds at the specific frequency can cause discomfort to these autistic individuals even when presented at an intensity level which normally is not perceived as being too loud by most individuals. Similarly, tinnitus afflicted individuals also suffer from disconcerting perceived ringing sensations in their ears. The present invention hypothesizes that a catastrophic cascade of responses within a “supergroup” of auditory neurons is triggered by a hypersensitive response to a particular frequency or range of frequencies.

Abstract: Computer-implemented perceptual and cognitive training techniques for remediating schizophrenia, either prophylactically prior to the onset of clinically observable schizophrenic behaviors or after the development of schizophrenia symptoms in a person. The computer-implemented behavioral exercises are designed to be sufficiently intensive, both in the number of repetitions and in the attentional focus related to task difficulty, such that permanent changes in neurotransmitter expression are achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training of auditory and graphical discrimination in humans is provided. The method and apparatus provides a number of stimulus sets, each stimulus set having a target phoneme, and associated grapheme, and a number of distractor phonemes, and associated graphemes. Upon initiation of a trial, a target phoneme is presented to a subject. A stimulus stream is then prepared that consists of a random sequence of distractor phonemes. Located within the sequence of distractor phonemes is the target phoneme. The stimulus sequence is presented to the subject for identification of the target phoneme within the sequence. Speech processing is used to provide multiple levels of emphasis for enhancing a subject's ability to discriminate between similarly sounding phonemes. The processing is applied to the presentation of the target phoneme and the stimulus stream.

Abstract: A system for stimulating brain plasticity releases acetylcholine into the learner's brain while the learner is receiving incoming stimuli or performing an activity during the learning process. It is believed that acetylcholine helps the brain in the learning and memorizing process. In one embodiment, the nucleus basalis region of the learner's brain is electrically stimulated to release acetylcholine, thereby aiding the learning and memorizing process. The electrical stimulation advantageously reduces the need for the learner to attach “behavioral importance” and to pay close attention on the incoming stimuli or activity to stimulate the release of acetylcholine. In other embodiments, delivery systems such as microinjection, implanted micro release devices or implanted photo-sensitive release devices may be used to release acetylcholine into the brain to aid the learning process.

Abstract: A method for adaptively training a human subject to process, and to distinguish between, similar acoustic events that are common in spoken language is provided. The method utilizes sequences of up/down frequency sweeps, of varying frequency and duration, and having varying inter stimulus intervals (ISI) between the frequency sweeps. A sequence is presented to the subject for order identification. The subject must listen to the up/down order of a sequence, and signal identification of the up/down order according to what s/he heard. Signal identification is provided utilizing a computer display, a mouse, and graphical buttons corresponding to the up/down frequency sweeps. Correct order identification causes the process to adaptively reduce the ISI separating the frequency sweeps, to reduce the duration of the frequency sweeps, to alter the frequency of the frequency sweeps, and to increase the number of frequency sweeps within a sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training of auditory and graphical discrimination in humans is provided. The method and apparatus provides a number of stimulus sets, each stimulus set having a target phoneme, and associated grapheme, and a number of distractor phonemes, and associated graphemes. Upon initiation of a trial, a target phoneme is presented to a subject. A stimulus stream is then prepared that consists of a random sequence of distractor phonemes. Located within the sequence of distractor phonemes is the target phoneme. The stimulus sequence is presented to the subject for identification of the target phoneme within the sequence. Speech processing is used to provide multiple levels of emphasis for enhancing a subject's ability to discriminate between similarly sounding phonemes. The processing is applied to the presentation of the target phoneme and the stimulus stream.

Abstract: The invention relates, in one embodiment to a computer-implemented method for dynamically tailoring dosages of a biochemical compound administered to a human under a biochemical-based therapy program. The method includes administering a first plurality of stimulus exercises to the human over a period of time. The first plurality of stimulus exercises are administered to the human after at least one administration of the biochemical compound. The method also includes measuring responses from the first plurality of stimulus exercises to assess efficacy levels of the biochemical portion on the human as a function of time over the period of time. The method further includes dynamically modulating the dosages of the biochemical compound responsive to the efficacy levels measured from the first plurality of stimulus exercises.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique for remediating depression in a person which includes assessing, using a computer-implemented interactive behavioral assessment regime, a depression index for the person. If the depression index is above a predefined benchmark, the computer-implemented technique includes periodically reassessing the depression index by waiting for at least a predefined period of time, and performing the above assessing step after the predefined period of time expires. If the depression index is below the predefined benchmark, treating the person by administering computer-implemented interactive behavioral training to the person. The computer-implemented interactive behavioral training is sufficiently intensive during each training day to create a permanent change in modulatory functions of neurotransmitters of one of norepinephrine and serotonin in the person.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training the cognitive and memory systems in a subject is provided. The apparatus and method incorporates a number of different programs to be played by the subject. The programs artificially process selected portions of language elements, called phonemes, so they will be more easily distinguished by the subject, and gradually improves the subject's neurological processing and memory of the elements through repetitive stimulation. The programs continually monitor a subject's ability to distinguish the processed language elements, and adaptively configures the programs to challenge and reward the subject by altering the degree of processing. Through adaptive control and repetition of processed speech elements, and presentation of the speech elements in a creative fashion, a subject's cognitive processing of acoustic events common to speech, and memory of language constructs associated with speech elements are significantly improved.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for diagnosing and/or treating tinnitus in a human subject is disclosed. The method includes generating tonal stimuli for characterizing the intensity and frequency range of the tinnitus. The method further includes generating a set of tonal stimuli used in tests comprised of tasks designed to treat the tinnitus of the human subject. The tests may be readministered at varying levels of difficulty based on the performance of the human subject. The computer-implemented method further includes providing the set of tests to the human being and receiving a response from the human being. The response from the human subject is compared to a performance threshold before potential modification of the tests. The computer-implemented method includes administration using at least two computers where at least one is local and the other is remote.

Abstract: Computer implemented training exercises present stimuli to a user and receive responses by the user to the stimuli. The stimuli are specifically selected to challenge and improve a cognitive ability of the user, e.g., the ability to perceive and understand spoken language. As a result, the stimuli cannot be changed or adapted to motivate the user through entertainment. Motivation is therefore provided by periodic reward animations which include persistent plots and characters. Progress indicators represent progress toward reward animations and represent such progression with smooth, entertaining progress animations. Randomly appearing animations and variations in rewards and immediate feedback add to the surprise and curiosity of the user and motivate further correct responses to see further random animations and variations. Progress indicators also represent a relation between the number of steps taking toward completion of a task and a maximum number of steps which should be needed to complete the task.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for the identification and treatment of language perception problems in specific language impaired (SLI) individuals. The invention provides a method and apparatus for screening individuals for SLI and training individuals who suffer from SLI to remediate the effects of the impairment by using the spectral content of interfering sound stimuli and the temporal ordering or direction of the interference between the stimuli.

Abstract: A student user of a client computer system uses a teaching process to promote development of cognitive skills of the student, and a supervisor uses a second client computer to remotely monitor the progress of the student. The teaching process presents various types of stimuli to the student and records student response data which correspond to the stimuli. In addition, the teaching process forms evaluation data from the student response data where the evaluation data represents a correlation between the student response data for respective stimuli and predetermined correct response data for respective stimuli. Furthermore, the teaching process modifies its own behavior according to the evaluation data to thereby tailor the behavior of the teaching process to the cognitive abilities of the student. The student response data is uploaded to a global student database which is accessible to a supervisor user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training the sensory perceptual system in a language learning impaired (LLI) subject is provided. The apparatus and method incorporates a number of different programs to be played by the subject. The programs artificially process selected portions of language elements, called phonemes, so they will be more easily distinguished by an LLI subject, and gradually improves the subject's neurological processing of the elements through repetitive stimulation. The programs continually monitor a subject's ability to distinguish the processed language elements, and adaptively configures the programs to challenge and reward the subject by altering the degree of processing. Through adaptive control and repetition of processed speech elements, and presentation of the speech elements in a creative fashion, a subject's temporal processing of acoustic events common to speech are significantly improved.

Abstract: A student user of a client computer system uses a teaching process to promote development of cognitive skills of the student and a supervisor uses a second client computer to remotely monitor the progress of the student. The teaching process presents various types of stimuli to the student and records student response data which correspond to the stimuli. In addition, the teaching process forms evaluation data from the student response data where the evaluation data represents a correlation between the student response data for respective stimuli and predetermined correct response data for respective stimuli. Furthermore, the teaching process modifies its own behavior according to the evaluation data to thereby tailor the behavior of the teaching process to the cognitive abilities of the student. The student response data is uploaded to a global student database which is accessible to a supervisor user.