Abstract: An implantable device system comprising an implantable medical device, an external transceiver device and a service center. The implantable medical device comprises a battery and an electronic module including a stimulation pulse generator, a sensing stage, a control unit adapted to collect data representing values of operational parameters (e.g. peak or average current consumption, high/low/average voltage level) of the battery and the electronics. The external transceiver device comprises an external transceiver unit and a data communication interface and the service center comprises another data communication interface adapted to allow data communication with the external transceiver device.

Abstract: A system and method are for monitoring control signals provided to a medical apparatus bases upon tactile feedback from the apparatus. The system and method employ a monitoring signal indicative of a parameter relating to the apparatus or to a condition of a patient associated with the apparatus.

Abstract: A perineometer exercise probe for home or clinical use assesses the strength of pelvic floor muscles and provides audible, visual and tactile biofeedback signals as training aids during pelvic exercises. The exercise probe is selectively operable in a passive reaction mode, in which audible, visual and tactile biofeedback signals proportional to pelvic muscle contractions are generated, and in an active vibrating mode in which therapeutic vibrations are applied directly to internal pelvic musculature with or without co-generation of biofeedback signals proportional to the strength of pelvic muscle contractions; and in a combination of both modes simultaneously. The probe reacts the pelvic contraction forces and thus provides passive tactile feedback signals that are experienced simultaneously with audible, visual and vibration-induced tactile biofeedback signals for improving the endurance and strength of pelvic floor muscles.

Abstract: This invention discloses a medical measuring apparatus that includes a medical measuring body and a transparent display unit. The medical measuring body is used for measuring at least one physiological information such as body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, blood sugar, blood oxygen, uric acid, cholesterol, pH value, body fat or bone density. The transparent display unit includes two corresponding display surfaces for displaying the physiological information, and the two display surface are mirrored or inverted, so that the two display surfaces can display identical physiological information to provide different view angles from different directions.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system provides enhanced functional capability relative to known systems and provides a wireless communication link between a patient monitoring device, worn by a patient, and a local hub. The patient monitoring system is adapted to monitor various patient physiological characteristics, such as blood pressure, pulse rate, blood glucose, weight, pulse oximetry and others. The data from the patient monitoring device is wirelessly transmitted to a local hub, which, in turn, is configured to automatically transfer the data to a remote server, for example, over a public or private communications network. In one embodiment of the invention, the server is configured as a web portal to selectively allow access to such patient physiological data by designated third parties, such as physicians, clinicians, relatives and the patient themselves.

Abstract: In a method and system for treating pain or impairment a video imaging device obtains image frames of a continuous portion of the patient's body including a selected impaired member in proper spatial relationship to a facial image of the patient. A processor coupled to the imaging device processes the image frames to form composite image frames in substantially real time wherein the impaired member is replaced by a virtual image of a corresponding healthy member so as to depict the imaged portion of the patient's body performing healthy movement of the selected impaired member. An interface is coupled to the processor for controlling virtual movement of the impaired limb in the composite image frames, and a display screen is coupled to the processor for displaying at least some of the composite image frames in substantially real time synchronism with operation of the interface.

Abstract: A vital sign display device and method which allows a vital sign to be checked easily is provided. A vital sign item name is displayed at the center of a circle radar (50). The circle part of the circle radar (50) is colored in gray, for example, at the beginning of the measurement. An indication point moves clockwise in the circle radar (50) as the measurement time proceeds. Green is displayed while VPCs (ventricular premature contractions) do not occur, and red is displayed when VPCs occur.

Abstract: A medical monitor is disclosed for implantation in a human body for monitoring biological activity and states as detected by implanted sensors. The medical monitor includes at least one hard disk drive. A transmitter and receiver for produces and transmits signals. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the at least one disk drive. An enclosure surrounds the at least one hard disk drive, where the enclosure includes a shock-proofing system.

Abstract: A broad method consisting of the composition and creation of music wherein musical cues are contained for the purpose of synchronizing the breathing cycle with a 5.88 second musical interval for the purpose of synchronizing the heart rate variability cycle with the breathing cycle. The method wherein a 5.88 second interval is incorporated into musical composition for the purpose of producing said music and the identification and incorporation of 21 novel tempos as the basis of producing said interval. Also addressed is the method and system of incorporating the 21 novel tempos into metronomes and music synthesizers for the purpose of producing said tempos and music of said tempos, respectively.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus that includes a sensor device and an I/O device in communication with the sensor device that generates derived data using the data from the sensor device. The derived data cannot be directly detected by the associated sensors. Alternatively, an apparatus that includes a wearable sensor device and an I/O device in communication with the sensor device that includes means for displaying information and a dial for entering information. Alternatively, an apparatus for tracking caloric consumption and caloric expenditure data that includes a sensor device and an I/O device in communication with the sensor device. The sensor device includes a processor programmed to generate data relating to caloric expenditure from sensor data. Alternatively, an apparatus for tracking caloric information for an individual that utilizes a plurality of classification identifiers for classifying meals consumed by the individual, each of the classification identifiers having a corresponding caloric amount.

Abstract: A medical monitor is disclosed for implantation in a human body for monitoring biological activity and states as detected by implanted sensors. The medical monitor includes a primary disk drive and a secondary disk drive, where the secondary disk drive mirrors the primary disk drive. An enclosure surrounds at least one of the primary and secondary drives. A transmitter and receiver for produces and transmits signals. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the primary disk drive, and the secondary disk drive.

Abstract: An EEG neurofeedback and total evoked brain activity measurement methods utilize minimum ambient EEG activity as stimulant frequencies. A method of using repetitive stimulation in conjunction with EEG neurofeedback protocols is described. Electrodes, attached to a subject's scalp, transmit electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from the subject. These signals are in response to the visual and/or auditory stimuli being displayed to the subject. The resultant EEG signals are then filtered at pre-defined frequencies or frequency bands. The output from the filtered EEG signals is then analyzed and monitored for short-term state changes. The invention also uses flicker stimulation, real-time signal filtration and feedback, feedback during audio and visual stimulation derived from filtered outputs, and fundamental and integral harmonics in combination with total evoked response.

Abstract: A detecting, monitoring and reporting apparatus includes at least two sensors for facilitating the generation of data indicative of physiological parameters of the individual and/or data indicative of a contextual parameters of the individual. A processor is coupled to the sensors and is adapted to generate at least one of derived data from at least a portion of the data indicative of physiological parameters and analytical status data from at least a portion of at least one of the data indicative of physiological parameters, the data indicative of contextual parameters, the derived data and the analytical status data. A memory retrievably stores the data and one of various ways of transmitting the data is provided.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring an individual. The system includes a server system for generating a script program from a set of queries. The script program is executable by a remote apparatus that displays information and/or a set of queries to the individual through a user interface. Responses to the queries that are entered through the user interface together with individual identification information are sent from the remote apparatus to the server system across a communication network. The server system also includes an automated answering service for providing a series of questions from a stored set of questions for an individual at the remote apparatus to respond to, storing responses to each provided question in the series of questions and providing a service based on the individual's response to the questions.

Abstract: A method of managing weight by using calorie consumption information, the method including: receiving target information from a user; receiving calorie consumption data of the user; analyzing the calorie consumption data based on the target information; and providing feedback to the user for a result of the analyzing the calorie consumption data.

Abstract: A method of detecting lie detection including the steps of first conditioning the subject to produce an involuntary physiological response triggered when the subject provides false statements; and secondly asking the subject to state whether each of series of statements presented to the subject are true. As the subject answers, the subject is monitored for the conditioned involuntary response. Detecting whether the subject is providing false statements is based on whether the involuntary response is observed during these answers. A system (19) for lie detection includes a computing device (21), a controller (40), and at least one conditioning interface (42, 44).

Abstract: A medical monitor is disclosed for implantation in a human body for monitoring biological activity and states as detected by implanted sensors. The medical monitor includes at least one hard disk drive. A transmitter and receiver for produces and transmits signals. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the at least one disk drive. An enclosure surrounds the at least one hard disk drive, where the enclosure includes sound-proofing materials.

Abstract: A closed loop brain-machine interface is disclosed. The closed loop brain-machine interface translates one or more neural signals into a movement, or a series of movements, performed by a machine. The close-loop brain-machine interface also provides sensory feedback to the subject. Methods of employing the closed loop brain-machine interface are also disclosed.

Abstract: Data measured by a thermometer is temporarily stored in a connection terminal, then transmitted to a server from the connection terminal via a network, and stored. The server makes analyses based on the stored temperature data, and transmits the analysis results. Thus, a body temperature managing and analyzing method, providing information unobtainable with a thermometer alone, can be provided by managing and analyzing body temperature over a network.

Abstract: A sensor array and computing apparatus are located on the human body while maintaining said sensors and apparatus within a proximity zone of the body such that the mobility and flexibility of the body are not deleteriously affected by the presence of the apparatus. The system permits the dynamic monitoring of human physiological status data without substantial interference in human motion and flexibility. A processor is mounted within a pod location with or adjacent to a sensor pod location, or said processor may be electrically connected to said sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a biofeedback session. The system utilizes distributed processing that includes localized processing capability allowing a user to initiate a self-controlled biofeedback session and additionally includes remote processing capabilities enabling simultaneous remote analysis and monitoring of the session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing a user's learning capacity includes generating a reference signal having occurrences separated by time intervals and receiving from a user a manipulation of a trigger. A temporal relationship is determined between user manipulation of the trigger and occurrence of the reference signal. A guidance signal is generated that is a function of the temporal relationship and is, at least occasionally, presented to the user. A visual image may be displayed that is varying in appearance as a function of user manipulation of the trigger. The guide signal may be withheld for user manipulations of the trigger that are within a particular range that encompasses an occurrence of the reference signal. A direction signal may be generated that indicates a desired user manipulation of the trigger relative to the reference signal. The trigger may be adapted to be manipulated by a young child user.

Abstract: A sleep efficiency monitor and methods for pacing and leading a sleeper through an optimal sleep pattern. Embodiments of the present invention include a physiological characteristic monitor for monitoring the sleep stages of a sleeper, a sensory stimulus generator for generating stimulus to affect the sleep stages of a sleeper, and a processor for determining what sleep stage the sleeper is in and what sensory stimulus is needed to cause the sleeper to move to another sleep stage. A personalized sleep profile may also be established for the sleeper and sleep guided in accordance with the profile parameters to optimize a sleep session. By providing sensory stimulus to a sleeper, the sleeper may be guided through the various sleep stages in an optimal pattern so that the sleeper awakens refreshed even if sleep is disrupted during the night or the sleeper's allotted sleep period is different than usual. Embodiments of the invention also involve calibration of the sleep guidance system to a particular sleeper.

Abstract: A non-invasive remote diagnostic system includes a central processing unit (CPU) adapted to feed an image of a patient such as a digital photograph to be displayed to an operator by a first computer monitor. A second computer monitor is displaying a realistic outline of a target area of diagnostic interest such as an outline of a human organ or a particular portion thereof. These two monitors together with a CPU are adapted to induce a state of heightened consciousness and intuition of a system operator. A detecting/evaluating unit is sensing non-invasively the operator's biofeedback response while the operator is exposed to the images. The biofeedback response is converted to an electrical signal and is fed back into the CPU to compare against a predetermined database of similar signals obtained from volunteers with known diseases. The biofeedback signal allows a non-invasive remote diagnosis of a patient's state of health.

Abstract: A finger temperature detecting device includes a carrier, a finger-attachment member extending from the carrier, a temperature sensor mounted in the carrier for detecting skin temperature of the finger of the wearer, and means of informing the wearer when a temperature value detected by the temperature sensor is larger than the precedent reading. The finger-attachment member is wearable on a finger of a wearer and allows adjustment in wearing tightness to securely retain appropriate attachment of the temperature sensor to a fixed survey area of finger surface. In another embodiment, a seat extends from the carrier for receiving the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation device for applying electrical stimulation to living tissue, including a plurality of electrode pairs adapted to be applied along a spinal area of a person, a sensing device for sensing breathing of the person, and a controller connected to receive signals from the sensing device and control operation of the electrode pairs, the controller being configured to, based on signals received from the sensing device, cause the electrode pairs to apply stimulating electrical pulses to areas of the person to which they are respectively applied.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving health of a user is provided, including a first sensor, adapted to measure a first physiological variable, which is indicative of a voluntary action of the user. A second sensor is adapted to measure a second physiological variable, which is substantially governed by an autonomic nervous system of the user. Circuitry is adapted to receive respective first and second sensor signals from the first and second sensors, and, responsive thereto, to generate an output signal which directs the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action.

Abstract: It has long been unclear in what degree the brain should be activated and how much the blood volume should be varied for controlling a signal by measuring the concentration of metabolic substance in the tissue or change of concentration thereof using the light and by using the result of measurement. The present invention provides an optical measuring system which can present the concentration of metabolic substance in the tissue which may be detected with a subject by itself or the target value of change of the concentration. Thereby, it is now possible for the subject by itself to more easily detect and control the concentration of metabolic substance in the tissue or change of concentration thereof. As a result, cerebral information can be extracted in direct to realize various applications such as control of the game machines and welfare facilities.

Abstract: A portable unit provides location-related data and physiological information to a person. The preferred embodiment includes a GPS receiver, a physiological sensor receiver, a computation unit to determine location-related data from the GPS receiver and a physiological condition from the physiological sensor, and a GPS antenna configured to encircle a body part of the user. As examples, a chest strap, wrist strap, or head strap may carry at least a part of the antenna. The physiological sensor may be a heart rate sensor, an electrocardiograph sensor, or other physiological sensor. The electronics associated with the data processor, GPS receiver or physiological sensor may be contained in an enclosure separate from the antenna, or such components may be built into the body-part-encircling antenna portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for promoting movements of a subject in synergic timed correlation with physiological activity. The apparatus includes a synergic programs module that directs the movements in a temporally varying fashion. The synergic programs module causes generation of at least one signal, stimulus, or force, where the movements are performed in response to the at least one signal, stimulus, or force, where each of the at least one signal, stimulus, or force is determined so as to reduce meaning and/or emotional content to the subject, where each signal and stimulus is from a pool that comprises signals and stimuli that are sensorially understandable or recognizable by the subject, and where timing of the movements is based on at least a primary correlation factor and a secondary correlation factor. The primary correlation factor is determined so that the movements are synchronized with referential points of an intrinsically variable cyclical physiological activity.

Abstract: Implantable medical device telemetry is provided between an implantable medical device and an external communication device. The implantable medical device includes a device transmitter and/or a device receiver. The external communication device includes a moveable communication head including an antenna therein connected to at least one of an external transmitter and/or an external receiver for communication with the device transmitter and/or the device receiver of the implantable medical device. A user moves the moveable head apparatus relative to the implantable medical device. Tactile feedback is provided to the user via the moveable head apparatus upon movement of the moveable head apparatus to a position where valid telemetry can be performed.

Abstract: An electrode belt of a heart rate monitor, the electrode belt comprising one or more electrodes for measuring the heart rate on the chest, an electronics unit for handling the information to be received from the electrode, a conductor for providing electrical contact between the electronics unit and the electrode, at least one wavelike supporting structure provided with alternating upwards and downwards directing sections and intended for protecting the conductor. The conductor of the electrode belt follows the shape of the supporting structure, thus having a wavelike form.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system and method for network management. In one preferred embodiment, a medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system network is presented comprising first and second medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems coupled with a processor. An error message is sent from the first medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system to the processor, and the processor automatically analyzes and responds to the error message. In another preferred embodiment, configuration information from the first and second medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems is sent to the processor. Based on the configuration information sent from the first medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system, the processor automatically selects a software application from a plurality of software applications and sends the selected software application to the first medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: A biofeedback device for predicting an impending elimination of bodily waste in an incontinent person includes a sensing element in contact with an area of a user so as to detect electrical activity of a sphincter muscle associated therewith and a signaling element operatively connected to the sensing element that provides a signal upon an occurrence of a predetermined electrical activity for the sphincter muscle. The biofeedback device is able to predict an impending elimination of bodily waste for an incontinent person, as well as assist the incontinent person in achieving a contraction of his/her sphincter muscle.

Abstract: An artificially intelligent dual real-time monitoring and measurement device that includes stimulating, recording, transdermal pharmacological delivery electrodes, a differential amplifier, A/D converter, digital filtering, digital signal processor and software for measurement, display and storage of analog data in a personal digital computer monitoring device; the portable biofeedback monitor, can accurately monitor the onset of chemical and/or physical irritation and has visual, audible and vibratory alerts, windows compatible menu driven software, 25 biofeedback displays including bar graphs, power spectra analysis, wave form display and multi-color strobe lights. The most novel attribute of the RT/BIOCAPSIONS biofeedback monitor is that it can be used as a tool to counter terrorism.

Abstract: A plurality of pieces of medical equipment each of which includes a microcomputer and has a program used to control the microcomputer stored in a reproqrammable storage device such as an EEPROM is linked to a remote computer over a communication line. Using a rewriting/updating program sent from the computer, each piece of medical equipment rewrites or updates the program stored in the storage device. When a plurality of programs is stored, if one of the programs is rewritten or updated abnormally, the other program is used to activate medical equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method applied in connection with a personal non-invasive heart rate measuring arrangement. In the method, information is supplied to the heart rate measuring arrangement to form several heart rate limit alarm pairs, each of which comprises a lower limit and an upper limit for the heart rate. Time information on each heart rate limit pair is also supplied in the method, the time information indicating a time period during which a heart rate limit alarm pair or at least one of the heart rate limits of a heart rate limit alarm pair is effective during the exercise, controlling the exercise. A heart rate limit alarm sequence progressing in accordance with the time information on the heart rate limit alarm pairs is formed in the method from the heart rate limit alarm pairs, and the heart rate limit alarm sequence is used during the exercise to control the exercise.

Abstract: This invention is a simple, portable differential thermal biofeedback device that can be used to measure pain, anxiety, relaxation, or the defensive reflex. It compares hand temperature with head temperature and provides feedback on a voltmeter display. It can also be used to provide either hand or head temperature feedback, controlled for ambient temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for medical treatment is provided, which can reduce the load of signal processing and allows the patient to recognize the state of his/her muscular contraction more easily. The apparatus for medical treatment being operatively coupled to at least one electrode adapted to be contacted to a body portion or inserted into a body cavity, comprises: an EMG signal processor for performing a signal processing related to an EMG signal and including an envelope detector for receiving the EMG signal originated from the electrodes, and for producing an EMG envelope signal; a display unit for displaying information related to a medical treatment based on the EMG envelope signal; an operation unit; a memory for storing an treatment related data including the training goal waveform information; a stimulation signal generator for generating a stimulation signal; a main controller for controlling the operation of the above elements.

Abstract: A biofeedback device for predicting an impending elimination of bodily waste in an incontinent person includes a sensing element in contact with an area of a user so as to detect electrical activity of a sphincter muscle associated therewith and a signaling element operatively connected to the sensing element that provides a signal upon an occurrence of a predetermined electrical activity for the sphincter muscle. The biofeedback device is able to predict an impending elimination of bodily waste for an incontinent person, as well as assist the incontinent person in achieving a contraction of his/her sphincter muscle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring, diagnosing and/or treating psychological conditions and/or disorders in patients with the aid of computer-based virtual reality simulations. Pursuant to one preferred embodiment, a computer program product is used to control a computer. The program product includes a computer-readable medium, and a controlling mechanism that directs the computer to generate an output signal for controlling a video display device. The video display device is equipped to display representations of three-dimensional images, and the output signal represents a virtual reality simulation directed to diagnosis and/or treatment of a psychological condition and/or disorder.

Abstract: A medical support system includes a patient-side system including patient shooting devices for photographing a patient's body and forming respective images displaying respective parts of the patient's body; a medical-side system located at a position spaced away from the patient-side system and including an image synthesizer for splicing together, at boundary portions, respective adjacent images of the patient's body to produce a composite image displaying an area of the patient's body extending across the respective images, and a display for displaying the composite image produced by the image synthesizer; and a communication link for transmitting information between the medical-side system and the patient-side system and for transferring the images produced by the patient shooting devices to the medical-side system.

Abstract: The audio apparatus of the invention has: vital information detecting means for detecting vital information of a resident; a database which is configured by information based on the vital information, and in which at least vital information of the resident is accumulated; audio signal information generating means for, when vital information is detected by the vital information detecting means, referring to the vital information of the database, and for generating predetermined audio signal information at the detection; and audio signal producing means for producing an audio signal to the resident, the audio signal being based on the audio signal information generated by the audio signal information generating means.

Abstract: A method of detecting a thought and generating a control instruction corresponding to the thought includes detecting the thought by monitoring air pressure near a human ear when a user is thinking. In addition, the method includes providing a control instruction corresponding to the detected thought. A system for detecting a thought and generating a control instruction corresponding to the thought is also disclosed and includes a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure near a human ear when a user is thinking, wherein the sensor produces an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure. A processor processes the electrical signal to detect the thought, generates the control instruction in response to the detection, and sends a control instruction to an output peripheral which provides an output control function corresponding to the control instruction.

Abstract: Insertable insoles of flexible air-injected elastomer material with one or both said insoles containing a lithium-battery power supply (27), a microprocessor with an internal timer, an analog/digital converter, and an actuator (28), connected by at least one wire (29) to a plurality of electronic sensors (12) wrapped around the toes of the foot. The actuator vibrates a plurality of raised nodes (20) on the insole(s) with the speed and intensity of vibrations in either direct or inverse response to the level of stress experienced, as measured by physiological signals such as galvanic skin response. A thin foam lining covers the top surface of the elastomer material and cushions the feet. In addition, a washable, stretchable nylon lining (30) separates the foam from the sole of the bare foot, but a small elastic hole (32) near the toes permits said wire and sensors to extend to the skin of the toes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for biofeedback of human central nervous system activity using radiation detection. This invention uses radiation from the brain resulting either from an ingested or injected radioactive material or radio frequency excitation or light from an external source impinging on the brain. The radiation is measured by suitable means and is made available to the subject on which the measurement is being made for his voluntary control. The measurement may be metabolic products of brain activity or some quality of the blood, such as its oxygen content. One such system utilizes red and infrared light to illuminate the brain through the translucent skull and scalp. Absorption and scattering of incident radiation depends on the degree of oxygen saturation of the blood in the illuminated tissue.

Abstract: A method for determining an individual's intensity of focused attention, comprising the steps of: obtaining a representative frontal lobe brainwave signal from at least one first sensor in an electrically connective relation to the individual's frontal lobe; obtaining a representative reference signal from at least one second sensor in an electrically connective relation to a more electrically-neutral location; subtracting the representative reference signal from the representative frontal lobe brainwave signal to produce a difference frontal lobe brainwave signal, and processing the difference frontal lobe brainwave signal to produce an Attention Indicator signal indicative of the individual's intensity of focused attention, where the Attention Indicator signal is inversely proportional to any mathematical transformation of an amplitude measure of the difference frontal lobe brainwave signal; inputting the Attention Indicator signal to a device; and, repeating these steps, as desired.

Abstract: Method for treating a medical condition in a human patient comprising choosing a psychological strategy for treating the medical condition, encoding electronic instructions for an interactive video game in such a way that the interactive video game implements the psychological strategy, loading the electronic instructions into a microprocessor-based unit (10, 30) equipped with a display (14, 34) for displaying the interactive video game and with an patient input device (16, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e) for receiving responses to the interactive video game from the human patient, and instructing the human patient how and when to use the microprocessor-based unit (10) to play the interactive video game. The interactive video game contains instructions for a scoring procedure for quantitatively analyzing the medical condition of the human patient, and/or counseling instructions or self-care instructions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and associated apparatus for monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of psychological and/or emotional conditions in human patients with the aid of a micro-processor-based video game.

Abstract: Video display apparatus e.g. for use in biofeedback or in diagnosis is described. Between an audiovisual reproduction unit such as a video cassette player and a television display, the invention provides a signal modifying unit which can cause the television display to change. The amount of change and optionally also its type may depend on the sensing of a user parameter, for example a psychophysiological parameter of the user or patient such as electrodermal activity. The signal modification device is preferably pre-programmed and microprocessor controlled. It may also react to coded signals embedded in the composite video signal recorded on the video cassette.