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 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: Described herein is a device (100) for inducing and maintaining sleep in which one of a number of sleep programmes can be selected in accordance with the requirement of a user, !n addition, a background can be selected by the user which forms part of the programme. The device (100) includes a display (120) and a control panel (130) mounted in a housing (110). individual sleep programmes 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 programme is played to the user.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method are directed to qualifying an image(s) and exposing an individual to the qualified image(s) for the purpose of eliciting a relaxation response. More specifically, a sequential rendition of qualified images are presented to either a normal or cognitively impaired person in order to elicit relaxation and/or reduce agitation. Qualified images include those with both particular natural landscape content or elements (e.g., low vegetative growth, an open area, trees, a horizon, a visible sky, an absence of any man-made structures, and fresh water) and a particular average fractal dimension.

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: Disclosed herein is a sleep aid device including: an electrode arranged on the surface of a pillow in such a manner as to come into contact with the scalp of a user; a brain wave signal acquisition section adapted to acquire a brain wave signal of the user via the electrode; an analysis section adapted to analyze the acquired brain wave signal; and a control section adapted to control the execution of a preset process according to the sleep stage representing the depth of sleep of the user identified by the analysis result.

Abstract: An electrically powered device (160) including an insertion component (165) for insertion into the ear cavity of a user, the device (160) including at least one inductor (170) operatively connected to a control circuit (175), the control circuit (175) providing electrical energy to the at least one inductor (170) wherein the insertion component (165) includes the at least one inductor (170) such that when in use, the at least one inductor (170) is in close proximity to the inner ear of the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems and methods for detecting neurological activity indicative of a dream state of a human. Many embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems and methods for detecting neurological activity of a human indicative of a dream state or the onset thereof and delivering an input to the user (such as an audio or other sensory input) during the dream state. Particular embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for detecting neurological activity indicative of the onset or occurrence of a dream state of a human and delivering an audio or other sensory input during the user's dream state. The audio input may be used for learning, delivering messages to the user's subconscious, and/or promoting a state of relaxation.

Abstract: By using an iterative loop of data collection, binaural tone generation/presentation, and analysis binaural tones can be introduced to induce an existing brain state to change from one associated with being awake to a state associated with being asleep. The current state of an individual's brain is determined by measuring movement and electrical activity. Using this data a binaural tone can be generated to induce the brain state to change. As the state of the brain is continually monitored the applied binaural tone is modified and applied until the desired sleep state is obtained.

Abstract: Techniques associated with a combination speaker and light source (“speaker-light device”) responsive to states of an organism based on sensor data are described, including generating chemical sensor data in response to one or more chemicals sensed by one or more chemical sensors in the same or different speaker-light devices. A scent generator may be activated to counter an odor caused by a chemical detected by the chemical sensor(s). The speaker-light device may activate an air mover operative to circulate ambient air over the chemical sensor. The speaker-light device may take an appropriate action in response to detected chemicals that affect states of the organism. Some or all of the actions taken may be taken by other devices in communication with the speaker-light device(s). An action may include generating and presenting a path or route to be taken by a user to an area of safety or reduced chemical concentration.

Abstract: A system and a method for improving a person's sleep is disclosed, wherein the system comprises a bedding layer comprising a plurality of individually controllable thermally adjustable zones, a plurality of temperature sensors, wherein at least one temperature sensor per thermally adjustable zone is dispersed throughout the bedding layer, and means for controlling the heating power of each thermally adjustable zone, wherein the system is configured for controlling the heating power of the thermally adjustable zones in which the body presence is detected. The method comprises detecting the position of the body of the person on or underneath a bedding layer, and controlling the heating and cooling of each individual thermally adjustable zone in which the body presence is detected. A computer program product for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Biofeedback virtual reality sleep assistant technologies monitor one or more physiological parameters while presenting an immersive environment. The presentation of the immersive environment changes over time in response to changes in the values of the physiological parameters. The changes in the presentation of the immersive environment are configured using biofeedback technology and are designed to promote sleep.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of modifying music files to induce a desired state of consciousness. First and second modulations are introduced into a music file such that, when the music file is played, both of the modulations occur simultaneously. Additional modulations can be introduced, as well as sound tones at window frequencies.