Abstract: The present invention provides methods of improving neuropsychological function in a patient having a neurocognitive disorder by chemical or electrically modulating a target site(s) in the ventral striatum/ventral capsule region. Methods also include modulating the treatment based on a closed-loop feedback system that measures bodily activities associated with the neuropsychological function (i.e. that help to determine whether a neuropsychological function is or can be improved.

Abstract: Described here are implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep. The implantable devices are generally designed to include at least one sensor for sensing physiological information, a processor for processing the physiological information using low computational power to detect a sleep stage, and a battery. The detected sleep stage information may then be used to indicate sleep quality, identify or monitor a medical condition, or guide treatment thereof.

Abstract: Modular user-exchangeable accessory for bio-signal controlled mechanism. In some embodiments, a biosensor and a feedback mechanism is disclosed. In some embodiments, a modular user-exchangeable accessory for bio-signal controlled mechanism includes detecting bio-signal using a bio-sensor; and sending a control signal to a modular user-exchangeable accessory for bio-signal controlled mechanism. In some embodiments, the biosensor is connected to a headset, wherein the modular user-exchangeable accessory is attachable to the headset. In some embodiments, the modular user-exchangeable accessory is shaped to resemble an animal ear.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for analyzing electromagnetic brain signals such as EEG and ECoG signals in a subject in real time and which avoids the need for time-intensive retrospective analysis of brain activity in the subject. This can be applied to all complex systems with multiple fluctuating signals to identify and predict significant events.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and/or treating nervous system disorders, such as seizures. Certain embodiments of the invention relate generally to implantable medical devices (IMDs) adapted to detect and treat nervous system disorders in patients with an IMD. Certain embodiments of the invention include detection of seizures based upon comparisons of long-term and short-term representations of physiological signals. Further embodiments of the invention include preparing for the delivery of therapy by warming up therapy delivery components prior to the expected delivery of therapy.

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

Abstract: In a system having an interface that utilizes an electroencephalogram, there is realized a calibration which prevents overlooking of calibrational stimulations concerning the electroencephalogram and which is highly accurate. An electroencephalogram interface system (1) includes an interface section (100) which acquires an electroencephalogram signal from a user, distinguishes a P3 component of a visual event-related potential contained in the electroencephalogram signal after a manipulation menu is presented, and operates a device based on the distinguished P3 component. An electroencephalogram distinction method adjustment apparatus (10) is used for adjusting a distinction method in the interface section (100).

Abstract: A method for dynamically adjusting alerts of a portable electronic device is provided. The method may include steps for receiving, from a threshold value associated with an attention level of a user. The method may also include receiving one or more numeric values corresponding to a current mental state of a user from a brainwave sensor. Next, the method may compare the one or more numeric values from the brainwave sensor and the received threshold, and based at least on the comparison, the method may automatically adjust at least one alert of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using brainwaves to control real objects is provided. The method and apparatus comprise using sensors to detect the brain's electrical signals and transmit at least two brainwaves to an apparatus that converts the brainwaves into a format usable by a signal processor. The signal processor determines a coherence between portions of the brainwaves, typically in the frequency domain, and compares the coherence values, which change rapidly from moment to moment, to thresholds. Based on the comparison of the coherence value to the thresholds, which are adjusted over time based on feedback relating to success, a control signal is developed that can be sent to a real object to control 3 dimensional motion of the control object.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program for calibration of sensitivity of a subject to a drug. The subject is delivered with the drug at a delivery rate and a signal responsive to the drug is measured from the subject. When determining the sensitivity of the subject to the drug in question, a change in the delivery rate of the drug is initiated. The change in the delivery rate causes a small change in the signal responsive to the drug. The change in the measured signal caused by the drug delivery rate change is detected, and the sensitivity of the patient is determined.

Abstract: An integrated system and method for treatment of various diseases, including psychiatric, mental and brain disorders, which preferably combines personalized non-invasive neuronal brain stimulation together with appropriate personalized cognitive training, and which iteratively fine-tunes this treatment by monitoring specific cognitive and brain functions in response to the treatment. A novel brain stimulator device and method, Computerized Magnetic Photo-Electric Stimulator (CCMPES), is described, which integrates electromagnetic stimulation with laser stimulation to generate a magnetic photo-electric stimulation.

Abstract: An interactive implantable medical device system includes an implantable medical device and a network-enabled external device capable of bi-directional communication and interaction with the implantable medical device. The external device is programmed to interact with other similarly-enabled devices. The system facilitates improved patient care by eliminating unnecessary geographic limitations on implantable medical device interrogation and programming, and by allowing patients, physicians, and other users to access medical records, history, and information and to receive status and care-related alerts and messages anywhere there is access to a communications network.

Abstract: A thin-film microelectrode array tailored for long-term, minimally invasive cortical recording or stimulation and method are provided. The microelectrode array includes a flexible element that is movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration. An array of contacts is provided on the flexible element. The contacts are engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration. A link operatively connects the array of contacts to a control module. The link is capable of transmitting at least one of cortical recordings and cortical stimulation signals thereon.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide an analyte sensor subassembly that provides an integrated structure enabling suitably secure electrical contact between an analyte sensor and the electronic components of an analyte sensor assembly. An analyte sensor subassembly assists the process of inserting the sensor into skin. An analyte sensor subassembly may operate in concert with one or more sensor insertion tools to provide insertion of an analyte sensor into the skin of a subject/patient. Associated devices, such as channel guides and sensor insertion tools, are also provided, as are methods of operation and sensor insertion.

Abstract: The control method for a device includes steps of: presenting a visual stimulation concerning a manipulation menu for a device; measuring event-related potentials after the visual stimulation is presented, where event-related potentials based on a timing of presenting the visual stimulation as a starting point are measured from a potential difference between each of electrodes and at least one reference electrode respectively worn on a face and in an ear periphery of a user; from each of the measured event-related potentials, extracting electroencephalogram data which is at 5 Hz or less and contains a predetermined time section, and combining the extracted electroencephalogram data into electroencephalogram characteristic data; comparing the electroencephalogram characteristic data against reference data prepared in advance for determining a desire to select an item in the manipulation menu; and, based on a comparison result, executing a manipulation of the device corresponding to the item.

Abstract: A headset for detecting brain electrical activity is disclosed. The headset may have a flexible band having a first end and a second end. The flexible band may have at least one expansible region permitting a distance between the first end and the second end to selectably vary. The headset may also have flexible circuitry in the flexible band. The flexible circuitry may be operatively connected to at least one sensor configured to sense brain electrical activity. The headset may further have a stimulus emitter coupled to the flexible band.

Abstract: A system and method for processing brain signals in a BCI system. The method of processing brain signals in a BCI system includes the steps of processing the brain signals for control state detection to determine if a subject intends to use the BCI system; and processing the brain signals for command recognition if the control state detection method determines that the subject intends to use the BCI system.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of electrical artefact compensation in measurement of a neural response. The neural response is evoked by a first stimulus, after which a compensatory stimulus is applied in order to counteract a stimulus artefact caused by the first stimulus. The invention also provides for short circuiting the stimulating electrode subsequent to the first stimulus. A system for implementing such steps is also provided. The invention may be of application in measurement of physiological responses, including neural responses and in particular a neural response of the auditory nerve.

Abstract: A system and method for brain-computer interface (BCI) based interaction. The method comprising the steps of: acquiring a person's EEG signal; processing the EEG signal to determine a motor imagery of the person; detecting a movement of the person using a detection device; and providing feedback to the person based on the motor imagery, the movement, or both; wherein providing the feedback comprises activating a stimulation element of the detection device for providing a stimulus to the person. The system comprising: means for acquiring a person's EEG signal; means for processing the EEG signal to determine a motor imagery of the person; means for detecting a movement of the person using a detection device; and means for providing feedback to the person based on the motor imagery, the movement, or both; wherein the means for providing the feedback comprises a stimulation element of the detection device for providing a stimulus to the person.

Abstract: In an electroencephalogram recording apparatus: a classification section classifies a collected sound into one of categories concerning sound pressure; an accumulation determination section determines whether or not to record an electroencephalogram of a user based on whether a number of times of data accumulation has reached a target value for the category into which the sound is classified; and an accumulation section accumulates an electroencephalogram data and a sound data in association if the electroencephalogram data is determined to be recorded. A first value is designated as a target value for a first category into which sounds of an expected minimum value are classified. A second value is designated as a target value for a second category into which any sound having a sound pressure greater than the minimum value is classified. The accumulation determination section sets the first value to be equal to or greater than the second value.

Abstract: Neuronal excitation and inhibition of the brain is tracked in the hippocampal CA1 network during a latent period, wherein biomarkers are observed which include a sustained increase in the firing rate of the excitatory postsynaptic field activity, paired with a subsequent decrease in the firing rate of the inhibitory postsynaptic field activity; the mean amplitude profiles of both fEPSP and fEPSP field potential activity during the latent period have characteristic shapes; both excitatory and inhibitory CA1 field activity firing rates are observed to follow a circadian rhythm that drifts during epileptogenesis; the circadian rhythms described are in-phase in controls and anti-phase during epileptogenesis; and the fEPSP rate drifts from a circadian rhythm to a greater extent than the fEPSP rate. An additional biomarker is a change in a circadian rhythm of core body temperature. Therapeutic measures can include thermal, chemical, or electrical modulation, in an open or closed loop process.

Abstract: A treatment for Parkinson's Disease uses a stimulus electrode implanted in a subthalamic nucleus with a chemosensor implanted in a globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) of the subject. A level of a neurochemical is sensed with the chemosensor, and compared to a desired level. When the level of the neurochemical is less than desired, an electrical stimulation is provided to the stimulus electrode. In alternative embodiments, the neurochemical sensed is glutamate or dopamine. An alternative system uses a chemosensor implanted in the striatum instead of the GPi. An alternative system for treating benign essential tremor uses a stimulus electrode implanted in the thalamus with feedback taken from a chemosensor in the striatum.

Abstract: A follower amplifier with power supply biased by a controlled voltage source such that the power supply potentials are, for the frequencies of interest, as close as possible to the potential of the follower output. There is proposed a front-end electronic circuit for biopotential and impedance measurements with outstanding performances (very high input impedance and gain very close to unity). Preferably, the explicit guard electrode and the explicit electronic unit at the belt are no longer necessary; all electronics is embedded in units placed directly at the measurement sites. Moreover, the proposed front-end electronic circuit allows a drastic simplification of the cabling and connectors since all units are connected to only one wire (the theoretical minimum) for potential reference and current return. Preferably, this wire does not even require an electrical isolation and can be easily embedded in the textile of a shirt, in a garment, mesh, belt, etc.

Abstract: This invention teaches further improvements in methods for forewarning of critical events via phase-space dissimilarity analysis of data from biomedical equipment, mechanical devices, and other physical processes. One improvement involves objective determination of a forewarning threshold (UFW), together with a failure-onset threshold (UFAIL) corresponding to a normalized value of a composite measure (C) of dissimilarity; and providing a visual or audible indication to a human observer of failure forewarning and/or failure onset. Another improvement relates to symbolization of the data according the binary numbers representing the slope between adjacent data points. Another improvement relates to adding measures of dissimilarity based on state-to-state dynamical changes of the system. And still another improvement relates to using a Shannon entropy as the measure of condition change in lieu of a connected or unconnected phase space.

Abstract: A method for providing an indication of a state of awareness for a patient, includes the steps of arranging data of an EEG and EMG power spectrogram to provide power versus frequency in a log-log arrangement; calculating a first best-fit line for a lower frequency region of the EEG power spectrogram; calculating at least a second best-fit line for a higher frequency region of the EEG power spectrogram. The display of these lines is augmented by displaying a template that identifies different regions on the display that help confirm the state of the patient. Secondly, the time domain EEG signals can be filtered and displayed such that different frequency bands can be simultaneously displayed or a single frequency band can be displayed according to different time scales.

Abstract: A machine control device includes: first decoders for estimating, from brain signal information, which one of body movements a user performs or images, based on learning using pairs of movements performed by the user and brain signal information, the body movements going toward one of first to nth body postures; second decoders for estimating from the brain signal information, an correct rate on the body movement estimation, based on learning using pairs of correct rates of the estimation of body movements and the brain signal information; and electric prosthetic arm control section for controlling an electric prosthetic arm to change stepwise its posture between first to nth postures via at least one intermediate posture therebetween, the first to nth postures corresponding to the first to nth body postures. The first decoders perform the estimation only when the estimated correct rate exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for sensory-evoked potential (SEPs, e.g., visual-evoked potentials) signal detection/classification by synchronizing EEG to the repeated presentation of sensory stimuli in the time domain. In some embodiments, a system receives a plurality of EEG signal samples, generates a stimulus-locked EEG and determines whether the plurality of EEG signal samples are evoked in response to a pattern of stimulus. In some embodiments, no prior knowledge about the update pattern (such as the flashing frequency of a visual stimulus) of the stimulus and no prior knowledge about an individual user's EEG pattern are required.

Abstract: A thin-film microelectrode array tailored for long-term, minimally invasive cortical recording or stimulation and method are provided. The microelectrode array includes a flexible element that is movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration. An array of contacts is provided on the flexible element. The contacts are engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration. A link operatively connects the array of contacts to a control module. The link is capable of transmitting at least one of cortical recordings and cortical stimulation signals thereon.

Abstract: There is provided a system which is able to realize study assistance or a desired appliance operation for a user, even in the absence of an answer input from the user. A service providing system includes an output section for presenting a question to a user, and further presenting sequentially a plurality of options as candidate answers to the question; a signal detection section for measuring an event-related potential of electroencephalograms of the user; and a determination section for determining whether the user has thought each option to be the correct answer or not, based on the event-related potential in a predetermined period after each option is presented, e.g., in a period from about 350 milliseconds to about 450 milliseconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for securing medical leads in a cranial burr hole, in particular, for securing a brain stimulation lead within such a burr hole. The device includes a circular socket element adapted to be secured within a burr hole of the skull of a patient, the circular socket element having a through lead passage arranged to have the lead pass therethrough, the lead passage including passage walls including at least one resilient partition wall extending from an inner wall of the circular socket element, and the circular socket element having at least one inner compartment delimited by the partition wall.

Abstract: A patient controls the delivery of therapy through volitional inputs that are detected by a biosignal within the brain. The volitional patient input may be directed towards performing a specific physical or mental activity, such as moving a muscle or performing a mathematical calculation. In one embodiment, a biosignal detection module monitors an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal from within the brain of the patient and determines whether the EEG signal includes the biosignal. In one embodiment, the biosignal detection module analyzes one or more frequency components of the EEG signal. In this manner, the patient may adjust therapy delivery by providing a volitional input that is detected by brain signals, wherein the volitional input may not require the interaction with another device, thereby eliminating the need for an external programmer to adjust therapy delivery. Example therapies include electrical stimulation, drug delivery, and delivery of sensory cues.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating brain waves for dieting of a user are disclosed. The brain wave generating apparatus may include a brain wave detection unit to detect whether brain waves related to an increase in appetite are generated from a user; and a brain wave generation unit to generate brain waves related to suppression of appetite when the brain waves related to the increase in appetite are generated from the user.

Abstract: Described here are implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep. The implantable devices are generally designed to include at least one sensor for sensing physiological information, a processor for processing the physiological information using low computational power to detect a sleep stage, and a battery. The detected sleep stage information may then be used to indicate sleep quality, identify or monitor a medical condition, or guide treatment thereof.

Abstract: An electroencephalogram IF system includes an electroencephalogram measurement section for measuring an electroencephalogram signal, a function control section for analyzing an event-related potential contained in the electroencephalogram signal and outputting a function control signal for controlling a function of a device based on the result of analysis, and an output section for outputting the function control signal.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and computer program product for monitoring seizure activity in brain are disclosed. At least one parameter set time series is derived from brain wave signal data obtained from a subject, wherein each parameter set sequence comprises sequential parameter sets and each parameter set comprises values for at least two signal parameters, the values being derived from the brain wave signal data. In order to reduce susceptibility to inter-subject variations and to enhance adaptability to each recording, past EEG signal data of the subject is used to determine an envelope object that encompasses the parameter points that sequential parameter sets derived from the past signal data form in a parameter space. A reference point is also determined, whose location in the parameter space depends on the past signal data. At least one new parameter point is then obtained from the subject and an evolution indicator set is determined.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of systems, computer medium and computer-implemented methods for monitoring the health of an employee while the employee is located in an employee workstation. A method for monitoring the health of an employee while the employee is located in an employee workstation including collecting health data including neural data collected from one or more neural sensors disposed about the scalp of the employee, determining an employee health profile based at least in part on neural data, the employee health profile comprising one or more of health characteristics, health conditions and health risks for the employee, generating a health plan for the employee based at least in part on the employee health profile, and serving health content, including the employee health profile and the health plan, for display to the employee.

Abstract: A method for providing an indication of a state of awareness for a patient, includes the steps of arranging data of an EEG and EMG power spectrogram to provide power versus frequency in a log-log arrangement; calculating a first best-fit line for a lower frequency region of the EEG power spectrogram; calculating a second best-fit line for a higher frequency region of the EEG power spectrogram; calculating a third best-fit line for the EMG power spectrogram; and displaying an indication of the state of awareness based on the first, second and third best-fit lines.

Abstract: Described is a method and system which includes a first set of digital data generated by amplifying and digitizing brain waves of a patient before and after administration of initial doses of interventional agents to the patient and a second set of digital data generated by amplifying and digitizing brain waves of the patient during a medical procedure. In addition, the system includes a microprocessor computing separate trajectories for at least two different indices of an anesthetic state of the patient during the medical procedure as a function of a comparison of the first and second sets of digital data, the indices including a Depth Index (DI), a Memory Index (MI) and Pain Index (PI), the DI corresponding to a depth of anesthesia of the patient, the PI corresponding to a sensitivity of the patient to pain and the MI corresponding to an ability of the patient to form and store memories.

Abstract: A system for controlling a computer by thoughts in the user's brain. The system applies stimuli of the brain via magnetic source imaging (MSI) for controlling the computer. Patterns of brain stimuli are recorded along with the particular thoughts that produced them and these thoughts are interpreted as functions for controlling the computer in much the same way as inputs from a keyboard or mouse. Criteria of acceptance of thought stimuli are generated by the system. Body stimuli, in addition to the brain stimuli, are monitored and used by the system. A user profile is maintained and displayed along with selected pictures for assisting with stimuli/thought pattern utilization. Artificial intelligence is used to enhance stimuli selection, human factors and reliability, as well as analyzing past errors, adverse occurrences and performance.

Abstract: A biofeedback system that incorporates binaural beat technology to augment the EEG feedback provided to the trainee. Specifically, the system will provide binaural beats at the frequency of the brain's naturally occurring peak energy in the EEG band or bands subject to the biofeedback.

Abstract: A method may include selecting a media file and determining if the selected media file has been indexed. If the media file has not been indexed, the method may include playing the selected media file on a media device while simultaneously measure a brainwave signal of a user with a sensor, where the brainwave signal indicates an attention level of the user. Next, the method may include indexing the media file by correlating the measured brainwave signal to the media file and storing the media file and the measured brainwave signal in storage device.

Abstract: A personal wearable EEG monitor comprises a base part (1) having signal processing means (23), and an electrode part (2) with at least two electrodes (11, 12) for measuring an EEG signal of a person. The electrode part (2) comprises means for converting the EEG signal into a digital signal. The EEG monitor comprises a databus for transferring data between the base part (1) and the electrode part (2) and for providing power from one part to the other. The databus is adapted for application of two electrical wires. The invention further provides a method for communicating between two parts of an EEG monitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for measuring electrical activity within a brain of a patient. An electrode array is configured to take measurements of electrical potential as raw electroencephalographic (EEG) data. A data processing component includes a spectral decomposition component configured to divide the raw EEG data into a plurality of frequency intervals, within a total range of frequencies and an inverse solution component configured to transform the raw EEG data associated with each frequency interval into a spatial mapping of electrical activity as to provide a set of parameters, with each parameter representing an average electrical activity at an associated location within the brain over an epoch of interest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using brainwaves to control real objects is provided. The method and apparatus comprise using sensors to detect the brain's electrical signals and transmit at least two brainwaves to an apparatus that converts the brainwaves into a format usable by a signal processor. The signal processor determines a coherence between portions of the brainwaves, typically in the frequency domain, and compares the coherence values, which change rapidly from moment to moment, to thresholds. Based on the comparison of the coherence value to the thresholds, which are adjusted over time based on feedback relating to success, a control signal is developed that can be sent to a real object to control 3 dimensional motion of the control object.

Abstract: In a system having an interface which utilizes an electroencephalogram, device operations which are not intended by the user are reduced. An adjustment apparatus for an electroencephalogram distinction method is used for an electroencephalogram interface system. The system has a biological signal measurement section for acquiring an electroencephalogram signal from a user, and an electroencephalogram interface section for presenting via an output section a plurality of menu items of the manipulation menu in a regular order, distinguishing by a previously determined distinction method a component of an event-related potential which is contained in the electroencephalogram signal after each menu item is highlighted, and operating a device based on the distinguished event-related potential.

Abstract: This method uses two sets of sensors to estimate certain characteristics of the movement of a device or a person or states, especially postures, they adopt. A first, abundant, set of sensors (1) is removed after a learning phase where it records with certainty the states obtained by interpreting first decisional rules. The measurements of a second set of sensors (2), much more restricted than the first, are correlated to the states reached during the learning period by second decisional rules automatically obtained by supplying a classifier. They are then interpreted to determine the new states reached by the wearer just by means of the second sensors. The results are good in spite of the low number of second sensors, thanks to the accuracy of the second decisional rules.

Abstract: A method for identifying, suppressing, and reversing epileptogenesis, which is considered to be a learned response due to brain plasticity. The method includes identifying three epileptogenic conditions, neuronal hyperexcitability, spatial overconnectivity, and temporal overconnectivity. A treatment that accounts for each of these conditions is then be administered to the subject to reverse, or “unlearn,” epilepsy.

Abstract: A contoured bioelectrical signal electrode and a sensor headset are disclosed. In some embodiments, an apparatus for a bioelectrical signal sensor includes a contoured bioelectrical signal sensor connected to a holder comprising an electrode set, the electrode set including a contoured electrode, in which the contoured electrode is a dry electrode, in which the contoured electrode includes a cap portion with a protruding shape for maintaining contact with a user's head and a post portion protruding out of a side of the cap portion opposite the protruding shape, the post portion having a retaining ridge, in which the cap portion with the protruding shape and the post are electrically connected. In some embodiments, the contoured electrode is wrapped in a conductive fabric.

Abstract: A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a biofeedback module operable to track at least one biometric characteristic of a game player. The wagering game is further operable to alter presentation of the wagering game based on changes in the at least one biometric characteristic. A mood enhancement module is operable to provide energy to a wagering game player at a frequency designed to provide a mood enhancing effect.

Abstract: An option which is considered to be desired by a user is determined by using an electroencephalogram interface (IF), and a determination error for the option is detected based on an electroencephalogram. If a determination error is detected, the option is corrected based on the electroencephalogram information which was used for the option determination. A correction apparatus to be incorporated in an electroencephalogram IF system is provided. The electroencephalogram IF system includes a biological signal measurement section, an analysis section for analyzing an event-related potential contained in an electroencephalogram signal of a user, an inference section for inferring an option desired by the user based on a result of analysis, and an output section for presenting the option inferred by the inference section to the user. The biological signal measurement section measures the electroencephalogram signal of the user based on a point of presenting the option to the user as a starting point.