Methods, systems and devices for reducing anxiety, including increasing relaxation and/or calm. In some variations these methods may include reducing anxiety, increase relaxation and/or calm by non-invasive temperature regulation of the frontal cortex prior to and/or during sleep. The subject may have an anxiety disorder, or may not have a diagnosed anxiety disorder.

A software application and system may be configured to enable a smartphone or other device to be used by a visually impaired person to receive voice navigation guidance during a directed exploration of an area. Directed exploration uses combinations of location data, directional data, and orientation data from the configured device to determine a direction that user wishes to explore, and only providing narrated results for streets, businesses, and other points of interest in that direction. The system may also utilize sets of wireless indicators positioned within indoor areas to provide accurate positioning to particular locations and floors within buildings.

A system is provided for resuscitative therapy to a patient by delivering active chest compression decompressions. The system may include an ACD device configured to be coupled to the patient's chest and constructed for a rescuer to press and pull on the ACD device to administer active compression decompression therapy. Additionally, the ACD device may include at least one sensor for sensing at least one active compression decompression parameter, processing circuitry configured to process the at least one active compression decompression parameter and provide an output based on the at least one parameter, a first communication circuit configured to transfer data related to the processed output of the at least one parameter, and a second communication circuit capable of being removably coupled to either the electrode assembly or the ACD device.

Methods of enhancing a sensory experience to simulate a live event are provided. One includes providing an audible signal representing sound information; generating a vibration signal based on the audible signal and enhanced information that would be present at the live event; and providing the vibration signal to at least one vibration device for stimulating nerve receptors in a foot area, the vibration signal synchronized with the audible signal to produce a perception in the brain of being present at the live event. Another method includes generating a vibration signal representing vibrations including tactile vibrations for stimulating nerve receptors in a foot to simulate being present at a live event, and vibrations based on reproduced sound information; and providing the signal to at least one vibration device for delivering the vibrations to the feet, the tactile vibrations based on enhanced information different from the sound information and including non-audible elements.

A system for soothing an agitated patient, including a motor, a linkage operationally connected to the motor, an armature operationally connected to the linkage, and a lifelike hand connected to the armature. Energization of the motor enables the lifelike hand to move in a generally circular, rubbing motion.

A vision-assist device may include at least one image sensor for generating image data corresponding to an environment, a user input device for receiving user input regarding one or more physical characteristics of a user, and a processor. The processor may be programmed to receive the image data from the at least one image sensor, receive the user input from the user input device, and adjust an alignment of the at least one image sensor based on the received image data and the user input. Methods for aligning an image sensor are also provided.

A vision-assist device may include at least one image sensor for generating image data corresponding to an environment, a user input device for receiving user input regarding one or more physical characteristics of a user, and a processor. The processor may be programmed to receive the image data from the at least one image sensor, receive the user input from the user input device, and adjust an alignment of the at least one image sensor based on the received image data and the user input. Methods for aligning an image sensor are also provided.

A balance assist and fall prevention assembly for preventing falls and providing balance assistance includes a plurality of rails and a harness. The rails are mountable to a ceiling of a structure and are selectively interconnectable so that respective rails are extend along an associated route in the structure that is routinely traversed by a user. A trolley is rollably engaged to the plurality of rails. The harness can be selectively donned by the user so that the harness is removably engaged to the user. A tether is engaged to and extends between the harness and the trolley. The tether is selectively length adjustable so as to extend substantially linearly between the harness and the trolley with the user standing substantially upright and beneath the trolley. The tether thus improves balance of the user and to prevents falling of the user.

A system that assists acupuncture based on the physiological signals of the human body. Physiological signals comprise respiratory signals, electrocardiographic signals, electrical skin signals, electroencephalograph signal, blood flow signals, pulse wave signals and/or signals derived from above signals. The acupuncture treatment process comprises the following: controlling the actuator of the automatic acupuncture device through physiological signals to start, to stop acupuncture treatment or to perform acupuncture techniques such as twisting or lifting-thrusting. It also provides an automatic acupuncture system to assist acupuncture based on Chinese Medicine Body Clock information.

Devices used to cue a user to take a step when experiencing a walking disorder, such as a freezing of gait episode, are disclosed. The devices are configured to cue the user with a visual and/or audible cue. The devices include an activation module and a cueing module. The cueing module includes a metronome and a laser light source. The devices are mounted on an assistive mobility device or on the user.