METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING THE TRANSITION BETWEEN A CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS STATE

Abstract

A system and method for facilitating and maintaining various states of a user consciousness, including the transition between a conscious and unconscious state, is provided. The system and method include use of a smart device having a user interface, a biometric sensor coupled to a user and configured to transmit the user's biometric data to the smart device and an environmental sensor configured to transmit environmental data to the smart device. The smart device controls one or more environmental systems proximate the user and an audio/visual device proximate the user to facilitate transitioning the state of the user.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A system for enhancing a desired user state comprising: a smart device having a user interface configured to provide user feedback input to the smart device; a first biometric device coupled to the smart device for transmitting a first biometric data from a user to the smart device; a first environmental sensor for transmitting a first environmental data proximate the user to the smart device; a first environmental device proximate the user coupled to the smart device; an audio/visual device proximate the user coupled to the smart device; wherein the smart device controls the environmental device and the audio/visual device in response to data received from the first biometric device, the first environmental sensor and user feedback input received from the user interface to effect a desired state of the user.

22. The system of claim 21 further comprising a second biometric device coupled to the smart device for transmitting a second biometric data from the user to the smart device.

23. The system of claim 22 further comprising a second environmental sensor for transmitting a second environmental data proximate the user to the smart device.

24. The system of claim 23 further comprising a second environmental device proximate the user coupled to the smart device.

25. The system of claim 21 wherein the audio/visual device is controlled by the smart device to produce a desired emotive response in the user.

26. The system of claim 21 wherein the smart device utilizes an artificial intelligence to control the first environmental device and audio/visual device based on the data received from the first biometric device, the first environmental sensor and user feedback input received from the user interface.

27. The system of claim 21 wherein the smart device utilizes the user's personal medical data to control the first environmental device and audio/visual device based on the data received from the first biometric device, the first environmental sensor and user feedback input received from the user interface.

28. The system of claim 21 further comprising a first medical device coupled to the user and the smart device wherein the smart device controls the first medical device based on the data received from the first biometric device, the first environmental sensor and user feedback input received from the user interface.

29. The system of claim 28 wherein the first medical device is an intravenous delivery system.

30. The system of claim 21 wherein the first biometric device is a heartrate monitor.

31. The system of claim 21 wherein the first environmental device is a heater.

32. The system of claim 21 wherein the environmental sensor is a GPS device.

33. The system of claim 21 wherein the first environmental device is an olfactory device.

34. The system of claim 21 wherein the data received by the smart device is monitored continuously.

35. The system of claim 21 further comprising a camera proximate the user and coupled to the smart device for monitoring movement of the user.

36. A system for enhancing a user's conscious state comprising: a smart device including a user interface for user feedback; a first biometric sensor coupled to the user and the smart device for providing biometric data of the user to the smart device; an audio/visual device proximate the user coupled to the smart device; wherein the smart device controls the audio/visual device in response to data received from the first biometric device and user feedback input received from the user interface to effect a desired state of the user.

37. The system of claim 36 further comprising a first environmental sensor proximate the user for providing environmental data to the smart device;

38. The system of claim 37 further comprising an environmental device proximate the user coupled to the smart device wherein the smart device controls the environmental device in response to data received from the first biometric device, data received from the environmental device and user feedback input received from the user interface to effect a desired state of the user.

39. The system of claim 36 wherein the smart device is configured to reduce anxiety of the user.

40. The system of claim 36 wherein the smart device is configured to aid the user's focus.

41. A system for enhancing a subject's conscious state comprising: a smart device; a first biometric sensor coupled to the subject and the smart device for providing biometric data of the subject to the smart device; an audio/visual device proximate the subject coupled to the smart device; wherein the smart device controls the audio/visual device in response to data received from the first biometric device.

42. The system of claim 41 wherein the smart device includes a user interface for the subject's feedback.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating various inputs and outputs of the method and system of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating other aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0031] The present system and method are provided to enable a user to achieve sleep more rapidly and/or more deeply (than typical for the individual when not using the system) from an awake (conscious) state, and may enhance any dream state. The system and method can also be used to wake an unconscious user in a more efficient and effective manner. The system can also be used to maintain or enhance various conscious states.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a controller 10 is utilized to initiate and control the system and method. The controller 10 can be a smart device, such as a computer, a smart phone or tablet, or other similar devices, having an application (e.g., program) running thereon or accessible to the controller 10 (e.g., over a network connection, either wired or wireless). This can include an Alexa or Google device, or other voice activated devices.

[0033] As set forth in more detail below, the controller 10 is configured to receive various inputs relating to a user 12 of the system or method, as well as inputs regarding environmental elements proximate the user 12. The controller 10 is also configured to control various devices or provide output signals or instructions to various other systems to effectuate desired conditions for facilitating the transition of the user's state of consciousness. The controller 10 utilizes various control methods, such as algorithms that rely on feedback of the user's condition and/or environment to optimally control the output devices. The controller 10 can also use or include AI (artificial intelligence), or AI-like algorithms in this process. For particular users, the controller can be configured to learn or remember optimum output settings and/or sequences for more rapidly transitioning the user from a first state to a second state of consciousness.

[0034] In operation, the controller 10 receives biometric data about the user 12 of the system. The data can include one or more of the user's heart rate; respiration rate; brain activity; body temperature; blood pressure; etc. The data can be generated from biometric devices or sensors 14 connected to or otherwise associated with, the user 12. One such device 14 can be a smart watch. Such watches now include heart rate monitors and are routinely used for monitoring physical activity. Alternatively, other similar equipment for providing biometric feedback can be used.

[0035] The controller 10 may utilize personal medical or DNA data or other data in conjunction with any sensed biometric data to facilitate optimizing the experience.

[0036] The controller 10 can also receive data regarding the environment proximate the user through sensors 16. This can include data regarding the amount of light or noise proximate the user. It can also include other environmental data such as the room temperature, air movement (e.g., via a fan); humidity, etc.

[0037] The controller 10 can also receive inputted data from the user. This can include preferences regarding any of the controlled output systems coupled to the controller, or feedback that pertains to the user's present emotional state, etc. The user 12 could input this data directly to the controller 10 (e.g., drop down menus, or selecting various buttons/links in the application run on the controller).

[0038] The inputted or received data can be utilized by the controller to determine the state of consciousness of the user and from such determination, utilize one or more systems to facilitate transition of the state. The data can be monitored periodically or continuously in real time to determine if the state is changing or has changed. The data can be analyzed for physical and/or behavioral metrics to facilitate smoother, quicker transitions for future uses of the system by the user 12.

[0039] The controller 10 can be coupled to a variety of other systems that can affect the user (both physically and emotionally). For example, the controller 10 can control an audio and/or visual (hereafter, collectively “audio/visual” or “A/V”) device 18 (the audio/visual device can be separate devices or part of the same device—moreover, the audio/visual device can be included in the controller 18). The controller 10 can stream or output audio and/or visual content to the user (either using a display 20 on the controller, or a separate device) to effect the user's emotive state. The content can be selected to achieve or facilitate the transitioning of the user from one state of consciousness to another. It can also be used an anti-anxiety device (e.g., for travel or other instances that cause anxiety in the user).

[0040] In addition to the audio/visual device 18, the controller 10 can be coupled to one or more of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems 22 (hereafter “HVAC”) proximate the user 12. Similarly, the controller 18 can be coupled to a lighting system 24 proximate the user 12. This allows the controller 18 to control a variety of environmental factors near the user 12.

[0041] The controller 10 can be coupled to an olfactory device 26, or other devices 28 that can have some effect on the user's conscious state. These can include heating devices (e.g., blankets, wrist and neck thermal technologies), or cooling devices (cooling pillows/beds, fans), etc. In one instance where the controller 10 is used to wake a user from an unconscious state, the controller 10 can be coupled to a coffeemaker proximate the user 12.

[0042] The present system and method for facilitating a user's transition from a first state of consciousness to a second state of consciousness is part of a larger, broader invention relating to a system and method for creating an emotive sensory experience for a user. The system and method utilizes sensory and other inputs relating to the user and can be personalized to provide a bespoke experience for each user.

[0043] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the system can be utilized in a medical setting. In such instance, the system may cooperate with and/or control an intravenous delivery system (for administering various medicines), or other medical equipment.

[0044] In one example, the system can be used with a runner or cyclist (or other aerobic activities). The system can monitor heartbeat and/or speed of the user, etc. and can select imagery and/or music to assist the user to facilitate optimum exertion.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating other aspects of the invention.

[0046] Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be protected otherwise than as specifically described.