Systems and methods for producing sound and light for therapeutic effects

Abstract

A method for providing therapeutic light and sound includes presenting on a computing device a musical piece including a substantially continuous tone having a specified audible first frequency embedded therein; presenting on the computing device a visual display including light having a specified second frequency that is visible; and determining via facial recognition that an identified user is in the vicinity of the presented musical piece and visual display.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 379,046, filed October 11, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Unless otherwise stated herein, the material described in this section is not prior art to the claims of this application, and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Dementia (vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease) affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, with 10 million new cases occurring each year. The symptoms and pathology of Alzheimer's disease include the formation of neurofibrillary tangles within neurons, abnormal clumps of a protein called tau that can lead to cell death, and amyloid beta plaques, sticky clumps of protein that block communication between neurons. Bathing patients in the presence of flashing lights and pulsed sounds, both tuned to a 40-hertz frequency, may improve the signs of Alzheimer's disease in the brain.

[0004] Brain waves are produced when large groups of neurons vibrate on and off in unison. Neurons encode thoughts, actions, and sensations into these vibrations. Brain waves known as "gamma" brain waves help connect and process information throughout the brain. These gamma brain waves are reduced in Alzheimer's disease. Exposure to 40-hertz flashing lights and 40-hertz playback sounds can induce the brain to produce corresponding 40-hertz gamma waves, potentially providing a therapeutic effect in reducing amyloid plaques and tau aggregates. By providing the brain with a regular beat, the repetitive light and sound may act as a kind of metronome for brain activity.

[0005] Dementia patients may have difficulty concentrating, following, and complying with treatment instructions or requirements. These attributes can make therapies such as the light and sound therapies discussed herein difficult to administer, because while therapeutic effects are enhanced by continuous exposure of 40 Hz light and sound signals to the patient's eyes and ears, they are believed to be diminished or actually ineffective (aside from causing frustration and anxiety in the patient) if the treatment is interrupted or given for only a short time. Therapies that involve wearing headphones, earpieces, glasses, or goggles, or similar devices, are generally met with hostility from patients and are usually not tolerated by them long enough to effectively transmit the therapeutic signals. Dementia patients are notoriously uncooperative and compliant, especially with unexpected deviations from their habitual routines or attempts to force them to participate in activities that are mysterious or unfamiliar to them.

[0006] On the other hand, dementia patients are known to respond well to certain familiar songs and other sound therapies, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,629,997 and 5,729,997, by the same inventors mentioned in this disclosure. Thus, there is a need for a therapy that can simultaneously present a 40 Hz signal to the patient's eyes and ears while displaying therapeutic video augmented with a 40 Hz therapeutic visual signal on a video screen and therapeutic sound augmented with a 40 Hz therapeutic sound signal through speakers, without the need for any devices worn by or attached to the patient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,685,149 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 10,068,560 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A device and method for providing therapeutic sound and light is provided.

[0009] According to various aspects, a method of providing sound and light to produce a therapeutic effect is provided. In some aspects, the method may include presenting, on a computing device, a musical piece including a substantially continuous tone having a specified audible first frequency embedded therein, presenting, on the computing device, a visual display including light having a specified second frequency to be viewed, and determining, via facial recognition, that an identified user is in the vicinity of the presented musical piece and visual display.

[0010] According to various aspects, a computing device is provided that provides sound and light to produce a therapeutic effect. In some aspects, the computing device may include a video circuit including a video display, an audio circuit including an audio output transducer, and a processor configured to communicate with the video display and the audio circuit. The processor is further configured to cause the audio circuit to present, via the audio output transducer, a musical piece including a substantially continuous tone having an embedded, specified audible first frequency, cause the video circuit to present, via the video display, a visual display including light having a visible, specified second frequency, and perform a facial recognition routine to determine whether an identified user is in the vicinity of the presented musical piece and the visual display.

[0011] According to various aspects, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided. In some aspects, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions that cause one or more processors to perform operations to provide sound and light that produce a therapeutic effect. The operations may include presenting, on a computing device, a musical piece including a substantially continuous tone with a specified audible first frequency embedded therein; presenting, on the computing device, a visual display including light having a specified second frequency that is visible; and determining, via facial recognition, that an identified user is in the vicinity of the presented musical piece and visual display.

[0012] According to various aspects, a method for presenting therapeutic light on a computing device including a display screen is provided. The method includes presenting a visual display on the display screen, the visual display including a first and a second image. The first image is presented in a first portion of the visual display. The second image is presented in a second portion of the visual display arranged around the first portion. The first image is selected from the group consisting of a graphic image, a sequence of graphic images, a video image, and an interactive video image. The second image includes a first periodic visual signal selected from the group consisting of an intensity-varying image, a color-varying image, a pattern-varying image, and combinations thereof.

[0013] According to various aspects, a method for presenting therapeutic light and sound on a computing device having a display screen and a speaker is provided. The method includes presenting a visual display including first and second images on the display screen and presenting an audio composition including first and second audio streams on the speaker. The first image is presented on a first portion of the visual display. The second image is presented on a second portion of the visual display, the second portion forming a frame surrounding the first portion of the visual display, the frame having a uniform width that is approximately half the width of the first portion. The first audio stream includes a musical piece. The second audio stream includes a periodic audio signal including a series of clicks. The first image is selected from the group consisting of a graphic image, a series of graphic images, a video image, and an interactive video image. The second image includes a periodic visual signal selected from the group consisting of an image with varying intensity, an image with varying color, an image with varying pattern, and combinations thereof. The changes in the periodic visual signal and the periodic audio signal have the same periodicity and are presented synchronously.

[0014] The device for presenting therapeutic light and sound includes a processor, a display screen connected to the processor, a speaker connected to the processor, and a computer-readable medium connected to the processor. The first image is stored on the computer-readable medium and is selected from the group consisting of a graphic image, a series of graphic images, a video image, and an interactive video image. The second image is stored on the computer-readable medium and includes a periodic visual signal selected from the group consisting of an image of varying intensity, an image of varying color, an image of varying pattern, and combinations thereof, wherein the changes in the periodic visual signal have a first periodicity. The audio composition is stored on the computer-readable medium and includes a periodic audio signal, comprising a series of clicks having a second periodicity identical to the first periodicity. The processor instructs the display screen to present a visual display, the visual display including a first image in a first portion of the visual display and a second image in a second portion of the visual display arranged around the first portion. The processor further instructs the speaker to present a periodic audio signal synchronized with the periodic visual signal together with the audio composition.

[0015] Many advantages are provided by various embodiments over conventional techniques. For example, various embodiments can provide light and sound in a mobile application to provide therapeutic benefits to patients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The light can be embedded in various repeating images, and the sound can be embedded in specially composed music. In some embodiments, facial recognition can be used to verify that a subject is using the application. These and other embodiments, as well as their many advantages and features, are described in more detail below in conjunction with the text and accompanying drawings.

[0016] Aspects and features of various embodiments will become more apparent from the following description of examples, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A]1A-1C illustrate examples of fractal patterns displayed on a mobile device display, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1A-1C illustrate examples of fractal patterns displayed on a mobile device display, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] 1A-1C illustrate examples of fractal patterns displayed on a mobile device display, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for executing an application that provides sound and light to provide a therapeutic effect, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example computing device in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing environment including an exemplary computing device and a server, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10A-10C illustrate alternative examples of fractal patterns displayed on a mobile device display in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] While specific embodiments are described, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. The devices, methods, and systems described herein may be embodied in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the exemplary methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the scope of protection.

[0019] Brain waves are produced when many neurons vibrate on and off in unison. Neurons encode thoughts, actions, and sensations in these vibrations. Gamma brain waves are thought to help connect and process information throughout the brain. Exposing the brain to light flashing at 40 Hz and sound played at 40 Hz can cause the brain to produce corresponding gamma waves at 40 Hz, which can alleviate Alzheimer's disease.

[0020] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating examples of fractal patterns displayed on a mobile device display, according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the visual display may be presented on the display screen of a mobile phone, a laptop computer, or other mobile device. The visual display may present fractal patterns, for example, but not limited to, the fractal patterns shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a user may select the fractal pattern to view via a user interface (not shown).

[0021] A fractal is a pattern that, when viewed as an image, can be infinitely magnified and still produce the same image. A fractal can be cut into multiple parts that closely resemble smaller versions of the original collection. Examples of fractals in nature include snowflakes, tree branches, lightning bolts, ferns, and cacti. According to aspects of the present disclosure, fractal patterns can change at a rate of approximately 40 times per second (e.g., 40 Hz) to provide a therapeutic effect. Once a fractal pattern is selected, the pattern can be displayed at a rate of 40 Hz for a specified duration. The duration can be specified by the user or can be a preset duration.

[0022] The selected fractal pattern may appreciably change intensity at a rate of 40 Hz. The fractal pattern may be a single image that changes intensity, or it may be a changing image in which the fractal pattern also changes at a rate of 40 Hz. Alternatively or additionally, the image may change color at a rate of 40 Hz.

[0023] The audio synthesis may be presented along with the displayed fractal pattern. The audio synthesis may include an audible 40 Hz tone. The audible 40 Hz tone may be presented in synchronization with the 40 Hz rate of change of the fractal pattern. The audio synthesis may be specially composed to include the 40 Hz tone as a musical element. If included in a specially composed musical piece, the 40 Hz tone may be audible but blended with the music of the audio synthesis. Alternatively, the 40 Hz tone may be embedded in a piece of music not specially composed for that purpose. In such cases, the 40 Hz tone may be audible but not in harmony with the audio synthesis. Multiple audio synthesis may be selectable by the user.

[0024] To verify that a particular user is actually using the application, a facial recognition routine may be performed to identify the user. Upon first use, the application may perform a user registration routine, requesting the user to register with the application. For example, a prompt may be displayed on the display of the computing device, requesting the user to register with the application. The application may also capture an image of the user's face using the camera of the computing device.

[0025] In some implementations, the user's facial image may be stored in the computing device's memory as a registered user. In some implementations, the user's facial image may be stored on a remote server in communication with the computing device. In some implementations, a portion of the user's facial image may be stored in the computing device's memory, and another portion of the user's facial image may be stored on a remote server in communication with the computing device. In some implementations, identifying information such as name, date of birth, etc. may be requested. The identifying information may be associated with the registered user's facial image and stored in the computing device's memory and / or on the server.

[0026] Registered users may be issued licenses to use the application on their computing devices. In some implementations, one or more users may be registered with the application. In such cases, the application may track usage for each registered user individually. Individual licenses may be issued to individual users. In some implementations, a group license may be issued to an organization, such as a hospital or other medical facility. In such cases, caregivers within the institutional environment may track usage of the application by individual users.

[0027] When the application begins execution after one or more users have registered with the application, a facial recognition routine may capture a facial image of the user using the computing device's camera. The facial recognition routine may then access the computing device's memory and / or a remote server to determine whether the facial image matches a facial image of a registered user. If the facial recognition routine determines that the facial image does not match a registered user, the application may request the user to register and may run the registration routine.

[0028] If the facial recognition routine determines that the facial image matches a registered user, the application may continue execution by requesting the user to select a fractal pattern to view and an audio composition to listen to. For example, the application may cause a display of the computing device to display a list of available fractal patterns for selection and a list of available audio compositions for selection. In some implementations, elements in the list may be displayed as icons. In some implementations, the fractal pattern and audio composition may be selected by the application. The combination of the fractal pattern and audio composition may also be referred to herein as a program.

[0029] The timer may be started when the program begins playback. The fractal pattern and audio synthesis may be played for a duration set by the timer. In some implementations, the user may be prompted to set the timer duration. For example, the application may cause a display on the computing device to display the duration for which the user wants the fractal pattern and audio synthesis to be played. In some implementations, the duration may be set by the application.

[0030] The timer may track whether the user is near the audio synthesis and / or visual display, as well as the amount of time the user is actually using the application. For example, a facial recognition routine may run at preset intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, or other intervals) and capture a facial image of the user to determine whether the user is engaging with the application. If a facial image is not captured or if the user stops running the application, the application records the time indicated by the timer, determines the duration the user actually used the application, and stores that duration in memory associated with the registered user. The user's time and usage data may be stored on a remote server. An administrative mode of the application may allow a third party, such as a family member, medical professional, or other third party, to access the stored time and usage data and determine the amount of time the registered user used the application.

[0031] 2 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 200 for executing an application that provides sound and light to produce a therapeutic effect, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In block 210, it may be determined whether any user is registered to use the application. Upon first use of the application, the user must register in order to track the time spent on the application. By registering the user with the application, the application can verify that the registered user is actually using the application.

[0032] In response to determining that the user is not registered with the application (210-N), a new facial image of the user may be captured at block 215. A user registration routine may be executed. For example, a camera associated with the computing device may be used to capture the facial image of the user. The camera may be built into the computing device or may be externally connected to the computing device. A facial recognition routine may be executed to generate facial recognition data for the user.

[0033] At block 220, the new facial image may be registered with the application. The facial recognition data may be stored in the memory of the computing device and / or on a remote server and associated with the application as a registered user. Optionally, additional information associated with the user may be entered and stored in memory along with the facial recognition data. In some implementations, a third party may perform the user registration process. In some implementations, the user may self-register. Once registration is complete, the method may return to operation 210.

[0034] In response to determining that at least one user is enrolled in the application (210-Y), at block 225, a facial image of the user may be captured using a camera associated with the computing device.

[0035] Facial recognition may be performed on the captured image at block 230. A facial recognition routine may be executed to generate facial recognition data for the user.

[0036] At block 235, it may be determined whether the user is a registered user. The facial recognition data may be compared to facial recognition data of registered users stored in the computing device's memory and / or on a remote server. The computing device may access the facial recognition data from its own memory and / or from a remote server to perform the comparison. In response to a determination that the user's facial recognition data does not match the facial recognition data of any registered users (235-N), the method may proceed to block 215 and perform a user registration routine. Execution of the application may not proceed beyond the user registration routine until a registered user is recognized.

[0037] In response to determining that the captured facial image matches the facial image of a registered user (235-Y), the user may be prompted to select a program at block 240. For example, the user may be prompted to select a fractal pattern to view and a song to listen to. In some implementations, the program may be selected by an application.

[0038] In block 245, the user may be prompted to select a duration for using the program. For example, the user may be presented with a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.) or may select a custom duration for using the program. In some implementations, the duration may be selected by the application.

[0039] At block 250, the application may execute a program. A timer may be started to measure the duration of the program, and the application may display fractal patterns and play audio synthesis. The timer may also measure a specified duration for periodically running a facial recognition routine.

[0040] At block 255, it may be determined whether the specified duration for running the program has expired. In response to a determination that the duration has not expired (255-N), program execution may continue at block 250. A facial recognition routine may be executed periodically to determine if registered users are watching / listening to the application. In response to a determination that the specified duration has expired (255-Y), the method may end.

[0041] The timer may track the duration of time the user actually spends using the application. For example, a facial recognition routine may run at a preset interval (e.g., every 30 seconds, every minute, or other interval) and capture a facial image of the user to determine that the user is engaging with the application. If a facial image is not captured or if the user stops running the application, the application records the time indicated by the timer, determines the duration of time the user actually used the application, and stores that duration in memory associated with the registered user.

[0042] The specific operations shown in Figure 2 provide a particular method for implementing an application that provides sound and light for therapeutic effects, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Other sequences of operations may also be implemented by alternative embodiments. For example, alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may implement the operations outlined above in a different order. Furthermore, the individual operations shown in Figure 2 may include multiple sub-operations that may be implemented in various sequences to suit the individual operation. Furthermore, additional operations may be added or removed depending on the particular application.

[0043] The method 200 may be implemented on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as, but not limited to, a memory or other non-transitory computer-readable medium known to those skilled in the art, in which a program including computer-executable instructions is stored to cause a processor, computer, or other programmable device to perform the operations of the method.

[0044] 3 is a block diagram of an example computing device 300 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Computing device 300 generally includes a computer-readable medium 302, a processing system 304, an input / output (I / O) subsystem 306, radio circuitry 308, and audio circuitry 310 including a speaker 312 and a microphone 314. These components may be connected by one or more communication buses or signal lines 303. Computing device 300 may be any portable electronic device, including a handheld computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet device, a media player, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a multifunction device, a portable gaming console, a headset, or a combination of two or more of these items. Alternatively, computing device 300 may also include or be coupled to non-portable components, such as a large-screen display and bookshelf, or a stand-type audio monitor or speakers.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the computing device 300 does not include a separate video display, speakers, headset, or other separate accessories, but is a built-in audiovisual display, such as a cell phone, tablet, game console, or other handheld mobile device. Subjects with dementia may be hesitant to disclose their condition or seek help. Dementia may also be associated with delusions and paranoia, which may exacerbate a subject's desire to hide their condition. These avoidance symptoms may lead to social isolation, excessive dependence on family, or a reduced quality of life for the patient. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a treatment that is easily accessible to subjects, such as a simple application that can be easily downloaded to a handheld device without requiring a prior diagnosis or prescription and can be used on the device without the need for external accessories.

[0046] It will be apparent that the architecture shown in Figure 3 is only one example of the architecture of device 300, and that device 300 may have more or fewer components or a different arrangement of components than shown. The various components shown in Figure 3 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and / or application specific integrated circuits.

[0047] The radio circuitry 308 is used to send and receive information over a wireless link or network to and from conventional circuitry of one or more other devices, such as an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, memory, etc. The radio circuitry 308 may use a variety of protocols, such as those described herein. In various embodiments, the radio circuitry 308 may establish and maintain communications with other devices using one or more communications protocols, including time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced, WiFi (such as IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, and / or IEEE 802.11n), Bluetooth, Wi-MAX, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Near Field Communication Protocol (NFC), protocols for email, instant messaging, and / or short message service (SMS), or any other suitable communications protocol, including communications protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document.

[0048] The radio circuitry 308 is connected to the processing system 304 via a peripherals interface 316. The peripherals interface 316 may include conventional components for establishing and maintaining communications between peripherals and the processing system 304. Voice and data information received by the radio circuitry 308 (e.g., in a voice recognition or voice command application) is transmitted via the peripherals interface 316 to one or more processors 318. The one or more processors 318 may be configured to process various data formats for one or more application programs 334 stored on the medium 302.

[0049] The peripheral interface 316 connects input and output peripherals of the device 300 to one or more processors 318 and the computer-readable medium 302. The one or more processors 318 communicate with the computer-readable medium 302 via the controller 320. The computer-readable medium 302 may be any device or medium capable of storing code and / or data for use by the one or more processors 318. The computer-readable medium 302 may include a memory hierarchy, including cache, main memory, and secondary memory. The memory hierarchy may be implemented using any combination of RAM (SRAM, DRAM, DDRAM, etc.), ROM, FLASH, magnetic and / or optical storage devices, such as disk drives, magnetic tape, compact discs (CDs), and digital video discs (DVDs). In some embodiments, the peripheral interface 316, the one or more processors 318, and the controller 320 may be implemented on a single chip, such as the processing system 304. In other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

[0050] Processor 318 may include hardware and / or software elements to perform one or more processing functions, such as mathematical operations, logical operations, data manipulation operations, data transfer operations, receiving and controlling user input, or controlling the output of information to a user, etc. Processor 318 may be embodied as one or more hardware processors, microprocessors, microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or the like.

[0051] The device 300 also includes a power system 342 for powering the various hardware components. The power system 342 may include a power management system, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), a charging system, power failure detection circuitry, power converters or inverters, power status indicators (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)), and any other components typically associated with the generation, management, and distribution of power in a mobile device.

[0052] Computing device 300 may include a camera 344. In some embodiments, device 300 includes sensors 346. The sensors may include an accelerometer, a compass, a gyrometer, a pressure sensor, an audio sensor, a light sensor, a barometer, etc. Sensors 346 may be used to sense various aspects of a location, such as the audio or optical characteristics of the location.

[0053] In some embodiments, the computing device 300 may include a GPS receiver, sometimes referred to as a GPS unit 348. Mobile devices may use satellite navigation systems, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), to obtain position information, timing information, altitude, or other navigation information. During operation, a GPS unit may receive signals from GPS satellites orbiting the Earth. The GPS unit analyzes the signals to generate travel time and distance estimates. The GPS unit may determine the mobile device's current location (current position). Based on these estimates, the mobile device may determine a position fix, altitude, and / or current speed. The position fix may be geographic coordinates, such as latitude and longitude information.

[0054] The one or more processors 318 execute various software components stored on the medium 302 to perform various functions of the device 300. In some embodiments, the software components include an operating system 322, a communications module 324 (or set of instructions), a positioning module 326 (or set of instructions), a ranging module 328, and other application programs 334 (or sets of instructions).

[0055] Operating system 322 may be any suitable operating system, including iOS, Mac OS, Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks. An operating system may include various procedures, instruction sets, software components, and / or drivers to control and manage general system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage control, power management, etc.) and facilitate communication between various hardware and software components.

[0056] Communications module 324 facilitates communication with other devices over one or more external ports 336 or via radio circuitry 308 and includes various software components for processing data received from radio circuitry 308 and / or external port 336. External port 336 (e.g., USB, FireWire, Lightning connector, 60-pin connector, etc.) is adapted to connect directly to other devices or indirectly via a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.).

[0057] The location / motion module 326 may assist in determining the current location (e.g., coordinates or other geographic location identifier) ​​and movement of the device 300. Modern positioning systems include satellite-based positioning systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), cellular network positioning based on “cell ID,” and Wi-Fi positioning technology based on Wi-Fi networks. GPS also relies on the visibility of multiple satellites to determine a location estimate, but these satellites may not be visible (or may have weak signals) indoors or in “urban canyons.” In some embodiments, the location / motion module 326 receives data from the GPS unit 348 and analyzes the signals to determine the current location of the mobile device. In some embodiments, the location / motion module 326 may determine the current location using Wi-Fi or cellular positioning technology. For example, the location of the mobile device may be estimated using knowledge of nearby cell sites and / or Wi-Fi access points and their locations. Information identifying the Wi-Fi or cellular transmitter is received by the radio circuitry 308 and passed to the location / motion module 326. In some embodiments, the location module receives one or more transmitter IDs. In some embodiments, the sequence of transmitter IDs may be compared to a reference database (e.g., a cell ID database, a Wi-Fi reference database) to map or correlate the transmitter IDs to location coordinates of the corresponding transmitters, and calculate estimated location coordinates of the device 300 based on the location coordinates of the corresponding transmitters. Regardless of the particular location detection technology used, the location / motion module 326 receives information from which a location fix may be derived, interprets the information, and returns location information, such as geographic coordinates, latitude / longitude, or other location fix data.

[0058] The ranging module 328 may transmit / receive ranging messages, for example, to / from an antenna connected to the radio circuitry 308. The messages may be used for various purposes, such as identifying the device's transmitting antenna, determining a timestamp of the message to determine the distance between the mobile device 300 and other devices, etc. The ranging module 328 may reside on various processors of the device, such as an always-on processor (AOP), a UWB chip, and / or an application processor. For example, one portion of the ranging module 328 may determine the distance on the AOP, while another portion of the ranging module may interact with a sharing module to, for example, display the locations of other devices on a screen so that the user can select other devices with which to share a data item. The ranging module 328 may also interact with a reminder module, which may issue alerts based on the distance from other mobile devices.

[0059] The one or more applications 334 on device 300 may include any application installed on device 300, including, but not limited to, light and sound applications, facial recognition and registration routines described herein, a browser, an address book, a contact list, email, instant messaging, social networking, word processing, keyboard emulation, widgets, JAVA®-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voice recognition, voice duplication, a music player (which plays recorded music stored in one or more files, such as MP3 or AAC files), and the like.

[0060] Other modules or sets of instructions (not shown) may be present, such as a graphics module, a time module, etc. For example, the graphics module may include various conventional software components for rendering, animating, and displaying graphical objects (such as, but not limited to, text, web pages, icons, digital images, and animations) on a display surface. As another example, the time module may be a software timer. The time module may also be implemented in hardware. The time module may maintain various timers for any number of events.

[0061] The I / O subsystem 306 can be connected to a display system 342, which can be a touch-sensitive display. The display system displays visual output to the user in a GUI. The visual output can include text, graphics, video, and any combination thereof. Some or all of the visual output can correspond to user interface objects. The display system can use LED (light emitting diode), LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, or LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, although other display technologies could be used in other embodiments.

[0062] In some embodiments, the I / O subsystem 306 may include user input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and / or a trackpad. The touch-sensitive display may also accept input from a user based at least in part on haptic and / or tactile contact. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive display forms a touch-sensitive surface that accepts user input. The touch-sensitive display / surface (and any associated modules and / or sets of instructions in the computer-readable medium 302) detects contact (and any movement or release of contact) on the touch-sensitive display and translates the detected contact into an interaction with a user interface object, such as one or more soft keys, that is displayed on a touch screen when the contact occurs. In some embodiments, the point of contact between the touch-sensitive display and the user corresponds to one or more of the user's fingers. The user may contact the touch-sensitive display using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, pen, or finger. The touch-sensitive display surface may detect contact and any movement or release thereof using any suitable touch-sensing technology, such as capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technology, and other proximity sensor arrays or other elements to determine one or more points of contact with the touch-sensitive display.

[0063] Additionally, the I / O subsystem 306 may be connected to one or more other physical control devices 342, such as push buttons, keys, switches, rocker buttons, dials, slider switches, sticks, LEDs, etc., to control or perform various functions, such as power control, speaker volume control, ringer volume, keyboard input, scrolling, hold, menu, screen lock, and clear and end communications. In some embodiments, in addition to a touch screen, the device 300 may include a touch pad (not shown) for enabling or disabling certain functions. In some embodiments, a touch pad is a touch-sensitive area of ​​a device that, unlike a touch screen, does not display visual output. The touch pad may be a touch-sensitive surface separate from the touch-sensitive display or an extension of the touch-sensitive surface formed by the touch-sensitive display.

[0064] In some embodiments, some or all of the operations described herein may be performed using an application running on a user's device. Circuits, logic modules, processors, and / or other components may be configured to perform the various operations described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, depending on the implementation, such configuration may be achieved through the design, setup, interconnection, and / or programming of particular components, and that, again depending on the implementation, configured components may or may not be reconfigurable for different operations. For example, a programmable processor may be configured by providing appropriate executable code, a special-purpose logic circuit may be configured by appropriately connecting logic gates and other circuit elements, etc.

[0065] Any software components or functions described in this application may be implemented as software code executed by a processor using any suitable computer language, such as Java, C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, or a scripting language such as Perl or Python, using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. The software code may be stored, stored, and / or transmitted on a computer-readable medium as a series of instructions or commands. Suitable non-transitory computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic media such as a hard drive or floppy disk, or optical media such as a compact disc (CD) or DVD (digital versatile disc), flash memory, and the like. The computer-readable medium may also be any combination of such storage or transmission devices.

[0066] A computer program incorporating various features of the present disclosure may be encoded on a variety of computer-readable storage media, with suitable media including magnetic disks or tapes, optical storage media such as compact disks (CDs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs), and flash memory. A computer-readable storage medium encoded with program code may be packaged with a compatible device or provided separately from other devices. Additionally, program code may be encoded and transmitted over wired, optical, and / or wireless networks conforming to various protocols, including the Internet, enabling distribution, for example, via Internet download. Any such computer-readable medium may reside on or within a single computer product (e.g., a solid-state drive, hard drive, CD, or entire computer system), or may reside on or within different computer products within a system or network. A computer system may include a monitor, printer, or other suitable display for providing a user with any of the results discussed herein.

[0067] 4 is a block diagram of an example computing environment 400 including an example computing device 405 and a server 410 suitable for use in some example implementations. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the computing device 405 and / or the server 410 may be configured substantially similar to the computing device 300.

[0068] Examples of computing devices 405 may include, but are not limited to, mobile devices (e.g., tablets, notebooks, laptops, personal computers, portable televisions, radios, etc.) as well as devices not designed for mobile use (e.g., desktop computers, other computers, etc.). Any connected computing device may function, provide services, or be referred to as a server 410.

[0069] The computing device 405 and the server 410 may communicate over a network 420. In some implementations, the network 420 may be a wireless network, such as, for example, but not limited to, a WiFi network. In some implementations, the network 420 may be a wired network, such as, for example, but not limited to, an Ethernet network.

[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a computing device 300 (or 405) with a display system 342, e.g., a mobile device 500 with a display screen 502 for providing sensory stimuli such as displayed visual output 504. The visual output 504 includes a first image, or primary image, for attracting a user's attention and a secondary image containing visual stimuli for promoting the production of gamma brain waves. The primary image may be any visual display designed to promote user engagement with the visual output 504 and to entertain or engage the user. The primary image may, but need not, be configured for the purpose of providing visual stimuli. Suitable primary images include a graphic image, a series or sequence of graphic images such as a fractal pattern 506, a video image (e.g., a movie, television program), or an interactive video image (e.g., a video game). Video images are particularly useful for encouraging a user's continued and repeated engagement with the visual output 504.

[0071] The visual stimulus may include a periodic visual signal or series of visual events, such as a visual display with varying intensity (such as a flashing light), varying color, and / or varying pattern (such as a series of fractal patterns). In one embodiment, the visual stimulus changes with a periodicity of 40 times per second (40 Hz). The visual stimulus may be separate from and / or integrated into the main image.

[0072] In one embodiment, visual display 504 includes a first portion 504a and a second portion 504b disposed on the outer edge of visual display portion 504a. In a preferred embodiment, visual display portion 504b forms a frame surrounding central visual display portion 504a. Frame 504b preferably has a uniform width along the perimeter of visual display portion 504a. The dimensions of second portion 504b are preferably sufficient to ensure that the visual stimulus attracts the user's attention, whether consciously or not. In one embodiment, frame 504b has a uniform width that is about 1 / 2 or less, or about 1 / 10 or less, of the width or shortest dimension of visual display portion 504a. In another embodiment, the ratio of the width of the first portion to the width of the second portion is about 1:1 or less, alternatively about 1:5 or less, for example, along a line "A" passing through visual display 504 that defines the shortest dimension of the first portion.

[0073] In one embodiment, visual display portion 504a includes a main image, and visual display portion 504b includes a visual stimulus. For example, visual display portion 504a may display a fractal image 506, and visual display portion 504b may display a flashing light. In one embodiment, visual display portion 504a also incorporates a visual stimulus. For example, visual display portion 504a may include a series of fractal images 506 that change with a periodicity of 40 Hz. In a preferred embodiment, the visual stimuli of visual display portions 504a and 504b have the same periodicity and are more preferably synchronized, e.g., the changing fractal image 506 and the flashing light have a periodicity of 40 Hz and are synchronized.

[0074] In one embodiment, the sensory stimuli include audio stimuli. For example, the mobile device 500 may include a speaker (e.g., speaker 312) for presenting an audio composition, the audio composition including a first, or primary, audio stream for attracting the user's attention and / or a secondary audio stream including audio stimuli for promoting the production of gamma brain waves. The primary audio stream may be related to the primary image and is not typically intended for the purpose of providing audio stimuli. For example, the primary audio stream may be a piece of music reflecting the theme of a graphic image or series of graphic images that make up the primary image. Alternatively, the primary audio stream may be the audio track of a movie, television program, or video game of the primary image, or may be designed to promote the theme of the primary image.

[0075] The audio stimulus may include a periodic audio signal or a series of audio events, such as a series of pulses or bursts (e.g., clicks). The periodicity of the audio stimulus is preferably synchronized with the periodicity of the visual stimulus. In one embodiment, the audio stimulus includes a series of clicks with a periodicity of 40 Hz (i.e., 40 clicks per second). The pulsed sounds may be monophonic or binaural, may be varying tones, or may be constant tones (e.g., a 40 Hz tone). In addition to pulsed sounds, the audio stimulus may also include constant tones, such as a tone produced by a tuning fork with a 40 Hz frequency. When the audio composition includes both a main audio stream and audio stimuli, the audio stimuli may be mixed into the main audio stream (e.g., a 40 Hz tone) and / or may include elements separate from the main audio stream (e.g., clicks that are inconsistent with the main audio stream).

[0076] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the volume of the main audio stream, including songs, or the audio track of a movie, television program, or video game, will vary. In one embodiment, the volume of the audio stimulus will also vary to ensure that it can be continuously heard by the user and is not drowned out or overwhelmed by the main audio stream. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the audio stimulus is automatically adjusted so that the ratio between the volume of the main audio stream and the volume of the audio stimulus remains approximately constant.

[0077] In one embodiment, the audio synthesis includes a primary audio stream generated by a musical instrument. The musical instrument is preferably adapted to generate low-frequency tones that are considered particularly beneficial for sound healing. In one embodiment, the musical instrument is an acoustic-electronic musical instrument that includes one or more acoustic elements, such as a stringed instrument (e.g., that can be bowed or plucked), a standing bell (e.g., that can be struck or scraped), and / or a tuning fork, and one or more electronic elements, such as an electronic keyboard and / or an instrument / sound effect synthesizer. The acoustic elements may or may not include electronic amplification. Examples of suitable acoustic-electronic musical instruments are described in Quittner U.S. Patent Nos. 9,685,149 and 10,068,560, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0078] In one embodiment, the primary audio stream is generally configured to entertain or engage the subject. For example, the primary audio stream may include modulation effects (e.g., frequency, phase, and / or amplitude modulation) to generate complex undulating / wavering sound patterns that the subject may find calming. Acoustic electronic musical instruments are particularly well-suited for creating such audio content. The sound of standing bells (e.g., crystal bowls or Tibetan metal singing bowls) is believed to be healing. These therapeutic sounds may be complemented by bowing or plucking to create a deep, reverberant sound that captures the subject's attention. The primary audio stream is preferably designed to complement or enhance the audio stimulus. For example, the primary audio stream may include a repeating undulating pattern with a periodicity that is a multiple of the periodicity of the audio stimulus.

[0079] In one embodiment, the mobile device 500 is configured to display a visual output 504 and play an audio synthesis. The visual output 504 includes a primary image in a central visual display portion 504a that includes a series of color-changing fractal patterns, and a visual stimulus in a visual display portion 504b that forms a frame surrounding the visual display portion 504a that includes a flashing light. The primary image changes color and pattern, and the visual stimulus flashes at a 40 Hz periodicity and is synchronized. The audio synthesis includes a primary audio stream generated by an acoustic electronic instrument and an audio stimulus including a repeating click tone at a 40 Hz periodicity. The periodicity (and frequency of the tone) of the flashing light and the click tone are synchronized.

[0080] In one embodiment, the visual output 504 and audio synthesis are stored on the computer-readable medium 302. The processor 318 executes application programs that control the display system 342 and the display screen 502 to provide the displayed visual output 504 and the speaker 312 to provide the audio synthesis.

[0081] Treatment using sensory (visual and / or auditory) stimulation preferably involves exposure for at least about 5 seconds to about 1 hour or more. Exposure to visual and auditory stimulation for several minutes has been shown to increase EEG power and coherence. Auditory stimulation for as little as 5 seconds has been shown to modulate EEG power and phase synchronization, with activation of the frontal, temporal, and central lobes of the brain observed within 15 minutes. Studies of subjects with early-stage Alzheimer's disease suggest that exposure to visual and auditory stimulation for one hour per day may slow the progression of brain atrophy and improve brain function. Furthermore, visual stimulation for one hour per day has been shown to reduce neuronal degeneration in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

[0082] In one embodiment, a computing device (e.g., mobile device 500) is configured to provide or present visual and / or auditory stimuli for an exposure period of about 5 seconds to about 1 hour or more, such as about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 seconds, or about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, or 60 minutes. For some subjects, exposure periods longer than about 1 hour can cause repetitive fatigue and reduce motivation to continue treatment. The visual display or audio synthesis may include short segments that are repeated or looped during the exposure period to the sensory stimuli. In one embodiment, the length or duration of a segment is 5, 10, or 15 minutes and is repeated during the treatment period, for example, 12, 6, or 4 times during a 1-hour exposure period. Alternatively, the visual display or audio synthesis may be non-repeating and have a fixed length corresponding to the duration of the treatment.

[0083] In one embodiment, the computing device tracks the time a user is in proximity to or engaged with the visual display and / or audio synthesis to promote exposure to the sensory stimuli for an appropriate period of time. For example, the computing device may include a timer and a facial recognition system with the facial recognition routine described above to detect or determine whether the user is engaged with the visual display and / or audio synthesis. In one embodiment, the timer is set for a predetermined time for exposure to the sensory stimuli, and the timer is started when playback of the visual display and / or audio synthesis begins. When the timer reaches the predetermined time, the computing device may stop playback of the visual display and / or audio synthesis. The computing device may pause the timer during periods of user inactivity and resume or restart the timer when the user re-engages. Playback of the visual display and audio synthesis may be paused during periods of user inactivity or may simply continue as needed. For example, non-repeating visual display and audio synthesis having a fixed length may be paused and resumed (or restarted). Alternatively, visual display and audio synthesis including looped segments may simply continue playback until the timer is stopped.

[0084] The computing device may also track the user's daily exposure to the sensory stimulus. In one embodiment, the computing device stores or is programmed with a predetermined time sequence. For example, the computing device may be programmed to increase the user's exposure to the sensory stimulus over time, such as a sequence that gradually increases every week (or every seven exposures). In one embodiment, the predetermined time sequence begins with 5 seconds of exposure per day and increases by 5 minutes each week, up to a maximum of 1 hour of exposure per day.

[0085] The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Various modifications or changes will occur to those skilled in the art in light of these. These are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of this application and the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for presenting therapeutic light on a computing device including an electronic display screen, comprising: presenting a visual display on the display screen, the visual display including first and second images, the first image being presented in a first portion of the visual display and the second image being presented in a second portion of the visual display arranged around the first portion; Including, the first image is selected from the group consisting of a graphic image, a sequence of graphic images, a video image, and an interactive video image; the second image comprises a first periodic visual signal selected from the group consisting of an intensity-varying image, a color-varying image, a pattern-varying image, and combinations thereof; method.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the visual representation forms a frame surrounding the perimeter of the first portion of the visual representation.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the frame has a uniform width around the first portion of the visual representation.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the width of the frame is less than or equal to about half the width of the first portion.

5. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein a ratio of the width of the first portion to the width of the second portion along a line defining a shortest dimension of the first portion is about 1:1 or less.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the variation in the first periodic visual signal has a periodicity of 40 times per second.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the periodic visual signal comprises a flashing light having a periodicity of 40 times per second.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first image includes a second periodic visual signal.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the first periodic visual signal and the second periodic visual signal are synchronized.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the first and second periodic visual signals have the same periodicity.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the first and second periodic visual signals are synchronized.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the computing device includes a speaker, and the method further includes presenting an audio synthesis including a periodic audio signal comprising a series of clicks.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the periodic audio signal has a periodicity of 40 times per second.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the first periodic visual signal and the periodic audio signal have the same periodicity.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the first periodic visual signal and the periodic audio signal are synchronized.

16. The computing device includes a housing and a speaker, the speaker and the electronic visual display are within the housing, and the method includes: presenting first and second audio streams, the second audio stream including a periodic audio signal having a series of clicks or audible tones at a periodicity of 40 times per second; Further comprising: the first and second audio streams have first and second volumes, respectively, and the ratio between the first volume and the second volume is approximately constant; The method of claim 1.

17. The computing device includes a speaker, and the first image is selected from the group consisting of a video image and an interactive video image, and the method further comprises: presenting first and second audio streams, the first audio stream including an audio track for the first image and the second audio stream including a periodic audio signal including a series of clicks; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

18. 1. A method for presenting therapeutic light and sound on a computing device including a display screen and a speaker, comprising: presenting a visual display on the display screen, the visual display including first and second images, the first image being presented in a first portion of the visual display and the second image being presented in a second portion of the visual display forming a frame surrounding the perimeter of the first portion of the visual display, the frame having a uniform width that is less than or equal to about one-half the width of the first portion; and presenting to the speaker an audio composition comprising first and second audio streams, the first audio stream comprising a musical piece and the second audio stream comprising a periodic audio signal having a series of clicks; Including, the first image is selected from the group consisting of a graphic image, a sequence of graphic images, a video image, and an interactive video image; the second image comprises a periodic visual signal selected from the group consisting of an intensity-varying image, a color-varying image, a pattern-varying image, and combinations thereof; the variations in the periodic visual signal and the periodic audio signal have the same periodicity. method.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the periodic visual signal and the periodic audio signal are synchronized.

20. determining whether the subject is engaging or disengaging with the visual display and audio synthesis; the visual display and audio synthesis are paused when the subject is not engaging with the visual display and audio synthesis; 20. The method of claim 18.

21. setting a timer to a predetermined time; starting the timer when the visual display and audio composition are presented; and stopping the visual display and audio composition when the timer reaches the predetermined time; the timer and the visual display and audio synthesis are paused when the subject is not engaging with the visual display and audio synthesis; 21. The method of claim 20.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the predetermined time period ranges from about 5 seconds to about 1 hour.

23. the visual display and audio composition have a duration selected from the group consisting of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes; the visual display and audio synthesis are looped; 22. The method of claim 21.

24. 1. A device for presenting therapeutic light and sound, comprising: Housing and a processor; a display screen connected to said processor; a speaker connected to the processor, the speaker and the display screen being contained within the housing; a computer-readable medium coupled to the processor; a first image stored on the computer readable medium, the first image selected from the group consisting of a graphic image, a sequence of graphic images, a video image, and an interactive video image; a second image stored on the computer-readable medium, the second image comprising a periodic visual signal selected from the group consisting of an image varying in intensity, an image varying in color, an image varying in pattern, and combinations thereof, wherein the variation in the periodic visual signal has a first periodicity; and an audio synthesis stored on the computer-readable medium, the audio synthesis comprising a periodic audio signal including a series of clicks having a second periodicity the same as the first periodicity; Equipped with the processor directs the display screen to present the visual display including the first image in a first portion of the visual display and the second image in a second portion of the visual display disposed about the first portion; the processor directs the speaker to present the audio composition, the audio composition comprising the periodic audio signal synchronized with the periodic visual signal; device.

25. a timer set at a predetermined time; a facial recognition system that determines whether a subject is participating or not in the visual display and audio synthesis; Further provided with the processor starts the timer when the visual display and audio synthesis are presented, and stops the visual display and audio synthesis when the timer reaches the predetermined time; the processor pausing the timer if the facial recognition system determines that the subject is not participating in the visual display and audio synthesis.

25. The device of claim 24.

26. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the predetermined time period ranges from about 5 seconds to about 1 hour.

27. the visual display and audio composition have a duration set from the group consisting of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes; the visual display and audio synthesis are looped; 26. The device of claim 25.

28. 1. A computer-implemented method for presenting images and sounds on an electronic device having a housing and a camera, an electronic display screen, and a speaker housed within the housing, the method comprising: presenting on the display screen a visual display including a first sequence of animated images and a second sequence of animated images, the first sequence of animated images being presented in a first portion of the visual display and the second sequence of animated images being presented in a second portion of the visual display positioned at least partially around the first portion, the second portion occupying at least 30% of a total viewable area of ​​the visual display, the second sequence of animated images including at least a first image and a second image that is visually different from the first image; detecting a facial image of a user of the electronic device using the camera; tracking the duration or moment that the user looks at the display screen; storing in an electronic storage medium a calculation or value indicative of the length of time or whether the user looked at the visual display; simultaneously, while presenting the visual display on the display screen, in response to determining that the user's eyes are directed toward the visual display, playing through the speaker an audio composition comprising a periodic audio signal having a periodicity in a range of 30 to 50 times per second by repeatedly playing through the speaker at the periodicity at least a first volume level followed by silence or a second volume level different from the first volume level; the second sequence of animated images periodically alternating between at least the first image and the second image; Including, the periodic audio signal is synchronized with the second animated image sequence such that the first image is repeatedly presented in the second portion of the display screen, and the first volume level is played through the speaker simultaneously with the rendering of the first image on the display screen; the first animation sequence comprises a graphic image, a sequence of graphic images, a video image, or an interactive video image; the second image includes an intensity-varying image, a color-varying image, a pattern-varying image, and combinations thereof; Computer-implemented methods.

29. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the first animation sequence includes an animation in which elements of the animation are displayed converging toward a center of the first portion or moving away from the center of the first portion, or following a wave-like pattern in which some elements are displayed converging toward the center while other elements are displayed moving away from the center of the first portion, or vice versa.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the elements form a multi-colored kaleidoscope or fractal pattern, and the level or volume of the periodic audio signal is adjusted based on the configuration of the pattern without changing the periodicity of the periodic audio signal being played through the speaker and without changing the periodicity of the second animated image sequence being displayed on the second portion of the display screen.

31. 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising, in response to detecting that the eyes are not directed toward the display screen, displaying a warning indicating that the eyes are not directed toward the display screen or communicating a signal indicating that the eyes are not directed toward the display screen to an external system remote from the electronic device.

32. and playing a musical piece through the speaker simultaneously with the periodic audio signal and simultaneously displaying the second animated image sequence on the second portion of the display screen, the musical piece being generated by a musical device that: Platform and a plurality of substantially vertically oriented arcos disposed around the periphery of the platform; a central mast located substantially in the center of the platform; Including, a string of a musical instrument stretched over each of the plurality of arcos, the string of each musical instrument being tuned to produce a musical tone when vibrated; 29. The method of claim 28.

Images