Stimulation system and method with one or more stimulation devices

Abstract

The invention refers to a system (50) comprising one or more stimulation devices (10). Each stimulation device (10) comprises a housing (11), an input sensing unit (12) for detecting an activation input upon the housing (11), a communication unit (14) for communicating with a control unit (20) connectable to the system and / or with other stimulation devices (10) of the one or more stimulation devices, and a sensory output emitter (16) for emitting a sensory output through the housing (11), and a processing unit (18) configured for outputting a confirmation signal, in particular to the control unit (20) connectable to the system, via the communication unit (14), when an activation input is detected by the input sensing unit (12) in reaction to a sensory output emitted by the sensory output emitter (16).

Description

[0001] Stimulation system and method with one or more stimulation devices

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is in the field of interactive systems and methods for generating sensory outputs perceivable by a user, in particular by a human user or patient, and for registering and processing mechanical interactions with the system in reaction to such sensory outputs. The invention refers to a system comprising one or more stimulation devices and to a method of providing sensory stimulation using a system comprising one or more stimulation devices.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Cognitive degenerative illnesses, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson’s disease and neurological injuries, such as impairments due to a stroke, have profound effects on an individual's cognitive, neurological and motor functions, often leading to a decline in their ability to perform daily tasks and maintain coordination. These conditions pose significant challenges to patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, necessitating the development of novel approaches to improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

[0006] One common area of difficulty for patients with cognitive degenerative illnesses is the maintenance and enhancement of their motor skills, cognitive and neurological abilities, and coordination. These skills are essential for performing everyday activities, such as dressing, eating, and grooming. Traditional approaches to cognitive, neurological, motor, and coordinative training may be ineffective or limited in their ability to engage and motivate patients.

[0007] In recent years, technological advancements in interactive systems and assistive technologies have offered promising solutions to address these challenges. Such systems have the potential to engage patients in cognitive, neurological, motor, and coordinative exercises by providing sensory stimuli and evaluating their responses.

[0008] Existing technologies for cognitive, neurological, motor, and coordinative training often rely on static or repetitive exercises that can quickly become monotonous for patients. These conventional approaches may fail to capture and sustain the patient's interest and motivation, hindering the effectiveness of the training regimen.

[0009] Moreover, conventional assistive technologies may lack the ability to adapt and personalize the training experience based on the patient's progress and evolving needs. As a result, patients with cognitive, neurological and / or motor degenerative illnesses may not receive the tailored support required to maximize their coordinative training benefits. Thus, there is room for technical improvement in the field of interactive systems, in particular when applied as a training tool for patients suffering cognitive, neurological and / or motor, degenerative illnesses.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The aim of the present invention is addressing the aforementioned challenges and providing a system comprising a plurality of stimulation devices to provide interactional therapy specifically adapted to the needs of patients with cognitive degenerative illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, and / or neurological and / or motor disorders, such as impairments due to a stroke. The mechanical-interaction-based feedback and the personalized training experience provided by this system contribute to its effectiveness in improving coordination and motor skills, making it a valuable tool for patients and caregivers.

[0012] A first aspect of the invention refers to a system comprising one or more stimulation devices, preferably at least two or at least three stimulation devices. Each of the stimulation devices comprises a housing, an input sensing unit, a communication unit, a sensory output emitter and a processing unit.

[0013] The housing may enclose at least some, possibly all, of the remaining components of the stimulation device, in particular the input sensing unit, the communication unit, the sensory output emitter and a processing unit.

[0014] The input sensing unit is configured for detecting an activation input upon the housing. An “activation input” may refer herein to at least one of a mechanical input, such as any of force, pressure and contact a proximity input, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the input sensing unit may comprise at least one accelerometer. When a user interacting with the stimulation device interacts with the housing, for example with a mechanical interaction by touching the housing or by a contactless interaction moving a body part in a proximity of the stimulation device, such interaction maybe detected by the input sensing unit as activation input. The input sensing unit may be configured for generating an activation input signal as a reaction to detecting an activation input and sending the activation input signal to the processing unit to inform the processing unit that an activation input has been detected.

[0015] The communication unit is configured for communicating with a control unit connectable to the system and / or with other stimulation devices of the one or more stimulation devices. The communication unit hence allows a given stimulation device to exchange information and communicate with an external control unit, which may for example be a software module executed by a processor of a smartphone, and / or with other peer stimulation devices. The communication unit may in particular be configured for allowing wireless communication with the control unit and / or with said order stimulation devices using any of the wireless communication technologies that are known to a skilled person, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF and the like.

[0016] The sensory output emitter is configured for emitting a sensory output through the housing. This means that a sensory output generated by the sensory output emitter is perceivable through the housing, i.e., from an exterior of the stimulation device. The sensory output emitter may comprise one or more of a light emitter, a sound emitter, an olfactive emitter, and a vibration emitter. Thus, the sensory output that the sensory output emitter may emit through the housing maybe a visual output, an acoustic output, an olfactive output, a haptic output or any combination thereof.

[0017] The sensory output emitter may generate and emit said sensory output when instructed to do so by the processing unit and / or by the external control unit and / or by another stimulation device. Additionally or alternatively, the sensory output emitter may be configured to randomly generate and emit said sensory output.

[0018] Further, any parameters of the sensory output, such as time duration, type (i.e., which of the available emitters of the one or more light emitter, sound emitter, olfactive emitter and vibration emitter is used) and / or intensity (e.g., light intensity, sound intensity and all vibration intensity) can be adaptable, for example to match the perception requirements of a given user of the system. For instance, a user suffering from hearing impairment may require a higher sound intensity when the sensory output includes an acoustic output.

[0019] The processing unit is configured for outputting a confirmation signal, in particular to the previously mentioned control unit connectable to the system, via the communication unit, when an activation input is detected by the input sensing unit in reaction to a sensory output emitted by the sensoiy output emitter, in particular during or after the emission of the sensory output. Thus, the processing unit generates and sends the confirmation signal for indicating that an activation input has been detected following the emission of the sensory output, for example within a predefined or adjustable waiting time, for example within five seconds from the beginning or end of the emission of the sensory output. The confirmation signal hence provides an indication that a user interacting with the system has reacted to a sensoiy output outputted by a given stimulation device by mechanical interacting with said given stimulation device, for example by tapping the housing of the stimulation device.

[0020] The confirmation signals may be used, in particular by the control unit connectable to the system, to control a sequence of trigger signals sent to the system of the invention for triggering the emission of the sensory outputs, such that for example, a subsequent sensory output is only triggered after a confirmation signal corresponding to a foregoing sensory output has been received. Thus, the present invention provides an interactive system comprising a plurality of stimulation devices. Each stimulation device is designed to emit sensory outputs, such as light, sound, and / or vibration, to engage a user in cognitive, neurological, motor and / or coordinative training exercises. These stimulation devices are further configured to detect and register activation inputs generated by the user in response to the sensory outputs. Upon successful detection of such activation inputs, the stimulation devices are programmed to output confirmation signals.

[0021] This interactive system offers a versatile and adaptable approach to cognitive, neurological, motor, and coordinative training for individuals with cognitive, neurological and / or motor degenerative illnesses, enhancing their quality of life and fostering independence. The system of the invention can be used by a user as an at-home solution, which the user can use without needing professional or specialised supervision.

[0022] The input sensing unit may comprise a contact sensor configured for detecting a contact input upon the housing. A contact sensor may also be referred to as a tap sensor. The processing unit may then be further configured for outputting the confirmation signal when the activation input detects a contact input. This ensures that the confirmation signal is only outputted after actual contact has been registered. This may prevent false positive detection. The stimulation devices of a system used by a patient suffering from a degenerative cognitive, neurological or motor illness are typically laid on a rigid surface, such as a table or a rigid floor. For example, if three of the stimulation devices are arranged on a table next to each other, activation input detection only based, for instance, on the activation of an accelerometer, could lead to all three stimulation devices detecting a activation input whenever one of them is hit by a user of the system, due to vibrations propagating through the rigid table or floor. Instead, if positive detection of a activation input relies on contact detection using a contact sensor, only the stimulation device actually receiving physical contact will be activated.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the input sensing unit may comprise a proximity sensor configured for detecting a proximity input upon the housing. The processing unit may then be further configured for outputting the confirmation signal when the activation input detects a proximity input. This ensures that the confirmation signal is only outputted after actual contact has been registered. This may also prevent false positive detection.

[0024] By comprising at least one accelerometer and at least one contact sensor or at least one accelerometer and at least one proximity sensor or at least one accelerometer, at least one contact sensor and at least one proximity sensor, the activation input sensor of the stimulation devices of the invention can achieve even better reliability, wherein the confirmation signal may be outputted, by the processing unit, subject to the condition that two or three of the at least one accelerometer, the at least one proximity sensor, and the at least one contact sensor detect a activation input. This way, also false positive detection due to inadvertent contact or inadvertent proximity can be prevented.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the input sensing unit maybe configured for detecting a value of a force and / or pressure corresponding to the activation input, in particular when the activation input is or comprises a mechanical input. For this purpose, the input sensing unit may comprise one or more of a force gauge, an accelerometer, a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a reed switch, an MEMS accelerometer, a photoelectric strain sensor and a vibration sensor. The processing unit may then be configured for processing a value signal encoding said value of a force and / or a pressure. The processing unit may further be configured for outputting the value signal, in particular to the control unit connectable to the system, via the communication unit. The value signal may optionally be included in the confirmation signal (i.e., the value signal may end up being interpreted, in particular by the previously mentioned control unit, as a confirmation signal). By including information about the amplitude of a force and / or pressure detected as activation input, the output provided by a given stimulation device may allow detecting with increased reliability whether an activation input detected by the input sensing unit was intended or incidental.

[0026] Preferably, the processing unit may be configured for comparing the values signal measured by the input sensing unit with further value signals received from other stimulation devices and to output a selection signal encoding and identity of a stimulation device corresponding to a higher value. Thus, the previously mentioned information about the value of a force and / or pressure corresponding to the activation input detected by the input sensing unit can be used for comparing to corresponding values detected by the input sensing units of other (neighbouring) stimulation devices and thereby identifying the stimulation device measuring the highest values as the stimulation device that actually received the activation input intentionally and not incidentally.

[0027] Notably, the comparison of value signals from different stimulation devices and the selection of a stimulation device corresponding to a highest value may be implemented externally, outside the stimulation devices, in particular in the control unit connectable to the system. For this purpose, the control unit may be configured for receiving from each of the one or more stimulation devices and processing the respective value signals, and the control unit may further be configured for comparing said value signals to each other for selecting a stimulation device corresponding to a highest value of said force and / or pressure. For the selected stimulation device, the control unit may interpret the corresponding value signal as a confirmation signal, for example indicating that a sequence of trigger signals to be sent to the stimulation devices can be continued. Thus, by using contact detection and / or by having the ability to detect and process values of a force and / or pressure corresponding to a activation input, the stimulation devices of the system according to the invention offer a configuration that is specially adapted to the requirements of the users suffering from cognitive illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, and / or neurological and / or motor disorders, such as impairments due to a stroke, who typically have reduced mobility and use the system with the stimulation devices arranged next to each other on a rigid surface, such as a table. Combining several detection modalities, in particular contact detection and value detection, possibly with acceleration detection by at least one accelerometer, may provide optimal prevention of false positive interactions in the context of users with cognitive, neurological and / or motor illnesses.

[0028] In preferred embodiments, the housing of the at least one stimulation device may comprise at least two portions that are movable with respect to each other. The at least two portions may for example correspond to an upper portion and a lower portion of the stimulation device in a position in which the stimulation device is lying on a substrate, for example on a table. The at least two portions may optionally be mutually separated by a soft portion made of a possibly flexible and / or elastic material. The input sensing unit may be configured for detecting the activation input when the at least two portions of the housing and moved with respect to each other. A mechanical interaction with the stimulation device, for example a contact by a user, may cause the two portions of the housing to be displaced with respect to each other and this relative movement of the two housing portions can be used for triggering the detection of the activation input. The previously mentioned mobility of the at least two portions with respect to each other may be achieved by a first portion of the housing being rigid, for example made of a rigid plastic, while a second portion of the housing may be flexible, for example made of a flexible plastic, such that the flexible portion can move with respect to the rigid portion, at least in part, for instance when a force is applied upon the flexible portion.

[0029] According to preferred embodiments, at least one of the one or more stimulation devices, possibly each one of them, may further comprise an identity sensor configured for associating a activation input detected by the input sensing unit to an identifier characterising an object responsible for said activation input. Said object may in particular correspond to a wearable device arranged on the body of the user, for example in the hand, around the wrist, or on the foot of the user, and may be configured for generating an identifier that is detectable by the identity sensor. The identity sensor may comprise one or more of an RFID sensor, an optic sensor, and an image recognition sensor. The use of such identity sensor can provide additional information about the activation input being provided by a user of the system that can be exploited for training and therapeutic purposes. For example, a user may wear objects associated to different identifiers on their left and right hand, such that the system can be able to identify whether a activation input has been provided by the user using their left or right hand, in each case. This can be useful, for example, for diagnosing and / or treating diseases that manifest laterally and / or asymmetrically and may differently affect the left and right halves of the body of a patient.

[0030] The system of the invention may further comprise one or more identification devices for generating an input identifier, which may in particular be detectable by the identity sensor described above. The one or more identification devices may preferably be configured as wearable devices, for example as gloves, wristbands, rings or the like. At least one of the one or more identification devices, possibly each of them, may comprise one or more of an RFID emitter and an optic emitter configured for generating the input identifier.

[0031] Notably, the number of different identifiers and identification devices is not limited to two, and a larger number of identifiers and of respective identification devices can be used: for example, four wearable devices with respective unique identifiers can be used for covering left and right hands as well as left and right feet and / or ten ring-like devices with respective unique identifiers can be used for covering all ten fingers of a patient. The identity sensor and the corresponding identity emitters can be configured to suitably adjust a detection distance range. For example, smaller detection distances maybe chosen when different fingers in a hand have to be detected , whereas larger detection distances can be set for detecting only whether a mechanical interaction was provided using a left hand / or a right hand.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the one or more stimulation devices may operate as one such identification device. For this purpose, at least one of the one or more stimulation devices may comprise, in particular within the housing, one or more of an RFID emitter and an optic emitter configured for generating the input identifier. This allows obtaining the advantages of using identifiers without the need of external identification devices, providing an integrated solution.

[0033] In preferred embodiments, the input sensing unit may spatially overlap with the sensory output emitter, at least over a portion of the surface of the housing. Thus, a portion of the stimulation device, in particular of the housing thereof, used for emitting sensory outputs may coincide, at least partially, possibly totally, with a portion of the stimulation device, in particular of the housing thereof, at which activation inputs can be detected. For example, said portion of the surface of the housing may correspond to an arrangement an extension of a touch sensor operating as input sensing unit that specially overlaps with a display operating as sensory output emitter comprising a light emitter for emitting visual outputs. Additionally or alternatively, other sensors of the at least one stimulation devices may also specially overlap with the sensory output emitter and / or with the input sensing unit, for example the previously described identity sensor. This allows spatially concentrating all interaction on a limited region of the housing. The confirmation signal outputted by each of the one or more stimulation devices may comprise a device identifier identifying a corresponding stimulation device by which the confirmation signal was outputted. This allows, in particular to the control unit connectable to the system, associating each confirmation signal to the corresponding stimulation device of origin.

[0034] According to preferred embodiments, the processing unit may be configured for detecting a time lapse between a sensoiy output emitted by the sensoiy output emitter and a activation input detected by the input sensing unit. This time lapse may optionally be encoded in the confirmation signal outputted by the processing unit. This information may be used for generating a diagnosis and / or evolution profile for a user of the system. For example, trainingbased improvement can be detected as a decrease over time of the average reaction time required by user to provide a activation input to the correct stimulation device after being prompted by a corresponding sensory output.

[0035] In preferred embodiments, the system of the invention may comprise the previously mentioned control unit. The control unit may be a dedicated control device, but also be a software module executable by an independent processing unit, for example a PC, a smartphone or the like. The control unit can for example be implemented as a smartphone app. In other related embodiments, a processing unit of at least one of the one or more stimulation devices may also operate as control unit of the system. In any case, the control unit may be communicatively connectable to the one or more stimulation devices, preferably wirelessly. The control unit maybe configured for detecting the confirmation signal outputted by each of the one or more stimulation devices, preferably as an ordered time sequence. Detecting the confirmation signals outputted by the stimulation devices as an ordered time sequence allows the control unit to keep track of the sequential time order of the generation of the confirmation signals by the difference stimulations devices, thereby keeping track of the time sequence of interactions of the user with the stimulation devices.

[0036] The control unit may be configured for receiving from the one or more stimulation devices and processing at least one of the following parameters: the previously mentioned value signals, a device identifier, an input identifier, and a time lapse between a sensory output emitted by the sensory output emitter and a activation input detected by the input sensing unit of a given stimulation device.

[0037] The control unit may further be configured for transmitting to the one or more stimulation devices a sequence of trigger signals configured for triggering the sensory output emitter of the corresponding stimulation device to emit the respective sensory output. The control unit may preferably be configured for triggering one sensory output emitter at a time, in particular such that not more than one stimulation units are simultaneously triggered and activated to emit the corresponding sensory output. For this purpose, the control unit may send one trigger signal at a time and / or may send a correspondingly configured sequence of trigger signals (in one signal package). However, for other modalities of training or therapy, the control unit may be configured for simultaneously triggering the sensory output emitters of more than one stimulation devices.

[0038] In preferred embodiments, the control unit may be configured for adjusting the sequence of trigger signals, in particular a time lapse between subsequent emissions of a sensoiy output, an intensity of a sensory output and / or a time duration of the sensory outputs, as a function of the previously mentioned at least one parameters, i.e. as a function of at least one of value signals, a device identifier, an input identifier, and a time lapse between a sensory output emitted by the sensory output emitter and a activation input detected by the input sensing unit of a given stimulation device, possibly using an Al-algorithm. Thereby, patient-specific personalised training conditions can be provided by the system of the invention.

[0039] The previously mentioned Al-algorithm may comprise a machine learning algorithm trained, for example using values of the previously mentioned at least one parameter, for example comprised in corresponding user profiles or patient profiles, and sequences of trigger signals associated thereto, in particular with correspondingly adjusted values of a time lapse between subsequent emissions of a sensory output, an intensity of a sensory output and / or a time duration of the sensoiy outputs. The algorithm may be trained using supervised learning, The Al-algorithm maybe configured for first transmitting to the one or more stimulation devices a benchmark sequence of trigger signals and then adjusting the sequence of trigger signals based on values of the previously mentioned at least one parameters obtained in reaction to the sensory outputs triggered by the benchmark sequence of trigger signals. Additionally, before adjusting the sequence of trigger signals based on said values of the previously mentioned at least one parameters, the Al-algorithm may prompt a user of the system to provide answers to an assessment questionnaire, and the sequence of trigger signals may be adapted also based on the answers provided by the user. The questionnaire may for example comprise questions about the life style, health condition, body condition, age, symptoms, etc of the user. This may allow, for example, controlling the system to support the user performing different physical exercises depending on a skill level and / or a physical condition assessed based on the questionnaire.

[0040] The control unit may be configured for sending a subsequent trigger signal of the sequence of trigger signals under the condition that a confirmation signal has been received from a stimulation device to which a precedent trigger signal was sent. This can ensure that the sequence is not prematurely continued before a user of the system has correctly reacted to a previous sensory output and correspondingly interacted with the system by providing an activation input to the corresponding stimulation device. According to preferred embodiments, the stimulation device may comprise a rechargeable battery, preferably arranged within the housing. The battery may be recharged wirelessly, for example inductively, or via a wired connection, for example, by a connection port provided through the housing, for example a USB-C port or the like.

[0041] The system may further comprise a charging station configured for receiving therein the one or more stimulation devices for charging the rechargeable batteries thereof. One single charging station may be configured for receiving more than one of the stimulation devices, preferably at least three of the stimulation devices.

[0042] A further aspect of the invention refers to a method of controlling a system comprising one or more stimulation devices, which may preferably be a system according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention. The method may be computer-implemented. For example, the method may be implemented by the previously described control unit, for example as an executable application running on a smartphone. The method comprises generating a trigger signal for triggering at least one of the one or more stimulation devices, in particular the corresponding sensory output emitter thereof, to emit a sensory output, the sensory output comprising one or more of a light output, a sound output and a vibration output, and generating a confirmation signal when an activation input is detected by said at least one of the one or more stimulation devices after the emission of said sensory output.

[0043] The method may further comprise detecting an identifier characterising an object responsible for a set activation input, preferably as one or more of an RFID input, an optic input and an image recognition input. As an example of image recognition, a camera may be used for capturing images of interactions of the user with a stimulation device of the system and to identify when the user is interacting with a stimulation device in a given manner, for example with their left hand / or with the right hand.

[0044] The confirmation signal may be generated upon the condition that the activation input is detected comprising a contact input, for example by a contact sensor, as previously described.

[0045] The method may further comprise detecting a value of a force and / or a pressure corresponding to said activation input. The method may then further comprise generating a value signal, which may be optionally included in the confirmation signal, encoding said value.

[0046] The method may further comprise comparing value signals corresponding to forces and / or pressures associated to activation inputs detected by different stimulations devices of the one or more stimulation devices and identifying and / or selecting one of said stimulation devices corresponding to the highest value of force and / or pressure.

[0047] The confirmation signal may comprise a device identifier identifying a corresponding stimulation device by which the confirmation signal was outputted. The method may further comprise detecting a time lapse between a sensory output emitted by one of the stimulation devices, in particular by the sensory output emitted thereof, and a activation input detected by said stimulation device, in particular by the input sensing unit thereof. The method may preferably further comprise encoding this time lapse in the confirmation signal.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the method steps of generating the trigger signal and generating the confirmation signal may be repeated over time, in particular cyclically and / or periodically. The method may further comprise detecting an ordered time sequence corresponding to a time sequence of activation inputs detected by the one or more stimulation devices in response to respective sensory outputs.

[0049] The method may further comprise transmitting to the one or more stimulation devices an ordered sequence of such trigger signals. Preferably, one stimulation device may be activated at a time, such that not more than one stimulation device emits a sensory output at a time. However, as previously mentioned, other modalities of therapy or training may include emitting sensory outputs with by more than one of the stimulation devices simultaneously.

[0050] A subsequent trigger signal of the sequence of trigger signals may be sent under the condition that a confirmation signal has been received from a stimulation device to which a president trigger signal was sent.

[0051] In particular when the method steps of emitting a sensory output and generating a confirmation signal are repeated over time, the method may further comprise adjusting a sequence of sensory outputs emitted by the one or more stimulation devices, in particular a time lapse between subsequent emissions of sensory outputs and / or a time duration of the sensory outputs, as a function of at least one of: a contact input detected by the one or more stimulation devices, a value of a force and / or a pressure corresponding to a activation input detected by the one or more stimulation devices, an identifier characterizing an object responsible for a activation input detected by the one or more stimulation devices, a device identifier identifying a corresponding stimulation device by which the confirmation signal was outputted, and a time lapse between a sensoiy output emitted by one of the stimulation devices and a activation input detected by said one of the stimulation devices.

[0052] A further aspect of the invention refers to an executable software, for example computer program or an app for a smartphone, comprising executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to implement the method according to any of the embodiments of the second aspect of the invention. A method of providing training and / or therapy to patients suffering from any of a cognitive disorder, a neurological disorder and a motor disorder. Examples of such disorders as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease and impairments due to a stroke, may comprise using a system comprising one or more stimulation devices, preferably a system according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, and controlling the system according to any of the previously described embodiments of the second aspect of the invention. This method may comprise: emitting a sensory output by at least one of the one or more stimulation devices, in particular by the corresponding sensory output emitter, the sensory output comprising one or more of a light output, a sound output and a vibration output, detecting a activation input by said at least one of the one or more stimulation devices after the emission of said sensory output, and possibly generating a corresponding confirmation signal.

[0053] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Fig. i shows a schematic illustration of a system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0055] Fig. 2 is a representation of the external appearance of a stimulation device of a system according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0056] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the internal structure of a stimulation device of a system according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the implementation of the method of Fig. 4 from the perspective of one of the stimulation devices of the system of the invention.

[0059] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated apparatus and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur now or in the future to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a system 50 according to an embodiment of the invention comprising three stimulation devices 10a, 10b and 10c, which may be referred to collectively as stimulation devices io. In other related embodiments, the number of stimulation devices io can be different, in particular two or greater than three.

[0062] Fig. 1 further shows a control unit 20 that interacts with the stimulation devices 10 for implementing a control method too that is schematically illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 to be described in further detail below. The control unit 20 can for example correspond to a smartphone running a corresponding executable application or app.

[0063] Each of the stimulation devices 10 can have an external appearance as shown in Fig. 2 and an internal functional structure as schematically shown in Fig. 3, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 2, each of the stimulation devices 10 comprises a housing 11 and encloses the remaining components of the stimulation device 10, in particular all components shown in Fig. 3. In the embodiment shown, the housing 11 comprises an upper portion 11a, a lower portion 11b and a movable portion 19. The upper portion 11a and the lower portion 11b can be made of hard material, for example a hard plastic. The movable portion 19 can be made of hard material or of an elastic material. The movable portion 19 is movable with respect to the upper portion 11a and the lower portion 11b. The upper portion 11a and the lower portion 11b can be separated from each other to allow access to the interior of the housing 11.

[0064] As seen in Fig. 2, the functional components of the stimulation device 10 are a input sensing unit 12, a communication unit 14, a sensory output emitter 16, a processing unit 18, an identity sensor 13 and a rechargeable battery 17. All components of the stimulation device 10 shown in Fig. 2 can be interconnected and are in particular connected to the processing unit 18, which can be configured for controlling and coordinating the operation of all components of the stimulation device 10.

[0065] The rechargeable battery 17 supplies all components of the stimulation device 10 with electrical power and is rechargeable inductively through the housing or using an electrical connection port 15 formed through the housing 11, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2. The port can for example be a USB-C port.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment under consideration, the input sensing unit 12 is configured as a contact sensor, for example as a capacitive contact sensor, configured for detecting contact with a surface of the movable portion 19 of the upper portion 11a of the housing 11. When a user of the system 50 interacts with one of the stimulation devices 10 by touching the surface 19, this contact is detected by the input sensing unit 12 as a activation input, which is communicated to the processing unit 18.

[0067] Also arranged in the surface of the movable portion 19 of the housing 11, in particular below the surface, possibly occupying the whole extent of the surface of the movable portion 19, is a light emitter of the sensory output emitter 16, which in the exemplary embodiment under consideration can be configured as an LED display configured for emitting a visual output in the form of light of different colours, such as red, green or blue, through the housing 11, such that the visual output is visible to a user of the system 50 from outside of the housing 11. Additionally or alternatively, the LED display can be configured for emitting, as part of the visual output, visual symbols like letters or numbers, for example by illuminating different LEDs of the LED display. The sensory output emitter 16 can further comprise a sound emitter, for example comprising a loudspeaker for emitting acoustic outputs, and a vibration motor configured for generating a vibrational output by causing a vibration of the stimulation unit 10. The sensory output emitter 16 can further comprise an olfactive emitter for generating an olfactive output, i.e. a smell, for example by dispensing an odorous substance, like an aromatic spray.

[0068] Figs. 4 and 5, which should be considered in combination, schematically illustrate the implementation of a method of controlling the system 50 that can be carried out by the stimulation units then and the control unit 20. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates how information flows between the control unit 20, the stimulation units 10 and a user of the system U. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of the implemented method too. The user U can be a patient suffering from any of a cognitive disorder, a neurological disorder and a motor disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or impairments due to a stroke.

[0069] The control unit can connect to each of the stimulation devices 10a, 10b and 10c, via the corresponding communication unit 14, using a wireless technology such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF or the like.

[0070] The control unit 20 is configured for sending to the stimulation devices 10 a time ordered sequence of trigger signals. At step 102, the control unit 10 sends a first trigger signal to the stimulation device 10a. The first trigger signal is received by the communication unit 14 of the stimulation device 10a and triggers the sensory output emitter 16 of the stimulation device 10a to emit a sensory output, at step 104, for example in the form of a light signal emitted through the surface of the movable portion 19 shown in Fig. 3.

[0071] The sensory output is perceivable by the user U, who is thereby prompted, as part of a training or therapy process, to react to the sensory output by mechanically interacting with the system 50 by touching the stimulation device 10a.

[0072] When the user U touches the stimulation device 10a, in particular the surface of the movable portion 19 in the case of a stimulation device according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the input sensing unit 12 of the stimulation device 10a detects the activation input and informs the processing unit 18 that the activation input has been received. Thereupon, at step 108, the processing unit 18 generates a first confirmation signal and uses the communication unit 14 of the stimulation device 10a to send the first confirmation signal to the control unit 20.

[0073] After receiving the first confirmation signal, the control unit continues the sequence of trigger signals by sending, at step 110, a second trigger signal to one of the stimulation devices 10, this time, for example, to the stimulation device 10c. The control unit 20 can decide to which stimulation unit the next trigger signal is sent randomly or following a predefined sequence.

[0074] Steps 112, 114 and 116, which are respectively equivalent to steps 104, 106 and 108 described above, then follow and the sequence can be continued. Notably, although Figs. 4 and 5 only show two cycles 102-108 and 110-116, this is for illustrative purposes only and method 100 can include any number of cycles.

[0075] The processing units 18 of the stimulation devices 10 are configured for outputting the confirmation signal only when the corresponding input sensing unit 12 detects a contact input by the user U. Thus, even though the input sensing units 12 of the stimulations devices 10 can comprise one or more accelerometers, the touch sensor included in each of the input sensing units 12 is configured for being decisive as to whether a confirmation signal is outputted. This ensures that a confirmation signal is only outputted by a stimulation device 10 that was actually contacted by the user U. If the stimulation devices 10a, 10b and 10c are arranged next to each other on a rigid table or on a rigid floor, a mechanical interaction of the user U with the stimulation device 10a in step 106 can potentially activate the accelerometers of all three stimulation devices 10a, 10b and 10c due to the propagation of vibrations through the table. However only the stimulation device 10a will detect a contact input and will consequently output the confirmation signal at step 108.

[0076] In addition, the processing unit 18 of the stimulation devices 10 can be configured for detecting a value of a force and / or pressure of the interactions applied by the user U at steps 106 and 114. For example, at step 114, each of the stimulation devices 10a, 10b and 10c, via the corresponding input sensing unit 12, measures a pressure value and sends to the control unit 20 a value signal containing the corresponding pressure value together with a device identifier associated the pressure value to the stimulation device of origin. The control unit 20 can then compare all three pressure values and identify the stimulation device corresponding to the highest measured pressure value, in this case stimulation device 10a, as the stimulation device that actually received a activation input, thereby interpreting the value signal coming from that stimulation device 10a as a confirmation signal that unleashes the continuation of the sequence of trigger signals by the control unit 20.

[0077] Alternatively, the stimulation devices 10a, 10b and 10c can communicate with each other using their communication units 14, such that the processing unit 18 of each of the stimulation devices then can compare the pressure value measured by its own input sensing unit 12 with the pressure values measured in the other two stimulation devices. In this case, the processing unit 18 of the interaction device 10a can, at step 106, identify itself as the processing unit of the stimulation device corresponding to the highest pressure value and thereupon send the confirmation signal to the control unit 20.

[0078] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, the user U is illustrated wearing two wearable identification devices 30L and 30R. 30L can for example be an identification device worn around a left wrist of the user U while 30R can be an identification device worn around a right wrist of the user U. Each of the identification devices 30L and 30R comprises an RFID emitter configured for generating an input identifier that is detectable by the identity sensors 13 of the stimulation devices 10, and allows the processing unit 18 to identify whether a activation input was caused by the left hand of the user U or by their right hand. In addition to or instead of RFID, other identification techniques can be implemented in ways that are accessible to a person skilled in the art, such as optical detection or image recognition, for example using a camera integrated in the control unit 20 or connected thereto.

[0079] The processing unit 18 of the stimulation devices 10 can be configured to detect a time lapse between the emission of the sensoiy output at steps 104 and 112 and the corresponding detection of a activation input leading to the generation of a confirmation signal by one of the stimulation devices at steps 106 and 114, respectively. The processing unit 18 can communicate the measured time-lapse to the control unit 20, for example contained in the confirmation signal sent to the control unit 20 in each case.

[0080] Thus, the control unit 20 can receive, in each of cycles 102-108 and 110-116, the previously mentioned value signals, the device identifiers, the input identifiers and the time lapse measured between the emission of the sensory output and the corresponding detection of a activation input in reaction thereto. The control unit 20 can use this information to adapt the sequence of trigger signals, possibly using a correspondingly configured Al algorithm. For example, if the control unit 20 detects that the user U is repeatedly using only the left hand, it may trigger more often a stimulation device associated to the right hand of the user, for example by being arranged closer thereto, to prompt the user U to use their right hand as well. As a further example, if the control unit 20 detects that the user U is reacting rapidly to the sensory outputs, it can control the stimulation devices 10 to reduce a duration of the sensoiy outputs in order to provide more challenging stimulation.

[0081] The method too can be carried out as part of a method of providing training and / or therapy to patients - users U - suffering from a cognitive disorder, a neurological disorder and a motor disorder, for example particular Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease or impairments due to a stroke. Although preferred exemplary embodiments are shown and specified in detail in the drawings and the preceding specification, these should be viewed as purely exemplary and not as limiting the invention. It is noted in this regard that only the preferred exemplary embodiments are shown and specified, and all variations and modifications should be protected that presently or in the future lie within the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (50) comprising one or more stimulation devices (10), each comprising: a housing (11), an input sensing unit (12) for detecting an activation input upon the housing (11), a communication unit (14) for communicating with a control unit (20) connectable to the system and / or with other stimulation devices (10) of the one or more stimulation devices, and a sensory output emitter (16) for emitting a sensory output through the housing (11), wherein the sensory output emitter comprises one or more of a light emitter, a sound emitter, an olfactive emitter, and a vibration emitter, a processing unit (18) configured for outputting a confirmation signal, in particular to the control unit (20) connectable to the system, via the communication unit (14), when an activation input is detected by the input sensing unit (12) in reaction to a sensory output emitted by the sensoiy output emitter (16).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the an input sensing unit (12) comprises a contact sensor for detecting a contact input upon the housing, and wherein the processing unit (18) is preferably further configured for outputting the confirmation signal when the an input sensing unit (12) detects a contact input.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the an input sensing unit (12) is configured for detecting a value of a force and / or pressure corresponding to said activation input, and wherein the processing unit (18) is configured for processing a value signal encoding said value.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the processing unit (18) is further configured for comparing said value signal to further value signals received from other stimulation devices (10) and to output a selection signal encoding an identity of a stimulation device (10) corresponding to a highest value.

5. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (11) comprises at least two portions (11a, 11b) movable with respect to each other, wherein the input sensing unit (12) preferably detects said activation input when the at least two portions (11a, 11b) of the housing (11) are moved with respect to each other.

6. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more stimulation devices (to), preferably each of the one or more stimulation devices (to), further comprises: an identity sensor (13) for associating a activation input detected by the an input sensing unit (12) to an identifier characterizing an object responsible for said activation input, wherein the identity sensor (13) preferably comprises one or more of an RFID sensor, an optic sensor, and an image recognition sensor.

7. The system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more identification devices (30L, 30R) for generating an input identifier, said input identifier being in particular detectable by the identity sensor (13) of claim 6, wherein the one or more identification devices (30L, 30R) are preferably configured as wearable devices, wherein at least one of the one or more identification devices (30L, 30R), preferably each of them, more preferably comprises one or more of an RFID emitter and an optic emitter configured for generating the input identifier.

8. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the input sensing unit (12) spatially overlaps with the sensory output emitter (16), at least over a portion of a surface (19) of the housing (11).

9. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the confirmation signal outputted by each of the one or more stimulation devices (10) comprises a device identifier identifying a corresponding stimulation device (10) by which the confirmation signal was outputted.

10. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit (18) is further configured for detecting a time lapse between a sensory output emitted by the sensoiy output emitter (16) and a activation input detected by the an input sensing unit (12), wherein the time lapse is preferably encoded in the confirmation signal outputted by the processing unit (18).

11. The system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising said control unit (20), wherein the control unit (20) is communicatively connectable to the one or more stimulation devices (10), preferably wirelessly, and wherein the control unit (20) is configured for detecting the confirmation signal outputted by each of the one or more stimulation devices (10), preferably as an ordered time sequence.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the control unit (20) is further configured for receiving from the one or more stimulation devices (10) and processing at least one of the following parameters:- the value signal according to claim 3,- the input identifier according to claim 7,- the device identifier according to claim 9,- the time lapse according to claim 10.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the processing unit (18) is configured for outputting the value signal according to claim 3 to the control unit (20), wherein the control unit (20) is configured for receiving from each of the one or more stimulation devices (10) and processing the value signal, wherein the control unit (20) is further configured for comparing said value signals to each other and for selecting a stimulation device (10) corresponding to a highest value of force and / or pressure.

14. The system of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the control unit (20) is further configured for transmitting to the one or more stimulation devices (10) a sequence of trigger signals configured for triggering the sensory output emitter (16) of the corresponding stimulation devices (10) to emit the respective sensory output, preferably one at a time.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the control unit (20) is further configured for adjusting the sequence of trigger signals, in particular a time lapse between subsequent emissions of a sensoiy output and / or a time duration of the sensory outputs, as a function of at least one of the parameters according to claim 12.

16. The system of claim 14 or 15, wherein the control unit (20) is configured for sending a subsequent trigger signal of the sequence of trigger signals under the condition that a confirmation signal has been received from a stimulation device (10) to which a precedent trigger signal was sent.

17. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more stimulation devices (10) comprises a rechargeable battery (17), preferably arranged within the housing (11).

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a charging station configured for receiving therein the one or more stimulation devices (10) for charging the rechargeable batteries (17) thereof.

19. A method (too) of controlling a system comprising one or more stimulation devices (10), preferably a system (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises:generating a trigger signal for triggering at least one of the one or more stimulation devices (to) to emit a sensory output, wherein the sensory output comprises one or more of a light output, a sound output and a vibration output, and generating a confirmation signal when a activation input is detected by said at least one of the one or more stimulation devices (to) after emitting said sensory output.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising detecting an identifier characterizing an object responsible for said activation input, preferably as one or more of an RFID input, an optic input, and an image recognition input.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the confirmation signal is generated upon the condition that the activation input is detected comprising a contact input.

22. The method of any of claims 19 to 21, further comprising detecting a value of a force and / or a pressure corresponding to said activation input, and generating a value signal, optionally included in the confirmation signal, encoding said value.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising comparing value signals corresponding to forces and / or pressures associated to activation inputs detected by different stimulation devices (10) of the one or more stimulation devices (10) and selecting one of said stimulation devices (10) corresponding to a highest value of force and / or pressure.

24. The method of any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the confirmation signal comprises a device identifier identifying a corresponding stimulation device (10) by which the confirmation signal was outputted.

25. The method of any of claims 19 to 24, further comprising detecting a time lapse between a sensory output emitted by one of the stimulation devices (10) and a activation input detected by said one of the stimulation devices (10), wherein the method preferably further comprises encoding the time lapse in the confirmation signal.

26. The method of any of claims 19 to 25, wherein the generating the trigger signal and the generating the confirmation signal is repeated over time, wherein the method further comprises detecting an ordered time sequence corresponding to a time sequence of activation inputs detected by the one or more stimulation devices (10) in response to respective sensory outputs..'j. The method of any of claims 19 to 26, comprising transmitting to the one or more stimulation devices (10) an ordered sequence of trigger signals, preferably one at a time.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein a subsequent trigger signal of the sequence of trigger signals is sent under the condition that a confirmation signal has been received from a stimulation device (10) to which a precedent trigger signal was sent.

29. The method of any of claims 19 to 28, wherein the emitting a sensory output and the generating a confirmation signal is repeated over time, wherein the method further comprises adjusting a sequence of sensory outputs emitted by the one or more stimulation devices (10), in particular a time lapse between subsequent emissions of a sensory output and / or a time duration of the sensory outputs, as a function of at least one of: a contact input detected by the one or more stimulation devices (10), a value of a force and / or a pressure corresponding to a activation input detected by the one or more stimulation devices (10), an identifier characterizing an object responsible for a activation input detected by the one or more stimulation devices (10), a device identifier identifying a corresponding stimulation device (10) by which the confirmation signal was outputted, and a time lapse between a sensory output emitted by one of the stimulation devices (10) and a activation input detected by said one of the stimulation devices (10).

30. An executable software comprising executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to implement the method according to any of claims 19 to 29.

31. A method of providing training and / or therapy to patients suffering from any of a cognitive disorder, a neurological disorder and a motor disorder, using a system comprising one or more stimulation devices (10), preferably a system (50) according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the method comprises controlling the system (50) according to the method of any of claims 19 to 30.

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