53 results about "Auditory stimuli" patented technology

A wireless apparatus and method for the measurement and monitoring of bioelectric signal patterns associated with EEG, EOG and EMG readings is provided. The apparatus is comprised of at least one measurement device employing the use of three bioelectric sensing electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is configured for secure placement within the ear canal of an individual under medical surveillance. Acoustic stimulation may be provided directly into the ear canal of the individual via an auditory stimulus emitted from the measurement device for evoking brain activity and the subsequent measurement of bioelectric signal patterns associated with the evoked activity.

An interactive automatic system and technique for measuring and training of mental ability. In the illustrative embodiment, the invention is implemented on a computer which automatically presents a variety of visual and auditory stimuli. The system then measures reaction to the stimuli, adjusts certain stimulus parameters, and provides scores in response thereto. The scores are tabulated and displayed for analysis. In particular embodiments, the invention tests for physical reaction time, perceptual awareness thresholds, attention level, speed, efficiency and capacity of information processing by the brain and elementary cognitive processes, including memory, memory access and decision-making speed. The invention measures, identifies and quantifies noise in the subject's brain and elementary cognitive processing system, and the information exchange rate between the subject's left and right brain hemispheres. The inventive system compiles a history of the test scores, renders an overall performance rating, and delivers comments based on the subject scores. The complexity of the tests are adjusted based on the scores to optimally challenge cognitive capacities, thereby rendering more accurate evaluations of cognitive capacity, and optimizing learning of desired improvements in perceptual, physical and mental response speeds and efficiencies.

An EEG neurofeedback and total evoked brain activity measurement methods utilize minimum ambient EEG activity as stimulant frequencies. A method of using repetitive stimulation in conjunction with EEG neurofeedback protocols is described. Electrodes, attached to a subject's scalp, transmit electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from the subject. These signals are in response to the visual and / or auditory stimuli being displayed to the subject. The resultant EEG signals are then filtered at pre-defined frequencies or frequency bands. The output from the filtered EEG signals is then analyzed and monitored for short-term state changes. The invention also uses flicker stimulation, real-time signal filtration and feedback, feedback during audio and visual stimulation derived from filtered outputs, and fundamental and integral harmonics in combination with total evoked response.

The present invention relates to a system (10) and to a method for providing body sway feedback to a body of a subject. The system (10) comprises (a) at least one body sway sensor means (12) adapted to be attached the body and adapted for providing body sway signals indicative of a sway of the body, (b) a system processor means (14) adapted for deriving body sway information from the body sway signals and adapted for generating a body sway feedback signal from the body sway information, and (c) a subject body sway feedback means (40) having at least one transducer unit (42, 44) and adapted for providing a body sway feedback to the body via said at least one transducer unit (42, 44) based on said body sway feedback signal, (d) wherein said at least one transducer unit (42, 44) is or comprises at least one transducer, (e) wherein said at least one transducer is adapted to be contacted to a head of the body, adapted for vibrating, and adapted for transferring a respective vibration to the head, and (f) wherein said at least one transducer is adapted to evoke based on the vibration a multimodal body sway feedback as stimuli to the subject having a plurality of kinds of stimuli of the group comprising auditory stimuli, tactile stimuli, and vestibular stimuli.

A multi-media method and system performs psychological assessment of an individual for suitability for particular jobs, whereby the individual is shown and provided with discrete visual and auditory stimuli on a multi-media computer screen, so that the individual's responses can be monitored in conjunction with physiological responses received by biofeedback sensors. The computer tallies the test subject's recorded responses. Virtual work environments are optionally displayed, to enable the tested individual to simulate a real work environment. Unlike other job evaluation systems, the system evaluates a job candidate's ability to maintain task focus under pressure. It directly measures performance under pressure, rather than only inferring potential performance based upon selective input from a job candidate.

An apparatus and method for enabling selective stimulation of oculomotor reflexes involved in retinal image stability. The apparatus enables real-time modification of auditory and visual stimuli according to the patient's head movements, and allows the generation of stimuli that integrate vestibular and visual reflexes. The use of accessories allow the modification of somatosensory stimuli to increase the selective capacity of the apparatus. The method involves generation of visual and auditory stimuli, measurement of patient response and modification of stimuli based on patient response. The apparatus and method may include a vestibular rehabilitation unit (VRU) and a remote training unit (RTU). Instructions may be transmitted from the VRU to the RTU, and information of detected responses may be transmitted from the RTU to the VRU.

An earphone system, apparatus, and method enables a user to simultaneously receive auditory stimuli from an earphone-based source and at least one secondary source thereby enhancing a user's personal safety while listening to earphone-based auditory stimuli. At least one primary earphone device having a loudspeaker is positioned adjacent the user's ear so as to allow aural perception of other, non-earphone-based auditory information or stimuli. In a preferred embodiment, an earphone device is both removably fastened and adjustable relative to underlying support structure so as to more properly direct earphone-based auditory stimuli toward the user's ear.

A fitness device integrally incorporating digital technology can include capabilities for providing music and auditory stimulus that can be heard through a headphone, Bluetooth; or speakers for ambient music. Further capabilities enable the device to record video and still imagery, play video to provide instruction, feedback; or for leisure viewing. Along with sound and video capability, the device can have light emitting capability for a visual dimension in use. For biofeedback, the device can include a heart rate calculator to provide feedback on the level of exercise intensity and caloric consumption. The light emitting capacity allows the user to create patterns in use. Thus, the device can be multi-faceted able to provide ambient music, recording and viewing video, enveloping the user in a “bath” of light, sound, very subtle electromagnetic fields. All of said baths are created at distances from the users body that correspond to the length of the users arms, degree of bend at the elbow joint and chosen pathway for the circular / orbital movements.

A multi-media method and system performs psychological assessment of an individual for suitability for particular jobs, whereby the individual is shown and provided with discrete visual and auditory stimuli on a multi-media computer screen, so that the individual's responses can be monitored in conjunction with physiological responses received by biofeedback sensors. The computer tallies the test subject's recorded responses. Virtual work environments are optionally displayed, to enable the tested individual to simulate a real work environment. Unlike other job evaluation systems, the system evaluates a job candidate's ability to maintain task focus under pressure. It directly measures performance under pressure, rather than only inferring potential performance based upon selective input from a job candidate.

An EEG neurofeedback and total evoked brain activity measurement methods utilize minimum ambient EEG activity as stimulant frequencies. A method of using repetitive stimulation in conjunction with EEG neurofeedback protocols is described. Electrodes, attached to a subject's scalp, transmit electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from the subject. These signals are in response to the visual and / or auditory stimuli being displayed to the subject. The resultant EEG signals are then filtered at pre-defined frequencies or frequency bands. The output from the filtered EEG signals is then analyzed and monitored for short-term state changes. The invention also uses flicker stimulation, real-time signal filtration and feedback, feedback during audio and visual stimulation derived from filtered outputs, and fundamental and integral harmonics in combination with total evoked response.

Visual and auditory stimuli are provided to a patient to treat various neurological disorders or conditions and / or to provide improved mental or physical performance. The visual and auditory stimuli are provided by a wearable headset or sleep mask that may be comfortably worn by a user, such as in bed to induce sleep. The wearable headset or sleep mask includes, or works in cooperation with, sensors that determine the state of the user and modify the operation of the headset for treating various disorders or contentions.

A system and method are disclosed that are able to identify and distinguish persons as soon as they enter or exit a hospital room or any room occupied by a patient who is receiving medical or dental services. After a person who has entered a hospital room has been identified, this person may be required to sanitize his / her hands in order to comply with an established protocol. Therefore, a second identification may take place at the hand sanitization station. The system may confirm that the same person was identified by a first read by the RFID antennas upon entering the room and by a second read by the RFID antennas upon completing the hand sanitization procedure. If no hand sanitization takes place, visual and / or auditory stimuli may be generated as a reminder. Persons and their hand sanitization performances may be used diagnostically to identify and remedy potential contamination events and / or determine the source and mode of transmission of a nosocomial infection. This information may be returned in real-time as well as stored in a database.

An apparatus and method for enabling selective stimulation of oculomotor reflexes involved in retinal image stability. The apparatus enables real-time modification of auditory and visual stimuli according to the patient's head movements, and allows the generation of stimuli that integrate vestibular and visual reflexes. The use of accessories allow the modification of somatosensory stimuli to increase the selective capacity of the apparatus. The method involves generation of visual and auditory stimuli, measurement of patient response and modification of stimuli based on patient response.

An apparatus and method for presenting high-quality auditory stimuli, receiving patient communication and providing noise cancellation within the environment of magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) equipment. A microphone is positioned in a noise attenuated channel for recording of the patient's voice. A microphone is disposed outside of a noise attenuated channel to directly record the sounds of MRI equipment during its operation. The signals generated by the microphones are employed to reduce the output of noise generated by MRI equipment.

A method and apparatus for utilizing the benefits of encoded signal transmission and reception to enhance the performance of medical testing devices (100) adapted to evoke and measure biological response signals such as auditory evoked potentials (AEP), and the auditory brainstem response (ABR) signals in particular. Auditory stimuli, such as clicks, are presented to the ear of a human patient, in a predetermined encoded sequence, resulting in the generation of auditory responses and bio-electric response signals in the human patient. These response signals from the patient are acquired and observed, and are processed according to the predetermined encoded sequence in which the auditory stimuli were presented to the patient's ear in order to extract the desired auditory evoked potential signals or ABR signals.

An automated screener device screens hearing, schedules an appointment, and produces a physician order upon a patient failure of the screening. The screener includes a computer with a touch screen to facilitate responses to a short questionnaire and to auditory stimuli. A set of noise cancelling head phones are used by the patient during the hearing screening. The computer has an associated printer which prints test results. A failed screening test causes production of a printed report having signature line for physician referral. An appointment schedule appears on the touch screen immediately allowing the patient to schedule an appointment with an area audiologist. The method of operation is also disclosed.

A vibroacoustic system includes a shell having a plurality of transducers mounted in an energy transmitting relation thereto. The transducers receive input signals having distinct wave characteristics and drive the shell to simultaneously produce both a vibratory experience effected by a tactile stimulus and an auditory experience effected by an aural stimulus.

The tinnitus testing apparatus of this invention comprises a control part that in turn comprises: an auditory stimulus generation part that can generate a stimulus; and an AEP acquisition and amplitude measurement part that can acquire auditory evoked potential (AEP) brain waves of a examinee due to said stimulus and measure the specific amplitude of said acquired brainwaves; wherein said auditory stimulus is one or more of: a 1st stimulus containing continuous noise and pulse noise; and a 2nd stimulus containing pulse noise and continuous noise with a silent gap.

Methods and devices (10) generate an exogenous natural speech signal (10s) as an auditory stimulus to a user to enhance the fluency of persons who stutter. The natural speech signal (10s) is independent of the contemporaneous speech production of the stutterer and is provided by a voice gesture and can be a prolonged or sustained voice gesture sound such as a simple vowel, or consonant, or vowel trains and the like. The second speech signal (10s) can be transmitted in advance of a speaking event or speech production of the stutterer and / or concurrently with a speaking event, either intermittently or continuous during the speaking event. The devices (10) of the instant invention are configured to provide the voice based speech signal (10s) such that it is audible to the user and does not require feedback of the user s own speech allowing the user to speak at a substantially normal pace with enhanced fluency. The device (10) and methods can relay the signal (10s) based on a manual activation or automatically based on a detection of speech or a stuttering event on the part of the user.

Visual and auditory stimuli are provided to a patient to treat various neurological disorders or conditions and / or to provide improved mental or physical performance. The visual and auditory stimuli are provided by a wearable headset or sleep mask that may be comfortably worn by a user, such as in bed to induce sleep. The wearable headset or sleep mask is operated by a personal computing device of the user, such as smartphone, having downloaded and active thereon a control application or app for the therapy. The wearable headset or sleep mask also concurrently provides tactile stimuli, and the tactile stimulus is provided from bone conduction transducers that concurrently provides the auditory stimuli.

A system and method for associating auditory stimuli with visual depictions. The system includes a display, computing environment, and means to audibly play music. The system and method enable a user to learn to associate selected pieces of music with corresponding facial expressions, practice the learned associations, and play chosen pieces of music based upon the learned associations.

A system and method for determining hearing thresholds of people. The system and methods include the steps of presenting an auditory stimulus of a duration of less than one second to the person; spreading the power of the stimulus across a frequency range in alternating regions of high and low intensity; including in the stimulus at least two regions of high intensity; and measuring the transient evoked electrical response of the brain of the person.

The invention relates to a method for alleviating on or more of the symptoms associated with menopause in a woman in the peri-menopause or menopause stage, said method comprising the step of administering a sensory regimen in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the HPA axis of said woman; wherein said HPA axis comprises: a) levels of adrenocortical hormone present as a function of time in said woman; b) a total daily amount of adrenocortical hormone; c) an integrative measure of morning peak adrenocortical hormone; and d) an onset of sleep threshold; wherein said sensory regimen is selected from the group consisting of auditory stimuli, visual stimuli, tactile stimuli, gustatory stimuli, olfactory stimuli, and combinations thereof.

The invention discloses a P300-based audio-visual dual-channel competition mechanism brain-computer interface method. The method comprises the following steps: setting a first normal form as an audio-visual interference normal form, and displaying visual stimulation as monosyllable letters in the center of a screen in different colors; setting a second normal form as an audio-visual irrelevant normal form, enabling the auditory stimulation to be still monosyllable letters which are the same as those of the first normal form and visual stimulation to be six geometric figures which are differentin shape and color, and enabling the patterns to have no correlation with the letters of the auditory stimulation; setting different stimulation time intervals, stimulation lengths, stimulation presentation sequences and attention modulation modes; and collecting electroencephalogram signals through 64-lead electroencephalogram electrode caps, comparing tested electroencephalogram signals under different tasks, and analyzing quantitative and positioning representation of the competitive relation between vision and auditory senses. To be specific, the auditory stimulation is the same monosyllable letters and is output in two channels of an in-ear earphone; and the sound stimulation is set to have the same semantics as the visual stimulation and have the same visual and auditory stimulationtime.

Hair cells are exquisitely sensitive to auditory stimuli, but also to damage from a variety of sources including noise trauma and ototoxic drugs. Mammals cannot regenerate cochlear hair cells, while non-mammalian vertebrates exhibit robust regenerative capacity. To allow for the effective examination of this process disclosed herein is a design and method of utilizing a device capable of inducing acoustic trauma in the larval lateral line. The device uses ultrasonic transducers to induce cavitation wherein microbubbles form in the fluid medium inside the container. These bubbles oscillate and then implode, sending shockwaves into the fluid inside the well-plate containing the fish. The device emits a broadband signal with peak sound energy in the low-frequency range below 200 Hz, consistent with the response range of the larval lateral line.