Biofeedback Training via Task Element Perturbation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biofeedback training methods in performance psychology require numerous sessions, are non-contextual, and fail to integrate optimal mental state training with task execution, leading to motivation issues and ineffective real-time performance enhancement.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that embeds biofeedback training directly into the task performance environment, modulating task elements such as golf club accuracy, putting green stability, and target size based on the trainee's physiological state to create a real-time, contextually relevant training experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional biofeedback training methods are used, then physiological state monitoring is achieved, but training requires numerous sessions and lacks contextual relevance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidtraining duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges biofeedback training with actual task performance by integrating physiological monitoring into the task environment itself. Task elements are physically perturbed based on real-time physiological data, combining what were previously separate activities (monitoring and training) into a unified process that occurs during natural task execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares the task environment in advance by establishing contingency plans that link specific physiological states to predetermined environmental modifications. This preliminary configuration allows immediate response to physiological changes without requiring extended training sessions to establish response protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If biofeedback training is separated from task execution, then physiological monitoring is simplified, but real-time performance enhancement is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining simplicityVSAvoidperformance enhancement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines physiological monitoring and task execution into a single integrated process. The biofeedback system does not operate separately but is embedded within the task performance environment, allowing simultaneous monitoring and real-time intervention without adding operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous real-time feedback by monitoring physiological signals during task execution and immediately perturbing task elements in response. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables performance enhancement while maintaining operational simplicity through automated responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If task elements are not dynamically adjusted, then training setup is simpler, but motivation and engagement decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidtraining adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes task elements dynamic by linking their physical properties to real-time physiological measurements. Task elements such as target size, position, or environmental conditions are continuously adjusted based on the subject's physiological state, creating an adaptive training experience without complex manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters of task elements in response to physiological measurements. By modifying parameters such as target characteristics or environmental conditions based on real-time data, the system achieves high adaptability while maintaining relatively simple configuration through automated parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If physiological monitoring is integrated into task environment, then real-time feedback is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological state detectionVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the task environment itself as an intermediary between physiological monitoring and feedback delivery. Rather than adding separate feedback devices, the system uses existing task elements as the medium for delivering feedback, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8628333B2Method and apparatus for performance optimization through physical perturbation of task elements

Publication Date: 2014.01.14 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR NAT AERONAUTICS & SPACE ADMINISTRATION

AI summary

The invention is an apparatus and method of biofeedback training for attaining a physiological state optimally consistent with the successful performance of a task, wherein the probability of successfully completing the task is made is inversely proportional to a physiological difference value, computed as the absolute value of the difference between at least one physiological signal optimally consistent with the successful performance of the task and at least one corresponding measured physiological signal of a trainee performing the task. The probability of successfully completing the task is made inversely proportional to the physiological difference value by making one or more measurable physical attributes of the environment in which the task is performed, and upon which completion of the task depends, vary in inverse proportion to the physiological difference value.