Biometric Video Game Control for Breathing and Heart Rate Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Children face challenges in managing pain through physiological control, particularly during medical procedures or chronic conditions, and there is a need for engaging and effective methods to teach breathing and heart rate control.

Innovation Solution

A biometric-based system that uses a wearable sensor to detect real-time breathing and heart rate characteristics, converting them into simulated gaming control signals to control video game elements, thereby teaching pain management skills through an interactive and rewarding experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional pain management teaching methods are used, then children can learn pain management skills, but the learning process is boring and ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement and effectiveness of learningVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines pain management training with video game gameplay, merging therapeutic objectives with entertainment. The biometric sensor data is integrated into the game engine, allowing physiological control parameters to directly influence game mechanics, thereby making the learning process engaging while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a biometric sensor and software intermediary layer that translates physiological signals into game control inputs. This intermediary converts breathing and heart rate data into actionable game commands, enabling children to learn pain management through natural physiological control without direct instruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If biometric sensors are used to detect physiological parameters, then real-time feedback is provided, but the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysiological parameter detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor and system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biometric sensor system is designed to monitor multiple physiological parameters (breathing rate, heart rate, skin conductance) simultaneously using a single integrated device. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive real-time feedback without requiring separate specialized sensors for each parameter, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically processes and interprets biometric sensor data without requiring manual calibration or adjustment by the user. The software autonomously translates physiological signals into game control parameters, eliminating the need for complex manual setup and reducing the perceived complexity for end users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If physiological control is used to manage pain, then pain perception is reduced, but children lack the skills to control their physiology

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepain perceptionVSAvoidself-control skill level
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring physiological parameters and immediately translating them into game outcomes. Children receive instant visual and interactive feedback showing how their breathing and heart rate control directly affects game performance, enabling them to learn and adapt physiological control skills through trial and error in a supportive environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic breathing exercises and heart rate control intervals structured within the game framework. These periodic physiological challenges are interspersed with rewarding game segments, teaching children rhythmic control patterns that can be applied during actual pain management situations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4613344A1Biometric-based video game control system and methods thereof
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 CHILDRENS HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENT CINCINNATI
  • EP4613344A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4613344A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4613344A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for detecting biological characteristics of a wearer of a biometric sensor unit and converting the biological characteristics into simulated gaming control signals. These simulated control signals can correspond to any type of conventional gaming controller input. By providing video game control seeking to teach breathing control and heart rate lowering techniques, physiological stress indicators of the wearer can be reduced.