Multi-Modal Stimulus Systems With Target-Frequency Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses fail to effectively synchronize multiple modalities of stimuli to enhance user relaxation and meditation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal stimulus system that includes a furniture apparatus integrated with or external to various stimulation devices, such as sound, light, and haptic devices, synchronized to a target synchronization frequency to deliver synchronized multi-channel stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple stimulation devices are used to provide multi-modal stimuli, then the effectiveness of relaxation and meditation is improved, but the synchronization between different modalities is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent stimulation devices (audio, visual, haptic, electromagnetic) into an integrated system controlled by a single processor. The processor receives a selected stimulation routine and generates coordinated control signals for all devices, ensuring they operate in synchronization. This merging approach maintains the benefits of multi-modal stimulation while achieving precise temporal coordination between different stimulus modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect user physiological states and provide feedback to the processor. Based on this feedback, the processor dynamically adjusts the stimulation parameters across all modalities to maintain optimal synchronization and effectiveness. The feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing user needs while keeping all stimulation modalities coordinated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of stimulation devices are integrated, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where a single processor handles multiple types of stimulation devices. The processor can execute different stimulation routines that activate various combinations of audio, visual, haptic, and electromagnetic devices. This multi-functional approach allows the system to provide diverse stimulation modalities while maintaining a relatively simple control structure, as the same processor and control logic serve all device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into independent modular components (audio device, visual device, haptic device, electromagnetic device), each capable of operating independently but coordinated by the central processor. This segmentation allows for easy addition or removal of specific stimulation modalities without affecting the entire system, managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If pre-configured stimulation routines are provided, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to dynamically adapt to user needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides pre-configured stimulation routines that are prepared in advance with optimized parameter settings for different meditation and relaxation scenarios. Users can simply select from these pre-defined routines without needing to manually configure complex parameters. The processor then executes these routines, automatically coordinating all stimulation devices according to the pre-planned sequence and parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
While providing static pre-configured routines for ease of selection, the system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through sensor feedback. The processor monitors user physiological states in real-time and dynamically modifies the stimulation parameters within the selected routine to better match the user's current state. This creates a hybrid approach where the overall structure is pre-planned but the specific parameters are dynamically adapted.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples of the disclosure include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for operating a system including a furniture apparatus and stimulation devices, the instructions configured to instruct at least one processor to receive a user selection of one of a plurality of stimulation routines; determine, based on the selection, first stimulation parameters for a first stimulation device of a first type including one of haptic, sound, visible-light, and electromagnetic-radiation stimulation; determine, based on the selection, second stimulation parameters for a second stimulation device of a second type different than the first and including one of haptic, sound, visible-light, and electromagnetic-radiation, the second set being synchronized to a target synchronization frequency; and provide first and second control signals to the first and second stimulation device, respectively, the first signals including the first stimulation parameters and the second signals including the second stimulation parameters.