Synchronized Thermal and Visual Stimulation Patterns for ANS Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively modulate the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system to achieve desired health or condition transitions, particularly in diseases and conditions where this balance is impaired.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that synchronize thermal stimulation with other sensory signals like vibratory, auditory, or visual signals to modulate the autonomic nervous system, using thermal elements to apply temperature changes in coordination with these signals to achieve a desired neural or emotional state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal stimulation is applied alone, then temperature change is achieved, but effective modulation of autonomic nervous system balance is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal stimulation with other sensory modalities (vibratory, auditory, visual signals) into a synchronized multimodal stimulation protocol. The thermal element is controlled to deliver temperature changes that are temporally and spatially coordinated with other sensory inputs, creating a integrated therapeutic intervention that addresses the limitations of single-modality approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation system is designed to deliver multiple types of sensory stimulation through a single integrated platform. The thermal element can be independently controlled or synchronized with other transducers, allowing the system to adapt to different therapeutic protocols and target various aspects of autonomic nervous system function using the same hardware infrastructure.
2Reliability
If thermal stimulation is synchronized with other sensory signals, then autonomic nervous system modulation is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary that coordinates the timing and intensity of thermal stimulation with other sensory modalities. By using a centralized controller that processes synchronization signals and adjusts thermal element output accordingly, the system manages the complexity of multimodal coordination without requiring complex point-to-point connections between all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow it to automatically adjust stimulation parameters based on measured physiological responses. Sensors monitor autonomic nervous system activity and the control system uses this information to modulate thermal and other sensory outputs in real-time, reducing the need for manual calibration and simplifying operation despite the system's multifunctional capabilities.
3Reliability
If multiple sensory modalities are integrated, then comprehensive ANS modulation is achieved, but measurement and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback loops that continuously monitor the actual delivery of thermal and other sensory stimuli, as well as the physiological response. This feedback information is used to adjust stimulation parameters and timing to maintain synchronization accuracy. The control system compares intended vs. actual stimulus delivery and makes real-time corrections to ensure precise coordination across all modalities.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may obtain a first stimulation signal and identify a first parameter of the first stimulation signal. An apparatus may identify a first pattern of the first parameter in the first stimulation signal. An apparatus may generate a second pattern based on the first pattern and generate a thermal stimulation signal based on the second pattern. An apparatus may cause, using a thermal element, an output of the thermal stimulation signal concurrently with the first stimulation signal.